Batteries are the lifeblood of ham radio operations, enabling everything from portable field activations to emergency communications when the grid goes down. The Live Free in Ham hosts share their extensive experience with different battery solutions, maintenance techniques, and custom builds to help listeners make informed choices about powering their stations. • Different battery categories for various ham radio needs: portable POTA batteries, mid-size battery boxes, and large-scale RV/home sy...
Mar 10, 2025•2 hr 6 min•Ep 73•Transcript available on Metacast Repeaters are not dying; they are full of potential for vibrant conversation and community engagement. The episode delves into how ham radio operators can revitalize these communication hubs by throwing out their call signs, starting conversations, and participating in local nets. We discuss the relevance of repeaters in modern ham radio and the coexistence of digital modes with traditional analog communication. The community can keep repeaters alive and thriving by fostering respect and welcomi...
Mar 03, 2025•2 hr 1 min•Ep 72•Transcript available on Metacast What if you could turn winter's chill into your best ham radio experience yet? This episode of "Live Free in Ham" promises to arm you with essential tips for operating in cold climates, with insights on maintaining your gear's functionality during winter. We explore everything from antenna care to battery management, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges of Winter Field Day and beyond. Listen as we share valuable stories that highlight the community spirit and the ...
Feb 24, 2025•2 hr 33 min•Ep 71•Transcript available on Metacast We focus on the contributions and experiences of women involved in POTA activities, highlighting their initiatives and encouraging new participants to join. The episode explores challenges faced by women in the hobby while fostering a supportive atmosphere for beginners. • Celebrating International Women's Day through POTA • Sharing personal stories and experiences in POTA • Encouragement for newcomers to join and participate • Insights into favorite equipment and activation strategies • Li...
Feb 22, 2025•2 hr 30 min•Ep 70•Transcript available on Metacast The latest episode dives deep into the ARRL's controversial leadership and the need for significant reform within the organization. The hosts discuss budget allocations, exorbitant salaries, and the importance of transparency, urging a shift in focus toward youth programs and modernizing technology. They challenge listeners to consider what changes could be implemented if they were in charge of the ARRL and how to promote a more engaged and supported ham radio community. • Discussion on the...
Feb 17, 2025•2 hr 50 min•Ep 69•Transcript available on Metacast This episode dives into the essential role of memberships in the ham radio community, focusing on organizations like ARRL and their recent shifts in cost versus value. Personal experiences and listener feedback underscore the importance of transparency and benefits. Members have a right to ask: Are we truly getting our worth? Key points discussed include personal anecdotes, comparative insights from organizations like RSGB, and the importance of community engagement to strengthen membership pers...
Feb 10, 2025•2 hr 17 min•Ep 68•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wondered how a small act can create a ripple of connection and camaraderie? Our latest episode features an exciting new initiative, "Get Your Ham On," where we transform ham radio encounters into joyful community moments by leaving "you've been hammed" messages on vehicles with ham antennas. For those who love gadgets and gear, tune in for insights on portable radio equipment efficiency and hacks to enhance your POTA experiences. Discover the benefits of co...
Feb 03, 2025•2 hr 48 min•Ep 67•Transcript available on Metacast Experience the camaraderie and passion that fuel the Granite State Amateur Radio Association, as we share personal anecdotes and Ralph's remarkable six-decade journey in the world of radio. Discover how our nightly nets have become a community cornerstone, fostering connections and offering a platform for members to overcome microphone shyness and embrace new responsibilities. Our lively discussions underscore the importance of community and mutual support in amateur radio, ensuring our net...
Jan 27, 2025•2 hr 36 min•Ep 66•Transcript available on Metacast We invited the two most prominent ham radio couples to share their inspiring experiences in the ham radio hobby. Discover how they harmoniously balance their passion for radio, their marriage, and the joy of working together in the ham radio shack. If you haven't subscribed to their channels yet, check them out! Whether activating a park or just enjoying a casual chat, they have what it takes to be exceptional ham radio operators! Ham Radio Duo : www.youtube.com/@HamRadioDuo POTA Power: htt...
Jan 21, 2025•2 hr 5 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how to thrive in the harshest winter conditions while mastering the art of communication? Join us on the Live Free in Ham podcast as we unlock the secrets of Winter Field Day 2025 with esteemed guests Mike W4OPS and Marvin W0MET. These seasoned officials share insider insights and innovative rule changes designed to enhance your participant experience and foster skill development. Whether you're battling the cold or simply tuning in from the comfort of your home, this episode ...
