HamShackTV

2026 has already been a huge year for amateur radio, and tonight we're looking back at everything that's happened so far. We'll discuss the biggest stories, hottest trends, and the gear that's getting everyone talking. 📡 Tonight's Topics: • New Technician Question Pool • Current Solar Conditions • Summer Ham Radio Events • SDR Revolution • Portable Operating • Remote Stations • Digital Modes • Ar...

Ever wondered what QSL, QSY, QTH, or QRZ actually mean? Q Codes have been a part of radio communications for over a century and are still used every day by amateur radio operators around the world. While they were originally developed for Morse code, many Q Codes have become part of everyday voice communications as well. In this episode of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX breaks down...

Your ham radio won't get very far without the right power source. In Episode 14 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains how to safely power your amateur radio station. Learn the difference between AC and DC power, switching and linear power supplies, LiFePO₄ batteries, Anderson Powerpole connectors, fuses, and how to choose the right power supply for your radio. Whether you're b...

Your radio and antenna are only as good as the cable connecting them. In Episode 13 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains coaxial cable, feed lines, and the most common connectors used in amateur radio. Learn the differences between RG-58, RG-8X, and LMR-400, when cable length matters, how to protect outdoor connections, and why choosing the right connector can improve the rel...

What's more important—a better radio or a better antenna? If you've spent any time around amateur radio operators, you've probably heard the saying, "The antenna is more important than the radio." But is that really true? In Episode 10 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX breaks down the basics of ham radio antennas in plain English. You'll learn what antennas actually do, why height...

Ready to take your ham radio outside the shack? In Episode 8 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX introduces you to the exciting world of portable operating. Learn the differences between base, mobile, and portable stations, discover why Parks on the Air (POTA) has become one of the fastest-growing activities in amateur radio, and find out how events like ARRL Field Day can help you g...

Get the SWR Meter I reccommend: https://www.gigaparts.com/intellitron-wm-1005d-digital-swr-and-watt-meter-1-6-60-mhz-300mw-300w-300w-1200w-so239.html?srsltid=AfmBOorKQe3fiWt1gp2OyZYOkAzy7dQVU68-2t7tFg5V2OrAGY3SsA9H SWR is one of the most talked-about topics in amateur radio—and one of the most misunderstood. In Episode 11 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains Standing Wave Rat...

Buying your first ham radio can be overwhelming. Should you buy a handheld? A mobile radio? Jump straight into HF? What features actually matter—and what are just marketing? In Episode 9 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX walks you through how to choose the right radio for your goals and budget. Whether you're just licensed or looking to expand beyond your first HT, this episode wil...

You've made your first contacts...now what? In this episode of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains everything new operators need to know about confirming contacts and collecting QSL cards. We'll cover the history of paper QSL cards, modern online confirmation systems like Logbook of The World (LoTW), eQSL, and QRZ, plus how confirmed contacts can earn you awards such as Worked...

ARRL Field Day 2026 is finally here, and this week on HamShackTV LIVE we're talking all things Field Day! Whether you're a brand-new ham getting ready for your first Field Day or a seasoned operator looking to maximize points, we'll cover everything you need to know before the big weekend. Topics include: • What Field Day is and why it matters • How clubs and individuals participate • GOTA (Get On...

Getting started in amateur radio can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding VHF, UHF, repeaters, and radio programming. In this first episode of our Ham Radio for Beginners series, we're breaking down the basics and sharing practical tips to help you get on the air with confidence. In this video you'll learn: ✅ The difference between VHF and UHF ✅ When to use each band ✅ Und...

Overcoming the fear of the push to talk button is a major hurdle for every new amateur radio operator. Learn how to get on the air with confidence today. After passing your license exam and spending hours programming your first radio, the actual act of speaking can feel daunting. Many new hams experience hesitation when it comes to initiating their first contact. This video addresses why that appr...

New to amateur radio nets? Learn how to participate in local radio repeater nets and understand exactly what is happening on the air. Many new hams hear activity on their local repeater and feel unsure about how to join the conversation. This guide clarifies the purpose of an amateur radio net, explaining the structure and protocols so you can jump in with confidence. Whether you are a technician...

