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Mystery Ham
United States
Приєднався 15 жов 2018
This channel was created to share my journey in the wonderful hobby that is amateur radio. I hope to demonstrate radio gear and activities in the simplest way possible. For most of my life, I thought that ham radio is just too complicated to consider doing. I thought you had to be rich and a genius to be able to take part in the hobby.
A few years ago, while watching UA-cam videos about shortwave radios and walkie talkies, I found myself watching videos pertaining to ham radio. Boy, did that get my wheels spinning. Channels like Ham Radio Crash Course, Ham Radio 2.0, K8MRD, and many others made me realize that it is not the 1970s anymore. You don't need a PHD and a garage full of components to talk around the world. I just needed to roll my sleeves up and pass the Technician and General exam and get on the air for under $1000. Even my home station can fit into a backpack!
This channel was created to share my love and curiosity for radio. Thanks for viewing my channel.
A few years ago, while watching UA-cam videos about shortwave radios and walkie talkies, I found myself watching videos pertaining to ham radio. Boy, did that get my wheels spinning. Channels like Ham Radio Crash Course, Ham Radio 2.0, K8MRD, and many others made me realize that it is not the 1970s anymore. You don't need a PHD and a garage full of components to talk around the world. I just needed to roll my sleeves up and pass the Technician and General exam and get on the air for under $1000. Even my home station can fit into a backpack!
This channel was created to share my love and curiosity for radio. Thanks for viewing my channel.
Ham Radio Ride Along - Squeezing Out CW and SSB with QRN and QSB.
Join me as I surf the bands! Propagation is not great, but I am able to make a couple of contacts. No plans during this radio session. I will just explore the frequencies and try to make a contact with another amateur radio operator (or two). Spoiler alert: I was able to make one SSB (voice) contact and one CW (Morse code) contact.
I tried to see if I could make a contact with a ham radio, UA-cam superstar, but the bands were simply too abysmal.
I don't think I mentioned it in the video, but the antenna is a 40-10 meter end fed half wave, wire antenna. Thanks for stopping by!
00:00 intro
08:08 POTA ssb contact
11:39 Using memory channels on the FT-891
15:46 CW QSO
All music on my channel has been written and recorded by me and my past bandmates.
I tried to see if I could make a contact with a ham radio, UA-cam superstar, but the bands were simply too abysmal.
I don't think I mentioned it in the video, but the antenna is a 40-10 meter end fed half wave, wire antenna. Thanks for stopping by!
00:00 intro
08:08 POTA ssb contact
11:39 Using memory channels on the FT-891
15:46 CW QSO
All music on my channel has been written and recorded by me and my past bandmates.
Переглядів: 213
Відео
Pool Noodle Dipole - FAIL - Ham Radio Portable Antennas
Переглядів 2,1 тис.6 місяців тому
Spoiler alert... This antenna did not work well. I took notes from K7RAW's video, where he describes his vertical dipole made from a pool noodle and other materials. After the build, I tweaked the swr by reducing and adding to the length of the elements. Once I think the swr is good, it will be all over the place the next time I set up the antenna. If anyone has had a lot of success, let me kno...
CW Morse - Iambic Paddle - Morse Code Key
Переглядів 4086 місяців тому
This is a basic video that outlines the reasons why I like the CW Morse Outdoor Iambic Double Paddle. It is a very satisfying key to use at home or in the field. Thanks for taking the time to watch. This is not a “how to”video as I left out how to adjust and maintain the key. ...just the things I like about it. You can purchase these paddles on Amazon, but I like to order directly from the comp...
Parks on the Air - Ham Radio Outdoors - My First CW Activation -Almost-
Переглядів 7437 місяців тому
I set out to activate a park for Parks on the Air (POTA), using only Morse code. I didn't quite reach the goal. I needed 10 contacts to activate the park. I made the 10, but 9 were CW and 1 was Single Side Band (SSB). Most of the contacts were me hunting other parks, because the 40 meter band was so crowded and shifty. This video is simply to show what operating outdoors can look and sound like...
Ham Radio Portable - Good Clean Fun
Переглядів 4,4 тис.7 місяців тому
Pardon the audio. My buddy Craig and I went up on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina (Mount Pisgah area) to set up a 20 meter dipole and made a few contacts. I kind of nudged Craig to get licensed-up with me a couple of years ago. We go way back in the photography world. Craig's homebrew antenna worked amazingly well. This isn't an instructional video. It is two friends "nerding o...
