Ham Radio All Portable Discussion Zone
by Charlie NJ7V
Welcome to the All Portable Discussion Zone. Our show is the audio version of the popular YouTube podcast found on the Red Summit RF channel, where we welcome special guests and engage in roundtable discussions on a wide range of topics including designing, building, modifying, and improving ham radio equipment.Don't forget to check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/redsummitrf
Episodes
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Vacuum Tubes Still Glow — Grayson KJ7UM on Thermatrons
Grayson Evans KJ7UM wrote the book on vacuum tube homebrew radio. Literally. His Hollow State Design book, now in its third edition, covers everything from the history and theory of vacuum tubes to building your own circuits from scratch. Along the way, he coined the term Thermatron as a better...
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Build Your Own Radio Without Spending Big — Charlie ZL2CTM
Charlie Morris ZL2CTM is a New Zealand homebrewer and retired Air Force avionics technician who builds radios and electronics projects one module at a time on stripboard over a copper ground plane, housed in plastic food containers from the supermarket. His message is clear: you don’t need...
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LC Meter from Scratch: Modernized with an Arduino
In this Homebrew Workbench Roundtable, Tobias KK7BCO and I are joined by first-time guest Rishav, from Nepal, who recently completed his master's degree with research focused on relative navigation between two spacecraft and is soon to continue his work as a researcher in spacecraft guidance,...
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Inside the G QRP Club — Graham G3MFJ on George Dobbs & the Sudden Kits
Graham G3MFJ has been building electronics since neighbors started dropping off broken valve radios for him to fix as a child. Licensed since 1957, he eventually found his way to the G QRP Club through a friend (Tony G4WIF) who paid his first year's membership without asking, and ended up…
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Take the Homebrew Design. Make It Yours - Mike G3TSO
Mike G3TSO has been licensed since 1964 and building since well before that. His philosophy is simple: find a design that does most of what you want, take it, modify it, and make it your own. It's how he went from crystal sets and valve receivers built from a library book called Fun With Radio…
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Homebrew ATUs & Matching Units for QRP — Peter HB9EBE
Peter HB9EBE has been building his own antenna matching units since getting back into ham radio about 10 years ago, and his approach is about as minimal as it gets. His go-to field tuner is a homebrew L-match built around a single toroid and polyvaricon, small enough to fit in a dental floss case...
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50 Years Licensed and Still Building — Gary W0MNA & Martha W0ERI
Gary W0MNA and Martha W0ERI have been licensed for over 50 years each and are still building, activating, and teaching others to do the same. Based in Leavenworth, Kansas, they are regulars at Four Days in May and Ozark Con, where they mentor the Friday evening build session and beta test new kit...
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Homebrew Transceivers Designed for the Trail — Paul VK3HN
Paul VK3HN has been building homebrew radio gear since the late 1970s and activating SOTA summits in the Australian bush since around 2015 — and he'll tell you the two pursuits feed off each other perfectly. His Summit Prowler series of homebrew superhet transceivers were designed specifically…
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Homebrew ATU Roundtable: L-Match, T-Match & Antenna Projects
In this Homebrew Workbench Roundtable, Adam K6ARK, Tobias KK7BCO, and I dig into QRP antenna tuners and workbench projects. We cover L-match and T-match concepts, Adam's K6ARK QRP Antenna Matching Unit, and the G0FUW HB-ATU based on the classic Heathkit HFT-9 circuit. Tobias built two scratch...
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Our Field Day Debrief — What Worked, What Didn't
In this roundtable episode, Dan KC7MSU, Brian W7JET, and I debrief on Field Day, touch on the 13 Colonies special event, and I share highlights from a three day SOTA excursion with my wife W7NRS just before Field Day.Superstition Amateur Radio Club: https://superstitionarc.org/Morsle CW Practice:...
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He Climbed the Highest Peak on Every Continent — Saurabh N6RUN
Saurabh Bhasin N6RUN has climbed the highest peak on every continent, finished five Ironmans, runs mountain ultras, and is active in SOTA.In this episode we talk about how mountaineering and ham radio collided for Saurabh, his Everest summit on May 14, 2025, and his six month attempt to get a...
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Homebrew Roundtable: Freq Counters, PA Power & AI Agents
In this Homebrew Workbench Roundtable, Tobias KK7BCO and I are joined by Mitch NK3H, filling in for Adam K6ARK, to talk through what is on our benches right now.We cover frequency counter builds and wiring lessons learned, a direct conversion receiver that's now pulling in W1AW, Mitch's SuperHET...
