Good! We created a Packet Winlink/BBS/APRS network in Puerto Rico (KP4DOG). Our nodes report to the master node via RF and that node has Starlink. The BBS/APRS functionality of the network don't need internet to propagate the data, but uses it if it is present. This network was created to solve the lack of telecommunications after Maria hurricane. This way, you could post bulletins and personal messages to the BBS that could be read anywhere on the island through your nearest node. We also have VARA/Ardop nodes on HF, and VARA FM on 6 meters and VHF.
As a SWL I used WSJTX for the first time last night, got a contact from Japan, whilst some were Russia, Italy and France and Spain, along with a couple from the UK where I am. Not bad on 80m for a first effort. I think at nearly 60 I should get my foundation to try this out for real!
Its good you do these entry level videos. I'm an extra, but realize many are just getting started. All my information about ham radio has come from youtube. Radiohamguy was a huge help to me years ago.
As a computer guy, I think the value of the internet becomes obvious if we first use some simple computer concepts to describe traditional radio. Think of RF as the "wire" that connects your radio to the another. It's the means to get information from point A (your radio) to point B (your friend's radio). Repeaters are a way to extend that wire, but really they are part of the wire. The nature of the wire is that it is not really "point to point", though, but "point to many", just like ethernet in the computer world. In the traditional radio world the signal starts as a sound wave that is translated into an RF wave for transmission and then translated back into sound waves. in digital radio we insert another step: our radios (TNCs, or whatever) converts the sound waves into digital bits and then back again. Once information is represented as bits there are more options for the "wire" than just RF. Seen this way, the internet is just a really good way to convey radio generated bits from one point to another.
Need? Definitely not. It doesn't need antenna analyzers, 9:1 wire length charts or xiegu g90 cooling stands either. Those things however make it easier and more fun. Technology changes, and anyone who refuses to adopt new things simply because they're new are going to miss out.
Everytime those who are less forward looking say something will be the final nail in the ham radio coffin fail to realize we'll find a way to add that thing to our repertoire.
It’s a great supplement or tool for the hobby, but RF and the ability to work totally stand alone should always take precedent. That being said, I love my ICOMs and D-Star 🙂
good info! i’ve found that digital radio is very poorly explained by hams. i think they’re often so far down the rabbit hole that they don’t think to say things like “push the mode button until it says DV”. they start at “when you’re programming your DG-ID into your repeater…” and newbies like me are immediately lost.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Incredibly good, it's high-quality free education for all the subjects. Well loved by homeschoolers, public school teachers, and even my macroecon professor.
Being mindful that the ARRL referred to Amateur Radio as an “art and science,” my opinion is that a real Ham is anyone who earns a license to engage, experiment, innovate, participate, and practice behaviors that promote and protect the privileges granted us through our licenses. The means for manipulating energy to convey voice and data is ours to experiment with, and utilizing a network that is not entirely dependent upon free space is still a legitimate medium, and no less reliable than our solar influenced atmosphere. And now I hope this digitally conveyed message will be received on everyone’s internet connected devices as a strong 59… ;-)
I’ve always been interested in ham radios but like most channels they never explain in detail the basics for beginners which probably deters a lot of ppl.i want to know the best cheap radio to get that i can get for my wife as well to use in case of emergency?which would that be? A radio that can get really good long range,dont really know what to go for as most channels aren’t new user friendly smh..
The internet helps sell garbage antennas based on successful activations and “great contacts” that are mostly due to the spotting network not radio knowledge and efficient antenna builds.
There are definitely conveniences that the internet brings to ham radio. I try to operate completely disconnected periodically, though, to stay fresh on operating "off the grid". FT8 without internet is kind of fun! I like knowing that every piece of information I have about the other party is only from what they send over the air. Similarly, forcing yourself to do a POTA activation (or hunting) without internet (even if available) helps polish up those skills.
@@cworkman74 It’s like doing Winlink via IP is convenient. Winlink without the internet, proves you know more than one way to communicate when the internet isn’t there.
Lots of radios can use the internet; None of them require it. It just adds functionality to the radio and enhances your capabilities. Shying away from something because you don’t like it, limits your potential capabilities as a Ham.
4:05 winlink is how I was able to notify my wife that I was alive and well during Helene, when our grid was down.
Good! We created a Packet Winlink/BBS/APRS network in Puerto Rico (KP4DOG). Our nodes report to the master node via RF and that node has Starlink. The BBS/APRS functionality of the network don't need internet to propagate the data, but uses it if it is present. This network was created to solve the lack of telecommunications after Maria hurricane. This way, you could post bulletins and personal messages to the BBS that could be read anywhere on the island through your nearest node. We also have VARA/Ardop nodes on HF, and VARA FM on 6 meters and VHF.
As a SWL I used WSJTX for the first time last night, got a contact from Japan, whilst some were Russia, Italy and France and Spain, along with a couple from the UK where I am. Not bad on 80m for a first effort. I think at nearly 60 I should get my foundation to try this out for real!
Josh, your stick man drawings are beautiful!
Great video, thank you for the well presented information.
Its good you do these entry level videos. I'm an extra, but realize many are just getting started. All my information about ham radio has come from youtube. Radiohamguy was a huge help to me years ago.
