Ham Radio 2.0

In this video, we break down the latest FCC enforcement action against an Illinois CB radio operator cited for "broadcasting" on Channel 19. Robert Delgado of Chicago Ridge, IL, received a Notice of Unlicensed Operation from the FCC's Chicago office after agents confirmed his station was transmitting one-way broadcasts, playing music, and causing harmful interference to other CB users on 27.185 MHz last summer (August 2025).

This isn't his first run-in with the FCC—he was previously cited eight years ago for unlicensed operation on amateur radio frequencies. The article also touches on a troubling history from over two decades ago in...

Join us for a quick look at ham radio on the road, discussing some ham radio basics while driving on the highway. We'll be using ALLSTAR, exploring its capabilities for amateur radio communication. This ham radio review covers our quick road trip setup.

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Join us for a quick look at ham radio on the road, discussing some ham radio basics while driving on the highway. We'll be using ALLSTAR, exploring its capabilities for amateur radio communication. This ham radio review covers our quick road trip setup.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Tonight I invite several other Ham Operators and YouTubers onto the channel to talk about the topic of adding Low Band VHF Frequencies to GMRS. This is a proposal to the FCC that was in the recent news.

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👉 Shop Alpha Antenna: https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=3

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👍 Today's video is sponsored by Redodo Batteries. Save 8% off of all products with code HAMRADIO8 at this link - https://geni.us/WLb2dyz
✅ Links from today's video:
https://kits4hams.com/https://www.repeater-builder.com/products/usb-rim-lite.html https://hotspotradios.com/hotspotradio-usb https://allscan.info/products/#nodes https://www.sharkrf.com/products/m1ke/ https://www.node-ventures.com/buy-clearnode/Extras: https://dmkeng.myshopify.com/products/urixb-9180b-with-internal-eeprom-only-for-licensed-amateur-radio-operatorshttps://www.masterscommunications.com/

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The FCC is set to exempt amateur radio operators from new foreign adversary reporting requirements—great news for hams!This YouTube video covers the ARRL's January 15, 2026 update: In a draft Report and Order (GN Docket No. 25-166) released January 8, 2026, and adopted January 29, the FCC places Amateur Radio Service licenses in Schedule C, exempting them from attestation and detailed reporting.Thanks to strong ARRL advocacy, the FCC recognized amateurs pose minimal national security risk—no commercial services, no public network ties, and hobby-only use.

Today's video is sponsored by M&P Coax. Save 10% off of all of their products with...

🚨 GMRS Update 2026: Latest on the FCC petition to add low-band VHF frequencies (30-50 MHz) to GMRS users! Discover the modified proposal, recent FCC rule changes sparking new momentum, potential for massive range improvements, and what this means for GMRS & FRS enthusiasts. Could we soon get long-range low-band channels for better rural/off-grid comms?

In this video, we break down the renewed push for VHF low-band expansion, including details from National Communications Magazine and community reactions. Don't miss the potential game-changer for General Mobile Radio Service!

Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - save 20% off of...

Tired of manually rotating your BuddiHex or climbing the mast every time you want to chase DX? Check out this brand-new wireless remote control rotor designed specifically for the popular Buddipole BuddiHex portable hex beam antenna!

Soon to be available here - https://www.buddipole.com

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Check out the board here - https://temporarilyoffline.com/HAMRADIO2

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**🚨 NEW Buddipole Buddihex Mini – Ultra-Light 3-Band Portable Hex Beam Antenna for Ham Radio!**

Buddipole just dropped the **Buddihex Mini** at HamCation 2026 — the ultra-compact, super-lightweight hex beam antenna every portable operator has been waiting for! 

The **Buddihex Mini** is a true 3-band directional hex beam covering **6m, 10m, and 12m** (2m optional) that weighs only **3.5 lbs** and packs down tiny. Perfect for POTA activations, SOTA summits, Field Day, camping trips, apartment balconies, or anywhere you want real gain and directivity without hauling a full-size beam. 

