Cliff's Notes on Amateur Radio

It’s been a while since I last released an episode of Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio, and in this episode, I share exactly why that is, what’s been happening in my world, and what finally brought me back behind the microphone. Over the past several months, amateur radio took a back seat. Work was intense, winter was cold, and my focus was deeply anchored in other creative and professional commitments. I hadn’t been activating parks, I hadn’t been on the local repeaters much, and radio simply paused for me. That pause wasn’t intentional, but it was real. What changed was an email. Actually, two emails. I start by reading a message from Pete (K6TRK), who shared an incredible story about discovering this podcast, binge-listening on a long drive, and then having his second-ever POTA contact be someone he had just heard on this show. Stories like that remind me why I started documenting this journey in the first place. Then I read an email from Rick (K8DOJ) that landed at exactly the right moment. His words didn’t just encourage me to record another episode. They sent me out the door. Because of that email, I went out and completed my first Parks on the Air activation of 2026, my first since November of last year. That activation turned into one of those days that reminds you why you love radio. One hundred thirty contacts. Familiar voices. New connections. And right at the end, a contact with Hawaii that pushed me over the line for the All States Hunter award, even if I still feel like North Dakota has my name on it. I also share some practical notes from the activation, including my experience using a new headset with the Yaesu FT-891, how it performed in the field, and why hands-free operating made such a difference during the activation. From there, the episode widens out. I talk openly about my podcasting life as a whole, the shows I currently produce, and why amateur radio fits into my life differently than it did when I first got licensed. I reflect on the tension between passion, distraction, creativity, and focus, and how seasons of life naturally shift what gets attention. I also respond directly to a question Rick raised. Why was I drawn to amateur radio in the first place? Yes, I love the technology. Yes, I love learning new skills. But at the core, radio gives me another place to connect with people. To encourage. To serve. To remind someone on the other end of the signal that there’s a real human being there, not just another call sign in the log. I close the episode with a simple invitation. If this podcast matters to you, if you enjoy following this journey, or if you have a story of your own to share, send me an email. More often than not, those messages are the very thing that brings me back on the air and back to the mic. Thanks for listening, and as always, I encourage you to take everything you do in amateur radio, and in life, to the next level. Email me anytime: cliff@cliffravenscraft.comCall sign: KQ4UUR 73 and many blessings My Other Podcasts Podcast Answer Man - https://podcastanswerman.com The Cliff Ravenscraft Show - https://thecliffravenscraftshow.com Find the rest of my shows here: https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/podcast

This episode contains my first conversation in a new series called POTA Hunters, where I sit down with the voices I hear in nearly every activation to get to know the people behind those familiar call signs. Today, we meet AL7KC Mike Sambuco. When I first got into Parks on the Air (POTA), I quickly noticed the awards page, especially the one for hunting all U.S. states. Because I was doing frequent activations and hunting park-to-park contacts, those boxes began filling in pretty fast. But one of the hardest to get, right up there with Hawaii, was Alaska. Then one day, I heard Mike Sambuco (AL7KC) activating a park in Alaska. I can still remember how excited I was when I realized he could hear me and the QSO was confirmed. Ever since that first contact, Mike has hunted me down in countless activations. I’ll never forget the time he followed me across five different bands during one outing. Even today, I’m always listening for his call sign to break through the pileup , though the band conditions between Kentucky and Alaska don’t always make it easy. Still, every time I hear “AL7KC” come through, it’s a thrill. Mike’s profile on the POTA site speaks volumes: 125 successful activations 64 parks activated Over 4,800 QSOs from those parks And an incredible 26,000+ Hunter QSOs In this conversation, you’ll hear how Mike first got interested in radio back in the early 1970s, starting with simple walkie-talkies on CB Channel 14. From there, his curiosity grew into a lifelong passion that has taken him from Ohio to Korea, and eventually to Alaska, where he’s been operating since 1988 under his current call sign, AL7KC. Mike’s story is full of history, humility, and heart, the kind of story that reminds us why we all fell in love with radio in the first place.  

