Ham Radio 2.0

Check out the board here - https://temporarilyoffline.com/HAMRADIO2 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

**🚨 NEW Buddipole Buddihex Mini – Ultra-Light 3-Band Portable Hex Beam Antenna for Ham Radio!** Buddipole just dropped the **Buddihex Mini** at HamCation 2026 — the ultra-compact, super-lightweight hex beam antenna every portable operator has been waiting for! The **Buddihex Mini** is a true 3-band directional hex beam covering **6m, 10m, and 12m** (2m optional) that weighs only **3.5 lbs** and packs down tiny. Perfect for POTA activations, SOTA summits, Field Day, camping trips, apartment balconies, or anywhere you want real gain and directivity without hauling a full-size beam. If you run QRP or 100W portable and want a directional antenna that actually fits in your go-bag, the **Buddihex Mini** might be your new favorite rig companion. 👉 Pre-order the Buddihex Mini now at: https://www.buddipole.com/minibuddihex.html Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Discover the ultimate dual-protocol **off-grid communication device** in this build guide: the powerful **3D Mesh** node featuring **two Heltec V3 boards**! This custom setup lets you run both **Meshtastic** and **Meshcore** seamlessly on the same hardware, giving you the flexibility to switch firmware, compare performance, or even experiment with hybrid mesh networking. Perfect for preppers, hikers, off-grid enthusiasts, ham radio fans, and anyone building decentralized, long-range mesh networks without cell service or internet. Whether you're new to Meshtastic nodes or looking to upgrade your Heltec V3 setup with dual-protocol support, this project delivers affordable, powerful off-grid comms in a compact 3D-printed package. Store - https://3dmesh.net Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Join us for a livestream after the first 2 days of the Hamfest. Josh's hotspot - https://members.calyx.org/r/u9sww Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Replay of the Livestream from Hamcation 2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

In this video, we're checking out two different products: the SenseCAP Solar Node and the Atlavox Beacon Solar Meshtastic Node. These devices offer excellent solutions for off grid communication, leveraging meshtastic and lora technology. We'll go through their features and specifications, showing how a meshtastic solar node can extend your network. Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - save 20% off of all of their courses with code JASON20 here - https://geni.us/830iXi5 Nodes in this video: 1 - https://tidd.ly/3NQZJRP 2 - https://geni.us/MJFjgL 3 - https://atlavox.com/wnrwwl 4 - https://geni.us/YYBer4S Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Join us tonight as I welcome several other YouTubers onto the livestream to talk about plans for next week. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Join me for an exciting Parks on the Air (POTA) activation using the compact Radioddity HF-009 portable HF vertical antenna paired with the powerful Stryker SR-955 10-meter radio! In this video: Radioddity HF-009 Antenna - https://www.radioddity.com/products/radioddity-hf-009?ref=JASONJOHNSTON Save $15 with code KC5HWB Stryker SR-955HP - https://amzn.to/4kuE91x Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Discover the Spec5 Relay from SpecFive – a powerful solar-powered Meshtastic LoRa relay node built for true off-grid, long-range communication. This autonomous repeater extends your Meshtastic mesh network dramatically, acting as a permanent, hands-free station to connect distant nodes without relying on cell service, Wi-Fi, or constant maintenance. In this video, we dive deep into the SpecFive Relay features: Get the SpecFive Relay here - https://geni.us/YYBer4S Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Ham Radio Deluxe offers everything you can want in a logging software platform. Link - https://www.hamradiodeluxe.com/aff/B10FBCA73E139C01896591F4552E7B00/index.html?subid=556942 COUPON: hamradio20 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Get a free month of Starlink here - https://starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-2018381-42800-52 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Is Ham radio truly welcoming to newcomers and fresh ideas, or does gatekeeping and resistance to change hold the hobby back? In this video, we dive deep into the real experiences of new hams in 2026—exploring everything from friendly "Elmer" mentors who guide beginners, to stories of grumpy old-timers, club snobbery, and unwelcoming attitudes on repeaters and forums. Whether you're thinking about getting your Technician license, already a new ham feeling intimidated, or a longtime operator wondering how to make the hobby more inclusive—this honest discussion uncovers the good, the bad, and the hopeful side of amateur radio today. If you're new to ham radio, curious about the community drama, or passionate about keeping the hobby alive for future generations, hit play and join the conversation! Today's video is sponsored by M&P Coax - use code HR2CABLES to save 10% off of all products at this link - https://geni.us/hr2cables Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