If you run QRP or 100W portable and want a direction...

Discover the ultimate dual-protocol **off-grid communication device** in this build guide: the powerful **3D Mesh** node featuring **two Heltec V3 boards**! This custom setup lets you run both **Meshtastic** and **Meshcore** seamlessly on the same hardware, giving you the flexibility to switch firmware, compare performance, or even experiment with hybrid mesh networking.

Perfect for preppers, hikers, off-grid enthusiasts, ham radio fans, and anyone building decentralized, long-range mesh networks without cell service or internet.

Whether you're new to Meshtastic nodes or looking to upgrade your Heltec V3 setup with dual-protocol support, this project delivers affordable, powerful off-grid...

Join us for a livestream after the first 2 days of the Hamfest.

Josh's hotspot - https://members.calyx.org/r/u9sww

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Replay of the Livestream from Hamcation 2026

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In this video, we're checking out two different products: the SenseCAP Solar Node and the Atlavox Beacon Solar Meshtastic Node. These devices offer excellent solutions for off grid communication, leveraging meshtastic and lora technology. We'll go through their features and specifications, showing how a meshtastic solar node can extend your network.

Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - save 20% off of all of their courses with code JASON20 here - https://geni.us/830iXi5
Nodes in this video:
1 - https://tidd.ly/3NQZJRP
2 - https://geni.us/MJFjgL
3 - https://atlavox.com...

Join us tonight as I welcome several other YouTubers onto the livestream to talk about plans for next week.

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Join me for an exciting Parks on the Air (POTA) activation using the compact Radioddity HF-009 portable HF vertical antenna paired with the powerful Stryker SR-955 10-meter radio!

In this video:
Radioddity HF-009 Antenna - https://www.radioddity.com/products/radioddity-hf-009?ref=JASONJOHNSTON
Save $15 with code KC5HWB
Stryker SR-955HP - https://amzn.to/4kuE91x

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Discover the Spec5 Relay from SpecFive – a powerful solar-powered Meshtastic LoRa relay node built for true off-grid, long-range communication. This autonomous repeater extends your Meshtastic mesh network dramatically, acting as a permanent, hands-free station to connect distant nodes without relying on cell service, Wi-Fi, or constant maintenance. In this video, we dive deep into the SpecFive Relay features:

Get the SpecFive Relay here - https://geni.us/YYBer4S

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Ham Radio Deluxe offers everything you can want in a logging software platform. Link - https://www.hamradiodeluxe.com/aff/B10FBCA73E139C01896591F4552E7B00/index.html?subid=556942 COUPON: hamradio20

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Get a free month of Starlink here - https://starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-2018381-42800-52

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Is Ham radio truly welcoming to newcomers and fresh ideas, or does gatekeeping and resistance to change hold the hobby back? In this video, we dive deep into the real experiences of new hams in 2026—exploring everything from friendly "Elmer" mentors who guide beginners, to stories of grumpy old-timers, club snobbery, and unwelcoming attitudes on repeaters and forums.

Whether you're thinking about getting your Technician license, already a new ham feeling intimidated, or a longtime operator wondering how to make the hobby more inclusive—this honest discussion uncovers the good, the bad, and the hopeful side of amateur radi...

🚨 Iran's Internet Blackout: How Activists Are Smuggling Starlink Terminals to Fight Censorship in 2026! 🚨
Dive deep into the heart of Iran's escalating internet shutdown amid widespread protests—where the government has cut off access to the world wide web, silencing voices and stifling dissent. But hope persists: For years, brave Iranian activists have been secretly smuggling SpaceX's Starlink satellite dishes across borders, turning hidden "pirate manors" into underground communication hubs. Discover the daring smuggling routes, the tech hacks to evade detection, and real stories of how these portable antennas are beaming uncensored internet to families, journalists, and revolutionaries. From Elon Musk's s...

