Episodes
79
Latest episode
Aug 2026
Language
EN
Ham Radio Guy provides education and news to the ham radio community with recent updates to new radios, tools, legislation, and inspire new hams to get on the air.
We apologize for the echo on this episode. We are looking into the issue. The audio issue did not come across as we were recording only on the final recording.
Thinking about taking your ham radio station into the field? Before you head out on your next POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air), Field Day, or other portable adventure, this episode is for you! In Episode 78 of The Ham Radio Guy Podcast, Marvin, W0MET, covers everything you need to know to make your next portable activation successful. From building the ultimate portable operations checklist to planning your trip, choosing the right gear, staying safe, and avoiding the common mistakes that every operator makes, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your very next activation. Whether you're a brand-new amateur radio operator or you've completed hundreds of portable activations, preparation is the key to spending more time making contacts and less time realizing you forgot something important back at home. In this episode, we discuss: Portable ham radio planning POTA (Parks on the Air) tips SOTA (Summits on the Air) essentials Building a portable radio go-kit Portable antennas and battery options Packing checklists and must-have accessories Safety considerations for hiking and remote operations Park entrance fees, permits, and operating hours First aid kits, hydration, and emergency preparedness Logging contacts in the field Common portable operating mistakes—and how to avoid them Portable operating is one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur radio. Whether you're activating a national park, climbing a summit, setting up for Field Day, or simply operating from your favorite local park, a little planning goes a long way. What is one item you never leave home without for a portable activation? Let us know in the comments! 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another ham radio operator. Your support helps us continue creating amateur radio content every week. 🎙️ Listen to The Ham Radio Guy Podcast Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts. Affiliate Links Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy Hamstuffonline.com American Filament Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools. ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= w0met10 County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO Ham radio Prep https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 . Use code HAMRADIOGUY. Alpha Antenna. https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 Big Poppa Smokers. http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 . FREEAFFBPS Use code for Free shipping Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com Sign up for the newsletter
BTECH UV-PRO IP67 Dual Band VHF/UHF Btech UV-Pro Affiliate Links Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy Hamstuffonline.com American Filament Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools. ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= w0met10 County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO Ham radio Prep https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 . Use code HAMRADIOGUY. Alpha Antenna. https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 Big Poppa Smokers. http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 . FREEAFFBPS Use code for Free shipping Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com Sign up for the newsletter
Affiliate Links Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy Hamstuffonline.com American Filament Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools. ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= w0met10 County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO Ham radio Prep https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 . Use code HAMRADIOGUY. Alpha Antenna. https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 Big Poppa Smokers. http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 . FREEAFFBPS Use code for Free shipping Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com Sign up for the newsletter
Affiliate Links Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy Hamstuffonline.com American Filament Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools. ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= w0met10 County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO Ham radio Prep https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 . Use code HAMRADIOGUY. Alpha Antenna. https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 Big Poppa Smokers. http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 . FREEAFFBPS Use code for Free shipping Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com Sign up for the newsletter
I discuss tips, information and updates for Hamvention 2026 on things that will help you manuever Hamvention over the three days.
Ever spin the dial… make a few contacts… and then just sit there thinking, “Alright… now what?” That moment hits more hams than you’d think. You got licensed, figured out your gear… but now you need a mission.That’s where awards change everything. Because right now, you could be chasing all 50 states, working 100 countries, activating parks—and actually building a log that means something. And with 2026 bringing some unique, limited-time opportunities…This might be the year you finally go all in. This is Episode #73 AFFILATE LINKS Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy Hamstuffonline.com American Filament Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools. ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= w0met10 County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO Ham radio Prep https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 . Use code HAMRADIOGUY. Alpha Antenna. https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 Big Poppa Smokers. http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 . FREEAFFBPS Use code for Free shipping Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com Sign up for the newsletter
Most conversations about “advanced” amateur radio assume unlimited budgets and perfect conditions. But that’s not reality for most of us. In a upcoming episode, I wil lbe talking honestly about the real cost of going next-level in amateur radio—the stuff nobody warns you about. I will have a Patreon-exclusive follow-up flips the script. Advanced Ham Radio on a Budget is about: Spending smarter, not bigger Prioritizing antennas and skills over shiny gear Avoiding the upgrades that look good but don’t actually perform Building a station that works for your goals—not someone else’s Instagram post This episode is practical, honest, and based on real-world experience—not marketing brochures, but i want to see where the real cost that people spend first to talk about that as well. Affiliate Links Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy Hamstuffonline.com American Filament Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools. ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= w0met10 County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO Ham radio Prep https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 . Use code HAMRADIOGUY. Alpha Antenna. https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 Big Poppa Smokers. http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 . FREEAFFBPS Use code for Free shipping Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com Sign up for the newsletter
Welcome to Episode #71, and today we’re talking about one of the great elements of the hobby — QRP. That’s right, making contacts across states, across continents, even across oceans… all with less power than it takes to light up a nightstand lamp. In this episode, we’ll explore what QRP really means, the history and philosophy behind running low power, the gear and antennas that make it possible, and the community of hams who thrive on doing more with less. Along the way, I’ll share stories, tips, and even a challenge for you to try the next time you’re on the air. So grab your coffee, dial it down to 5 watts or less, and let’s see just how far a little signal can really go Affiliate Links Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy Hamstuffonline.com American Filament Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools. ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= w0met10 County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO Ham radio Prep https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 . Use code HAMRADIOGUY. Alpha Antenna. https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 Big Poppa Smokers. http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 . FREEAFFBPS Use code for Free shipping Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com Sign up for the newsletter
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