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 ou...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 43
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...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 42
Ever wondered how solar storms can impact your ham radio contacts? Join Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) as we explore the thrilling and sometimes frustrating world of ham radio propagation. We'll break down the intricacies of the solar cycle and how it influences your radio experiences, plus share exciting plans for the upcoming Field Day. Don't miss our “Doing Good” segment showcasing the inspiring activities of ham radio clubs and Todd's deep dive into questions from...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Ready to unlock the secrets to a successful ARL Field Day? Join us as Eric (N1JUR) and Todd (W1STJ) bring you the latest updates and behind-the-scenes preparations for one of the most anticipated events in the amateur radio calendar. From new shirt designs in our storefront to a handy feature for leaving reviews via SMS, we have an exciting lineup that keeps the momentum high despite Paul's absence. We also celebrate our one-year anniversary, reflecting on the journey and expressing our hea...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 40
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 j...
Jun 09, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Discover the vibrant world of HF radios and join us, Eric N1JUR, Paul N1OG, and Todd W1STJ, as we guide you through the options for both the ham radio newbie and the seasoned operator. From our new "Do Good" segment celebrating ham radio community contributions to Todd's gripping journey towards his extra class license, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice. Whether braving your first foray into HF nets or optimizing your shack with...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Step into the dynamic world of amateur radio with us, where the airwaves come alive with stories, laughter, and a wealth of knowledge! Discover how a converted news van becomes an HF ham's dream while skirting HOA rules, and learn from Todd W1STJ as he tackles tough questions from the extra class license pool. Join the excitement as we welcome Carlos, the skydiving ham, to our live stream and celebrate the ingenuity and spirit of our vibrant community. Embark on a journey through the quirky...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 37
We were not skydiving ourselves - jumping out of a perfectly functioning airplane didn't make sense. Instead, we enjoyed listening to Carlos K9OL from @LifeAtTerminalVelocity share his experiences with mobile parachuting and other fun ham radio activities. Check out Carlos's Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAtTerminalVelocity Check out Parachute Mobile Website: https://parachutemobile.wordpress.com/ Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //*************************...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 36
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 repeate...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Prepare to upshift your mobile ham radio game as we weigh the pros and cons of different rig setups. Todd's journey from an HT to a Yaesu FTM-400 and then an FTM-300 will resonate with many of you, while I'll share the insights and occasional frustrations of our mobile installations. We'll dissect the value of features such as touchscreens and cross-band repeat functionality and how they transform our mobile radio experiences. We'll also discuss the joys of ergonomic vehicle ...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Gather 'round, fellow adventurers, as this week we swap tales from the baseball diamond and sandy shores, to the icy frontiers of Alaska with Jeremy KL7EC of KL7EC Outdoors. Our camaraderie blooms in the chill of the Alaskan wilderness, where we uncover Jeremy's transition from CB to amateur radio, and how this has woven into the fabric of his extreme outdoor lifestyle. From activating parks over Denali's high peaks to innovating antenna setups in subzero temperatures, these stori...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Gear up for a hearty discussion on the must-have equipment and antennas to enhance your ham radio experience. Ever wonder what makes a ham radio operator tick? It's the HT. Let us walk you through the ins and outs of choosing the perfect Handheld Transceiver (HT), from the wallet-friendly Baofeng UV5R to the rugged reliability of high-end models. We weigh in on the digital evolution of amateur radio, debating the virtues of DMR and Fusion modes. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or ...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 32
When Craig first keyed up his radio as a fresh technician, little did he know the odyssey of ham radio would lead him to our show as an amateur extra with tales that resonate with every push of the PTT. Our show tunes into the heartbeat of amateur radio, from field day triumphs to the innovative ways our club keeps the airwaves alive. But what keeps our world turning? The repeaters—our lifeline. As we traverse the fusion of analog and digital operations, we enter the Wolfpack Network, a testamen...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Prepare to have your antennas tuned to the perfect frequency, as we bring you an electrifying conversation about the future of ham radio connectivity with our special guest, Mark from Halibut. Amidst tales of QSO parties and park activations, we cut through the static of the ordinary with an exploration of the Open Headset Interconnect Standard. It's not just about soldering circuits; it's about soldering connections within our vibrant community. The airwaves are alive with innovation,...
