Live Free and Ham Podcast

What if exploring the great outdoors could become an exhilarating ham radio adventure? In this episode of Live Free and Ham, we take you on a journey through the trials and triumphs of activating wildlife preserves and trail systems for Parks on the Air (POTA). We share personal stories from our own activations in North Carolina and New Hampshire, offering a rare glimpse into the unique challenges and joys of setting up ham radio operations in these pristine environments. Plus, hear about the outstanding contributions from the Grand State Amateur Radio Association and how other clubs are making their mark in the ham radio community.
Imagine the power of a portable antenna that’s as effective as it is easy to use. Todd recounts his success with the BuddyPole Pro, despite a brief hiatus due to personal projects. We revisit past park activations, discussing tips and tricks for optimizing your gear in the field. We also seek your feedback on the BuddyPole Pro, emphasizing the importance of community insights in advancing portable operations. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, you’ll find valuable advice and practical solutions to elevate your ham radio experiences.
Have you ever considered activating non-traditional POTA parks? From navigating remote wildlife management areas to setting up mobile HF stations at kids' soccer games, we cover it all with humor and practical advice. We share stories of adventures at Moosehead Lake in Maine and the Copacut Wildlife Management Area, highlighting the creativity and planning needed for these unique activations. We also touch on navigating wildlife park boundaries and the tools that can help. Join us for an engaging discussion that promises to inspire your next ham radio adventure and maybe even challenge you to explore new territories.
Multimeter: Review from Temporarily Offline YT Channel (TO.)
TO. YT: https://youtu.be/Bcb4D2r_aT4?si=fYMcltwSl9e9VyEx
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHDJRP3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Onx Offroad Trail Maps
https://www.onxmaps.com

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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/
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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://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG
Ryan (W1SNH) - https://w1snh.com

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Ever had a relaxing beach vacation interrupted by a sudden 60 mph gust of wind while you're trying to operate your ham radio? This week on Live Free and Ham, we recount our family trip to North Carolina, balancing leisure and our passion for Parks on the Air (POTA) activations. Alongside our travel tales, Todd shares his ongoing battle with a rotting deck at home, while I navigate my own ham radio hurdles, including a particularly vexing experience with the Ham Shock Hotline. And don't miss the heartwarming moment when a perfectly aimed beam antenna helped us connect with co-host Ryan during our travels!
Frequency etiquette can be a minefield, and we’ve got plenty of stories to illustrate how patience and diplomacy can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for community building. Tune in as we unpack an intense encounter during a POTA activity, where a net operator aggressively claimed frequency ownership, and how we managed to keep our cool. We also shine a light on the importance of respecting designated frequencies, especially during emergencies and special events like field days, and share tips for maintaining harmony on the airwaves.
Finally, join us as we talk about the unsung heroes in the ham radio world, including a new segment called "Doing Good," aimed at showcasing the positive contributions from ham radio clubs across the globe. Although submissions are slow, we encourage you to share your stories. We wrap up with a shoutout to Kevin from Iowa and his new YouTube channel, Farm RC Pilot, celebrating his return to the RC hobby. Whether you're knee-deep in a DIY project or navigating the airwaves, this episode has something to inspire every ham radio enthusiast.
HR 20 Links for Maritime Mobile Net
1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ562E-2Cj8
2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06uRLjjrUao
Reddit links:
https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/1d1uadl/big_14300_drama_right_now/?rdt=36275
https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/1d209df/followup_both_the_maritime_mobile_net_and_the/
K0KLB New RC Flying Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@FarmRCPilot

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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/
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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://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG
Ryan (W1SNH) - https://w1snh.com

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Have you ever had that heart-pounding moment when the mic goes live, and your mind goes blank? We've all been there, and Live Free and Ham, we not only chuckle over these shared experiences but also offer a guiding hand through the maze of mic fright. Join me, Eric N1JUR, along with co-hosts Paul N1OG and Todd W1STJ, as we weave together personal victories and the camaraderie built through waves and wires. From the rush of securing a prized call sign to the community spirit found on repeaters, we celebrate the milestones that make the ham radio journey so exhilarating.
Ham radio isn't just about frequencies; it's about the people and stories behind the callsigns. Todd regales us with his antenna escapades, driven by Mother Nature's whims, while I share the anticipation of eclipsing a thousand YouTube subscribers. We get you up to speed with the upcoming stream featuring Jeremy KL7EC, who's set to share tales of POTA and the Alaskan wilderness. And for those burning to broaden their ham horizons, we let you in on how embracing those initial awkward silences on air can lead to worldwide banter and friendships.
Ending on a note of inclusivity and growth, our episode extends a warm welcome to anyone curious to key up their first transmission or seeking to refine their on-air finesse. The ham radio landscape is vast and ripe with opportunities to learn, mentor, and enjoy the thrill of connecting with others. Whether you're chasing call signs, decoding QSOs, or just needing a hearty laugh about our on-air foibles, this Live Free and Ham session promises to be your cozy shack of stories and insights. So, strap on your headphones, key up, and let's share in this continuously unfolding adventure.

Leave us a Review via Text Message!

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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/
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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://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG
Ryan (W1SNH) - https://w1snh.com

...

Are you ready to conquer the chaos of pileups in Ham Radio? Join us, Eric and Todd, as we navigate the wild world of Ham Radio pileups, sharing insights, strategies and personal stories from our adventures in park activations. From understanding the power of call signs to leveraging spotting networks, we demystify the pileup phenomena and show you how to make the most out of every contact.
We reveal the nuances of managing pileups during Parks on the Air (POTA) activations, and share our proven strategies for maximizing contacts regardless of the time of day, solar cycles or your 'spray pattern'. Hear about our friends Kyle and Jason's epic nine-state Rove and discover how we manipulate our call signs for optimal traffic during activations. We also delve into the art of pileup etiquette, stressing the importance of staying focused, listening and the indispensable role of note-taking.
We wrap up with some heartwarming tales from the Ham Radio community, sharing an inspirational tale of an experienced activator who didn't let cold weather stop him from making contacts. Get ready for a thrilling and enlightening conversation that will enrich your Ham Radio experience. So tune in, sit back and let us journey together through the exciting world of Ham Radio pileups.

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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/
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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://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG
Ryan (W1SNH) - https://w1snh.com

...

Yes, it's hard to believe it's been over a year since we started this journey. We're incredibly grateful for all the support and love we've received. We're thrilled to announce that we'll be hosting a special live-stream show to commemorate this milestone. Not only that, but we've also reached out to some of our talented YouTube friends to join us for the celebration.
We'd love for you to join us on this momentous occasion as we reflect on the incredible journey so far, share some behind-the-scenes stories, and give you a sneak peek into our exciting plans for the podcast in 2024!
Show Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/qpB1rQ5CCmo

Leave us a Review via Text Message!

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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://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG
Ryan (W1SNH) - https://w1snh.com

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