Episodes
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Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 10 | Ham Radio Antennas Explained
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...
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Ham Radio for Beginners – Episode 8Portable Ham Radio: POTA, Field Day & Operating Away From Home
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...
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Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 11 | SWR Explained (The Simple Guide Every New Ham Needs)
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...
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Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 9 | How to Choose Your First Ham Radio
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…
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Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 7 | QSL Cards Explained + LoTW, WRL & QRZ
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...
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Field Day 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before the Big Weekend!
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...
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New Ham? Start Here! VHF/UHF Radio Basics & Programming Tips
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...
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New Ham Radio Operators Are Terrified to Transmit | Here’s Why
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...
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Your First Net Check-In Doesn’t Have to Be Terrifying
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,...
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Nervous About Your First Repeater Transmission? Here’s What to Do
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...
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Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 3 | Digital Voice Modes Explained
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…
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Breaking Down Ham Radio Call Sign Formats
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…
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13 Colonies Special Event 2026: Everything You Need to Know! | HamShackTV LIVE
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.…
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When Passion Becomes Exhaustion | Finding Balance in Ham Radio & Life
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...
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I Took Ham Radio Politics Too Far… Here’s My Apology
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,...
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2026 ARRL Field Day Announcement | HamShackTV Operating as W4I
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,...
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HamShackTV LIVE: ARRL Kids Day Special!
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...
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New To Ham Radio? Avoid This Huge Mistake
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...
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Keyboard Warriors & The Death of Respect in Hobby Communities
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...
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I FINALLY Found the RIGHT Breaker… KAIWEETS KT301 Breaker Finder Review
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...
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Comet GP-15 Unboxing & Installation | Is This the Ultimate Dual-Band Base Antenna?
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,...
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Free CW Classes to Help You Dominate Field Day 2026
longislandcwclub.org/2026fieldday Field Day 2026 is almost here, and if you've been thinking about getting on CW but lack the confidence to jump in, the Long Island CW Club has the perfect opportunity for you. The Long Island CW Club is offering a series of FREE Field Day CW preparation classes...
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Radio Amateurs of Canada Vice-President Brent Taylor, VY2HF, Silent Key
The Amateur Radio community is mourning the loss of Brent Taylor, VY2HF, Vice-President of Radio Amateurs of Canada, who became a Silent Key on May 21, 2026, at the age of 66. Brent's sudden passing has deeply impacted Amateur Radio operators across Canada and around the world. First licensed in...
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I Found the RFinder B1 at Dayton Hamvention... Is It Worth It?
The RFinder B1 has generated a lot of buzz in the amateur radio community, but does it live up to the hype? While walking the commercial vendor area at Dayton Hamvention 2026, I stopped by the RFinder booth to get a closer look at the B1 Android-based radio. In this video, we'll explore its...
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Why Ham Radio Clubs Are Losing Members (And It’s NOT the FCC)
Why are some amateur radio clubs thriving while others struggle to attract members, retain volunteers, and grow for the future? In this commentary, we tackle a difficult but important topic: toxic club culture. From personality conflicts and internal politics to volunteer burnout and governance...
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Hamvention 2026 | Checking Out Whistler Scanners
Join HamShackTV as we stop by the Whistler booth at Dayton Hamvention 2026 to check out the latest scanner radios, monitoring technology, and communications gear from one of the most recognizable names in the scanner hobby. From public safety monitoring to weather, aviation, railroads, and…
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The Missing Kenwood TM-D750 at Dayton Hamvention 2026
The Kenwood TM-D750 continues to generate major interest in the amateur radio community… but many operators are still asking the same question: Where is it? At Dayton Hamvention 2026, we stopped by the Kenwood booth looking for updates on the long-anticipated TM-D750 mobile radio. In this video…
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Rain, Mud & Ham Radio | Saturday at Dayton Hamvention 2026
Saturday at Dayton Hamvention 2026 turned into a wet and muddy adventure, but that didn’t stop thousands of ham radio operators from packing the fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. Join HamShackTV as we walk through the rain-soaked flea market, crowded vendor buildings, campground meetups, and the…
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Dayton Hamvention 2026 BONEYARD Part 1 | Flea Market Gold, Junk & Rare Ham Radio Finds
Welcome to Part 1 of our massive walkthrough of the legendary Hamvention Boneyard at Dayton Hamvention 2026. This is where old radios, rare gear, forgotten technology, military surplus, antennas, tubes, test equipment, vintage electronics, and unbelievable bargains all come together in one giant...
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FINAL LOOK at Dayton Hamvention 2026 Before It Closes!
Dayton Hamvention 2026 is coming to an end, and in this video we take one final walk through the flea market, vendor buildings, and fairgrounds as exhibitors begin packing up and hams squeeze in those last-minute deals before the gates close. From crowded aisles and rare radio finds to emotional...
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Is Ten-Tec Making a Comeback?! New HF Radio Teased at Hamvention
Ten-Tec is back at Dayton Hamvention 2026, and amateur radio operators are asking one big question… is a brand-new HF radio finally on the way? In this video, we tour the Ten-Tec booth at Hamvention and take a closer look at what the company is showing off this year, including discussions...
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INSIDE the Icom Booth at Hamvention 2026 | ID-5200 & X026 Revealed
We’re taking you inside the massive Icom booth at Dayton Hamvention 2026 for a closer look at some of the most talked-about gear of the weekend — including the long-awaited Icom ID-5200 and the mysterious new X026 platform. Join HamShackTV as we walk the booth floor, check out the latest radios,...
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Meeting Andy N0APX from World Radio League for the FIRST Time at Hamvention 2026
At Dayton Hamvention 2026, we finally got to meet Andy N0APX from World Radio League in person for the very first time! In this video, we talk ham radio, Hamvention, the amateur radio community, and the growing partnership between HamShackTV and World Radio League as part of the 2nd Annual...