Mar 25, 2024•2 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Ever wondered if crafting your own antenna could put you on a pedestal in the ham radio community, or is shelling out for a store-bought model the way to go? Strap in as we, your hosts Eric N1JUR, Paul KF4TPY, and Todd W1STJ, debate the merits of build vs. buy and bring you a treasure trove of tales from antenna adventures to Park Activations. We're not just talking theory here; we dive into real-life stories of go-box transformations, the quest for the elusive Hawaiian contact, and the unm...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 28
The Live Free and Ham Crew are getting together for our monthly live show! Be part of this month's AMA, and let's talk Ham Radio! Youtube Show Episode: https://youtu.be/m666rrySQfA Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //**************************************************************// Help Paul N1OG get to get his Class A Skydiving License https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-pauls-skydiving-therapy-adventure Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Spring has sprung early, and with it, a bevy of Parks on the Air (POTA) activities has bloomed. Join us as we embark on a frequency-filled adventure. We've got a treasure trove of updates, including the scoop on our make-up live stream and the latest on our giveaway. But that’s just the tip of the antenna! We’ll test Todd's ham study prowess with some tricky questions and celebrate the impressive strides of active duty troops in Romania who've recently tuned into the world of amat...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this discussion, we will explore the Adventure Radio Protocol in detail with George KJ6VU, who is well-known for his work on the Ham Radio Workbench. George will explain how this protocol can offer a more reliable and straightforward alternative to the wilderness protocol, using your HT. We will also delve into his latest design, the Adventure Radio Controller, and discuss the possibilities it presents for amateur radio operators who enjoy spending time outdoors. Leave us a Review via Text Me...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Step into our realm where antennas become playgrounds for the imagination, turning ordinary objects into conduits for connection. As we light up bicycle tires and repurpose trampolines, our adventures remind us that failure is the prelude to success. We talk with Kevin K0KLB of Ham Radio QRP as he shares his adventures in tuning up some objects in and around the farm in Iowa. QRZ Information K0KLB YouTube Channel: Ham Radio QRP - K0KLB - YouTube QRP Net - Sundays 20m 4pmCST/5 EST Earlier in summ...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Have you ever wondered about the unsung heroes that emerge in the hour of need? Meet Ben and Nick, whose incredible survival story is a testament to the life-saving power of Ham Radio in dire circumstances. Our episode peels back the layers of emergency communication, bringing you gripping accounts of close calls and showcasing the strength of the amateur radio community in the throes of New Hampshire's unpredictable weather. But it's not all about tense situations. This episode has a ...
Jan 15, 2024•2 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Ever thought about diving into the world of ham radio? This dynamic and engaging episode promises to walk you through every nook and cranny of this exciting hobby. Pull up a chair as we warmly welcome our new co-host, Paul, who takes us through his exciting journey of integrating a new radio into his shack and his plans for automation via Node Red. Craving for a supportive community where you can learn the ropes of ham radio? We've got you covered. We delve into the importance of ham radio ...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Step into a world where the airwaves come alive with holiday cheer and the warm crackle of radio frequencies. Our Christmas special is brimming with the spirit of giving as we, Eric (N1JUR) and co-hosts Paul KF4TPY, Ryan W1SNH, and Todd W1STJ, celebrate hitting the 100-subscriber mark. We're dishing out our top ham radio picks from 2023, and trust us; this isn't just another gear talk; it's a treasure trove of personal stories, practical tips, and a few hearty debates that'll...
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Ever wondered about the camaraderie, challenges, and thrilling chase involved in ham radio park activations? Join us on a thrilling journey in the quest for the coveted Kilo award in Parks on the Air. With Todd, Eric, and Ryan leading the charge, we make our way through the Nashua Rail Trail Park in New Hampshire, one contact at a time. Our tales of night-time radio silence and our love for 10 meters make for a riveting exchange. As we aim for an ambitious goal of 950 park activations by May 1st...
Dec 18, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Ever dreamt of a day filled with adrenaline, radios, and a hearty dose of Mother Nature's beauty? If so, we promise to teleport you beyond the everyday humdrum and into the exciting world of amateur radio Seven Park Rove. With your favorite hosts Ryan, Eric, and Todd, this episode is a thrilling journey through our ham radio adventures - and you're in the driver's seat! We didn't stop at that, though. We also experimented with a new ham radio app, Free Data, and made internat...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 20
Are you ready to embark on a ham radio adventure with us? I'm your host Eric, with Todd and our special guests Paul and Matt, diving headfirst into the world of amateur radio. We kick off the conversation with Todd teasing upcoming park activations in Louisiana and Mississippi, and Paul sharing his latest forays into tinkering with ham radio equipment. With Christmas on the horizon and our subscriber count soaring over 100, we're feeling the festive spirit and planning giveaways to mak...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 19
It's a wild, wondrous world for amateur radio enthusiasts, and we've got your all-access pass! From cozy local gatherings to regional celebrations all the way to expansive conferences, we cover every corner of the ham fest universe. Todd even dishes up some insider advice for new hams straight from NEAR-fest, while Ryan shares his ingenious strategy for scoring those elusive unmarked components. And guess what? Buying second-hand radios isn't as scary as it seems! But it doesn&apo...
Nov 20, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 ...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to POTA in New England? How about the adrenaline rush of setting up your radio in an unexplored park, with the anticipation of making your first contact? Look no further! Podcast guests Jason (KC5HWB Ham Radio 2.0) and Kyle (AA0Z) will take you on an exhilarating journey through their POTA adventures across New England. From band coordination, equipment usage, and unique techniques adapted for park activation, they share tips and tricks to enhance you...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 16
What happens when you gather a group of ham radio enthusiasts, toss in a handful of POTA (Parks on the Air) activations, and add a dash of Morse code exploration for good measure? Welcome to a lively episode with our guest stars, Todd W1STJ, Tim KC1QDK, Paul KF4TPY, and Rob from the YouTube channel 741, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives. Despite a few technical glitches - we apologize for that, we all had great fun! You can learn more about our guests Rob (N1NUG) - YT Chann...
Oct 22, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Let's take a trip down memory lane by looking back at our contact logs and reminiscing about the great (and not-so-great) Ham Radio contacts we've made. Even though Ryan was away, we still fondly remembered how we all met, and agreed that it was our best HF contact yet! #HFLIFE #HAMRADIO #AMATEURRADIO #DXContacts #DX Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //**************************************************************// Help Paul N1OG get to get his Class A Skydiving Lic...
Oct 09, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 14
