Ham Radio 2.0

In this video, we're checking out two different products: the SenseCAP Solar Node and the Atlavox Beacon Solar Meshtastic Node. These devices offer excellent solutions for off grid communication, leveraging meshtastic and lora technology. We'll go through their features and specifications, showing how a meshtastic solar node can extend your network.

Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - save 20% off of all of their courses with code JASON20 here - https://geni.us/830iXi5
Nodes in this video:
1 - https://tidd.ly/3NQZJRP
2 - https://geni.us/MJFjgL
3 - https://atlavox.com/wnrwwl
4 - https://geni.us/YYBer4S

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Join us tonight as I welcome several other YouTubers onto the livestream to talk about plans for next week.

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Join me for an exciting Parks on the Air (POTA) activation using the compact Radioddity HF-009 portable HF vertical antenna paired with the powerful Stryker SR-955 10-meter radio!

In this video:
Radioddity HF-009 Antenna - https://www.radioddity.com/products/radioddity-hf-009?ref=JASONJOHNSTON
Save $15 with code KC5HWB
Stryker SR-955HP - https://amzn.to/4kuE91x

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Discover the Spec5 Relay from SpecFive – a powerful solar-powered Meshtastic LoRa relay node built for true off-grid, long-range communication. This autonomous repeater extends your Meshtastic mesh network dramatically, acting as a permanent, hands-free station to connect distant nodes without relying on cell service, Wi-Fi, or constant maintenance. In this video, we dive deep into the SpecFive Relay features:

Get the SpecFive Relay here - https://geni.us/YYBer4S

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Ham Radio Deluxe offers everything you can want in a logging software platform. Link - https://www.hamradiodeluxe.com/aff/B10FBCA73E139C01896591F4552E7B00/index.html?subid=556942 COUPON: hamradio20

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Get a free month of Starlink here - https://starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-2018381-42800-52

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Is Ham radio truly welcoming to newcomers and fresh ideas, or does gatekeeping and resistance to change hold the hobby back? In this video, we dive deep into the real experiences of new hams in 2026—exploring everything from friendly "Elmer" mentors who guide beginners, to stories of grumpy old-timers, club snobbery, and unwelcoming attitudes on repeaters and forums.

Whether you're thinking about getting your Technician license, already a new ham feeling intimidated, or a longtime operator wondering how to make the hobby more inclusive—this honest discussion uncovers the good, the bad, and the hopeful side of amateur radio today. If you're new to ham radio, curious about the community drama, or passionate about keeping the hobby alive for future generations, hit play and join the conversation! 

Today's video is sponsored by M&P Coax - use code HR2CABLES to save 10% off of all products at this link - https://geni.us/hr2cables

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🚨 Iran's Internet Blackout: How Activists Are Smuggling Starlink Terminals to Fight Censorship in 2026! 🚨
Dive deep into the heart of Iran's escalating internet shutdown amid widespread protests—where the government has cut off access to the world wide web, silencing voices and stifling dissent. But hope persists: For years, brave Iranian activists have been secretly smuggling SpaceX's Starlink satellite dishes across borders, turning hidden "pirate manors" into underground communication hubs. Discover the daring smuggling routes, the tech hacks to evade detection, and real stories of how these portable antennas are beaming uncensored internet to families, journalists, and revolutionaries. From Elon Musk's surprise fee waiver for Starlink in Iran to the cat-and-mouse game with Russian interference tech, this video uncovers the high-stakes battle for digital freedom.

Today's video is sponsored by Redodo Power - use code HAMRADIO8 to save 8% off of anything on their website - https://geni.us/WLb2dyz

AP News Article - https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-starlink-spacex-musk-satellite-9c153cf164959ddd99e4d0f0d4ebd544

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Interview of the admins prior to Hamcation 2026

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🚨 6 Must-Have Meshtastic Devices for 2026: Unlock Epic Off-Grid LoRa Mesh Magic! 🚨

Gear up for 2026's hottest Meshtastic upgrades – six innovative LoRa powerhouses ready to supercharge your decentralized network! From ultra-compact solar-charging nodes with e-ink displays and environmental sensors to rugged handheld touchscreen beasts packing GPS and 10+ mile rural ranges, these SX126x gems deliver jam-proof comms, low-power efficiency, and seamless firmware integration for ham radio backups, emergency ops, or trail adventures. Whether you're building a resilient grid or hunting POTA activations, these drops redefine off-grid connectivity. Which feature blows your mind? 

From the video:

1. https://amzn.to/49W8wcu
2. https://meshnology.com/products/thinknode-m4-power-bank-lora-device-with-meshtastic-powered-by-nrf52840?variant=47224726716654&ta_aff=M9BCD4RGEA 
3. https://specfive.com/products/spec5-spectre-pro?sca_ref=7246271.KyGRZJaXNbi7N5P
4. https://www.seeedstudio.com/Wio-Tracker-L1-Pro-p-6454.html?sensecap_affiliate=q7PhJN2&referring_service=link 
5. https://store.rakwireless.com/?ref=JASONJOHNSTON
6. https://lowmesh.com My Meshtastic Amazon List - https://amzn.to/4qQaEJH

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