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Homebrew Radio from 1950s Crystals to Satellite - Stuart M0SGV
Stuart M0SGV started soldering at age 8 in the 1950s, building crystal sets with a copper tip heated over a gas cooker. Nearly 70 years later he is still at the bench, building tube transmitters from 1949 magazine circuits, Hans Summers QMX and QDX rigs, a Michigan Mighty Mite, and a high voltage...
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He Designs Free QRP Rigs Anyone Can Build — Barb WB2CBA Interview
Barb WB2CBA is a civil engineer by trade and an open source QRP designer by passion. Every circuit he's created has gone straight to GitHub with no paywalls and no kits he controls exclusively, and builders around the world have taken notice. In this episode Barb walks us through his major…
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Chasing His 6th Mountain Goat — Derek W7DLZ on SOTA & QRP
Derek W7DLZ has earned the SOTA Mountain Goat award five times over and he's closing in on a sixth. Since his first activation in September 2021, Derek has operated from hundreds of summits across six associations and twenty-two regions at a pace that's hard to believe, and he shows no signs of...
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Rick N3FJZ: Scratchbuilt HF Transceivers & Homebrew Radio Philosophy
In this episode, I sit down with Rick N3FJZ — a prolific homebrew builder known in the SolderSmoke community for his meticulous construction, clean schematics, and commitment to all-discrete analog design. We trace his journey from his first scratch build projects to his current tranciever with a...
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Homebrew Radio Roundtable: Stockton Wattmeter + DIY RF Amplifier
In this episode, Tobias KK7BCO and I continue our discussion on the Stockton Bidirectional Wattmeter and SWR Indicator project, covering our progress, build experiences, and what we’ve learned along the way. With Adam K6ARK unavailable this month, Mitch NK3H joins the roundtable and shares…
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ISS School Contact, Rookie Roundup & VHF/UHF Book
In this episode, we take a roundtable approach as each host brings a topic to the discussion. Brian shares insights from the Rookie Roundup and what makes it a great entry point into contesting. Dan talks about coordinating an ARISS contact, working with educators and local hams to connect…
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He Builds DIY Radios… And Leads a 300+ Member Ham Club (KM4UDX)
In this episode, we sit down with Don Taylor, KM4UDX, to talk through his approach to homebrew radio and hands-on experimentation. From uBITX modifications to scratch-built projects and antenna work, Don shares what he’s building, what’s working, and what he’s learned along the way. We also…
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He Built a Full CW + SSB Radio From Scratch… Here’s How
In this episode, we gather around the workbench with special guest Mitch NK3H to talk through his latest homebrew radio build—a scratch-built receiver capable of both CW and SSB. We dig into the design approach, construction techniques, challenges along the way, and what it takes to successfully...
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Can We Build George Dobbs’ Signal Generator From Scratch? | Homebrew Ham Radio Podcast
In this episode, we gather around the workbench to look back on our latest homebrew scratch-build project: George Dobbs’ signal generator. Join us as we discuss the design process, parts selection, challenges, lessons learned, and what it took to bring this ham radio project to life from the…
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Yes—You Can Build a Radio | Peter Parker VK3YE
In this interview, I sit down with Peter Parker to talk about making radio simple, practical, and accessible for anyone.Peter is well known in the amateur radio community for his clear, no-nonsense approach to building and operating simple radios. We discuss how beginners can get started, why you...
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Build Your Own Radio (Even as a Beginner) – Homebrew Ham Radio with ZL2BNE
Neville Marr, ZL2BNE, is a New Zealand amateur radio operator known for turning homebrew radio into something approachable and practical. He’s designed and shared projects like a 40-meter SDR receiver kit and regularly operates using self-built SDR transceivers, including the T41 platform. Along...
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Inside the World of DX Chasing, Hamfests & Radio Travel
In this episode of the Ham Radio Operators Roundtable, Dan (KC7MSU), Brian (W7JET), and Charlie (NJ7V) share their experiences, tips, and stories from the road and the airwaves. From tracking rare contacts across the globe to navigating hamfests and setting up stations while traveling, you’ll…
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Amateur Radio DIY: Dan AI6XG’s Homebrew Projects
In this video, Dan Koellen (AI6XG) shares the stories behind some of his most creative homebrew radio and electronics projects.Dan has spent years building, modifying, and perfecting gear for ham radio, portable operations like SOTA (Summits On The Air), and experimental electronics. From…
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Let’s Learn, Experiment, and Build Cool Ham Radio Gear!
