Ham Video Adventures
I have been amazed at how many excellent quality videos there are for someone who is new to ham radio, or even for us “old timers”. I thought I would take the time to share with you some of the better videos that might help new hams improve their knowledge base, or just to watch and enjoy.
First, there is “Ham Nation,” a weekly program that is both informative and fun to watch. It comes on live every Wednesday at about 9:00 pm on twit.tv. You can catch past episodes, every one of them on the Ham Nation Channel on Youtube (www.youtube.com). If you are unable to catch the live broadcast, it is usually on Youtube by Thursday afternoon. I like watching it live, because they have gaffs and technical glitches that are normally edited out.
I have been a fan of the “TX Factor”, a UK based program that comes out every once in a while. Episode 11 shows how a school in England won a QSO with Tim Peake, a UK astronaut on the International Space Station. The TX Factor is a highly professionally produced program. They do an excellent job. Check them out at txfactor.co.uk.
Dave Casler, has a Youtube channel called “Ham Radio Answers,”. His programs are well done and cater to the non-technically oriented ham. Go to Youtube and look up his channel. To pose an Ask Dave question: http://www.dcasler.com/ask-dave/ or http://www.ke0og.net/ask-dave/.
Want to hear about a whole family of hams? One of W5KUB’s (w5kub.com) latest webcasts has in interview with a ham family. (The family that hams together…well has fun together.) Again, go to Youtube and look for W5KUB or “Amateur Radio Roundtable”. He does this webcast live on Tuesdays at 9 pm.
One time good deal, GI! Check out these excellent DXpedition videos: For those who may have been following (and hopefully working!) the epic DXPedition to South Sandwich and South Georgia in the far South Atlantic, here is a link to videos of the last expedition to these islands in 2002, VP8THU South Sandwich Islands DXpedition. Here is a link to the South Georgia expedition: VP8GEO South Georgia Island DXpedition. Both of these videos show DXpeditioners in adverse conditions. It is nice we can watch these in the comfort of our living rooms.
I have mentioned “Ham Radio Now” before. Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, does mostly interview webcasts. He produces them now and again. He does go to a number of hamfests and conferences and does an excellent job or recording the presentations at these events. His web site is hamradionow.tv, and like nearly everyone else, his archives can be found on Youtube.
I cannot leave out one of my favorite webcasts, “Amateurlogic”. George and Tommy do a program every month. They each do a segment, along with a ham from Australia. Often they read and answer email questions from viewers. They also produce a series of programs to help people pass their Technician exams. These programs go under the title “Ham College”. Check them out at amateurlogic.tv.
I could go on about many more videos and podcasts (audio only) that are available, but that would take hours. Got a topic that you are interested in? Open your computer browser and type it in. You are certain to find a wealth of information.
Good watching!
73,
KJ4CMY
David