In this short episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes and sharing two ideas that have been on my mind for Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio. I’m genuinely looking for your feedback to decide which of these ideas (maybe both!) I should move forward with. Idea #2: “Pota Hunters” Series The first idea is something I’m calling “POTA Hunters.” As you probably know, I’ve been incredibly active with Parks on the Air (POTA). Over time, I’ve noticed that I regularly hear from the same voices, fellow operators who “hunt” me nearly every time I activate a park. Some of them have contacted me dozens of times. For instance, I’ve had 94 contacts with Jack Prindle (AB4WS) and 68 with Tom Francis (NV4H). I can recognize many of these voices instantly, and I’d love to learn more about the people behind the call signs. So here’s the concept: I’d invite these frequent POTA hunters, folks who have worked me 20 times or more, to join me for short, conversational interviews. We’d talk about their amateur radio journey, how they got into the hobby, what they enjoy most about POTA, and maybe even their favorite activation stories or mishaps along the way. If you’re an activator, you’ve probably worked some of these same people too, so I think this could be a really fun way for all of us to get to know the voices we hear so often on the air. Idea #2: “Re-Taking the Test” Series The second idea is an educational one: revisiting the Technician and General license material that I studied when I first got licensed. When I first earned my licenses, I scored 100% on both exams. At the time, I memorized the answer to every question in the entire question pool for both the Technician and General exams. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean I understood every concept at the time. It’s been over a year since then, and I’ve been wondering: how much of that knowledge has really stuck? I thought it might be interesting to go back through the entire question pool, section by section, right here on the podcast. I’d read each question aloud, share what I think the answer is, and then talk through whether that information has actually been useful or relevant in real-world operating. Basically, I’d be learning , or re-learning, out loud with you. Only this time, there’s no anxiety about making sure that I get the answer right on an upcoming test. Both of these ideas could add something special to this show, but I don’t want to move forward without hearing from you first. Would you be more interested in the “POTA Hunters” interviews, the “Re-Taking the Test” series, or both? Send me your thoughts! 👉 Email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and let me know what you think. Your feedback will directly shape the direction of this podcast. Until next time, 73!  

In this episode, I sit down with no script, just a heart full of gratitude for this hobby that has become such a meaningful part of my life. It’s been about six weeks since the last episode, and a lot has happened since then. Here’s what I cover: The QSO That Sparked This Episode A parks-on-the-air activation at my favorite spot, Decker Wildlife Management Area, led to a surprise moment: someone on the other end of the mic told me they listen to this podcast and love it. That simple comment was enough to inspire me to hit record today. Call Signs, Vanity Temptations, and Community Feedback I reflect on my call sign, KQ4UUR, and the encouragement I’ve received to keep it, even as I admit the temptation for a shorter call sign if (or when) I get my Extra license. I share why this one has grown on me and the history behind almost changing it. Local Repeaters and the People Who Make Them Special I talk about the 146.790 and 145.370 repeaters in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, the voices I hear there, and the friendships forming through countless conversations. I also share why I avoid certain ham-radio lingo like “rag chew” and “ham” itself, and why “amateur radio operator” resonates more with me. Hamfests, GMRS, and Clearing the Air I share a meaningful conversation with the president of the Southwest Ohio GMRS Association at the Cincinnati Hamfest, clearing up some early misunderstandings from my first days in radio and reflecting on how GMRS actually led me to amateur radio in the first place. Club Leadership Invitations and Boundaries I was recently invited to be on the ballot for Vice President of the Northern Kentucky Amateur Radio Club. I explain why I declined. Not out of disinterest, but because of how I structure my days, my early mornings, and my commitment to staying in alignment with my personal priorities. Late-Night Activations and Parks on the Air Goals Despite my early bedtime, I found myself doing several activations that stretched well past my preferred bedtime. I talk about the challenge, the fun of chasing QSO counts, and how close I’m getting to taken over a second section of of the leaderboard for my favorite park. Starlink Mini and the Perfect POTA Setup I share how my Starlink Mini, with its new $5/month standby plan, has become essential gear for parks without cell service, making navigation and logging possible even in remote areas. Spurious Emissions and Radio Experiments I discuss a fascinating club presentation on spurious emissions, what I learned about unlocking radios, and why I’m now more cautious before transmitting on non-certified bands. Antennas, Gear, and Favorite Setups From my ATAS struggles to the JPC-12 vertical antenna that keeps impressing me, I give an update on what’s working, what’s not, and what gear I prefer usingly lately. By the end of this episode, you’ll hear a mix of stories, lessons learned, and the small moments that keep me coming back to the mic.

