In this episode of Everyday Ham, we explore how everyday hobbies — from scanning police channels to using walkie-talkies with friends — can spark a lifelong interest in amateur radio. James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) share their personal journeys into the hobby, along with highlights (and regrets) from the recent Toledo Hamfest. We also talk storm preparedness, building your first antenna, and why welcoming new hams matters more than ever. Whether you're a seasoned operator or radio-curious, this one’s for you.

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In this episode of Everyday Ham, James (K8JKU), Rory (W8KNX), and Jim (N8JRD) dive into the highs and lows of ham swaps, sharing their experiences from the Livonia Amateur Radio Club Swap & Shop. They break down the best strategies for scoring great deals, avoiding overpriced junk, and navigating the chaos of a busy swap meet.

But that’s not all—this episode also tackles a hot debate in the POTA and DX community. A recent Costa Rica DXpedition sparked controversy when operators skipped formal park number exchanges, leaving some POTA chasers frustrated. Was this a case of bad operating, or are people missing the point of a DXpedition? The guys share their takes on POTA etiquette, fast-paced activations, and why every ham should embrace the "work them how they work you" mindset.

Plus, Jim takes his first steps into the world of DMR radio, Rory shares his contesting victories, and the crew discusses the best upcoming swap meets and why every ham should attend at least one.

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As Yaesu navigates a shift in its mobile radio lineup, we're here to dissect the implications of these changes. From the unexpected discontinuation of older models to the buzz surrounding the anticipated FTX-1F release, we examine what this means for the future of mobile communication. Dive into the amateur radio community's reactions and ponder Yaesu's strategic moves with us. We'll discuss the groundbreaking advancements in audio signal processing, especially their potential to enhance emergency communications, and consider how these innovations could transform the market.

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Everyday Ham! Join James, Rory, and Jim as they introduce themselves, share their ham radio journeys, and discuss the diversity of this amazing hobby. From family legacies to rediscovering ham radio after years away, they explore what drew them to the airwaves. They also dive into their goals for 2025, like tackling CW, and preparing for the ultimate ham pilgrimage—Dayton Hamvention. This casual, conversational episode is a perfect starting point for new and seasoned hams alike. 

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