New to Contests - Ham Radio How to Get Started
Переглядів 6228 місяців тому
This is an incomplete guide on how to participate in amateur radio contests. However, the information might be just enough for you feel comfortable to join the fun with a basic station. There are many different contests in the amateur radio world. The contest in this video is the ARRL International DX SSB contest. Contests such as these are a great way to test your gear and operating skills. I ...
Ham Radio Hottie - Quansheng UV-K5(8) - Why I Like It.
Переглядів 24 тис.8 місяців тому
This is a quick look over the key features that make me really like this radio. After seeing social media posts about the Quansheng UV-K5 (and the various firmware creations), I finally bought one. For me, this handy-talkie is the most fun. For a good description of the EGXUMER spectrum features check out this video...ua-cam.com/video/SFvzqAJP-l4/v-deo.html
Ham Radio HT Receiver Comparsion - Anytone, TYT, Radioddity
Переглядів 1,2 тис.10 місяців тому
I wanted to show the difference between some ham radio handy talkies (HTs). The two main ht radios (for 2 meter ham radio) are the Anytone 868 and the TYT 8000D. Over time, I noticed that the receiving capabilities of the radios are quite different. If you are looking for a new or additional radio, I suggest that you look for one that has a good receiver. I said some wrong words in the video th...
Iambic Paddle from Ebay - QU-7025 - Morse Code Key
Переглядів 1,2 тис.10 місяців тому
Here is a look at my budget iambic paddle from Ebay. This model is listed as the QU-7025 Dual Paddle Automatic Key. I have had it for about a year and I have a few thoughts. It is certainly an affordable paddle, but you must be willing to first take it apart, lubricate it, and adjust it before the big show.
Net Control - Running a 2-meter net for ham radio - Amateur radio basics
Переглядів 94210 місяців тому
This video shows my vantage point as I run a net for one of my local ham radio clubs. The date of this video was 1-1-2024 (New Years Day). This net marks my one year anniversary of running the net for the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Society (Upstate South Carolina). This is not a step-by-step video on how to run a net, but It might be helpful for someone interested in running a net for his or her ...
Me Getting Started in Ham Radio - Why I Want to Start a YouTube Channel
Переглядів 78711 місяців тому
Me Getting Started in Ham Radio - Why I Want to Start a UA-cam Channel
Ham Key HK-1 and HK-3M - Morse code / CW keys take note
Переглядів 1,4 тис.11 місяців тому
Ham Key HK-1 and HK-3M - Morse code / CW keys take note
POTA CW - Quick and simple contact for Parks on the Air using Morse Code.
Переглядів 27411 місяців тому
POTA CW - Quick and simple contact for Parks on the Air using Morse Code.
Tecsun PL-330 Shortwave - Simple, simple guide for SWL, AM, FM, and SSB.
Переглядів 21 тис.11 місяців тому
Tecsun PL-330 Shortwave - Simple, simple guide for SWL, AM, FM, and SSB.
Ham Radio Basic Shack Tour - New at Ham Radio
Переглядів 6 тис.11 місяців тому
Ham Radio Basic Shack Tour - New at Ham Radio
Joker Nordico BS-9 Bushcraft Outdoor Knife - It's no joke
Переглядів 33 тис.4 роки тому
Joker Nordico BS-9 Bushcraft Outdoor Knife - It's no joke
does not look ridiculous
Thank you for making this awesome video. For a newb this is exactly what I needed! Best -
One of my favorite radios. Liked and subscribed!
Thank you for a great video, I learned a lot from you. If you haven't already done so, please make more videos that get progressively more advanced functions. I am also interested in antennas. What antenna are you using in the video? How do you set it up? As you might have guessed I am a complete beginner. I will watch this video again and pay attention to the name of the other UA-camr you complimented. Thanks again.
Nice. 72,
I appreciate you demonstrating how you use your PL-330 for SWL. I'm a total newb to SWL and this is exactly what I was looking for to start out.
I just received the Tecsun PL-330 and am trying to learn the functions. Hope to find some tutorials here on this UA-cam. A friend in Maine sent it to me, it's the coolest thing imaginable! For now, I'm enjoying scanning the AM band at night, reminds me of when I was a youngster listening to my little transistor radio under the covers when I was supposed to be sleeping!
@14:20 the display shows 7054.90 kHz so the whole numbers must be Kilo-Hertz i.e. 1,000 of Hz. The numbers on the right will be hundreds then tens of Hertz. If you had a third zero then that would be actual unit hertz. If the display was 7.0549 MHz then the decimal point is shifted 3 significant factors to the left. Am sure you know but easy to get confused when recording when you brain is screaming "hang on is that right?"