In this episode of Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio, I sit down with Jim Newcomb, the founder of Lido Radio Products, to explore his incredible journey through the world of Amateur Radio and entrepreneurship. From his unexpected start at Icom America to creating one of the most trusted names in mobile radio mounting solutions, Jim shares behind-the-scenes insights, fascinating stories, and valuable lessons learned along the way. We’ll delve into: How Icom America grew into an industry leader and innovated the first solid-state amateur radios. Jim’s early career at Icom and his eventual transition into Amateur Radio as part of his professional growth. The groundbreaking release of the IC-706 and how it shaped mobile radio installations. The problem that inspired Jim to create Lido Radio Products—solving the challenge of installing radios in high-end vehicles without drilling holes. Jim’s passion for antenna design, low-power (QRP) operation, and the magic of radio communication. Whether you're just starting in Amateur Radio, returning to the hobby after years away, or a seasoned operator curious about the intersection of radio technology and entrepreneurial spirit, this episode offers inspiration and insight. Key Topics Covered Jim’s Start at Icom America: How a chance job referral led Jim to a career at Icom. The pivotal role of mentorship and hands-on learning in his journey. Behind the Scenes of Icom’s Success: The development of innovative products like the IC-706. How Icom’s commitment to engineering excellence shaped the industry. The Birth of Lido Radio Products: The customer question that sparked the idea for no-drill radio mounts. Jim’s journey from part-time side hustle to a full-time business. The Magic of Radio: Jim’s fascination with antenna design and QRP operation. Stories about the physics and wonder of radio communication. Episode Highlights "Icom’s IC-706 changed everything." Hear how this revolutionary product cemented Icom’s place as a leader in Amateur Radio. "No one wanted to drill holes in their cars." Discover the story behind Lido Radio’s signature no-drill mounting solutions. "I just love the science of radio." Jim shares his personal passion for low-power operation and the art of antenna design. Check out Lido Radio Products Lido Radio Products Website  

In this episode, I share my Amateur Radio journey over the past three and a half weeks since my first Parks On The Air activation in episode 9. I share why I've been "radio silent" when it comes to new podcast episodes for this show during this same period of time. I quickly mentioned TCRS Episode 731 and TrainWithCliff.com. I've become quite obsessed with Parks On The Air, operating HF portably, and have even set a goal to activate every park in the POTA database for the state of Kentucky. In just three and a half weeks, I've completed 42 POTA activations across 15 different parks and made a total of 1,762 QSOs. You can Follow My POTA Stats By Clicking Here. In this episode, I walk you through the gear I've purchased for my portable HF operations. Here's a list of equipment mentioned in the episode, with affiliate links included. Power Related Purchases Deep Cycle Marine/RV Battery - Lead Acid (not recommended - see Episode 11 for Part 2 of my HF & POTA Gear Haul) O Ring Terminal to Power Pole Cables - Amazon Link LiTime 500A Battery Monitor with Shunt - Amazon Link 1 to 4 PowerPole Splitter Cable - Amazon Link Power Pole Crimper and PowerPole Set - Amazon Link A 78 Watt Dual PD USB-C and and one USB 3.0 - Amazon Link Antenna Related Purchases JPC-12 Vertical Antenna - Amazon Link Arborist Throw Line Kit - Amazon Link LDG Electronics Antenna Tuner Interface Cable for Icom Radio - Amazon Link 3ft Coax Jumper Cables - Amazon Link Ham Sticks - Amazon Link NMO to 3/8” X24 Mount Adapter for Magnet Mount - Amazon Link 75ft RG8X Cable - Amazon Link Nano VNA to check SWR - (not recommended - see Episode 11 for Part 2 of my HF & POTA Gear Haul) - Amazon Link Some SO-239 to SMA Male adapter - Amazon Link Misc Purchases A Fold up Canopy 10ft by 10ft - Amazon Link 4× 10-pound canopy weights - Amazon Link Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! In episode 11, I'll share how selling my 1974 Volkswagen Beetle provided me with a $9,000 budget for radio gear, and I'll walk you through all the exciting purchases I've made with some of those funds.  