Interview of the admins prior to Hamcation 2026

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🚨 6 Must-Have Meshtastic Devices for 2026: Unlock Epic Off-Grid LoRa Mesh Magic! 🚨

Gear up for 2026's hottest Meshtastic upgrades – six innovative LoRa powerhouses ready to supercharge your decentralized network! From ultra-compact solar-charging nodes with e-ink displays and environmental sensors to rugged handheld touchscreen beasts packing GPS and 10+ mile rural ranges, these SX126x gems deliver jam-proof comms, low-power efficiency, and seamless firmware integration for ham radio backups, emergency ops, or trail adventures. Whether you're building a resilient grid or hunting POTA activations, these drops redefine off-grid connectivity. Which feature blows your mind? 

From the video:
https://amzn.to/49W8wc...

🚨 Verizon Outage: What Went Wrong? 🚨

Cell phone users across the nation experienced massive disruptions this month as Verizon's network faced widespread issues. This video reports on the news of the outage, including data from downdetector, and discusses what this means for 5g mobile hotspot plans and overall reliability.

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🚨 Ham Radio License in Post-Maduro Venezuela: Easier Access Under New Regime! 🚨

Maduro's 2026 downfall just supercharged Venezuela's ham scene! In this fresh guide, discover how the interim González government's reforms slashed CONATEL red tape – from fast-track online apps (no more endless waits!) to waived fees for Technician licenses via Radio Club Venezolano.

Pro tips: Join YV5ARV clubs for mentorship, snag your YV prefix in weeks (not months), and hit HF/VHF with 150W limits. Perfect for DXing Caracas or off-grid ops in a reborn nation! 

👉 CONATEL Updates: https://conatel.gob.ve

Today's video...

🧰Signup for my Email List to stay up-to-date on the latest info - http://hamradio2.com/email-signup

Tonight we discuss FM Simplex - using it more often, getting it more active, and being on the air.

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🚨 Ham Radio Gatekeeping: Clubs Shunning Newbies – Fight Back & Find Your Crew! 🚨

Sick of snobby ham clubs icing out beginners with jargon bombs and "prove yourself" tests? We expose the ugly truth: Gatekeeping scares off 70% of newbies pre-license, from Reddit rants to Phoenix club snubs, dooming the hobby's growth.

Good news: Welcoming havens exist! Discover ARRL newbie nights, Discord ham chats, and mentor-led field days. 

Spot red flags, dodge drama, and join hype communities for your Technician ticket or SOTA fun. Gatekeeping fixable? See testimonials & club picks!

Today's video is sponsored by Bioenno Batteries...

Jan 3, 2026: U.S. Delta Force raided Caracas in "Operation Absolute Resolve," snatching President Nicolás Maduro & wife Cilia Flores for NYC narco-terror trials—tied to 2020 cartel indictments & cocaine floods. Drone strikes & breaches spark UN fury over sovereignty breaches. Trump's $50M bounty pays off amid election fallout: Can interim Edmundo González avert civil war, or fuel Russian/Chinese meddling? Dive into leaks, legal debates, & oil crisis risks.

Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - save 20% off of all courses with code JASON20 at this link - https://geni.us/830iXi5

Become a supporter of this...

Tonight I invite the Winter Field Day Board back onto the stream to talk about plans for this year's Winter Field Day event.

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Dive into our Baofeng UV-32 review! We test this dual-band handheld's power output (VHF/UHF, low/med/high modes) and spurious emissions for signal purity and FCC compliance. Perfect for beginners or pros in emergency comms. Game-changer or budget bust?