I think it would be nice if one of these radio manufacturers would come out with a 10, 11 and 12 M tri-band walkie-talkie all mode am, FM and SSB upper and lower sideband
Try it horizontal
take your time when building . looks rushed to me .
Just for a testimonial I have had the @rudiwiedemann8173 pool noodle design operational on the 20 meter and 15 meter with terrific DX contacts. My application is horizontally configured within the confines of a small attic space. Take your time trimming the ends for the best match and add a common choke. Trimmed up both of my noodles run a wide band 1:1.0 match. My next project will include a 40 meter noodle I suggest you make a follow up review video if you proceed with your successful build. 😀
Thanks you!!! I will begin to use this radio more!!!
@@walleyvideo8297 I use it everyday. I hope you like yours.
I got one of these toys six or more months ago. It receives, but it doesn't transmits so the repeaters re-send my signal. Very screwie. I am using the original firmware. It is not very sensitive, I have to be five or six miles from repeaters to hear a repeater. Ron W4BIN
I had a chance to borrow one of these PL-330's not long ago. For what it is and costs, it is surprisingly sensitive (especially when using a decent external antenna). As you demonstrated in this review, the DSP offers almost brick wall filtering. That's a great feature for those using it to learn Morse code during crowded conditions, or trying to pull in a dx station out of a morass or close carriers and noise. Being a modern radio it has features my old Hammerlund HQ-180 doesn't, such as memories, auto-scan, true portability, and being able to be powered by an inexpensive cellphone battery (and FM broadcast ;) ). One point you made rings true. While it may be great for the casual user, like my HQ-180 this is an operator's receiver. It has features and controls that, once learned, greatly enhance the listening experience. It doesn't have a memory card slot like many other radios. That's ok. Until that feature allows me to record what I'm receiving, it's of no use to me. For the price, this is a great radio.
Indeed. I don't use the memory features, but I should maybe start. I usually do a new scan each time I use it. Great little radio for sure.
Excellent tutorial
I think far right 10hz
I’m just getting into radios and I’m unfamiliar with some of the terms used. This was a great video because this was the first radio I’ve bought, so to see some use it in a practical way, was super helpful!
Thanks a bunch!
Excellent review. I'll put this radio on my wish list. Happy listening. 📻
Thanks for stopping by!
What antenna are you using?
For the high frequencies I was using an end fed half wave antenna, but a simple 66 ft wire would be an equivalent (pretty much). For the UHF/VHF local frequencies, I was using a 2 meter roll-up dipole antenna by N9TAX.
Heck even if you destroy the radio it’s on 20 bucks.
I am new to this (don’t currently own a SW radio … YET). I am curious what external antenna you had attached, and how that works. I am concerned about attaching any external antenna because we are the lightning capital of the USA and it gets SCARY here.
I have been charging the unit now for 5 hrs, is that normal?
Mine does take a few hours to charge. It is not a fast charger. But take the battery out and see if there isn’t some factory seal/protector between the battery terminals and the radio charging contacts.
@@mysteryham4065 it finally finished after6.5 hours. The battery was about 50% discharged when I started charging.
K7RAW-The Antenna Whisperer and designer of the NoodleTenna here to help you SUCCEED with your 20m NoodleTenna. First off, nice job in construction. You showed a pretty decent SWR at timestamp 7:13, just a bit high (14.88 MHz) in frequency so you know it can resonate. You just need to realize that this is simply a physically-shortened but electrically identical antenna to a classic wire dipole (like the well-known "Slinky Dipole") which is technically called a "continuously-loaded dipole". A couple of suggestions: 1) Add a "common-mode choke" (in this case a 1:1 BalUn) located at the antenna to isolate your feedline from the antenna. Evidence for needing this is any effects on SWR from nearby metal. A "coax-wound" CMC on an FT-240-31 toroid is ideal; 2) Run the feedline 90 degrees from the NoodleTenna to minimize interaction. Mounting the NoodleTenna horizontally makes this easy (like down the vertical mast tubing); 3) Set up your NanoVNA properly (frequency range first, THEN calibrate). Then you can easily see whether you have an open, a short or something close to 50 ohms ; 4) Make the legs EXACTLY the SAME LENGTHS (and fold-back the extra wire under the last turns) so you can adjust the turns to get a VERY GOOD SWR match, otherwise you will never get a good SWR (high SWR minimum means unequal turns); 5) You DO NOT NEED A TUNER because this is a resonant antenna with close to 50 ohm impedance (no ground, no radials, no impedance transformer). This design is nearly identical to the classic "Slinky dipole" which many people have had lots of success with (only I use good-conducting wire instead of the Slinky's poorly-conducting spring steel). The stiff noodle and PVC backbone does not seem to degrade performance over an air-core Slinky. The shortened design makes it somewhat less sensitive on the receive side but does not affect the transmit efficiency. Avoiding noise-generators nearby like high tension power lines will lower your background noise. So PLEASE, BEFORE you "bad-mouth" someone's design, maybe you should seek out a little help from a knowledgable antenna builder to show you how to implement my suggestions above to succeed. I've had lots of people build my NoodleTenna and make lots of QRP QSOs. If you want some help getting good results with this antenna I can walk you thru the simple process. Just email me at rudi@wiedemann.cc. I'm THAT CONFIDENT I can show you success with this antenna. You are SO CLOSE to the finish line. 73....Rudi the Antenna Whisperer.