My First Solo Adventures with HF Radio In this episode, I share my first solo adventures with HF radio, with the help of many different people who have made that possible for me. Selling the Volkswagen Beetle In the previous episode, I mentioned that I had a strategy for coming up with a budget for my amateur radio hobby. I knew I would want to make some purchases, so I decided to put my 1974 Volkswagen Beetle up for sale. I’ll update you on how that plan has gone so far. Receiving Generous Help from the Amateur Radio Community I was blown away when Greg Lamb (W0QI) offered to let me borrow his Kenwood TS-590S radio. His partner, Judy (W1ORO), made arrangements for me to pick up the radio. Greg also had an antenna he could lend me, a stealth-designed end-fed half-wave antenna from MyAntennas.com. Participating in a POTA Event for Local High School Students I had the opportunity to participate in a POTA (Park on the Air) event for high school students. I witnessed the setup process, including the use of a unique variation of a pneumatic potato launcher to set up antennas. It was an incredibly educational experience for me. Setting Up the HF Radio and Antenna Thanks to Rod Milligan (KY4ROD), we managed to create a temporary setup for the HF antenna in my backyard. Making First HF Contacts After discovering that neither the internal speaker nor the external speaker jack of the Kenwood TS-590S were functioning, I found I could use the radio with headphones plugged into the 1/4" headphone jack on the front panel. I was thrilled to make my first HF contacts with Ed Brown (KA8YOR) in Ravenna, Ohio, and Mo Jeanson (N2PEP) in Saratoga, New York. I continued to find more contacts on 20 meters, communicating with people as far as 763 miles away. Improving the HF Setup I obtained additional items necessary for indoor radio operation from R&L Electronics. While discussing the possibility of acquiring an antenna tuner, Fred Neal (W0NKY) overheard me and generously offered to lend me one. Rod Milligan (KY4ROD) helped me evaluate the SWR on the antenna setup using an antenna analyzer. Several Evenings Spent Making Great Contacts Over the next three nights, I spent time in my studio from 9 pm to 1 am, making more HF contacts. I discovered the "wing nuts" community (https://wingnuts7230.com) and was excited to connect with them. I also made my first international contacts, which was a thrill. I made my first International QSO with Lauro Zanoli (IK4GRO) from S. CESARIO, Italy - 4,646.3 miles away. I made contact with Sil Moreno (I1WSM) from Cisano sul NEVA, Italy - 4,543.9 miles away. I also made contact with Per Dudek (DK7LJ) from Wolbloeken, Germany - 4268.5 miles away. Despite my less-than-ideal antenna setup, these international contacts were able to hear me clearly, and I was amazed to be communicating with people so far away. Balancing Ham Radio with Business and Personal Life For the past two months, I had been heavily focused on studying for my amateur radio licenses and immersing myself in the hobby. However, I needed to shift my attention back to my business, which led to a nine-day absence from radio communication. Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans I reflect on the valuable experiences and lessons learned during my radio journey so far, acknowledging the support and help from the amateur radio community. I express my continued interest in amateur radio and the long road ahead in this hobby. Call to Action If you are interested in building your own online business, I invite you to email me at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com with the subject line "Building an Online Business Course." Share your dream for building an online business and any actions you've already taken. I may just grant you free access to my "Building an Online Business" course.  

