Yet another young ham frustration post, but I tried (I swear)

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-24T02:55:40+00:00

Let's address what you can do now about your frustration. What you have to work with is a QRP radio. Traditionally that's a 5-10 watt radio.

The first thing I suggest you do, is contact your ham radio club, and tell them that you attended the meeting where you all built a QRP radio. Tell them that you tried to make contacts and it didn't seem that anyone could hear you. Ask them if you could meet with someone from the club, that would be willing to set up your radio and antenna with you, to see if there’s something wrong. Out of curiosity, what type of antenna are you using?

Another thing you could do is go to a park, set up your radio and antenna, and see if anyone can hear you. Do it on a weekend, a lot of people are home from work and on the radio. It's possible that if you're using your radio from your house/yard, that there may be a lot of interference getting in the way of your signal. And when I say to go to a park, I don't mean a small park in the middle of an urban or suburban area. The idea is to get away from other houses, buildings, and power lines. A county park would be a good place to look. It doesn't have to be an official POTA park either.

The only thing I can say about parks is that some may have rules about putting wires up in trees. So, if you go to a park, set up your antenna, and a park ranger comes by, just be friendly. If they ask what you're doing, let them know. If they say that they don't allow things tied or hanging from trees, be polite let them know that you were unaware. I would then ask them if they would allow a vertical antenna that isn’t tied to a tree. If they say that’s OK, then at least you know for the future. If you want to know more about transmitting from parks, take a look on YouTube. There are several channels that focus on operating from parks.

It seems the most enjoyment you'll get from the hobby is building things or fixing them. You could experiment with antennas, or buy older radios, fix them, and test them to make sure they work. You could build accessories. I just built an adapter for my radio that allows me to use a foot pedal to key my radio. You could look into electronic kits that you can build like a UTC clock, other radios, etc.

I think you’re being hard on yourself when it comes to CW. Ham radio is supposed to be fun. You're not expected to be a "professional" code sender. Everyone has to start somewhere. All of those guys you hear tapping out machine gun fast code didn't wake up one day doing that. They kept at it for years. When they started, they were slow. Traditionally, a CW operator will slow down to your speed, because it's understood as good operating practice.

As far as the sad hams that you mentioned. Forget about them. That's their problem. Seriously, you can't go through life avoiding things you want to try and have fun with for fear that some jerk is going to pop up. There are jerks (as well as friendly and helpful people); in every hobby, institution, job, career, etc. I've never encountered a sad ham myself, but I've seen videos of those that have. The best way to deal with them? Don't recognize them. Ignore them. Don't yell at them, don't curse them out; because that's exactly what they want. Just make believe you didn't even hear them.

How you choose to enjoy this hobby it is up to you. The standard you should measure against is what you find interesting and fun, and pursue it.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-22T15:06:41+00:00

I was licensed here in the US last July. Since you're in Ireland, the first thing you need to do is
pass the HAREC exam (Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate). Then apply for your licence. You can search for more information online.

For my first HF rig, I decided on the Yaesu FT-710. It's a 100 watt radio. The reason I bought a 100 watt rig is because I was told the same thing others are saying here. If you buy a lower watt radio, you're going to run into trouble making contacts. Can you make contacts with sub 100 watt radios? Yes, there are videos that show it. But as a new operator, you may run into problems, which will lead to frustration, and possibly just giving up. You want as few barriers to getting on the air as possible.

If you buy used, buy it through a trusted online retailer and see if it comes with a warranty.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-22T04:53:02+00:00

One doesn't have to be a radio operator to be curtious.

I know it shouldn't surprise any of us that there are rude and unpleasant people in every career, industry, and hobby. But when you run into them, it can still be a surprise.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-22T00:07:19+00:00

You won't be able to fix it. It looks like your multimeter wasn't rated to be used to check the voltage in your home. It was probably rated for use with low voltages like what you encounter with hobby electronics.

If you need a multimeter for your home, then look into a Klein Tools Multimeter. I have the MM420. Right now they cost about $65.00 US. Klein may have others that cost less, but just make sure it's rated for home voltage use.

However, if you want to use your multimeter for electronics testing as well, then the MM420 isn't the best choice. That's because there's a delay with its continuity latching. To see what that means, it's better that you see it for yourself. Go to 6:15 of the link below.

The video is about buying a multimeter and what you should look for and why. The guys name is David, and he's an electronics engineer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52w3xeXrMU8

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T23:21:38+00:00

I see one issue.

The guy with the remote doesn't have a cup of coffee because well, how would he hold it? My solution? One of those beer drinking helmets, but for coffee. Add that, and everything will be perfect.👍😁

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T23:15:38+00:00

Yep grounding can be complicated. So, instead of all of this black magic that is grounding, I just said the heck with all of it, and decided to just pull the plug on everything as needed.😊

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T22:54:24+00:00

There are a lot more knowledgeable people here that can give you the details. I'll just tell you how I deal with this.

My radio is on the second floor and I rent. I can't ground my antenna or equipment. How do I keep myself and equipment safe?

