Must Have Tools for Ham Radio Operators - Tools, Software and References for Ham Radio

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 25 сер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 118

  • @permaculture3
    @permaculture3 22 дні тому +1

    Thank you for consolidating all of this into a single video. Information rich and greatly appreciated.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  15 днів тому +1

      I saw a need to condense the info into a single video and show what your options are and I try to be practical about my approach. I hope it helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

  • @gregh9812
    @gregh9812 Рік тому +2

    First time here. Subscribed. This is fantastic! Thank you. Looking forward to digging in.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      Welcome aboard! I am glad to have you on the channel! I hope that you find my videos helpful and informative! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

  • @gfodale
    @gfodale 9 місяців тому +1

    The list of HF Nets went HTML 404..... Much thanks for this.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  8 місяців тому

      I just saw that. Thanks for the heads up. I will see about finding a new resource or creating one for the viewers! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

  • @KrypticPatriot
    @KrypticPatriot Рік тому +2

    This is fantastic, TY sir!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the comment and for watching! 73!

  • @jamescstanley5018
    @jamescstanley5018 2 роки тому +5

    Great video, it is hard to know what is actually needed! I am a retired engineer, and a "tool" guy, so I literally have tools that I have bought "on spec" for that odd job! I guess I am a sucker for a cool gadget! You have drilled down to the basics, and that, my friend, is what a new Ham really needs! 73 Jim M7BXT

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      I am glad you enjoyed the video. I too, am guilty of buying tools on the fly. Most of the time it is a tool I need for a specific task, but then down the road I end up using it again for something else. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @michaelmcghie
    @michaelmcghie 11 місяців тому +2

    Wow what a gaggle of excellent information. Appreciate all you share with all newbies. 73 ~KL5NU

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  11 місяців тому

      Glad it was helpful! I try to be very practical and make sure that things I suggest are worth your time and money. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

  • @robertallen3133
    @robertallen3133 9 місяців тому +1

    Fantastic video and channel, thank you !

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  9 місяців тому

      Glad you enjoy it! Happy to have you on the channel! Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @ferdinandwp4rjl377
    @ferdinandwp4rjl377 2 роки тому +2

    Hello 👋 SCOTT, glad to see you back and with great topics. Can't wait for the next one.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +2

      Thank you Ferdinand!! I appreciate it! 73!

  • @donaldsmith3048
    @donaldsmith3048 2 роки тому +1

    Thank You for the information!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      No problem! I am always glad to help! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!!

  • @hooterfivesix
    @hooterfivesix 2 роки тому +3

    Pamela Anderson on the Tool Time, segments of the Home Improvement show, was a great show, and she was one of the reasons for its success.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      THAT'S IT!!! I went blank when I was trying to recall the show! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @LoHMobius
    @LoHMobius 2 роки тому +2

    Hey thanks for these great videos. I'm working on getting my technician license and hope to knock out the general while I'm there.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      That is fantastic!!!! I wish you the best of luck. You will do fine! If you can get both at the same time even better. It will put you ahead of the game and jump you right into a ton of privileges in ham radio that you will enjoy! Keep in touch and if you have FB, join my FB group and share your victory!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @aldenjoneskc1jwr138
    @aldenjoneskc1jwr138 2 роки тому +1

    As a ham radio opperater that used ham radio to save my life wile hiking it is nice to see you did an article about how it can save lives

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      I appreciate that! If one of my videos brings value and can help someone, then I am doing my job! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @RichKielbasa
    @RichKielbasa 2 роки тому +3

    Best Video all Year for the newbie Amateur Radio Operator. Well done!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      Wow, thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it! I try to focus on new hams and answer questions that they may have. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @45auto
    @45auto 2 роки тому +5

    Great information, Scott!
    If you want to 3D print things but don't want to buy one, can't afford it, etc., ask your local library. My library has 3 printers and you just give them the file number from Thingiverse. They call when it it's done. You pay by the weight of the object printed.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      Great tip! I keep forgetting that some libraries have 3d Printers available to the public...That is FANTASTIC! Thanks for reminding me and for sharing! 73!