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series! Getting on the air is easy. Knowing how to operate professionally and courteously is what separates a new operator from an experienced one. In this episode, we're discussing repeater etiquette, including common mistakes, proper operating practices, and the unwritten rules that will help you make a great impression on the air. Topics cover...

https://amzn.to/3QUBhAC Welcome to Episode 3 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series! In this episode, we are breaking down some of the most popular digital voice modes in amateur radio, including DMR, Yaesu System Fusion, WIRES-X, D-STAR, P25, M17, NXDN, and AllStar. Digital voice can seem confusing at first because each mode has its own radios, networks, terminology, and setup process. This video...

Welcome to Episode 2 of our Ham Radio for Beginners series! Every licensed amateur radio operator is assigned a call sign, but what do all those letters and numbers actually mean? In this episode, we'll break down the structure of amateur radio call signs, explain how they are assigned, discuss the different call sign formats, and show you how vanity call signs work. Topics covered: 📻 What a call...

This week on HamShackTV LIVE, we're getting ready for one of amateur radio's biggest annual operating events: the 13 Colonies Special Event! From July 1 through July 7, stations representing each of the original 13 colonies will be on the air using special event callsigns K2A through K2M. Operators can also work three bonus stations: WM3PEN (Philadelphia) GB13COL (England) TM13COL (France) We'll d...

Are you feeling exhausted from trying to balance ham radio, work, family, volunteer commitments, content creation, and everything else life throws at you? In this video, Josh AA4WX discusses a topic that many amateur radio operators experience but few openly talk about: burnout. Whether you're active in emergency communications, club leadership, contesting, POTA, YouTube, Skywarn, or simply trying...

0:00 — Why this video is different 1:30 — What happened with the club 7:26 — Skywarn & the fallout 13:42 — Where the channel goes from here 17:05 — If you’re struggling: resources For the first time, I’m addressing everything that has happened over the past several weeks involving club politics, leadership conflicts, friendships, Skywarn, and the toll it all took on me personally. This video i...

HamShackTV is proud to announce that we will be participating in the 2026 ARRL Field Day operating as special event station W4I. This year, we’re bringing Field Day directly into the HamShackTV studio with a full live operating setup, HF activity, digital modes, livestream coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and plenty of amateur radio fun throughout the weekend. Field Day is the largest amateur...

This week on HamShackTV LIVE, we’re talking all about ARRL Kids Day — one of the best opportunities in amateur radio to introduce the next generation to the hobby. Join us LIVE Thursday June 11 at 8PM Eastern as we discuss: • What ARRL Kids Day is • How clubs and operators can participate • Tips for getting kids interested in ham radio • Easy station setups for Kids Day • Why youth involvement is...

New to ham radio? Toxic people are a bigger threat to your enjoyment than bad antennas or expensive gear. Learn how to stay focused. Many newcomers to the amateur radio hobby get discouraged early, not because of difficult exams or technical barriers, but because of the politics and drama found within the community. This video breaks down why toxic people are the primary obstacle to your success a...

After my last discussion about problems inside organizations and amateur radio clubs, the response proved exactly why this conversation needed to happen. Instead of respectful disagreement, many communities today are filled with personal attacks, social media drama, harassment, and people who are far bolder behind a keyboard than they would ever be face to face. In this video, we talk about: Onlin...

https://amzn.to/4dUuwGw Trying to figure out which breaker controls what in your house can be a complete nightmare… until now. In this video, I take a look at the KAIWEETS KT301 Breaker Finder and show you exactly how it works in a real-world setting. From identifying circuits quickly to testing outlets and GFCI protection, this thing has quickly become one of my favorite electrical tools around t...

The Comet GP-15 has become one of the most talked-about dual-band base antennas in amateur radio, and today we're putting it to the test! In this video, I'll unbox the Comet GP-15, walk through the assembly process, install it at the shack, and share my first impressions of its build quality, design, and performance potential on 2 Meters and 70 Centimeters. Is the GP-15 worth the investment? How e...