🚨 Iran's Internet Blackout: How Activists Are Smuggling Starlink Terminals to Fight Censorship in 2026! 🚨 Dive deep into the heart of Iran's escalating internet shutdown amid widespread protests—where the government has cut off access to the world wide web, silencing voices and stifling dissent. But hope persists: For years, brave Iranian activists have been secretly smuggling SpaceX's Starlink satellite dishes across borders, turning hidden "pirate manors" into underground communication hubs. Discover the daring smuggling routes, the tech hacks to evade detection, and real stories of how these portable antennas are beaming uncensored internet to families, journalists, and revolutionaries. From Elon Musk's surprise fee waiver for Starlink in Iran to the cat-and-mouse game with Russian interference tech, this video uncovers the high-stakes battle for digital freedom. Today's video is sponsored by Redodo Power - use code HAMRADIO8 to save 8% off of anything on their website - https://geni.us/WLb2dyz AP News Article - https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-starlink-spacex-musk-satellite-9c153cf164959ddd99e4d0f0d4ebd544 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Interview of the admins prior to Hamcation 2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

🚨 6 Must-Have Meshtastic Devices for 2026: Unlock Epic Off-Grid LoRa Mesh Magic! 🚨 Gear up for 2026's hottest Meshtastic upgrades – six innovative LoRa powerhouses ready to supercharge your decentralized network! From ultra-compact solar-charging nodes with e-ink displays and environmental sensors to rugged handheld touchscreen beasts packing GPS and 10+ mile rural ranges, these SX126x gems deliver jam-proof comms, low-power efficiency, and seamless firmware integration for ham radio backups, emergency ops, or trail adventures. Whether you're building a resilient grid or hunting POTA activations, these drops redefine off-grid connectivity. Which feature blows your mind? From the video: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

🚨 Verizon Outage: What Went Wrong? 🚨 Cell phone users across the nation experienced massive disruptions this month as Verizon's network faced widespread issues. This video reports on the news of the outage, including data from downdetector, and discusses what this means for 5g mobile hotspot plans and overall reliability. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

🚨 Ham Radio License in Post-Maduro Venezuela: Easier Access Under New Regime! 🚨 Maduro's 2026 downfall just supercharged Venezuela's ham scene! In this fresh guide, discover how the interim González government's reforms slashed CONATEL red tape – from fast-track online apps (no more endless waits!) to waived fees for Technician licenses via Radio Club Venezolano. Pro tips: Join YV5ARV clubs for mentorship, snag your YV prefix in weeks (not months), and hit HF/VHF with 150W limits. Perfect for DXing Caracas or off-grid ops in a reborn nation! 👉 CONATEL Updates: https://conatel.gob.ve Today's video is sponsored by M&P Coax - save 10% off of all items with code HR2CABLES at this link - https://geni.us/hr2cables Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

🧰Signup for my Email List to stay up-to-date on the latest info - http://hamradio2.com/email-signup Tonight we discuss FM Simplex - using it more often, getting it more active, and being on the air. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

🚨 Ham Radio Gatekeeping: Clubs Shunning Newbies – Fight Back & Find Your Crew! 🚨 Sick of snobby ham clubs icing out beginners with jargon bombs and "prove yourself" tests? We expose the ugly truth: Gatekeeping scares off 70% of newbies pre-license, from Reddit rants to Phoenix club snubs, dooming the hobby's growth. Good news: Welcoming havens exist! Discover ARRL newbie nights, Discord ham chats, and mentor-led field days. Spot red flags, dodge drama, and join hype communities for your Technician ticket or SOTA fun. Gatekeeping fixable? See testimonials & club picks! Today's video is sponsored by Bioenno Batteries - grab the best battery for your portable setup here - https://geni.us/LfawM7B Join us on Discord here - http://hamradio2.com/discord Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.

Jan 3, 2026: U.S. Delta Force raided Caracas in "Operation Absolute Resolve," snatching President Nicolás Maduro & wife Cilia Flores for NYC narco-terror trials—tied to 2020 cartel indictments & cocaine floods. Drone strikes & breaches spark UN fury over sovereignty breaches. Trump's $50M bounty pays off amid election fallout: Can interim Edmundo González avert civil war, or fuel Russian/Chinese meddling? Dive into leaks, legal debates, & oil crisis risks. Today's video is sponsored by Ham Radio Prep - save 20% off of all courses with code JASON20 at this link - https://geni.us/830iXi5 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ham-radio-2-0--2042782/support.