  • @donaldsmith3048
    @donaldsmith3048 Рік тому +1

    I studied most of the things in tech school. But that was in 1967. I had a small book that had the log tables and formulas. It was been lost. I was wanting to know how far I need to put the ends of my antennas with the center at 50 feet and the ends at 10 or 15 feet. I forgot the formula for the sides of the triangle. Something I had to do a lot in 1967. I am looking for a book that has all the formulas and tables in it that will be easy to use. I remember the Left Hand Motor Rule because I had a retired military instructor that had ways for men to remember things. That I don't want to put here. But it made the Bad Boys Thing for resisters sound clean. 73 W4DES

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      Thanks for sharing that! I found a link that may be what you are looking for. It's a book you can order on Amazon: amzn.to/3FVerk9 . There are a lot of books pertaining to antenna theory and knowledge. I bought this one: amzn.to/3Yoeb4r The Practical Antenna Handbook. It has a lot of information about antenna theory as well. Something that I have found when it comes to antennas is that you should play around with the way you are deploying it. Sometimes the recommended way is not the only way. I hope this helps you out. Thank you very much for the comment and for watching. 73!

  • @brentjohnson6654
    @brentjohnson6654 2 роки тому +2

    Another great video. I am a antenna builder as what I am drawn to in the hobby. I like the nanoVNA as it is much like the network analyzers we used to use that were very expensive. I can see that a RigExpert would be less to setup and the buttons on the RigExpert are less frustrating than the touch screen of a nanoVNA in the sunlight. I like the frequencies and license chart. I am looking to print a few band charts and laminate them for field work. I also need to laminate my checklist for field work as well.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      That is awesome! You are taking this to another level that I had not thought of. I really like the screen on the RigExpert. Kind of reminds me of the screen on an Amazon reader tablet. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

  • @joemcmanus79
    @joemcmanus79 2 роки тому +2

    Hey Scott,
    THANK YOU for the link to the above, ESPECIALLY the "Dipole Calculator" page, I have been looking for a page like that for a few years now!!!
    All the different calcs on that page, WITH the underlying formulas is worth it's weight in gold!!!
    Again, THANKS!
    73

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      Hi Joe! I am so glad that was helpful to you. I try to provide as many resources for things that I found difficult to figure out when I first got started in ham radio and having these resources readily available for all hams I think is a great thing. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

  • @johnwest7993
    @johnwest7993 2 роки тому +4

    I definitely don't recommend buying an antenna analyzer. They are ridiculously expensive for what you get. I absolutely recommend only getting a NanoVNA. It does everything an antenna analyzer does plus much, much more, from crystal characterization to RF filters, to cable analysis, and it's much cheaper. You have already told viewers to get all of the adaptors needed. Also, there are 4 inch screen versions of the NanoVNA's available, plus they can be easily connected to a laptop for a large screen interface with many more analytic features - for free. As for the expense of upgrading to General class, with rigs like the (tr)uSDX multi-mode rig, the QDX digital mode rig, and $20 eBay amps it has made HF fun and dirt cheap. In fact, for the difference in price between the NanoVNA and a commercial antenna analyzer you can buy those 2 pieces of HF equipment I mentioned.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +2

      There isn't a whole lot in ham radio that isn't expensive. Analyzers are a personal preference. The RigExpert was in my budget at the time and I have no regrets from purchasing it. Within seconds I can hook up an antenna, power it on and push two buttons to get an answer, but again, to each his own. Maybe someday down the road I will give the NanoVNA a try. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

    • @PendejoRyan
      @PendejoRyan Рік тому +2

      @@HR4NT I have a NanoVNA and never use it. If you have a RigExpert, it's much quicker and easier in my opinion.

