Live Free and Ham Podcast

Ready to unlock the secrets to a successful ARL Field Day? Join us as Eric (N1JUR) and Todd (W1STJ) bring you the latest updates and behind-the-scenes preparations for one of the most anticipated events in the amateur radio calendar. From new shirt designs in our storefront to a handy feature for leaving reviews via SMS, we have an exciting lineup that keeps the momentum high despite Paul's absenc...

Yes, it's hard to believe it's been over a year since we started this journey. We're incredibly grateful for all the support and love we've received. We're thrilled to announce that we'll be hosting a special live-stream show to commemorate this milestone. Not only that, but we've also reached out to some of our talented YouTube friends to join us for the celebration. We'd love for you to join us...

Discover the vibrant world of HF radios and join us, Eric N1JUR, Paul N1OG, and Todd W1STJ, as we guide you through the options for both the ham radio newbie and the seasoned operator. From our new "Do Good" segment celebrating ham radio community contributions to Todd's gripping journey towards his extra class license, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, personal anecdotes, and practica...

Step into the dynamic world of amateur radio with us, where the airwaves come alive with stories, laughter, and a wealth of knowledge! Discover how a converted news van becomes an HF ham's dream while skirting HOA rules, and learn from Todd W1STJ as he tackles tough questions from the extra class license pool. Join the excitement as we welcome Carlos, the skydiving ham, to our live stream and cele...

We were not skydiving ourselves - jumping out of a perfectly functioning airplane didn't make sense. Instead, we enjoyed listening to Carlos K9OL from @LifeAtTerminalVelocity  share his experiences with mobile parachuting and other fun ham radio activities.  Check out Carlos's Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAtTerminalVelocity Check out Parachute Mobile Website: https://parachutemobile.wor...

Have you ever had that heart-pounding moment when the mic goes live, and your mind goes blank? We've all been there, and Live Free and Ham, we not only chuckle over these shared experiences but also offer a guiding hand through the maze of mic fright. Join me, Eric N1JUR, along with co-hosts Paul N1OG and Todd W1STJ, as we weave together personal victories and the camaraderie built through waves a...

Prepare to upshift your mobile ham radio game as we weigh the pros and cons of different rig setups. Todd's journey from an HT to a Yaesu FTM-400 and then an FTM-300 will resonate with many of you, while I'll share the insights and occasional frustrations of our mobile installations. We'll dissect the value of features such as touchscreens and cross-band repeat functionality and how they transform...

Gather 'round, fellow adventurers, as this week we swap tales from the baseball diamond and sandy shores, to the icy frontiers of Alaska with Jeremy KL7EC of KL7EC Outdoors. Our camaraderie blooms in the chill of the Alaskan wilderness, where we uncover Jeremy's transition from CB to amateur radio, and how this has woven into the fabric of his extreme outdoor lifestyle. From activating parks over...

Gear up for a hearty discussion on the must-have equipment and antennas to enhance your ham radio experience.  Ever wonder what makes a ham radio operator tick? It's the HT.  Let us walk you through the ins and outs of choosing the perfect Handheld Transceiver (HT), from the wallet-friendly Baofeng UV5R to the rugged reliability of high-end models. We weigh in on the digital evolution of amateur r...

When Craig first keyed up his radio as a fresh technician, little did he know the odyssey of ham radio would lead him to our show as an amateur extra with tales that resonate with every push of the PTT. Our show tunes into the heartbeat of amateur radio, from field day triumphs to the innovative ways our club keeps the airwaves alive. But what keeps our world turning? The repeaters—our lifeline. ...

Prepare to have your antennas tuned to the perfect frequency, as we bring you an electrifying conversation about the future of ham radio connectivity with our special guest, Mark from Halibut. Amidst tales of QSO parties and park activations, we cut through the static of the ordinary with an exploration of the Open Headset Interconnect Standard. It's not just about soldering circuits; it's about s...

Ever wondered if crafting your own antenna could put you on a pedestal in the ham radio community, or is shelling out for a store-bought model the way to go? Strap in as we, your hosts Eric N1JUR, Paul KF4TPY, and Todd W1STJ, debate the merits of build vs. buy and bring you a treasure trove of tales from antenna adventures to Park Activations. We're not just talking theory here; we dive into real-...