In this episode, I share how this podcast has had the unexpected benefit of reconnecting others who had previously been active in amateur radio but had lost their passion for it over time. In fact, this episode was inspired by a heartfelt Voxer message I received from my friend Marc Jeffrey (2E0MCJ), who had been inactive in amateur radio for several years, but was inspired to dust off his equipment and get back on the air after listening to the first few episodes of this podcast. I then dive into my own journey, discussing my first international contacts made using digital voice modes like DMR and the Kansas Citywide network. I share the fascinating conversations I had with amateur radio operators from India, the island of Malta, China, and Ireland marveling at the ability to connect with people around the world through this technology. I also recount my experience attending my first hamfest in the Greater Louisville area. I compare the atmosphere to a "niche flea market" for amateur radio enthusiasts, and share my observations about the demographic of attendees, as well as the valuable relationships I built by connecting with members of my local amateur radio club. This led me to discuss my plans to join multiple amateur radio clubs in my area. Another focus of this episode is my preparation for upgrading to the General class license. I share my study process, confidence level, and motivations for getting the General ticket, even though I don't yet have the equipment to fully utilize the HF privileges. I also mention what I learned about the possibility of taking the exam remotely through the WM7X test team. Throughout the episode, I express my excitement about the potential of digital voice modes, my desire to learn more about D-Star, and my plans to potentially host my own international net. I also encourage listeners to consider obtaining their amateur radio licenses or upgrading to the next level. As a reminder, you can use the HamRadioPrep.com course with my coupon code KQ4UUR for a special discount. If you enjoy this podcast, you'll likely find great value in my main podcast, The Cliff Ravenscraft Show. Give it a listen at http://TheCliffRavenscraftShow.com.  

Are you ready to get your Technician Amateur Radio License? In the United States, the Technician license exam consists of 35 questions drawn from a pool of 423. To pass, you need to score 74% or higher—that's 26 correct answers. In this podcast episode, I'll share the exact method and study course I used to score 100% on my Technician Amateur Radio Exam with less than 10 hours of total study time. Coupon Code (KQ4UUR) for HamRadioPrep.com. Please use coupon code KQ4UUR at checkout to get a 10% discount on your Ham Radio Prep Course. This also supports my amateur radio content creation, as I earn a commission when you use my code.  

In this episode, I share my unique journey of how I finally got serious about getting my amateur radio technician license. I've always been interested in radio, from my childhood experiences with Mr. Microphone and CB radio, to having a two-meter radio as a teenager. But I never took the step to get licensed seriously. That all changed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020. With my normal routines disrupted, I started to feel a sense of fear and anxiety about the situation. I heard about how cheap "Baofeng" handheld radios and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios could be used for emergency communications. I purchased a couple of Baofeng radios and got a GMRS license, only to be let down by the experience. The radios ended up tucked away in my tech closet, not seeing the light of day until just over a month ago. I initially believed GMRS had serious limitations for long-distance communication. However, about two months ago, I learned about GMRS repeaters and how to program them. Suddenly, I was bitten by the radio bug. I longed for access to all the amateur radio repeaters within range of my radios. This desire sparked my serious consideration of obtaining an amateur radio technician license. It wasn't until I began connecting with other GMRS users on local repeaters that I felt truly inspired to take the plunge and commit to studying for the exam. In the end, it was the GMRS experience - the ability to talk to people 40+ miles away, but also the limitations I encountered - that motivated me to get my ham license. With my technician ticket, I now have access to a whole new world of radio communication. I'm excited to share more about my radio journey in this and future episodes. I’d love to hear from you. Email me your comments and questions at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com Learn more about me at CliffRavenscraft.com