  • @david_W5QDF
    @david_W5QDF Рік тому +1

    Great info. TY📻🎧

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

  • @johnblouch3309
    @johnblouch3309 8 місяців тому +1

    Your videos are awesome. You are the reason I have decided to study for my Amature Extra. Thank you for being an Elmer.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  8 місяців тому +1

      Hey You are awesome! Thank you for those kind words. I wish you the best of luck in passing the Extra and upgrading your ticket! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

  • @deankq4adj125
    @deankq4adj125 2 роки тому +2

    Very informative video!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @DonzLockz
    @DonzLockz 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for all the great information, very helpful for us newbies.🍻👍🤓📻

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      Glad it was helpful! These are just my suggestions. You may find that you do or don't need all of the tools shown. Thank for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @stephenmooney1153
    @stephenmooney1153 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for all you do!!! More power lol

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      You bet! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

  • @taylork7aie
    @taylork7aie 2 роки тому +2

    Ifixit kits are well worth the money. Sure you can find cheaper Amazon versions but an authentic ifixit has been in my toolkit for the last 5 years. Eyeglasses, household honeydos, PCs, servers, and of course useful for ham radio. Newbies invest.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      100% agree!!! I have had mine for over 10 years now (and somehow managed to not lose any parts...LOL) and find it to be one of the most valuable tools in my arsenal. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @markanix70
    @markanix70 2 роки тому +1

    Love your channel and website! Thanks for all your hard work. I’m just getting started and currently studying for the Technician.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      Awesome, thank you! I hope that my videos and resources will help you to pass your exam(s). Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @AlvinMcManus
    @AlvinMcManus Рік тому +1

    Tool Time!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      Enjoy!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

  • @AmericanConstellation
    @AmericanConstellation Рік тому +1

    If you are just a technician and the $hit hits the fan in this country, you can talk on your ham as much as you want on any frequency. You'll be a hero.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      True. Under and emergency situation you can operate a radio...but you should also know HOW to operate said radio on those frequencies as well. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @denf0j881
    @denf0j881 Рік тому +1

    Another great video! 73, de NF0J

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment and for watching!!! 73!!

  • @madmoe1
    @madmoe1 2 роки тому +1

    Amen! Cant agree enough about connectors! Keep on keepin’ on!

    • @madmoe1
      @madmoe1 2 роки тому

      Oh, and the Nano VNA too. I really should comment after I watch the entire video.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      No worries, LOL!! Glad you liked the video and the content. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

  • @tribulationprepper787
    @tribulationprepper787 2 роки тому +1

    Good information! I have a good quality soldering iron. I believe that this afternoon, I will tear apart my one and only ham radio, an FT-5D, and get to work on it!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      The FT5D is a relatively new radio...I assume you are kidding. Thanks for watching. 73

    • @tribulationprepper787
      @tribulationprepper787 2 роки тому

      @@HR4NT Yep. That was a joke... OR... I am the dumbest SOB on the block. Hmmmm???

  • @pasjeihobby
    @pasjeihobby Рік тому +1

    Great amount of knowledge for newbies. Cool video.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      I am glad you enjoyed it. Hope you found it helpful. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

  • @68thBC
    @68thBC 2 роки тому +1

    Was a very helpful insight...heck if you break that video down you "could" have other vids talking about each of the item types.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you for commenting! I have a couple videos talking about some of the tools recommended in the video, but you are right! Maybe I should break it down a bit more and elaborate more on some of the individual tools. Great idea! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

  • @wy7papa_Dave
    @wy7papa_Dave 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you Scott, another awesome video. 73

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @johnbauman4005
    @johnbauman4005 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for all you do! Merry Christmas!
    John
    KK7JBZ

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and yorus!! 73

  • @robertharper3754
    @robertharper3754 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this great video!!!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @AzCowboyOne
    @AzCowboyOne 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you sir

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      You are welcome! Hope the video helped! 73!

  • @ReedAB8AS
    @ReedAB8AS 2 роки тому +1

    👍🏻 thanks Scott

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      You bet! Glad to help! 73!

