Welcome to The Ham Radio Guy, your go-to podcast for all things amateur radio! In today’s episode, we tackle the often-overlooked costs of amateur radio memberships. From local clubs to national organizations like the ARRL, AMSAT, and beyond, memberships can pile up and add significantly to your yearly expenses. But what value do they bring in return?

I'll share my own annual membership costs, what benefits I get, and whether they’re worth the investment. Plus, we’ll explore why some operators choose not to join, while others find their community and skill development through these groups.

Don’t miss the Ham Radio Guy Joke of the Week, Skywarn Recognition Day updates, and exciting news about Pearl Harbor Day commemorative operations.

Shoutout to our sponsor, Dakota Lithium! If you’re looking for a reliable power solution for your ham shack, POTA activations, or winter preparedness, their batteries are a game-changer. Save 5% with my exclusive link in the show notes.

Join The Ham Radio Guy for an exciting interview with Mark, WC3W, from the DX Marathon! In this special episode, we discuss what the DX Marathon is, how it works, and why it’s perfect for operators of all skill levels. Whether you’re new to chasing DX or a seasoned contester, this laid-back yet rewarding event is something you’ll want to be part of. Mark shares insights into the rules, tips for maximizing your score, and how you can still submit your 2024 QSOs. Plus, we discuss how to get ahead for 2025 and make the most of this year-long challenge. 👉 Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn more about the DX Marathon and how it can enhance your ham radio journey. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more ham radio content!

NEWS

https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-members-raise-47-000-for-stem-education-in-online-auction

https://ramp247.com/programming/balloon-clips-collapses-kkob-tower/

Links Mentioned in Podcast

https://hamradioacademy.com/the-physics-of-morse-code-efficiency-in-simplicity/Affiliate

Affiliate Links 

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguyClub Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code: Ham

Thehamradioguy

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

Alpha Antenna.     https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=24

Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/ 

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: [email protected]

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SHOW NOTES

Links mentioned in the podcast

Emergency Weather Radio  https://amzn.to/3WtlRCl

Ready.gov

https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm

Solar panel https://dakotalithium.com/product/folding-fast-charging-12v-solar-panel-50-watts-waterproof/

SPONSOR

Dakota Lithium. https://dakotalithium.com/ham-radio-backup-emergency-power-lithium-batteries/

NEWS

 https://www.arrl.org/news/an-incredible-amateur-radio-rescue-story

https://www.arrl.org/news/hurricane-milton-storm-updates

https://www.arrl.org/news/ham-radio-serving-southeast-us-recovery-efforts

https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/ham-radio-operators-assemble-ahead-of-hurricane-milton

Affiliate Links

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

LINKS

http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

https://amzn.to/3MyIQHC     EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit IFAK EMT Molle Pouch Survival Kit Outdoor Gear Emergency Kits

https://amzn.to/3X6QEF6  Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter Rod with Striker -Waterproof

  https://amzn.to/4cRnWOt   Black Beard Fire Plugs (50 Plugs)

https://amzn.to/3APiG0p    Explorer 2.0 Compass

 https://amzn.to/3XfY2y1    Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets 1 or a 4 pack

https://amzn.to/3za0Hl0      Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification Tablets (30 Pack)

https://amzn.to/4gdtJ3O   Nitecore NU50 1400 Lumen Lightweight Headlamp 4000mAh Battery USB-C this does not have a spare battery where you can use a AA but it does have a 38hrs run time on low. 

https://anthemsnacks.com/   NO affiliation with this company but I have tried many flavors of their jerky and find it to be very good Jerky.   

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: [email protected]

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IN this episode, we explore the exciting world of ham radio, where global connections happen without the internet or cell towers. Discover how this technology enables communication with people across the globe, from remote locations to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. We dive into the history, from its origins in the 19th century to its role in emergency communications and the latest technological advances. Learn how to get involved, earn your license, and join a community of enthusiasts passionate about the science and adventure of radio communication. Tune in for more!

Affiliate Links

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: [email protected]

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In Episode #41, we dive into some exciting updates for the ham radio community. We discuss how Solar Cycle 25 is exceeding expectations with its surprising strength. We also celebrate 75 years of the National Traffic System (NTS)

Additionally, we cover the pros and cons of ham radio insurance and whether it's something you need. Plus, we talk about upcoming hamfests, including Pacificon 2024, 

SHOW NOTES

Links mentioned in the podcast

https://amzn.to/4ef8tsB  250 piece survival kit

https://ns6t.net/azimuth/     Azimuth map

Ham Radio Insurnace Options

https://www.hamradioinsurance.com

https://www.arrlinsurance.com

SPONSOR

Dakota Lithium. https://dakotalithium.com/ham-radio-backup-emergency-power-lithium-batteries/

NEWS

Affiliate Links

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

LINKS

http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for the newsletter

I made a mistake in this audio as this is Episode #40 and not number #42 as I stated.

SHOW NOTES

Links mentioned in the podcast

https://www.amsat.org/status/

SPONSOR

Dakota Lithium. https://dakotalithium.com/ham-radio-backup-emergency-power-lithium-batteries/

NEWS

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGMg8lwR2lg  

https://www.amsat.org/ans-217-amsat-news-service-weekly-bulletins/

Affiliate Links

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

LINKS

http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for the newsletter

In Episode 39, we are thrilled to have a special guest, Grace Papay (K8LG), the recipient of the prestigious Young Ham of the Year Award. Grace shares her journey into amateur radio, her achievements, and the future of the hobby for her.

We also bring you the latest news about Solar Cycle 25, discussing its implications for radio operators. Additionally, we'll cover the FCC's introduction of a new event code, MEP, and what it means for the amateur radio community.

Tune in for an exciting and informative episode filled with insights, news, and inspiring stories from the world of amateur radio!

SHOW NOTES

Links mentioned in the podcast

Emergency Weather Radio  https://amzn.to/3WtlRCl

SPONSOR

Dakota Lithium. https://dakotalithium.com/ham-radio-backup-emergency-power-lithium-batteries/

NEWS

https://spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=03&month=08&year=2024

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-new-emergency-alert-code-missing-endangered-persons

Affiliate Links

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

 ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231

LINKS

http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

SOCIAL MEDIA 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for the newsletter

SHOW NOTES

Links mentioned in the podcast

For more information on Ham Radio and Emergency Communication, check out these articles:

• Prepper Radio: The No-BS Ham Radio Technician Exam Prep Guide
  

SPONSOR

Dakota Lithium. https://dakotalithium.com/ham-radio-backup-emergency-power-lithium-batteries/

Other Links

https://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

NEWS

https://daily.hamweekly.com/2024/07/amateur-radio-newsline-young-ham-of-the-year-announced/?utm_source=amateur-radio-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

https://www2.lehigh.edu/news/ham-radio-call-signs-discovered-during-clayton-uc-renovation-revive-memories-of-lehighs?utm_source=amateur-radio-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

Ham Radio call sign Discovered during Renovation

https://www.lighthouse-weekend.international

Affiliate Links

Club Gear Online.  Clubgearonline.com

ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=save10hamradioguy

County Comms - Every day carry items http://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIOGUY

Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty https://dakotalithium.com/?rfsn=7897114.6bcfa3 use Coupon Code:

Thehamradioguy

https://hamradioprep.com/ Use code HAMRADIOGUY

Radioddity - Mobile/HT’s https://www.radioddity.com/

LINKS

http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar

SOCIAL MEDIA 

https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy 

https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy

Email: [email protected]

Sign up for the newsletter