In this episode we gather around the workbench to talk about what we’re currently building, experimenting with, and learning in our ham radio shacks. Then we announce something new: **group homebrew scratch-build projects** that we’ll be working on together over the coming episodes. If you enjoy...
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Doug DeMaw’s Tuna Tin II: The Story Continued by Rex Harper
In this video, Rex Harper (W1REX) shares the remarkable history of the Tuna Tin II, one of the most beloved homebrew QRP radios in amateur radio.Originally designed by Doug DeMaw (W1CER), the Tuna Tin II began as a simple, clever transceiver built into a literal tuna can. Over the years, the…
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DIY Electronics & Ham Radio Education with Vince VE6LK
Discover Vince VE6LK, a ham radio educator and electronics experimenter, as he shares hands-on projects, DIY experiments, and practical tips for getting on the air. Perfect for beginners and seasoned hams alike, this video shows how Vince blends teaching, tinkering, and innovation to make amateur...
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This Is Why Every Ham Should Try Homebrew QRP - With Tony EI5EM
Tony EI5EM is a long-time homebrew and QRP enthusiast with a passion for building radios from the ground up. In this interview, Tony talks about what draws him to homebrew radio, why QRP is so rewarding, and shares some of the projects he’s built and put on the air. He also offers encouragement…
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Operating Best Practices - Ham Radio Operators Roundtable
Drawing loosely from two presentations delivered at Contest University 2022, roundtable members Dan KC7MSU, Brian W7JET, and Charlie NJ7V discuss some of the most important and commonly overlooked ham radio operating techniques. This is a practical, experience-driven conversation focused on what...
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Ham Radio High Adventure with Brad KA9JDE
Brad, KA9JDE, is a Summits on the Air (SOTA) Mountain Goat. The stories behind his achievement are inspiring — and at times, downright harrowing. Join us as we dive into Brad’s journey through ham radio, how he discovered SOTA, the advice he has for outdoor radio operators, and even his side…
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Homebrew Workbench Roundtable - Scratch Build Design Steps and Build Techniques
This is the first in a series of special episodes on building and modifying your own ham radio gear - antennas, radios, equipment peripherals, and more.In this episode: * Adam (K6ARK) walks through the steps of designing a project * Charlie (NJ7V) covers different scratch-building methods *…
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Ham Radio Operators Roundtable - Ham Shack - Remote Ops - SOTA
Dan KC7MSU shares his progress with the Ham Shack Build Project, Brian W7JET talks about contesting and remote operation, and Charlie NJ7V talks about the Summits on the Air UHV/VHF SSB/CW Challenge.Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly…
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Homebrew and QRP Ham Radio with Jeff VE3CW
Jeff VE3CW has wide-ranging interests in amateur radio, including contesting, homebrewing, QRP, and portable operations. In this episode, we dive into some of his current ham radio projects, and Jeff shares encouragement and tips for hams who are new to homebrewing and portable operating.Join us…
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Amazing Ham Radio QRP Achievements with Fred KT5X
Fred KT5X was the first person in North America to achieve Mountain Goat. He is an accomplished QRPer, having achieved numerous awards in the QRP world, including worked all continents and several DXCCs. He is a great ambassador of QRP portable ops. When operating SOTA, he often uses his clubs…
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SEASON 5 - Ham Radio All Portable Discussion Zone
Season 5 of the All Portable Discussion Zone (APDZ) will resume on January 4th at 2300 UTC.Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we...
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Summits on the Air in Utah - WY7N Achieves Mountain Goat #26 Season 4
Bruce WY7N has reached the status of Mountain Goat in the State of Utah, which has some difficult to traverse mountains. In this episode we will talk to Bruce about his challenges in reaching this milestone and what he has learned along the way.Bruce's YouTube Channel:...
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Summits on the Air - A Biathlon for Geeks #25 Season 4
If ever a person embodied Summits on the Air, it would be Paula K9IR. She is a very active participant, who has earned several Shack Sloth Awards and is over half way to earning her 3rd Mountain Goat Award. Paula is a dedicated person, not only to ham radio, but to the community and individual.…
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Ham Radio Apps and Online Tools #24 Season 4
The "Five by Five Ham Radio Forum" is back! Join us for a captivating show hosted by five YouTubers, where ham radio apps and online tools take center stage. On every 5th Sunday, three popular YouTube channels combine their talents, bringing together a team of five hosts. Tank Radio and this...
