Shows
Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsSpecial Episode: 30 Years in Ham Radio with Ray Novak N9JAWe have a very special treat for you! In this exclusive interview recorded during EAA AirVenture, we sit down with amateur radio industry veteran Ray Novak, N9JA. Surrounded by warbirds, fighter jets, and the constant buzz of the Oshkosh Air Show, Ray offers a fascinating glimpse into his world at the intersection of aviation and amateur radio.Broadcasting from his impressive mobile setup – complete with a hex beam antenna towering 35 feet above his motorcoach – Ray shares incredible personal stories and experiences that bridge decades of radio evolution. From his journey as a Mississippi farm boy who avoi...2025-07-281h 23Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsField Day Disappointment? Why We Think ARRL Needs to Evolve (+ FTX1 Final Update)What happens when the "Super Bowl of Amateur Radio" meets poor band conditions? The Everyday Ham team breaks down their 2025 ARRL Field Day experience with honest reflection about what worked, what didn't, and why it still matters.Despite challenging propagation that made 20 meters nearly useless, our South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (SLAARC) field operation managed 680 QSOs with 16 operators including several first-timers making their debut HF contacts. The camaraderie and mentorship moments proved more memorable than any score could reflect.Our equipment choices sparked fascinating discussion about the evolution of field operations. We deployed simple...2025-07-031h 05Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsFTX1 Reality Check: Our Honest Review + SteppIR ExitThe long-awaited Yaesu FTX1 Optima has finally arrived in ham shacks across America, but does it live up to the hype? We've spent days testing Yaesu's latest flagship and share our unfiltered experiences that left us reaching for our trusty FT-891s instead. From PTT issues that drop mid-transmission to strange menu bugs and disappointing receiver performance compared to the FT-710 and FT-DX10, we dive deep into what went wrong and whether firmware updates can save this premium-priced radio.In a surprising market development, we explore the news that SteppIR has announced their exit from the amateur...2025-06-051h 07Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsHamvention 2025 Breakdown: What We Saw, What We LovedThe Dayton Hamvention 2025 delivered on every front as we explored Xenia's grounds with our South Lion Area Amateur Radio Club members in their distinctive yellow shirts. This year's highlights included the Kenwood TH-D750 triple-band mobile with its built-in D-STAR hotspot and accessibility features, Flex Radio's impressive Aurora series with integrated 500-watt amplifiers starting at $6,199, and our realization that premium ham equipment now commands significantly higher prices—sparking discussions about value, longevity, and manufacturer support.Beyond the technology, Hamvention's true magic came through personal connections: chance encounters with podcast listeners, meeting Sebastian KI2D (developer of Ham2K Po...2025-05-2051 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsIs the Yaesu FTX1 a True Game Changer? Plus Dayton Hamvention 2025Is the Yaesu FTX-1F a True Game Changer? Plus Dayton Hamvention 2025Yaesu has shaken the amateur radio world with the release of their new FTX-1F series, particularly the Optima model with its revolutionary modular design. We explore the groundbreaking features that have hams reaching for their wallets—from the detachable QRP head unit that can operate standalone, to the 100-watt amplifier attachment that makes this one of the most versatile radios ever produced. Rory takes us through his Michigan QSO Party adventure in Oscoda County, where he activated a rare county from a coz...2025-05-081h 02Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsFrom Scanner to Transmitter: How Everyday Hobbies Lead to Ham RadioIn this episode of Everyday Ham, we explore how everyday hobbies — from scanning police channels to using walkie-talkies with friends — can spark a lifelong interest in amateur radio. James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) share their personal journeys into the hobby, along with highlights (and regrets) from the recent Toledo Hamfest. We also talk storm preparedness, building your first antenna, and why welcoming new hams matters more than ever. Whether you're a seasoned operator or radio-curious, this one’s for you.Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe...2025-04-041h 03Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsThe Good, The Bad, and The Junk – Swap Meet Scores & DXpedition DramaIn this episode of Everyday Ham, James (K8JKU), Rory (W8KNX), and Jim (N8JRD) dive into the highs and lows of ham swaps, sharing their experiences from the Livonia Amateur Radio Club Swap & Shop. They break down the best strategies for scoring great deals, avoiding overpriced junk, and navigating the chaos of a busy swap meet.But that’s not all—this episode also tackles a hot debate in the POTA and DX community. A recent Costa Rica DXpedition sparked controversy when operators skipped formal park...2025-03-061h 03Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsIs Yaesu Changing the Game? Exploring the New Mobile LineupAs Yaesu navigates a shift in its mobile radio lineup, we're here to dissect the implications of these changes. From the unexpected discontinuation of older models to the buzz surrounding the anticipated FTX-1F release, we examine what this means for the future of mobile communication. Dive into the amateur radio community's reactions and ponder Yaesu's strategic moves with us. We'll discuss the groundbreaking advancements in audio signal processing, especially their potential to enhance emergency communications, and consider how these innovations could transform the market.Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clip2025-02-0658 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsHams On the Air: Episode 1 – Every Ham Has a StoryWelcome to the inaugural episode of Everyday Ham! Join James, Rory, and Jim as they introduce themselves, share their ham radio journeys, and discuss the diversity of this amazing hobby. From family legacies to rediscovering ham radio after years away, they explore what drew them to the airwaves. They also dive into their goals for 2025, like tackling CW, and preparing for the ultimate ham pilgrimage—Dayton Hamvention. This casual, conversational episode is a perfect starting point for new and seasoned hams alike. Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe Everyday Ham...2025-01-0958 min