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In this episode of Live Free and Ham, we’re joined by Shane from Ham Radio Clubhouse for a wide-ranging conversation about building a ham radio show, embracing livestream chaos, and learning by doing. Shane talks about: How Ham Radio Clubhouse got started Why the show stays unedited and unscripted What it’s really like running a long-term livestream podcast His involvement in hot air ballooning and aviation projects Why community matters more than polish in ham radio We also dig into ham radio clubs, meetings, and how the hobby can stay fun, welcoming, and hands-on — instead of getting stuck in procedure and paperwork. If you like honest conversations, real experiences, and ham radio content that feels more like hanging out than a lecture, this one’s for you. 👇 Get involved • Join the Discord • Leave us a voicemail • Become a channel member • Watch live and be part of the chaos 📻 Live Free. Ham Hard. ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

Do you actually use the scan button… or do you just pretend? 🤔 In this episode, we get brutally honest about mobile ham radio, repeater scanning, radio organization, and why most of us only listen to the same 5 channels anyway. We break down real-world mobile setups, remote heads, SD card madness, aviation monitoring, and why “more features” doesn’t always mean better. Then things get spicy—in a good way. We talk about Elmering, mentoring new hams, license testing vs real learning, and why helping someone get on the air matters more than memorizing multiple-choice questions. There’s also a Near-Fest story that perfectly explains how mentoring should actually work. If you’ve ever: Hated scanning Over-programmed your radio Felt overwhelmed by features Learned more by doing than studying …this one’s for you. ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

In this informal, unscripted live episode, hosts Eric, Todd, and Paul dive into spontaneous chat, celebrate small wins (including a TSA victory), and tease future guest appearances—without a strict script. The night blends light banter, sports chatter, and practical tech talk—from ham radio curiosities to basic electrical tips—alongside candid updates on potential guests and the show format. With a warm, community vibe, they invite listeners to join via chat and live links for upcoming episodes, making it a relaxed yet engaging space for tech enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

From branding experiments to a chaotic pre-show routine, this episode follows the moment you realize AI is quietly steering a lot of your workflow. We chat about rebranding attempts, channel growth quirks, and the strange confidence-boost of AI-generated resumes that actually land interviews. It’s equal parts hype and humor, with a nod to the skepticism every creator secretly harbors. Then we nerd out on the pitfalls of AI-assisted development: parallel Python scripts, codependencies, and the tricky art of telling the AI “don’t break the house while you remodel the rooms.” A witty exploration of how far automation can take us—and where human judgment still rules. ************************************ Check out Rob's Channel at : https://youtube.com/@sevenfortyone 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

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 the new extra class license pool. Whether you're a seasoned operator or a newbie, this episode promises a wealth of insights and tips to elevate your skills. Imagine juggling multiple radio frequencies while on a long drive, only to be interrupted by the relentless beeping of the Yaesu 400. Sound familiar? We discuss practical solutions to this common annoyance and touch on the intersection of ham radio with community events, like the Sparkler 5K fundraiser and youth baseball coaching. Plus, enjoy a slice of Americana as we recount our visit to a Savannah Bananas game at Fenway Park and the thrill of interacting with former Red Sox players. There’s also a sneak peek into our exciting antenna testing projects and a much-needed break from YouTube content creation. Struggling with poor propagation on the 20-meter band after a solar storm? You're not alone. We share personal anecdotes and strategies for navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of patience and adaptability. Learn how different times of the day and antenna setups can optimize your communication range, and why sometimes, even with the best planning, spontaneity wins the day in Parks on the Air activations. Tune in for a practical look at balancing theory with real-world experiences, ensuring you get the most out of your ham radio journey. Understanding Propagation Reports: https://www.carc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Understanding-HF-propagation-reports.pdf VOCAP https://www.voacap.com/hf/ Books: Fast Track to Understanding HF Propagation: by Michael Bernett AF7KB WSPR mode http://www.wsprnet.org/drupal/

Join us as we reminisce about the chaos, chuckles, and chaos-chasing moments of 2025. We riff on favorite Lip-Free and Ham memories, recall past episodes, and tease the wild twists that kept us in stitches—from live chats and guest drops to “diaries” we kept joking about not doing. We wander through misremembered dates, the stubborn limits of YouTube episode ordering, and the goofy mishaps that only a long-running show can conjure. Expect candid reflections, a sprinkle of inside jokes, and a lot of laughs as we relive the year’s highlights with our signature banter and comic relief. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes—plus why a few projects vanished from the public eye—you’ll get an entertaining, human-sized peek. ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