  • @YllaStar95970
    @YllaStar95970 2 роки тому +2

    When you're in the market for a soldering iron, choose one that can take a BCM2 tip. You will solder faultlessly.
    Buy once, cry once. 😉

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      VERY GOOD TIP!!!! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @douglasvamateurradioandmore
    @douglasvamateurradioandmore 2 роки тому +1

    I have considered the nano vna because of it’s price. But, I too, like the ease of use of a commercial analyzer. I am thinking between the nano vna and rig expert stick230.
    What kind of carpentry do you do?

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      It comes down to preferences, budget and how well you can learn to use the analyzer you choose. You can always try one out and of you don't like it, send it back. As for my woodwork, I make everything from custom pens to heirloom quality furniture for the past 18 years. Thank for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @SwiftShamisJustus
    @SwiftShamisJustus 2 роки тому +3

    Hey Scott! Thank you so much for all of the hard work you do to help us new guys out. But for the life of me I cannot seem to wrap my head around what bands are best for HF and what antenna to use! I understand that I need to make a dipole antenna for the band I want to use. But do I need to make a dipole antenna for every HF band that I want to transmit and receive on? Or should I just buy an antenna that goes from 160-6m? And do I need an antenna tuner for all of them? Lol so many questions and not enough answers! Anyways thanks for all the help! 73

    • @graymatrrocks
      @graymatrrocks 2 роки тому +1

      HamRadioConcepts has a great series breaking down the bands and what you'll find on each. There are some good End Fed Half Wave antennas out there that will do most bands without a tuner if you have the space to hang a wire.

    • @SwiftShamisJustus
      @SwiftShamisJustus 2 роки тому +1

      @@graymatrrocks okay. So I just ordered a FT-891 as my first HF rig. I also got a decent power supply to run it. But should I bother about a tuner? I just planned on building my own resonant dipole but I have no idea on what bands to make it for. Do you have any recommendations? I’ll go and check out HamRadioConcepts too I think I’ve already watched a few of his videos

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      Since I have been in ham radio, the primary bands I use are 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10 meters. A simple End Fed Halfwave antenna would do all of that with no problem. Check out my recent video on a DIY EFHW antenna project. I give you the full parts list and the 3D file you can print on your own or print at a local library that may have 3D printers. It can be overwhelming sometimes about what antenna is best for this and that, but I say go with something for now and as you find a need for newer band you can buy or build a new antenna for that need. Don't sweat it! If I can help, contact me on my website and I would be glad to consult with you. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      Great advice! Learn as much as you can for those who have done the work for you! No need to make it difficult! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      If I may, with an 891 it is not bad idea to have a tuner with it. I have one with mine even though most of my antennas are resonant...sometimes the tuner can tighten up the match on your antenna. I have the LDG Z100 on my 891 go box. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @sayubu
    @sayubu 2 роки тому +1

    I could not find the Wire Connectors link anywhere :(

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      Sorry about that...I may have forgotten that link. Here it is: powerwerx.com/150-piece-anderson-powerpole-connector-case

  • @AlvinMcManus
    @AlvinMcManus Рік тому +1

    Fiberglass poles I have a couple! I used to fly kites to attract duck when I hunted and I have two 13' collapsible fiberglass kite poles. I just need a recommendation for the crimper/stripper tool. Is Klein any good?

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      Hi Alvin, yes, Klein tools are excellent for electrical tools. Best of luck on your new project! Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!

  • @bett059
    @bett059 2 роки тому +1

    Hello Scott , got my Tech license 2 was ago. Bought 3 radios. 2 of them are
    Wouxun KG UV8D plus.
    Please tell me how to fix this problem. When I press the PTT button it buzzes REALLY LOUD.
    The other KG UV8D plus
    I can transmitt on & have gotten responses. Thank You for ALL

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      If you are having an issue, it may just be an issue with the radio. Contact the place you bought it from and explain the situation to see if they will offer a solution. If not, then move on to contact the manufacturer. Hopefully it has a warranty. Sorry I could be more help, I just do not know what could cause that issue. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

  • @68thBC
    @68thBC Рік тому +1

    I am rewatching this vid and decided to hit up your Amazon store. I am not trying to be critical but could you replace the uberleben stove with the emberlit stove? I have spoken with the guy from emberlit and he is a great guy a d the stoves are American made and are the original...just a request.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      Thank you very much. I have no problem adding that stove to the list. Thanks for the heads up! 73!