I'm curios now as to what you whisper to these antenna's.....should we be concerned 😜😜😜
@@bitemykrank1970 I whisper "sweet nothings" in their ear (or feed point), HA HA
Thanks those are very good points
@@rudiwiedemann8173 can't wait to try to build this.
Pretty clear video, thanks for the insight on this I am a Ham and travel with my ft 70 this will complement our evenings down south in winter as I have picked up quite a few stations on my older sw radio 73
Indeed. I still turn this radio on at least once a day. Mostly shortwave, but If I want to do some quick scanning of the ham bands, it does great. Great for the price for sure.
Can you post a link to the antenna you're using? Thanks
The antenna I was using is for transmitting, so it would be overkill if you are simply receiving. So a very long wire would suffice. Also the MLA-30 loop antenna is really popular. But the antenna I was using was the MFJ 40-10 EFHW. Link... mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1984mp?srsltid=AfmBOoqTXKXtZBCLpwhsHGFix9JVNoO-N1pkoExuOi_XrkkK_JtGQfjk
@@mysteryham4065 thank you sir
Great little radio, the one thing that really bugs me is lack of a kick stand at the rear, I'm always trying to prop the radio up on my table!
Indeed...
7060khz to nie pasmo telegraficzne.skad wziales te stacje co sie zegnaja ?? Co do radia to jest bardzo dobre.👍👍👍
Ani na pierwszej ani na drugiej freq niema pasma dla tych stacji co slysze.To jakas fikcja albo sobie gdzie indziej nagrales koniec lacznosci dwoch stacji.- from SP hamradio
Can you tell me if it is possible to scan in lsb and usb modes? Tks
No
I think you can, but I can't remember how off the top of my head.
I just picked one up on Prime day for $49. Thanks for the video, very helpful. -KO4VTJ
My first radio. I still try to learn to use it. Scan FM and save 1, 2, 3...
If you touch the outside of your coax connector and the SWR changes your getting RF on your coax (Common Mode Currents), and therefore false SWR readings. Your coax needs to be decoupled with a 1:1 balun or ferrite chokes, AKA Common Mode Choke, before your radio to stop this. Any loaded shortened antenna like this will be less efficient than a stretched out wire. Antennas are sensitive to their environments, especially metal in their environment, especially indoors, as your finding out. Antennas prefer wide open spaces, ABOVE things in their environment. The further away from your living area, the less QRM / man made noise from digital devices within your home will affect your reception. The odds were stacked against your setup working well. ALWAYS make wire antennas longer than you think you need (lower frequency) them trim them to increase resonance to your desired center frequency. Too high a resonant frequency, too short the antenna. 73 -mike
73 from Mystery Radio return ;-)
Where you at in n.c?
Yea, I have Tecsun H-501
Great review and presentation style! I'm looking to get a "new" radio - I've had several used units through the years that I got from thrift stores and always sold them at a hefty profit... so I never held on to them long enough to learn how to use each model 🙂 I've got some bonus points from work I need to use before I retire - so I thought I use them on a NEW radio and actually learn how to use it and fully enjoy it! Thanks for the video...
There are a lot of good vintage radios out there, but you never know what state they are in. If you want something like this radio, but much nicer - look at the Tecsun PL-880. One of my buddies has one and it is really slick with great sound.