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The Powerful Story of Don “Doc” Ballard | HamShackTV Exclusive
While attending Dayton Hamvention 2026, we had the incredible honor of meeting and interviewing Don 'Doc' Ballard, amateur radio operator W0MOH and recipient of the Medal of Honor. In this powerful conversation, Doc shares his journey into ham radio, reflects on the challenges many veterans face...
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Icom FINALLY Shows the ID-5200 at Hamvention 2026! + X026 Shape Reveal
At Dayton Hamvention 2026, Ray Novak gives us a first look at a working example of the long-awaited Icom ID-5200! After months of speculation and anticipation throughout the amateur radio community, Icom finally pulled the curtain back and showcased the radio in action on the Hamvention floor. We...
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Travel Day to Dayton! Ohio Welcome Center Stop + EARLY Hamvention Vendor Hall Walkthrough
The road to Dayton begins! In this episode of the 2nd Annual HamShackTV Hamfest Tour fueled by Ham Radio Prep and World Radio League, we travel through Cincinnati on our way to Dayton Hamvention 2026! Along the way, we stop at the Ohio Welcome Center before heading to Xenia for an EARLY…
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Dayton Hamvention 2026 PREP! Weather Forecast, HamTubers Meetup & Travel Plans
The Dayton Hamvention countdown is officially on, and in this video we’re getting ready for the biggest ham radio gathering in the world. We’ll talk about the latest weather forecast heading into Hamvention weekend, travel prep, gear loading, and one of the most anticipated social events of the...
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I Graduated College at 37… Here’s What I Learned
GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj At 37 years old, I officially graduated from Pellissippi State Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Media Technologies, graduating Cum Laude. This video isn’t about bragging. It’s...
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New House, New Shack… and New Problems
We moved—and that means a brand new HamShackTV studio and antenna setup. In this behind-the-scenes walk and talk, I take you through the new shack, show the antenna setup, and deal with the reality of setting up at a new location… including carpenter bees and a broken riding mower. This isn’t a...
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Why ARRL Kids Day Might Save Ham Radio
ARRL Kids Day is one of the most important events in amateur radio—and not enough people are talking about it. In this video, we break down what Kids Day is, why it matters, and how you can get involved to help inspire the next generation of ham radio operators. If you care about the future of...
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How Ham Radio is the Closest Thing We Have to Star Wars Tech
Celebrate May the Fourth with a deep dive into how ham radio mirrors the technology of Star Wars. From global communication using HF propagation to off-grid emergency communications and DIY radio setups, amateur radio operators are doing things today that feel straight out of science fiction. In...
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On The Air: The History of AM 1450 WLAF | Small Town Radio
There was a time when local radio was everything. Before social media. Before smartphones. Before everything got centralized and corporate… stations like AM 1450 WLAF were the heartbeat of their communities. “On The Air” tells the story of WLAF — a small-town AM station that has weathered decades...
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Why EVERY Ham Radio Operator Needs to Attend Dayton Hamvention Once
Everybody says you need to attend Dayton Hamvention at least once—but why? In this video, we break down what makes Dayton Hamvention the biggest and most important event in ham radio—and why every operator should experience it in person. From the massive flea market to the vendor halls and the...
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I Tested the Starlink Mini Backpack — Here’s What Happened
GET YOURS: https://amzn.to/4sWxHDe Starlink Mini is built for portability… but without the right setup, it’s a mess to travel with. In this video, we take a look at the DAQA Starlink Mini Backpack — a purpose-built solution designed to carry your entire setup in one clean, organized system. If...
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2 MILLION VIEWS GIVEAWAY! Win a $600+ Shack Pack LIVE (Hamvention Preview)
We just crossed 2,000,000 total views on HamShackTV… and we’re not letting that go by quietly. We’re giving away a $600+ Intellitron Shack Pack from GigaParts—and it’s happening LIVE. 📅 WHEN: May 7th at 8PM Eastern 📍 WHERE: HamShackTV Hamvention Preview Show ⚠️ RULES: You MUST be watching LIVE...
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HF Is Overrated (Yeah, I Said It)
For years, ham radio has pushed one idea: If you’re not on HF… you’re not a “real” operator. But is that actually true? Or is HF just sitting on a pedestal it doesn’t deserve anymore? In this video, I break down the real problems with HF—cost, complexity, noise, and accessibility—and why more...
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Repeaters Are Killing Ham Radio (Nobody Wants to Admit It)
https://www.gigaparts.com/ Scan your local repeaters. What do you hear? Probably nothing. Repeaters were supposed to be the backbone of local ham radio—but today, many of them sit silent… or worse, stuck in the same repetitive conversations with the same small group of operators. So what…
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Stop Calling It Ham Radio… It’s Just a Hobby Now
Ham radio has a branding problem—and nobody wants to talk about it. For decades, we’ve told people this hobby is all about emergency communications, public service, and being the “last line of communication” when everything fails. But is that actually what most operators are doing today? Or are…
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INSTANT Upgrade! EMEET SmartCam 600 Takes HamshackTV to 4K!
GET YOURS: https://amzn.to/4ttfQ7S Is this really a studio upgrade… or just another gadget? Today we’re putting the EMEET SmartCam S600 4K Webcam to the test—but not the way most people use it. Instead of a face cam, we’re flipping it into an overhead camera for the shack. And here’s the…
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Retevis HA2 Review: The Budget Radio That Actually DELIVERS?
https://amzn.to/4cTWjaJ Is the Retevis HA2 just another cheap handheld… or is it actually worth your money? In this video, I put the HA2 through real-world testing—audio quality, range, build, battery life, and whether it holds up against the radios most people are actually using. No fluff. No…
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HamShackTV currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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