Tonight on Live Free and Ham, we’re going all-in on FT8 Battle—the gamified FT8 platform that turns everyday digital-mode contacts into a competitive, scoreboard-driven challenge. We talk what makes FT8 Battle Night so addictive, how the “battle” format motivates more QSOs, and why gamification is bringing new energy to FT8 operating and community participation. Plus, we hit quick community updates (Discord, AllStar, Shack Roast) and read a few Winlink Wednesday check-ins to keep the weekly rhythm rolling. FT8 Battle - https://ft8battle.com Dudes Discord - https://discord.gg/sQPNA8AuAv ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

In this episode of the Live Free and Ham Podcast, Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) are joined by Winter Field Day President Marvin (W0MET) and board member / social media wrangler Mike (KY4LV) to talk all things Winter Field Day—from strategy and survival to why operating in the cold is way more fun than it sounds. Subscribe, ring the bell, and join us on Discord and AllStar for more RF-fueled nonsense and genuinely helpful ham radio content. Links: Winter Field Day - https://winterfieldday.com/ ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

Welcome to Live Free and Ham, where pop culture nerdery meets New England charm and a dash of chaotic good. In this episode, we ride the MMANA bus with Hollywood at the wheel, nerding out to Dipoles and plotting like caffeinated goblins. If you love goofy tangents, geography jokes that barely rhyme with reality, and conversations that bounce from “wait, what?” to “aha, I see it now,” you’re in the right orbit. Strap in, join the chat, and let’s make nerdy chaos feel oddly charming. ~ Links Todd Hat - https://www.gearforever.com/ ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of nerdy niceties and chaotic chuckles. In this episode, our crew shouts “private livestream!” louder than their coffee orders, debates win links like they’re sports stats, and tangents dive headfirst into Nvidia drama, ham radio legends, and the legendary 75-ohm feeder story. It’s part tech talk, part backstage chaos, and all-firecracker-funny. Expect inside jokes, questionable chat etiquette, and a few moments where you’ll wonder if your headphones are secretly a microphone. If you love behind-the-scenes chaos, private streams, and conversations that loop back to “infet halfway,” this one’s for you. Grab popcorn, mute the mute button, and enjoy the mayhem. ************************************ 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/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

In this episode of Live Free and Ham, Eric (N1JUR) and Todd (W1STJ) try to kick things off smoothly… which of course means Grouch’s PC explodes (metaphorically), the guest shows up muted, and nobody can remember the name of that gorgeous Vermont park. They’re joined by Mike W4OPS from the National Amateur Radio Alliance to talk about “making better radio operators one member at a time” while swapping stories about confused Patreons who watch the livestream replay and wonder why the chat is dead, epic Parks on the Air activations, and why the phrase “these cats” somehow made it into an Apple Podcasts review. If you love ham radio, a little bit of organized chaos, and a lot of community, this episode will resonate with you… just like a well-tuned antenna. Show links: National Amateur Radio Alliance - https://usnara.org/ Get your shacks submitted for the 2025 Shack Roast! Shack Roast 2025 - https://livefreeandham.com/shack-roast-2025 ************************************ 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/ Want to support Paul on his Skydiving Journey to become licensed? https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-pauls-skydiving-therapy-adventure ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 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

Dust off your headphones and join our quirky crew for a rambling, real-life radio session filled with portable towers, weather woes, and the unpredictable chatter of ham enthusiasts. From dodgy aerials and improvised coax hacks to far-flung contacts spanning Canada, Ireland, England, Argentina, France, and Bermuda, this episode serves up a candid snapshot of a day spent chasing signals, swapping build tips, and debating park meetups, WinLink, and POTa ethics. If you love behind-the-scenes banter, nerdy technical twists, and the camaraderie of a weekend radio club, this one’s your frequency. Plus: a birthday cue, a mystery choke on a stick, and a whole lot of “what the heck was that?” Tune in and press play on the unpredictable world of amateur radio. ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 ************************************ 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/ *********** 2025 Shack Roast is open! Head over to https://livefreeandham.com/shack-roast-2025, enter your shack, and maybe take the Champion Spot! 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 SeeedStudios - Here are a bunch of discounts you can get on Seed Meshtastic products directly from Seeed Studios - https://seeedstudios.com SenseCAP T1000-E for Meshtastic T911V2C9 Wio Tracker L1&L1 Lite for Meshtastic 6JOK7P67 Wio Tracker L1 Pro & L1 E-ink for Meshtastic 0RAXP5FG Solar Node P1 Series for meshtastic YHOO5J2D **************** 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

