The Ham Radio Guy

From Mic to Milestones: Unlocking Ham Radio Awards Episode #73

Ever spin the dial… make a few contacts… and then just sit there thinking, “Alright… now what?” That moment hits more hams than you’d think. You got licensed, figured out your gear… but now you need a mission.That’s where awards change everything. Because right now, you could be chasing all 50 states, working 100 countries, activating parks—and actually building a log that means something. And with 2026 bringing some unique, limited-time opportunities…This might be the year you finally go all in. This is Episode #73   AFFILATE LINKS    Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium [https://dakotalithium.com/?sscid=21k9_4pwlr] use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy   Hamstuffonline.com [https://hamstuffonline.com/]   American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.   ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= [https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy]w0met10   County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO [https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO]   Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 [https://www.hamradioprep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3].  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.   Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 [https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24]   Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ [https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/]    https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 [https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231]   Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 [http://shrsl.com/4u7s0]. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping   Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB [https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB] you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy   Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl [https://specfive.com/?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl] SOCIAL MEDIA   https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy]    https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy]   Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com [W0MET@thehamradioguy.com]   Sign up for the newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e30d533193ae/thehamradioguy-newletter]

Ham Radio Budget Episode #72

Most conversations about “advanced” amateur radio assume unlimited budgets and perfect conditions. But that’s not reality for most of us. In a upcoming episode, I wil lbe talking honestly about the real cost of going next-level in amateur radio—the stuff nobody warns you about. I will have a Patreon-exclusive follow-up flips the script. Advanced Ham Radio on a Budget is about: * Spending smarter, not bigger * Prioritizing antennas and skills over shiny gear * Avoiding the upgrades that look good but don’t actually perform * Building a station that works for your goals—not someone else’s Instagram post This episode is practical, honest, and based on real-world experience—not marketing brochures, but i want to see where the real cost that people spend first to talk about that as well.     Affiliate Links   Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium [https://dakotalithium.com/?sscid=21k9_4pwlr] use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy   Hamstuffonline.com [https://hamstuffonline.com/]   American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.   ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= [https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy]w0met10   County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO [https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO]   Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 [https://www.hamradioprep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3].  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.   Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 [https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24]   Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ [https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/]    https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 [https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231]   Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 [http://shrsl.com/4u7s0]. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping   Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB [https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB] you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy   Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl [https://specfive.com/?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl] SOCIAL MEDIA   https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy]    https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy]   Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com [W0MET@thehamradioguy.com]   Sign up for the newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e30d533193ae/thehamradioguy-newletter]

QRP – Doing More With Less in Ham Radio

Welcome to Episode #71, and today we’re talking about one of the great elements of the hobby — QRP. That’s right, making contacts across states, across continents, even across oceans… all with less power than it takes to light up a nightstand lamp. In this episode, we’ll explore what QRP really means, the history and philosophy behind running low power, the gear and antennas that make it possible, and the community of hams who thrive on doing more with less. Along the way, I’ll share stories, tips, and even a challenge for you to try the next time you’re on the air. So grab your coffee, dial it down to 5 watts or less, and let’s see just how far a little signal can really go Affiliate Links   Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium [https://dakotalithium.com/?sscid=21k9_4pwlr] use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy   Hamstuffonline.com [https://hamstuffonline.com/]   American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.   ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= [https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy]w0met10   County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO [https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO]   Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 [https://www.hamradioprep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3].  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.   Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 [https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24]   Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ [https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/]    https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 [https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231]   Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 [http://shrsl.com/4u7s0]. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping   Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB [https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB] you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy   Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl [https://specfive.com/?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl] SOCIAL MEDIA   https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy]    https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy]   Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com [W0MET@thehamradioguy.com]   Sign up for the newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e30d533193ae/thehamradioguy-newletter]

Shack Smarts Episode #69

Check out these new short podcast episodes that will be integrated in between other longer podcast.  Let me know if you enjoy these.   In this episode, Marvin, W0MET breaks down two simple habits that can save you hours of frustration in the shack and in the field: labeling everything and building a known-good kit. No new radios. No expensive upgrades. Just real-world tips that make troubleshooting faster, portable ops smoother, and Field Day far less stressful. Small changes—big results.

2025 Year in Review Episode #67

2025 Year-End Review: Amateur Radio News, FCC Updates & Silent Keys As we close out 2025, Marvin Turner, W0MET, takes a comprehensive look back at the year in amateur radio. In this special year-end episode of The Ham Radio Guy, we cover the biggest equipment releases, major FCC and regulatory developments, industry changes, and key public-service milestones that shaped the hobby. Highlights include new radios from Yaesu, FlexRadio, Icom, and Kenwood, the expansion of the 60-meter band, ongoing spectrum and antenna-rights advocacy, the shutdown of Hamshack Hotline, and SteppIR’s exit from the amateur antenna market. We also reflect on milestones like the IARU’s 100th anniversary, the Hurricane Watch Net’s 60 years of service, and ARISS special events aboard the International Space Station. The episode concludes with a respectful tribute to several Silent Keys whose leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on amateur radio. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the bands, this episode offers a thoughtful recap of where amateur radio has been—and where it’s headed next. 73, Marvin, W0MET     Affiliate Links   Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium [https://dakotalithium.com/?sscid=21k9_4pwlr] use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy   Hamstuffonline.com [https://hamstuffonline.com/]   American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.   ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld= [https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy]w0met10   County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO [https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO]   Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3 [https://www.hamradioprep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3].  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.   Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24 [https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24]   Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ [https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/]    https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231 [https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231]   Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0 [http://shrsl.com/4u7s0]. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping   Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB [https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB] you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy   Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl [https://specfive.com/?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl] SOCIAL MEDIA   https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy]    https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy [https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy]   Email: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com [W0MET@thehamradioguy.com]   Sign up for the newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/e30d533193ae/thehamradioguy-newletter]