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Portable Ham Radio Gear Used and Designed by Joshua N5FY #23 Season 4
I met Joshua N5FY at Hamvention 2024. I joined him and Thomas K4SWL for a couple of POTA activations following the hamfest. Joshua has designed some very nice 3D printed accessories for Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air stations. He designs the accessories and then uses them in the field…
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Chasing SOTA, POTA and QRPp Ham Radio Stations From Home #22 Season 4
Dan, Brian and I discuss ham radio "chasing", the often overlooked side of Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air. Both Dan and Brian discuss improvements to their stations which improve their chasing capabilities. I talk about the Miles Per Watt Award (KMPW) for the QRPp'er. Join us as we talk...
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March Magnetic Custom Made Morse Code Paddles #21 Season 4
I met Mike K4QU at Hamvention in 2024. This was the second time I come upon his display of some of the most amazing, professionally crafted Morse code paddles. I invited Mike to join us to find out more about "March Magnetic Paddles" and also a little about his ham radio journey. Mike's Website:...
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Ham Radio Equipment Ideas for QRP Operation #20 Season 4
Chris N1CLC joins me tonight to talk about equipment for ham radio QRP stations. We will dive into some of the more obscure equipment ideas that we have tried, and tell you how they worked in the field. This will be a modified version of the “what’s in your pack” or “SOTA pack loadout” topic…
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Scratch-Build Radio and Electronics Projects with Nick M0NTV #19 Season 4
Nick Wood M0NTV enjoys building ham radios and other electronics projects from scratch. He has a firm understanding of the science and techniques necessary to build his projects. Nick has a wonderful YouTube channel where he teaches the basics about homebrew radio construction and how their...
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Ham Radio on the Appalachian Trail - Summits on the Air Adventures #18 Season 4
Scott Fusilier N4AAJ thru-hiked a large portion of the Appalachian Trail, and section hiked several stretches of the trail to completed the entire 2198 miles. He also hiked the top 188 miles in Maine twice. His first activation, once he started doing SOTA activations on the trail, was Mt.…
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HF Radio With a 21st century 'Twist' - And a Bunch of Wooohoooos! #17 Season 4
Simon VA7BIX comes to us from Victoria, BC Canada. He enthusiastically shares his field activations LIVE on YouTube. His energetic persona is infectious as you watch him take calls on his ham radio from people around the world. Join us as we find out more about who this larger than life ham with…
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Ham Radio Field Day Prep, Hiking Safety, and FDIM Vendors #16 Season 4
In this episode of "Just the Hosts" we'll discuss Field Day Prep - Chaos to Contacts, Survival Prep for Hiking, and Four Days in May Vendors. Brian doesn't know if he will make it in time to the show so we invited Chris N1CLC back. If Brian gets done with his flight in time he'll join as a "color...
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Making a Great Ham Radio Station for Summits on the Air #15 Season 4
Walt Stinson (W0CP) has explored just about every niche of the Ham Radio community that you can think of. Starting in radio at age 10 as a short wave listener, he has never stopped expanding his experience in amateur radio. Walt has served as the director of the ARRL, created organizations in...
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Mountaintop Portable Ham Radio in the Rocky Mountains #14 Season 4
We hear from Allen Le Vie KH7AL in this episode. He shares stories about adventures outdoors while operating ham radio. He grew up western Washington State and retired from the Air Force in 2020 after nearly 23 years on active duty. He loves operating mountaintop portable while participating in...
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You Can Build A Ham Radio From Scratch #13 Season 4
Pete Juliano N6QW is larger than life and beaming with enthusiasm for building electronics equipment. With over 50 years of experience, Pete has mastered his understanding of how the inside of a radio works. What's more, he is willing to share his knowledge and insights with others. As a QRP Hall...
About this show
Welcome to the All Portable Discussion Zone. Our show is the audio version of the popular YouTube podcast found on the Red Summit RF channel, where we welcome special guests and engage in roundtable discussions on a wide range of topics including designing, building, modifying, and improving ham radio equipment.Don't forget to check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/redsummitrf
Hosted by
Charlie NJ7V
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