The Live Free and Ham Crew are getting together for our monthly live show! Be part of this month's AMA, and let's talk Ham Radio! Youtube Show Episode: https://youtu.be/m666rrySQfA Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //**************************************************************// Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patre...

Spring has sprung early, and with it, a bevy of Parks on the Air (POTA) activities has bloomed. Join us as we embark on a frequency-filled adventure. We've got a treasure trove of updates, including the scoop on our make-up live stream and the latest on our giveaway. But that’s just the tip of the antenna! We’ll test Todd's ham study prowess with some tricky questions and celebrate the impressive...

In this discussion, we will explore the Adventure Radio Protocol in detail with George KJ6VU, who is well-known for his work on the Ham Radio Workbench. George will explain how this protocol can offer a more reliable and straightforward alternative to the wilderness protocol, using your HT. We will also delve into his latest design, the Adventure Radio Controller, and discuss the possibilities it...

Step into our realm where antennas become playgrounds for the imagination, turning ordinary objects into conduits for connection. As we light up bicycle tires and repurpose trampolines, our adventures remind us that failure is the prelude to success. We talk with Kevin K0KLB of Ham Radio QRP as he shares his adventures in tuning up some objects in and around the farm in Iowa. QRZ Information K0KLB...

Have you ever wondered about the unsung heroes that emerge in the hour of need? Meet Ben and Nick, whose incredible survival story is a testament to the life-saving power of Ham Radio in dire circumstances. Our episode peels back the layers of emergency communication, bringing you gripping accounts of close calls and showcasing the strength of the amateur radio community in the throes of New Hamps...

Ever thought about diving into the world of ham radio? This dynamic and engaging episode promises to walk you through every nook and cranny of this exciting hobby. Pull up a chair as we warmly welcome our new co-host, Paul, who takes us through his exciting journey of integrating a new radio into his shack and his plans for automation via Node Red. Craving for a supportive community where you can...

Step into a world where the airwaves come alive with holiday cheer and the warm crackle of radio frequencies. Our Christmas special is brimming with the spirit of giving as we, Eric (N1JUR) and co-hosts Paul KF4TPY, Ryan W1SNH, and Todd W1STJ, celebrate hitting the 100-subscriber mark. We're dishing out our top ham radio picks from 2023, and trust us; this isn't just another gear talk; it's a trea...

Ever wondered about the camaraderie, challenges, and thrilling chase involved in ham radio park activations? Join us on a thrilling journey in the quest for the coveted Kilo award in Parks on the Air. With Todd, Eric, and Ryan leading the charge, we make our way through the Nashua Rail Trail Park in New Hampshire, one contact at a time. Our tales of night-time radio silence and our love for 10 met...

Ever dreamt of a day filled with adrenaline, radios, and a hearty dose of Mother Nature's beauty? If so, we promise to teleport you beyond the everyday humdrum and into the exciting world of amateur radio Seven Park Rove. With your favorite hosts Ryan, Eric, and Todd, this episode is a thrilling journey through our ham radio adventures - and you're in the driver's seat! We didn't stop at that, tho...

Are you ready to embark on a ham radio adventure with us? I'm your host Eric, with Todd and our special guests Paul and Matt, diving headfirst into the world of amateur radio. We kick off the conversation with Todd teasing upcoming park activations in Louisiana and Mississippi, and Paul sharing his latest forays into tinkering with ham radio equipment. With Christmas on the horizon and our subscri...

It's a wild, wondrous world for amateur radio enthusiasts, and we've got your all-access pass! From cozy local gatherings to regional celebrations all the way to expansive conferences, we cover every corner of the ham fest universe. Todd even dishes up some insider advice for new hams straight from NEAR-fest, while Ryan shares his ingenious strategy for scoring those elusive unmarked components. A...

Are you ready to conquer the chaos of pileups in Ham Radio? Join us, Eric and Todd, as we navigate the wild world of Ham Radio pileups, sharing insights, strategies and personal stories from our adventures in park activations. From understanding the power of call signs to leveraging spotting networks, we demystify the pileup phenomena and show you how to make the most out of every contact.  We rev...

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to POTA in New England? How about the adrenaline rush of setting up your radio in an unexplored park, with the anticipation of making your first contact? Look no further! Podcast guests Jason (KC5HWB Ham Radio 2.0)  and Kyle (AA0Z)  will take you on an exhilarating journey through their POTA adventures across New England. From band coordination, equipme...