Like many people the 2m band at my home QTH was getting quieter and I started to leave the VHF radio switched off while I only used VHF while portable or mobile.
I started to think how much of this perceived under use was actually my home setup not being the best it could be plus not actually switching the radio on and using it. This gave me the kick up the a**e to do something about it as it was 2m that interested me the most while getting my foundation licence.
I spent some time planning and saving to improve the coax, get a better antenna and raise the antenna on a higher mast above the house. This, coupled with increasing CQ calls and now running a Sunday net has brought the joy back into the hobby.
WATCH UNTIL THE END: I added a quick recorded QSO from the Icom 820h, nice sounding radio.
I’m a licensed amateur radio operator from the United Kingdom. My YouTube channel features videos focusing on operating portable radio from various locations plus how to videos, tutorials, insights and conversations in the hobby.
To subscribe click this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtX8PCgk0UHQRUqROCtPM4g?view_as=subscriber?sub_confirmation=1
Bingfu Vehicle Mobile Ham Radio Antenna with Ground Planes Dual Band VHF UHF 136-174MHz 400-470MHz Magnetic Base Mount Soft Whip Antenna PL259 Male Connector for Car Amateur Radio Marine VHF Radio
27% OffFrequency Range: short antenna ground palnes: 9.5cm/3.741inch (for UHF 400-470MHz) ; long antenna ground palnes: 15cm/5.9inch (for VHF 136-174MHz) Antenna Feature: Strong Magnetic Base Mounting; Antenna Length: 42cm/16.53inches; Antenna Cable: 5m/16.... read more
onelinkmore Ham Radio Upgraded Adapter SMA to UHF Antenna Adapter Kits PL259 SO239 UHF VHF Adapter for RF Applications/CB Radio/Handheld Ham Radio Antenna/Walkie Talkie/Amateur radios
$12.99 (as of January 16, 2025 02:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Salt Spray Environmental Test - 48 hrs Salt Spray Corrosion Resistance Plating for SMA to UHF RF Connectors,SMA to UHF RF Antenna Adapter Salt Spray Environmental Test SMA TO UHF - The SMA to UHF Antenna Connector Adapter for two way radios,It allows... read more
Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-771 15.6-Inch Whip VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) Antenna SMA-Female for BTECH and BaoFeng Radios
$20.98 (as of January 16, 2025 01:42 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Enhanced Signal Strength: The Nagoya NA-771 Dual Band Amateur Antenna offers a notable performance increase, with a gain of up to 3 dBi. This enhancement ensures a powerful boost to your radio's signal strength, providing clearer and more reliable co... read more
exgoofit SMA to BNC Kits Adapter Male Female 2 Set 8pcs RF Coax Coaxial Connector
$9.90 (as of January 16, 2025 02:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)SMA to BNC adapter connectors is widely used in RF application. These 50 Ohm SMA adapter maximum frequency is 3GHz BNC SMA Coax Connector can connects a BNC antenna to SMA radio. Well contructed BNC SMA Adapter, made of Brass copper with nickel plati... read more
Proxicast Coaxial Lightning Arrester/Suppressor with UHF SO-239 Female Connectors - Pro-Grade Coax Cable Surge Protector for RF, HF, VHF, UHF, CB, Ham, Two-Way Radio and Other Antennas (ANT-233-002)
$17.95 (as of January 16, 2025 01:51 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)DESIGNED FOR VHF, UHF, TWO-WAY, AMATEUR / HAM and CB RADIOS - Features 2 UHF Female SO239 Connectors BI-DIRECTIONAL PROTECTION - High Quality Construction - Outdoor Rated - Suitable for In-Line Use VERY LOW RF INSERTION LOSS (Signal Attenuation) - 50... read more
Midland GXT1000VP4 - 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio - Long Range Walkie Talkie with 142 Privacy Codes, SOS Siren, and NOAA Weather Alerts and Weather Scan (Black/Silver, Pair Pack)