Jan 20, 2025•2 hr 56 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast What happens when technology meets ham radio, and humor sneaks into the mix? This week on "Live Free and Ham," we kick off with our first piece of negative feedback, humorously revealed to be from our own team member, The Grouch. Tune in for chuckles and insights as we tackle topics from reactive power to the Q factor in electronics. With a light-hearted approach, we share our successes and the amusing challenges of balancing personal interests with responsibilities, including tales fr...
Jan 13, 2025•2 hr 58 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast Guest extraordinaire, Kermit Jones from Opelika, Alabama, joins us to share his fascinating journey into the world of ham radio and authorship. Discover how Kermit, a Navy Reserves veteran, turned a weekend flu-induced haze into a whirlwind of licensing success, obtaining his technician, general, and extra ham radio licenses. Kermit’s passion for preparedness and teaching young audiences shines through as he crafts children’s books that blend storytelling with practical life skills. Join us as w...
Jan 06, 2025•2 hr 40 min•Ep 62•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how Zener diodes and NOR gates can spark both humor and learning? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of ham radio with special guests Richard and Ben from Signal Stuff. Our conversation kicks off with Todd's journey towards his extra class license exam, tackling tricky questions with the help of Eric, Ben, and Richard, leading to a mix of laughter and enlightenment. We also share the excitement of Paul's amplifier modification success and Todd's debut as a n...
Dec 30, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered what kind of quirks and creativity hide behind the doors of ham radio enthusiasts? Join us for a jam-packed episode where we kick off the first annual shack roast event, celebrating the unique and sometimes hilariously cluttered setups of our community members. From Russ's scented candles and framed FCC licenses to Keith's retro library lamp and 3D-printed radio stand, each shack tells a story, sparking discussions and laughter. We also share insights from our latest ATAS...
Dec 29, 2024•4 hr 34 min•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how a parked truck can become a hub of communication and joy? Join us in this episode as we share our journey of integrating ham radio setups into everyday life, filled with personal stories of trials, triumphs, and the occasional humor when technology meets non-tech-savvy assistants. From the quirks of running coaxial cables in a vehicle to the fun of transitioning from a pota activator to a more frequent hunter, we celebrate the community that makes ham radio much more than just ...
Dec 23, 2024•2 hr 49 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast Discover the secrets of staying connected and prepared as the chilly months approach. Imagine a world where your ham radio becomes an essential tool, not just a hobby, keeping you linked to loved ones when the power flickers out. Join us for an invigorating chat on "Live Free and Ham," where we unpack the art of antenna wire maintenance and the joy of prepping for winter in the northeast. Our tight-knit community extends a hearty welcome, inviting stories of positivity and camaraderie ...
Dec 09, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast Hey everyone! It's time for another Monthly livestream with the LFH Boys! The holiday season is just around the corner, and instead of our usual "Black Friday" show, we thought it would be fun to chat about our predictions for the 2025 season. We’d love for you to join us and share your thoughts, too! So come hang out—it's going to be a great time! Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //**************************************************************// Help Paul...
Nov 26, 2024•3 hr 43 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast What happens when you mix ham radio with skydiving? Paul's recent leap from 10,500 feet might just answer that question, offering an exhilarating twist to our Support Your Parks Weekend recap. We also highlight the adventures of our Granite State Amateur Radio Club members, who turned a camping trip at Bear Brook Pavilion into a lively ham radio event. Join us as we share tales of over 200 successful contacts, family banter, and the unexpected joy of receiving mean comments on our videos. G...
Nov 25, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how a mix-up with your call sign could lead to unexpected hilarity? Join us on our latest episode of the Live Free and Ham podcast as we unravel the chaos of our recent call sign debacle, all while staying on track with crucial updates about emergency communication readiness post-hurricane. We're doubling down on preparedness for ham radio enthusiasts, especially those involved in emergency communications, and sharing insights from our listener on enhancing learning through de...
