Tank Radio

n this special episode previewing the 7th Annual GoKit Challenge (March 21, 2026, at Double Tree Ranch Park in Highland Village, Texas), host Tank Radio interviews organizers Scott and Kelly about the event's origins (starting 8 years ago over Whataburger discussions to inspire portable ham radio setups), its focus on education/sharing rather than pure competition, and how participants display their self-contained, battery-powered go kits (beyond just an HT—think full portable systems with radios, batteries, antennas, accessories, and use-case customizations for POTA, emergency response, public service events like races/marathons, or ARES support). The challenge features free entry (rain or shine, setup from 7:30 AM, judging/awards ~noon, pavilion until ~4 PM), categories including HF/People's Choice, Best Mobile (vehicle/trailer), and 50MHz+ (for Tech-class operators with VHF/UHF-focused kits), a peer-voting system using tickets dropped in labeled cups, acrylic plaques/mugs/license plates as prizes (displayed for a year), free breakfast tacos/coffee (with donations supporting Texas State Parks on the Air food), a fun raffle item (ham-useful gear, tickets ~$5-10), and emphasis on learning from each other (mentoring, battery efficiency, wiring ideas, etc.) even if kits are incomplete.


New Tanker Radio Gear:
New Tank Radio Pillow - https://www.etsy.com/listing/4295008136/tank-radio-pillow-for-amateur-radio
New Tank Radio Black Out T Shirt - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-black-out-t-shirt-on-demand-order
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
5% off at Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ

Lets meet one of the newest Operator Physics Duck himself, Chris Boden

New Tanker Radio Gear:
New Tank Radio Pillow - https://www.etsy.com/listing/4295008136/tank-radio-pillow-for-amateur-radio
New Tank Radio Black Out T Shirt - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-black-out-t-shirt-on-demand-order
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
5% off at Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ

I ask all my friend at Orlando HamCation 2026, What part of Ham Radio you havent Explored yet.


New Tanker Radio Gear:
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ

Catching Up with Carlos  @LifeAtTerminalVelocity  While he is still on the ground
 
New Tanker Radio Gear:
New Tank Radio Pillow - https://www.etsy.com/listing/4295008136/tank-radio-pillow-for-amateur-radio
New Tank Radio Black Out T Shirt - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-black-out-t-shirt-on-demand-order
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
5% off at Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ

Topics:
New Radio from MTC
FT8 wsjtx
Mashtastic
Thanksgiving Radio Plans
Tank Radio Pint glasses
Tank Lighter
Radio Gadgets
• Nano VNA
• Tiny SA
Grid Track FT8


New Tanker Radio Gear:
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ
#KG5AHJ #TankRadio

Join ham radio operator Joe as he reveals the exciting hobby of hunting National Weather Service weather balloons (radiosondes) launched twice daily to over 100,000 feet. Using affordable gear like an RTL-SDR dongle, Raspberry Pi, and SondeHub.org for live telemetry tracking, discover how to decode GPS coordinates in real time and turn it into a high-tech geocaching-style chase — or even use direction finding for classic fox-hunting fun. Learn the setup, get recovery tips, and check out the K5RWK Balloonatics Society for upcoming launches and full instructions at k5rwk.org/balloons!


New Tanker Radio Gear:
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ
#KG5AHJ #TankRadio

PrepHam Paul is joining me and we will catch up with him and we have some channel news.


New Tanker Radio Gear:
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ
#KG5AHJ #TankRadio

Join me for a Live POTA Activation of Park 2996 Cedar Hill State Park.  I work the radio live and you get to hear all the contacts.  What a fun time.

New Tanker Radio Gear:
New Tank Radio Pillow - https://www.etsy.com/listing/4295008136/tank-radio-pillow-for-amateur-radio
New Tank Radio Black Out T Shirt - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-black-out-t-shirt-on-demand-order
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
5% off at Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ

I talk about the channel updates and whats going on behind the seasons.  


New Tanker Radio Gear:
New Tank Radio Pillow - https://www.etsy.com/listing/4295008136/tank-radio-pillow-for-amateur-radio
New Tank Radio Black Out T Shirt - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-black-out-t-shirt-on-demand-order
Tank US Band Plan Pad - https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats - https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack - https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack

Help support me by:
RollerCam Website - https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
5% off at Alpha Antenna - https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order

Follow me on:
Discord:  https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