Have you ever wondered what really happens when ham radio operators gather at hamfests? In this special live episode, we pull back the curtain on ham radio culture as we broadcast directly from our campsite at Nearfest Spring 2025.

Nestled in the "Grouch Mobile Command" (Paul's camper) with rain pattering on the tent, our full crew shares the day's adventures and hamfest finds. Mike proudly recounts scoring an ATAS 120 antenna for a steal when a seller mistakenly thought it was an older model. Paul shows off his vintage first-generation iPad purchase, while others discuss their unique discoveries among the vendor tables. Between stories of great deals and the occasional "smoke test" at neighboring booths, you'll experience the authentic hamfest atmosphere that keeps operators coming back year after year.

The episode takes an unexpected turn when Paul volunteers to run the Granite State Amateur Radio Association's nightly net directly from Nearfest. Armed with his government-issue notebook and characteristic humor, Paul navigates check-ins and facilitates conversations across the local repeater, demonstrating the community aspect of amateur radio. Later, we attempt some HF operations to connect with a fellow operator, showcasing both the challenges and joys of making contacts from field locations.

As night falls and the conversation flows, we dive into equipment comparisons, future travel plans (including Paul's upcoming POTA tour and skydiving adventure), and even contemplate a group purchase of the OnlyHams.com domain. Throughout it all, the camaraderie that defines our hobby shines through – the perfect reminder that ham radio is about more than just technical knowledge; it's about creating meaningful connections both on and off the air.

Whether you're a seasoned operator or simply curious about the human side of amateur radio, join us for this unfiltered look at ham radio fellowship. And if you're at Nearfest tomorrow, stop by Matt's Reliance Antenna booth to say hello!

Leave us a Review via Text Message!

Support the show

//**************************************************************//

Help Paul N1OG get to get his Class A Skydiving License
https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-pauls-skydiving-therapy-adventure

Support the show:
Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/

//***********//
Leave us a Show Review via SMS Text - https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178012/open_sms

Leave the hosts a voicemail:
Call and leave us a voicemail with comments or questions, or tell us how to do our jobs! 978.233.1142

Affiliate:
Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10
Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM
Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM

YouTube Channel:
Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham
Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR
Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch
Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ

Swag/Shows/Updates:
https://livefreeandham.com

Join our discord:
https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs

If you would also like to learn more about the hosts:
Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1st...