@@mysteryham4065 Actually the PL_880 is what I ended up ordering after watching several videos (including yours). I've only had it one day and it does sound great... but more importantly for me, it easy to use! Thanks!
need more round😅
What external antenna are you using?
The antenna I used is a little overkill for short wave listening, because it is for transmitting as well. But a simple wire about 60 feet long will get the same results. But for reference, the antenna I used was an MFJ 40-10 End Fed Halfwave antenna.
@@mysteryham4065 Thank You :)
If the step button is not raised and is an issue for you, just make a small plastic rectangle the same size as the step button and glue it on the button - viola - now it is raised.
I just talked to ya on 40m. Had to go grab me some coffee, I'm brand new to cw and appreciate the qso. De KO4WHX Edit: I apologize for cutting it short without giving you my rig info I had to run off for a minute
Your down too low in the 20 meter band. You were down below the frequencies they were using, unless you were shooting for the CW stations. You might try this on 10 meters. This might work better with your SWR
I love this video - simply because it shows a true amateur experiment that failed. Together with the comments this is a great learning experience. More of that!
Another thing you might consider doing is building a 49:1 balun and then using a noodletenna as an end-fed half-wave. That means you can feed it from the bottom, and also will work on some frequency multiples. I've seen some videos of people making end-fed slinky antennas that work well on 40 meters and 15 meters. You will need some short counterpoise wires but should be a lot easier to deal with than a traditional 1/4 wave vertical (which requires a bunch of 1/8 or a few 1/4 wave radials). Here's an example of a slinky in EFHW mode: ua-cam.com/video/RejzmpjhTwU/v-deo.html You can build a 49:1 balun cheaper than you can buy, fwiw. Basically you need some wire and a toroid ferrite.
The z of a heavily loaded dipole is less than 10ohms. Maybe 5 ohms. You could make it work but the z is one of 2 problems. The other is that, unless its on a tall mast, it needs to be horizontal so both sides are balanced to ground. Apart from that , it's perfect 😂
The antenna is a helically wound linearly loaded dipole. There will be interactions with the enviroment. Trying to tune it to resonance indoors may not predict its performance outside. Hight above ground might be playing a factor. The idea of adding telescoping whips to either end and tuning the antenna using them may be a good suggetion. Just a few inches of straight wire or some wires in a fan configuration might improve its performance. The role of the coax feeder has to be considered. A current choke close to the feed point might make the performance more reproducible. Antennas of similar design are going to be be sharply tuned and you may have to decide what portion of 20m you intend to operate.
Good advice. Thanks.
Partner, what you made was a large loading coil. Add a stinger to each end and the performance will increase. Adjust the coil count for better tuning. A loading coil is only one part of the antenna system. Experimenting is the fun part of the hobby. Good luck.
Indeed. That makes sense. Thanks for stopping by!
This is NOT just a big HamStick dipole (which isn't that efficient). I've tried your suggestion with little success. Please read my comments for more details of how this design works.
I think you need a Balun at the feed point ? I think it may play better horizontally ? 🤔.....?
I was thinkin g it might be good horizontal, and hung on my porch, on hooks It could be a horizontal POTA if needed
Your feedline may be coupling with your radiator. Make sure your feedline is perpendicular to radiating element. I use a vertical 20m OCFD antenna and had high swr when my feedline was was not at a 90 degree angle from the feedpoint. Good Luck Ross, K8RLB
That is an excellent point. I will try that!
@@mysteryham4065 the description on K7RAW's noodletenna video mentions using a Mix 31 ferrite choke (which is sometimes called a balun; when he says "no balun" he is sort of using the narrow definition of a balun). Years ago I played around with slinky dipoles and frequently had issues getting it to tune. I suspect this was largely because I didn't discover the importance of chokes. You can do an air-core choke (no ferrites required) if you have some extra coax. Somewhere in my junk drawer I have an air-core balun that I made wrapping coax around a plastic water bottle. For lower bands you'll want to use a larger form. For higher bands, probably fewer turns are needed. Ferrites just make the job easier because it means having to coil fewer feet of coax (which can get lossy, btw, when you have non-trivial SWR).
Love your little mcHF transceiver! I really like mine. Bought it 2nd hand but won’t sell it. I’ve tried the slinky dipoles. They work, not great but it was fun (to me) trying.
Thanks. Sometimes I like the RS-978 and sometimes not so much. But most recently I like it again. Some guy was selling it out of the back of his pickup truck at Hamvention 2023 and I went for it. Thanks for stopping by.