Nov 11, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast It's another live show where our band of brothers gathers once again for a Live Stream on Live Free and Ham. Since we’re nearing Halloween, we might take some liberties and dress up! Regardless, we will be discussing our "haunting ham radio stories," including the failures we've encountered on our ham radio journey. Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //**************************************************************// Help Paul N1OG get to get his Class A Skyd...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast Are you curious about the latest buzz in the world of ham radio? Tune into this episode of Live Free and Ham, where Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) reveal some thrilling updates, from brand-new merchandise to a gravity-defying event with a commemorative shirt up for grabs. Say goodbye to paper logs and hello to digital efficiency. We're breaking down the nuances of portable logging apps, comparing Hammers and Polo. From functionality and user experience to overcoming field misha...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Unlock the secrets of blending technology with passion as we welcome special guests Cheryl W5MOO, Russ K5TUX, and Bill from the "Linux in the Ham Shack" podcast. With a unique mix of insights on integrating Linux and amateur radio, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain. Cheryl's unique journey, marked by a persistent nudge from Russ over 25 years to conquer her ham radio license, adds a personal touch to our exploration of how women are carving their space in the male-d...
Oct 14, 2024•2 hr 42 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast What happens when you mix ham radio, community spirit, and a bit of technical know-how? On this episode of Live Free in Ham, we promise an insider's look at all things ham radio, from protecting our precious 900 MHz band to celebrating the triumphs of a recent ham radio event. We'll kick off with crucial updates on our online store and the power of listener feedback, and then dive into the latest threat posed to the 900 MHz spectrum. Paul rings the alarm and calls you to action, urging...
Sep 30, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how a simple number can hold so much significance? Join us on "Live Free in Ham" as Eric teases the intriguing relevance of the number five while Mike N2MAK recounts his recent ham radio adventures, including a solder burn and a successful Parks on the Air activation. Paul delves into his week in video editing and making contacts, and Todd shares his quest for an affordable car microphone and his new logo project. Prepare for a treasure trove of tips and camaraderie as we...
Sep 28, 2024•2 hr 32 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how ham radio technology is evolving with the times? Join us on Live Free in Ham as we navigate the intriguing blend of traditional skills and modern advancements in the ham radio world. Alongside hosts Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ), we share the excitement of Todd's recent license upgrade, explore his adventurous activations, and dive into the ups and downs of using the Buddy Pole Pro antenna. Plus, enjoy a bit of friendly competition as Todd and Eric tackle ran...
Sep 16, 2024•2 hr 32 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how ham radio can add a spark to your travels? Join us in this episode of Live Free and Ham as we share how we seamlessly blend our love for ham radio with our vacation adventures. Hear the hilarious story of Paul (N1OG) being recognized at a local club meeting by Keith Chopler (AC1RH). We also give a nod to dedicated listeners like Kilo Bravo One Zulu Tango X-Ray, who’s on his journey to earning an extra license, and celebrate the exceptional work of ham radio clubs like W5TMP and...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how digital modes can revolutionize your ham radio experience? From transforming skeptical operators into digital enthusiasts to making rare contacts even in poor band conditions, we'll show you the magic behind FT8, JS8Call, and more. Tune in to hear our personal journeys, technical challenges, and the unique joys of integrating hobbies like fishing with radio adventures. Join us as we celebrate community highlights, including new merchandise like our "Digital Life"...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast We invite Mark from Halibut Electronics to discuss the updates to Eggnogs and other cool stuff from Halibut. He will also prepare for visits to Huntsville and HamX in the Northeast! #HAMX #lfh YouTube Live Steam Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zdszh7M-f0 Halibut Electronics https://electronics.halibut.com/ HamXposition: https://hamxposition.org/ Ever wondered how to optimize your ham radio setup for satellite communications? Join Eric, call sign N1JUR, and special guest Mark from Halibut E...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered why you can't control your ham radio through your car's infotainment system? We'll explore this and much more in this engaging episode of Live Free and Ham! We'll kick things off by catching up on the latest happenings, including Todd's wild baseball weekend and the memorable chaos brought about by the Hammered Clubhouse. Plus, check out the buzz around our new merch, especially the Hostile Takeover shirts, and don't forget to mark your calendars for o...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Our decision to use our YT Channel as an Airbnb rental has backfired, as our current tenants seem to have become somewhat comfortable and are reluctant to leave. Be sure to head to the Ham Radio Clubhouse and see what we left at their doorstep. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmQPo-XYM3U 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-t...
Jul 31, 2024•58 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast 