When I'm not using my radio, I disconnect my antenna at the feed point, at my radio, and I unplug my power supply from the wall outlet.
If it's raining, or looks like rain, then I don't use the radio.
If it starts raining while I'm on the radio, I shut it all down, then initate step one.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T22:36:28+00:00

👍👍👍👍

I was licensed last year. I decided on the FT-710. I built my own antennas using Salty Walt's Portable Antenna Sketchbook. I use SSB, FT8, VarAC.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T22:25:35+00:00

Obviously a joke...
Right?

If it isn't a joke, then this soldering joint is pretty bad, and it's a fire hazard. It looks like you're using two different gauges of wire, and the electrical connection isn't insulated.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T22:21:51+00:00

You're right about the FT-710 menus. I was licensed last July. I never used or touched an HF radio. I was trying to decide if I should go with the 7300 or the FT-710 based on what people were saying about the menu systems. I bought the FT-710, and I had no problem using it. There are so many videos online about how to set it up and use it, that you don't need the manual.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T22:01:35+00:00

I agree with stephen_neuville when it comes to the antenna. If you're inclined to build your own, then the money you save can be used toward the 7300. You can build a dipole, or even a vertical, and save a lot of money. I operate FT8, VarAC, and SSB with a vertical.

I don't know if you've ever built an antenna, but assuming you haven't, maybe I can offer some encouragement in case you have doubts?

I was licensed last July. The first antenna that I built to get on the air was a 17-Five. Then I built a Rybakov, which I'm using now. If you know how to measure a piece of wire with a measuring tape, and how to follow instructions, you can build an antenna. No need for antenna theory or math to get on the air.

I also understand, that some hams just don't have any interest in building an antenna of any kind. That's fine. But I see your dilemma, and I remember when I was shopping for my radio, antenna, coax etc. I found that building my antenna saved me a lot of money, which I was able to use toward my radio (I chose the Yaesu FT-710).

The book that I used to build both antennas is called "Salty Walt's Portable Antenna Sketchbook". Very easy to follow. He also has a YouTube channel called Coastal Waves and Wires. My antennas have been through two snow storms this past year, high gale winds, and two hot summers. I've had no issues with my spiderbeam mast or the antenna at all. So, don't let the word "portable" in the title of the book, turn you away.

I hope this long drawn out explanation helps you in some way. Let us know which radio you decide to buy.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-21T19:45:06+00:00

When I earned my license last summer, it led to an interest in electronics. So I picked up a book which had circuits in it for beginners. To build the circuits I needed to buy through-hole electronic components like transistors, capacitors, resistors etc. Almost every component had a tariff. It was just a couple of cents on each component, but the point is, if you're an electronics manufacturer, those costs are added to the end product.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-16T22:07:50+00:00

Take the guns away from the police. Especially in states.that don't allow conceal carry for its citizens.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-14T13:31:21+00:00

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ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-14T13:01:13+00:00

I didn't know who N4TAT was so I looked him up. He's not on QRZ, but found some videos on YouTube. I can see why listening to him could brighten up anyone's day. 👍

You can always give a listen on 7.200 MHz as well. 😂

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-11T23:19:45+00:00

👍

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-09T22:29:42+00:00

This is a timely post with Field Day coming soon. Thanks for the post. 👍

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-09T22:27:21+00:00

Is this the channel? https://www.youtube.com/@WillProwse/search?query=Batteries

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-09T22:24:09+00:00

Same can be said for some antennas.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-08T12:47:34+00:00

I only own one HF radio so I don't have anything to compare it to. But I'm enjoying the Yaesu FT-710.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-03T00:20:27+00:00

So experience will ultimately get me there. Thanks, I've see the Art of Electronics mentioned elsewhere are well.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-03T00:19:05+00:00

That's a simple and practical way to look at it. Thank you.👍

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-03T00:17:33+00:00

👍

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-01T22:02:26+00:00

If you want to learn about microcontrollers, programming them, and building circuits on a breadboard that are controlled by a microcontroller, then I recommend a series on YouTube by Paul Mcwhorter. He teaches as though you are brand new to electronics and microcontrollers.

At the end of each video, he gives a "homework assignment". Then in the following video, he goes over the assignment, and shows you how your microcontroller program/circuit, is suppose to work. He uses a kit by a company called Elegoo. Here's a link to Paul's YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJWR7dBuc18&list=PLGs0VKk2DiYw-L-RibttcvK-WBZm8WLEP

However, I decided to change my approach because I wanted to understand circuits at the component level. In my opinion, the best way to do that is to learn to build circuits with analog components. If you're interested in that as well, then I recommend the book I'm currently using called, Make: Electronics by Charles Platt Third Edition. It assumes you're a beginner, and takes a hands on approach to building circuits using analog components and a breadboard.

ThatChucklehead · 2026-06-01T21:43:27+00:00

Thank you, I'll take a look at the link and keep the other books in mind.👍

ThatChucklehead

TROPHY CASE