Ham Radio Workbench Podcast

In this episode we learn all about transverters with Dan Quigley N7HQ.  Transverters let you operate on higher frequency bands like 2m, 220, UHF, 902 and up with a common HF radio.  With Dan's experience at Flex Radio we take a close look at how these feature rich software defined radios can be used with transverters.

In this episode we continue our deep dive into repeater building focusing on wide area repeater linking and an overview of digital repeater system management.  Special "guest" George KJ6VU has many years of experience building repeater systems and is also the designer of the Sierra Radio Systems repeter control systems used by large linking systems.  

In this episode, "special guest" George, KJ6VU, talks all about how to build a repeater system.  We explain about the radios, antennas, feedline, duplexers, controllers and more.

In this episode we hear 5 great talks from BayCon 2022.  The topics include go kit prep, radio coverage modeling, building a remote control keyboard for a radio, replacing the RS232 port with Ethernet and finally an introduction to the Bench Duino development board.  

In this episode special guest Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, joins us to talk about his compact "Murphy Bench" project.  A workbench for small spaces.  We have several suggestions for design and equipment to outfit the bench.  On this show I am joined by regulars Mark N6MTS and Mike VA3MW.

In this episode special guest Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, YouTuber and blogger on all things portable operating shares his top picks for gift giving with the whole HRWB crew Rod VA3ON, Mark N6MTS, Mike VA3MW, Vince VE6LK and host George KJ6VU.

In this episode Rod VA3ON and Mike VA3MW host Michael Black who talks about how to set up your station's audio for success using digital modes.

In this episode Mark, N6MTS, describes his proposal for a universal standard interface for headsets which would allow you to plug your favorite headset into any radio.  This would be great for multi station / multi operator events like Field Day, emergency operations centers and contesting in general.  

In this episode we talk with Carlos Felix, KD9OLN, an avid skydiver and ham radio operator that blends his two hobbies into one !  Carlos works stations on HF and VHF while skydiving from 14,000 feet.  We talk with Carlos about his journey to skydiving and ham radio, the gear he uses and how it works. 

In this episode we talk with Kyle, AA0Z, who has extensive experience building and operating remote stations.  Kyle tells us about his latest project to remotely automate a big contest station.  We talk about using Node Red for station control programming and ask Kyle how he approached remote monitoring and control of the station.  We also do a quick design review of George, KJ6VU's, new station controller design and see how close it comes to meeting Kyle's remote station control requirements. 

Live from the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, we chat with our special guests Thomas K4SWL, Kirk NT0Z, John W7DBO and Troy K4JDA.  We talk about our workbench projects, take listener questions and talk a lot about antennas.

In this episode we feature three great talks from BayCon 2022.  John VE6EY introduces us to diversity reception, Mark N6MTS describes his new radio for working FM satellites and Kyle AA0Z exlains how to create station automation dashboards with Node Red. 

In this episode we talk about what it takes to start your own ham radio business.  Whether you are a club who wants to sell a kit, a person who wants to start a side business or an entrepreneur who wants to start a company and make it your full time job, this episode touches on several aspects of the process.  We use real-world examples of Vince who makes keyer kits, George who has run Sierra Radio Systems and Packtenna and Mark who is starting up Halibut Electronics as a full time gig.

In this episode we talk with Dan Quigley N7HQ from Flex Radio about the projects on his workbench.  Dan revided a Heathkit SB104 by installing an SDR radio inside, designed custom rack panels for radio testing and talks about remote control of test equipment.

In this episode Vince VE6LK, Mike VA3MW, and Mark N6MTS and I discuss our favorite RF accessories and talk about the projects on our bench. 

In this extended episode we invite Thomas K4SWL from YouTube, QRPer.com and SWLing Post blog sites and John W7DBO from the Field Radio YouTube channel to join us to to discuss our Field Day 2022 experiences.

In this episode we go toe to toe with the AR Newsline crew in an epic trivia quiz throwdown !

In this episode we discuss the differences between common RF filters including duplexers, diplexers, circulators, isolators and combiners.

In this episode we talk with John Jacobs, W7DBO from the Field Radio YouTube channel about preparation for Field Day.

In this episode, we do a round of "what's on your workbench?" Then we get into a set of questions from our guest Troy K4JDA who asks about our approach to ham radio projects and what motivates us.  We figured out that between the 5 of us we had about 150 cumulative years of ham radio experience so we had plenty to say.