Glad I can help!
As a computer guy, I think the value of the internet becomes obvious if we first use some simple computer concepts to describe traditional radio. Think of RF as the "wire" that connects your radio to the another. It's the means to get information from point A (your radio) to point B (your friend's radio). Repeaters are a way to extend that wire, but really they are part of the wire. The nature of the wire is that it is not really "point to point", though, but "point to many", just like ethernet in the computer world. In the traditional radio world the signal starts as a sound wave that is translated into an RF wave for transmission and then translated back into sound waves. in digital radio we insert another step: our radios (TNCs, or whatever) converts the sound waves into digital bits and then back again. Once information is represented as bits there are more options for the "wire" than just RF. Seen this way, the internet is just a really good way to convey radio generated bits from one point to another.
Nice video Josh!!!
Need? Definitely not. It doesn't need antenna analyzers, 9:1 wire length charts or xiegu g90 cooling stands either. Those things however make it easier and more fun. Technology changes, and anyone who refuses to adopt new things simply because they're new are going to miss out.
Spark forever!
Everytime those who are less forward looking say something will be the final nail in the ham radio coffin fail to realize we'll find a way to add that thing to our repertoire.
It’s a great supplement or tool for the hobby, but RF and the ability to work totally stand alone should always take precedent. That being said, I love my ICOMs and D-Star 🙂
good info! i’ve found that digital radio is very poorly explained by hams. i think they’re often so far down the rabbit hole that they don’t think to say things like “push the mode button until it says DV”. they start at “when you’re programming your DG-ID into your repeater…” and newbies like me are immediately lost.
Strong Khan Academy vibes on this one. 👍🏼
Having never seen Khan Academy idk if that is good or bad!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Incredibly good, it's high-quality free education for all the subjects. Well loved by homeschoolers, public school teachers, and even my macroecon professor.
Can you do one on offline digital modes? Like ft8 for testing propagation or using a digital hotspot without Internet?
I have quite a few of those videos already on my channel. Thank you for the support!
Can you do a video on digital modes without internet? Like using FT8 or pistar, etc!
Good suggestion
Thank you
Being mindful that the ARRL referred to Amateur Radio as an “art and science,” my opinion is that a real Ham is anyone who earns a license to engage, experiment, innovate, participate, and practice behaviors that promote and protect the privileges granted us through our licenses. The means for manipulating energy to convey voice and data is ours to experiment with, and utilizing a network that is not entirely dependent upon free space is still a legitimate medium, and no less reliable than our solar influenced atmosphere. And now I hope this digitally conveyed message will be received on everyone’s internet connected devices as a strong 59… ;-)
Well said.
If your radio is digitally identifying you by callsign each time you transmit, is it still required that you identify by voice every 10 minutes?
Yes, it's just that the ident can happen automatically, like in the datastream whenever you key up.
I’ve always been interested in ham radios but like most channels they never explain in detail the basics for beginners which probably deters a lot of ppl.i want to know the best cheap radio to get that i can get for my wife as well to use in case of emergency?which would that be? A radio that can get really good long range,dont really know what to go for as most channels aren’t new user friendly smh..
Sea change, lol. There should be like a Farmers' Almanac for Amateur Radio or something. (if there isn't already)
Wait, Josh has been a fellow southpaw this whole time and I’ve never noticed?!?
Yep. Only really write left handed though. Mouse, Morse and gun on all the right.
@ Same! The only things I do left are write and play guitar. Shooting, badminton, hockey, baseball, mouse, Morse, etc. are all righty for me too lol
The internet helps sell garbage antennas based on successful activations and “great contacts” that are mostly due to the spotting network not radio knowledge and efficient antenna builds.
There are definitely conveniences that the internet brings to ham radio. I try to operate completely disconnected periodically, though, to stay fresh on operating "off the grid". FT8 without internet is kind of fun! I like knowing that every piece of information I have about the other party is only from what they send over the air. Similarly, forcing yourself to do a POTA activation (or hunting) without internet (even if available) helps polish up those skills.
@@cworkman74 It’s like doing Winlink via IP is convenient. Winlink without the internet, proves you know more than one way to communicate when the internet isn’t there.
No they don't have or need internet to work
It's technology, but personally, I only care about point-to-point comms, A to B, thanx to the ionosphere👍🇺🇸
The only reason that got me interested in HAM radio is not using the Internet at all and mostly simplex .
Yep. You can do that!
👍👍👍
ive come realize that its nothing but radio checks...
Only the good ones.
Your the first to explain DMR and not make it sound like Zello.
Yep! It’s works great on simplex!
Any "ham radio" that uses the internet for communications is no longer a ham radio...
I would reword that to say relies not uses
So utilizing a medium of communication, other than RF alone, somehow isn’t communication, educational or experimentation?
@@ghostmandka5498 No it's a waste of time and relies on infrastructure constantly prone to failure and cyber attacks.
Lots of radios can use the internet; None of them require it. It just adds functionality to the radio and enhances your capabilities. Shying away from something because you don’t like it, limits your potential capabilities as a Ham.
if ham radio needed the internet I would be looking for a new hobby
Yes and no