    • @68thBC
      @68thBC Рік тому

      @@HR4NT No...Thank you for listening and considering. You have my respect.

  • @AlvinMcManus
    @AlvinMcManus Рік тому +1

    Great Frequency chart, but could you please make it a downloadable PDF? Just a suggestion...73 KN6ZVI

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      I think I can do that for you! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @FITFO
    @FITFO 2 роки тому +2

    I’ve converted half my damn house to power poles out of boredom. But hey I can power my WiFi router from my truck. So whose laughing now.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому

      LOL! That is interesting. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

  • @mewrongway
    @mewrongway Рік тому +1

    UMM what's the most important tool? A pencil to log contacts??

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому +1

      If you prefer to use a pencil and paper to log contacts I guess a pencil would be a good thing to have, but with modern technology available, and the logging software that is everywhere, there is no real reason to deal with pencil and paper anymore...just my opinion. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

    • @mewrongway
      @mewrongway Рік тому +1

      @@HR4NT but what do you do when your M2 drive fails in the middle of a POTA?

  • @josephbendzinski5797
    @josephbendzinski5797 Рік тому +1

    I see under tools you have a selection of connectors - I would like to know what a good selection to get - You do not show where and or what in your store.

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      I thought I had that listed. Amazon is being weird right now but here is a link to an assortment of connectors that I have: www.amazon.com/Insulated-Wire-Electrical-Connectors-Assortment/dp/B078PMWNJC/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2SBE9T6PTDS2Y&keywords=electronic+connectors+assortment&qid=1680100859&sprefix=electronic+connectors+assortment%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-8 I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

    • @josephbendzinski5797
      @josephbendzinski5797 Рік тому +1

      In your tools menu you show several connectors like N, BNC, SO259 that is really what I was pointing out - because what type are best to get - and is there a package. Thank u for your answer and I enjoy your vids

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      @@josephbendzinski5797 Thank you for the clarification as far as those connectors go though just grab one you think you'll need. The majority of the time you're gonna be using So 239 and most likely some B &c connectors you'll just need to figure out what you need and have different ways to configure it for use in the field and having them on hand instead of getting all the way out to where you're operating and realize you don't have the proper adapters I have not seen any type of package that comes with an assortment of them. You'll want to just go off and purchase quite a few of them and have different variations to help connect various things to various other things. I hope this helps you out let me know if you have any other questions 73 .

  • @radionutasmr4934
    @radionutasmr4934 Рік тому +1

    TOOL TIME
    HOME IMPROVEMENT

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!

  • @kenluning909
    @kenluning909 2 роки тому +1

    Hey very nice video.
    I think you provided the essentials for new Technician's and General's.
    Hopefully they also will have good Elmer's nearby to help them in their new found Adventure of Ham Radio.
    I had two great Elmer's that now have passed on a few years ago.
    I now provide as much help as I can to new Hams to pass it on as they say.
    We all have to start somewhere.
    de W5KAL

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  2 роки тому +1

      Hi Ken! You are 100% correct! As hams we should be willing to help and assist one another. No one started out knowing everything and any good hobby has a starting point. By helping one another we make ham radio stronger and more interactive with well-informed and experienced hams! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!!

  • @anthonymarino4260
    @anthonymarino4260 11 місяців тому +1

    BUY ONCE CRY ONCE. SO. TRUE

    • @HR4NT
      @HR4NT  11 місяців тому

      Exactly. Money isn't growing on trees these days...LOL Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!