16% OffTwo-Way Communication -Maximize your ability to keep in touch with loved ones or manage group activities effortlessly with our advanced two-way radios. Featuring long-range connectivity, these walkie talkies ensure you're always in the loop, no matte... read more
BAOFENG Radio 5RM Ham Radio10W Long Range Handheld AR-5RM Two Way Radio NOAA Weather Receiver Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Longe Range Copy Frequency 999CH with Type C Charging 2500mAh Battery
$28.98 (as of January 16, 2025 01:27 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Long Range Professional Walkie Talkie: The communication distance can reach 3-5Mile. Featuring a sturdy casing and anti drop design, your radio can withstand harsh conditions and have a longer lifespan. FCC Certification,FCC ID:2AJGM-5RM. Support Chi... read more
MaxTalker Walkie Talkies Long Range for Adult, MT10 Rechargeable Walkie Talkies FRS Two Way Radio, NOAA, 1200mAh Li-ion Battery USB-C Cable, LED Flashlight, VOX Walkie Talkie for Hiking Camping 2Pack
$24.97 (as of January 16, 2025 02:07 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)MaxTalker Rechargeable Walkie Talkies: The MT10 Walkie Talkies features a powerful 1200mAh rechargeable lithium battery, replacing the previous AAA battery design. This upgrade allows for longer usage times and significantly improves convenience with... read more
Uniden PRO505XL 40-Channel CB Radio. Pro-Series, Compact Design. Public Address (PA) Function. Instant Emergency Channel 9, External Speaker Jack, Large Easy to Read Display. - Black
33% OffCOMPACT & AFFORDABLE; The PRO505XL is ideal for CB users seeking an affordable CB Radio with Public Address, Instant Channel 9 Emergency Button, Channel Up/Down Buttons, and S/RF Meter. DURABLE & EASY TO USE; The PRO505XL Compact CB Radio uses advanc... read more
YONHAN Battery Charger 10-Amp 12V and 24V Fully-Automatic Smart Car Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer Trickle Charger, and Battery Desulfator with Temperature Compensation
24% Off[All in One, Keep your battery charged and your car ready to go] The 10-Amp 12V and 24V Fully-Automatic Smart Battery Charger is compact yet powerful. It's an all-in-one solution: charger, maintainer, trickle charger, and desulfator. Suitable for cha... read more
Jump Starter with Air Compressor, LERTIN 3500A 150PSI Portable Car Battery Jump Starter Pack, for Up to 9.0 Gas/8.0L Diesel Engine, 12V Jump Box with USB Quick Charge/3 Modes Lights/Large LCD Display
18% OffPOWERFUL JUMP STARTER - Portable Jump Starter with Air Compressor combines 4-IN-1 functions: car emergency start, tire inflation, power bank, and flashlight. It could provide up to 3500A peak current and high capacity, suitable for 12V cars (speciall... read more
Raynic Weather Radio, 5000mAh/18500mWh NOAA Weather Radio, Solar Hand Crank Emergency Radio with AM/FM/SW/NOAA Weather Alert, Flashlight, Reading Lamp, Cell Phone Charger and SOS Siren
25% Off5-WAY POWER SOURCES - The weather radios with multiple power backup options are the best choice.5 power sources including a hand crank, solar panel, and AC power to make it easier to keep the radio running during a prolonged situation where AC power ... read more
Universal Double Radio Shoulder Holster Chest Harness Vest Rig Radio Harness Shoulder Radio Holder Radio Holster for Police Firefighter Two Way Radio Walkie Talkie Rescue Essentials
$14.99 (as of January 15, 2025 18:39 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)【Adjustable Radio Shoulder Holder Holster】Universal radio holder with adjustable shoulder straps and quick release buckles for maximum comfort, suitable both men and women. Can be worn inside and outside the jacket or vest, ideal for law enforcement ... read more