Today's video is sponsored by M&P Coax - save 10% off of all of their product with code HR2CABLES at this link - https://geni.us/hr2cables

Get your UV-32 here - https://geni.us/kw5GP

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Join me for my first Parks on the Air (POTA) activation using the brand-new ICOM IC-7300MK2 HF transceiver! 📻

This 2025 upgrade delivers killer features like improved RMDR (105 dB), HDMI external display output, built-in CW decoder, and lower power draw—perfect for portable ops. Watch as I set up in the park, chase contacts on HF bands, and test the MK2's real-world performance for QRP-style activations. From antenna deployment to pileup fun, see how this SDR beast handles POTA! Ideal for ham radio beginners and portable enthusiasts. 

Today's video is sponsored by ABR Coax - Made in the...

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Quicksand isn't just Hollywood drama—it's real! Watch as we unpack the chilling true tale of Austin Dirks, a 33-year-old Colorado backpacker who plunged knee-deep into icy quicksand on the Hayduke Trail near Courthouse Wash, Arches National Park (Dec 7, 2025). Solo and freezing, his Garmin SOS triggered a high-stakes Grand County rescue with ladders and boards. Bust myths (buoyancy saves you from sinking fully!), learn pro escapes like slow weight shifts, and get desert trail safety tips from physicist Daniel Bonn: Stay calm! Perfect for Hayduke hikers and adventure fans. What's your worst trail scare?

Today's video is sponsored by...

Unbox Elecrow’s ThinkNode M1 & M2 for Meshtastic off-grid comms! 📡 These LoRa-based devices enable secure mesh texting and GPS sharing. M1’s nRF52840, 1.54” e-ink, and GPS offer 4–5 days battery life. M2’s ESP32-S3 and 1.3” OLED suit developers. We compare range, setup, and Meshtastic app use for hikers and preppers. Which wins? Subscribe for more reviews, hit the bell 🔔, and comment your pick! #ThinkNodeM1 #ThinkNodeM2 #Meshtastic #OffGridCommunication

Links:
ThinkNode M1 - https://tidd.ly/3L8nVOk
ThinnkNode M2 - https://tidd.ly/4j10z9M My
Meshtastic List - https://amzn.to/4pPhVJi

Become a supporter...

Join us for the next installment of Let's Make a Deal! Find the items you want and join us on the livestream to make offers and take advantage of offers made by others. This is going to be a FUN event! Link to deals - https://www.gigaparts.com/deal

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Tonight I welcome the crew from @HamRadioClubhouse onto the livestream - they are giving away a new HF Radio on my livestream tonight. You must be present to win, so make plans to join us! If you haven't done so yet, please subscribe to the Clubhouse so that they can do more giveaways like this!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Tonight I welcome the crew from @HamRadioClubhouse onto the livestream - they are giving away a new HF Radio on my livestream tonight. You must be present to win, so make plans to join us! If you haven't done so yet, please subscribe to the Clubhouse so that they can do more giveaways like this!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Ready to upgrade from Technician to General Class and unlock HF privileges? Join our FREE YouTube video series: "Ham Radio General License Mastery" – the ultimate prep course for the FCC Amateur Radio General Exam! Based on the official 2023-2027 General Class Element 3 question pool (valid through June 30, 2027), we break down every subelement with crystal-clear explanations, real-world examples, and bite-sized lessons on key topics like antenna systems, propagation, electrical principles, safety, and operating procedures. No fluff – just what you need to ace the 35-question exam with confidence.

Get Your License Manual Here - https://geni.us/7vLlwsK 

Becom...

Ready to upgrade from Technician to General Class and unlock HF privileges? Join our FREE YouTube video series: "Ham Radio General License Mastery" – the ultimate prep course for the FCC Amateur Radio General Exam! Based on the official 2023-2027 General Class Element 3 question pool (valid through June 30, 2027), we break down every subelement with crystal-clear explanations, real-world examples, and bite-sized lessons on key topics like antenna systems, propagation, electrical principles, safety, and operating procedures. No fluff – just what you need to ace the 35-question exam with confidence.

Get Your License Manual Here - https://geni.us/7vLlwsK

Beco...