This episode follows a weekend of hands-on radio tinkering, travel, and improvisation that captures the messy, thrilling reality of DIY amateur radio. From the sunny chaos of Florida to a backyard experiment zone, we tag along as the crew tests unconventional feedlines, tackles a 50-to-75-ohm conversion puzzle, and pushes through gear debates with both humor and stubborn curiosity. Hear how nine different feedline break points performed in real-life conditions, the challenges of coordinating RV wiring, and the surprising performance of a galvanized pipe antenna in a makeshift setup. We dive into the tactile joy of field tuning with manual vs. auto tuners, the drama of coax, radials, and connectors, and the thrill of a successful 59- reporting reception off an improvised vertical. Beyond the gear, the episode offers a window into the social side of ham radio: planning for DZ (aerial drop zone) training, debating upgrades from 170 to 190, and weighing when it’s worth recouping investment from gear swaps. Interwoven are candid moments of life on the road, balancing projects with real-world responsibilities, and the camaraderie that keeps the hobby vibrant even when “the link” gets pushed aside by busy days and last-minute errands. If you love late-night tinkering, field-testing with everyday materials, and the quirky, collaborative energy of a radio crew turning chaos into signal, this episode is for you. Practical, sometimes messy, always curious, it celebrates the experimental spirit at the heart of amateur radio. ************************************ 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/ Want to support Paul on his Skydiving Journey to become licensed? https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-pauls-skydiving-therapy-adventure *********** Leave us a Show Review via SMS Text - https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2178012/open_sms 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

Ten meters roared, the waterfall glowed, and somewhere in the chaos a “maritime emergency” calling spot was buried under contesters. We stepped straight into CQ Worldwide and asked a hard question: who really owns a frequency when the world shows up? From band etiquette to practical emergency options, we unpack the culture and the realities that matter when the dial is full and you still need to make smart choices. We also get our hands dirty with portable radio. A Rybakov vertical goes from “set up wrong” to “set up right,” and the difference is dramatic: transformer near ground, wire up the mast, radials laid out, and 10 meters becomes a runway. We share our favorite tactics for activating a park during a major contest, including working the WARC bands, hunting first, and a fun twist—dialing power down as we approach a park kilo to finish at one watt. Along the way, we wade into AI in contesting. Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //**************************************************************// 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 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: 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

The tide doesn’t care about your logbook—and that’s exactly why we chased it. We loaded radios, batteries, and a vertical dipole into kayaks, paddled two miles on a rising tide, and landed on a slippery sliver of grass called Eagle Island. The result? A sustained, three-hour pileup on 10 meters that reached across Europe, South America, and 20 U.S. states, with park-to-park contacts stacking like driftwood. Our guest, Keith (AC1RH), is a relentless Parks on the Air activator with nearly six figures of QSOs and a knack for turning tough parks into routine wins. He walks us through the exact route from Cashman Park, why you absolutely must time the tides, and how a simple tarp plus sandbags kept a 600-watt station alive as the river crept around our boots. We break down his go-to radios (FT-991A and FT-891), the five-band vertical dipole that shines on saltwater, battery choices that balance duty cycle and carry weight, and the logging workflow that keeps pace with chaos. If you’ve ever wondered how saltwater really boosts verticals, you’ll hear it in the reports. We also dig into etiquette and efficiency: how to manage a wall of callers, reward patient QRP operators, and push past contest-style bulldozers without losing your cool. You’ll hear how familiar hunter voices cut through the noise, how call stacking and smart spotting with Ham2K or Hammers helps, and why amplification only solves half the problem—quiet receive and clean locations are the real force multipliers. Along the way, Keith shares genuinely useful intel on rare-park strategy, why Eagle Island stays rare, and the practical safety habits that matter when your exit depends on the tide. Underneath the stats sits something deeper. Field radio can be therapy. The planning, the paddle, the rhythm of calling and logging—done well, it lowers the noise in your head while you raise your signal on the band. Whether you’re eyeing a Rhode Island sweep, a 48-state road plan, or just a better lunch-hour activation, this story gives you the map, the kit, and the mindset to make it work. If you enjoyed this one, tap follow, share it with a POTA friend, and leave us a quick review—then tell us your rarest activation or hardest landing. We might feature it on the next show. Leave us a Review via Text Message! Support the show //**************************************************************// 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: 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