Shows
Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsDo You Really Need a New Radio? Honest Ham Radio Upgrade AdviceSend us a textDo you really need that new radio? In Episode 14, James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) get honest about the pressure to upgrade ham radio gear and share what they’ve learned from their own buying mistakes.We begin with a moment of remembrance for Elwood Downey, creator of HamClock, and share what his contributions meant to the community. Then we catch up around the shack — Jim’s new CW trainer, James’s hotel radio experiments from Germany, and Rory’s progress with Morse code through the Long Island CW...
2026-02-0550 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsHow to Learn CW in 2026: Two Paths to Morse Code SuccessSend us a textFive watts, a tiny coil antenna on a travel tripod, and a camera-bag station that reaches across states—CW isn't a relic, it's a practical advantage. In this episode, we invited Terry W8TMB to walk us through how he learned Morse code without drowning in drills, why CW pairs perfectly with POTA and QRP, and what actually works when your sending is solid but your copy lags behind.We compare two popular learning paths: CW Academy and Long Island CW Club. CW Academy offers a free, semester-style program with fixed cl...
2026-01-0859 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio Conversations2026 Ham Radio Predictions: New Rigs, Community & What's NextSend us a textWhat does 2026 have in store for ham radio? A year into the podcast, James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) turn up the dial with a forward look at the hobby's near future — grounded in real gear, real operating, and real community.We start in the shack with winter POTA prep, a feather-light 33-foot mast, a fiber-fueled network overhaul, and a pair of pristine rotary phones begging for a ham project. Then we get into the predictions.On the gear side, we share our predictions for wh...
2025-12-0450 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsCan You Put Up An Antenna? The HOA Bill Fight & IC-7300 Mark IISend us a textA thousand subscribers may be a milestone, but the real win is what it represents: a growing community of hams trading ideas, trying new modes, and pushing for the right to put real antennas on real roofs. We open with momentum—POTA activations, contest firsts, and new video drops—then move straight into the issue shaping the future of the hobby: ARRL’s grassroots effort to pass the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (HR 1094/S.459). If HOAs block antennas where most new homes are built, fewer operators will get on the air. We explai...
2025-11-0646 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsHow Frustration Built the Best Portable Logger: Sebastián KI2D & Ham2K PoLoSend us a textA better logger doesn't just record contacts—it changes how you operate. We sit down with Sebastián KI2D, creator of Ham2K PoLo, to explore how mobile-first design, tiny UX details, and relentless iteration make portable operating smoother, faster, and less gear-heavy. From his journey growing up in Venezuela to building startups in New York—and yes, proposing the Arepa and Olive emojis—Sebastián shares the mindset behind a tool that understands what activators actually do in the field.Short show intro audio clip Short out...
2025-10-091h 17Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsFlex Radio's new 200 Dollar SmartSDR Subscription, is this the Future of Ham Radio Software?Send us a text FlexRadio just announced SmartSDR Plus subscriptions starting at $199/year. Time for an impromptu Saturday morning coffee chat! Join James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) as we discuss what this means for ham radio and share our honest opinions. Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe Everyday Ham Podcast is hosted by James Mills (K8JKU), Jim Davis (N8JRD), and Rory Locke (W8KNX) – three friends who dive into the world of amateur radio with a casual, lighthearted twist. Fo...
2025-09-2727 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsFrom Parks to Peaks: How SOTA Differs from POTASend us a textEver wondered what happens when you combine hiking, mountaineering, and ham radio? That's exactly what Summits on the Air (SOTA) is all about! In this episode, we step away from our usual Parks on the Air discussions to explore the thrilling world of mountaintop radio operations with two accomplished SOTA enthusiasts.Meet Matt W7MDN, a pilot from Spokane who combines trail running and snowshoeing with radio, and Tim N7KOM, a mountaineer and YouTube creator from Bend who's known for his ultralight setups. Both have achieved the prestigious Mountain Goat...
2025-09-0452 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsNew ICOM Radios Steal the Show - Tokyo Ham Fair ReactionsSend us a textThe tides of amateur radio innovation ebb and flow as manufacturers take turns showcasing their latest technological marvels. While Yaesu dominated last year's Tokyo Ham Fair with the FTX1, this year unquestionably belonged to ICOM, who unveiled two significant new radios that have the ham community buzzing with anticipation.ICOM's IC-7300 Mark II represents a thoughtful evolution of what has become perhaps the most popular HF radio of the past decade. Rather than reinventing the wheel, ICOM listened carefully to user feedback, maintaining the beloved form factor while modernizing crucial aspects...
2025-08-2527 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsAre We Losing Ham Radio Spectrum? 70cm Band Under ThreatSend us a textTitle: Ham Radio Spectrum Defense & The End of NOAA APT EraIs amateur radio spectrum under siege? James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) tackle the controversial FCC experimental license granted to AST SpaceMobile that threatens our 70cm amateur band.This episode covers the growing concern over spectrum encroachment, what the ARRL is doing to defend our frequencies, and why every ham needs to contact their representatives. We also discuss Jim's hands-on experience with the Flex 6400 ATU and bid farewell to the legendary NOAA-15...
2025-08-0757 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsSpecial Episode: 30 Years in Ham Radio with Ray Novak N9JASend us a textWe 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...
2025-07-281h 23Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsField Day Disappointment? Why We Think ARRL Needs to Evolve (+ FTX1 Final Update)Send us a textWhat 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...
2025-07-031h 05Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsFTX1 Reality Check: Our Honest Review + SteppIR ExitSend us a textThe 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...
2025-06-051h 07Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsHamvention 2025 Breakdown: What We Saw, What We LovedSend us a textThe 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 KI...
2025-05-2051 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsIs the Yaesu FTX1 a True Game Changer? Plus Dayton Hamvention 2025Send us a textIs 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 act...
2025-05-081h 02Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsFrom Scanner to Transmitter: How Everyday Hobbies Lead to Ham RadioSend us a textIn 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 Shor...
2025-04-041h 03Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsThe Good, The Bad, and The Junk – Swap Meet Scores & DXpedition DramaSend us a textIn 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 spar...
2025-03-061h 03Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsIs Yaesu Changing the Game? Exploring the New Mobile LineupSend us a textAs 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
2025-02-0658 minEveryday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio ConversationsHams On the Air: Episode 1 – Every Ham Has a StorySend us a textWelcome 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 aud...
2025-01-0958 min