Have you ever dismissed CB radio as just a relic of 1970s culture? This episode might change your mind completely. We welcome Walt K4OGM from Coastal Waves and Wires to challenge our preconceptions and build a bridge between two radio communities that have been divided for too long.

Walt takes us on a fascinating journey through the modern world of Citizens Band radio, revealing how the 11-meter band offers legitimate DX opportunities with legal equipment. You'll discover that the FCC relaxed distance restrictions years ago, making skip contacts fully legal with the proper power limits. From equipment recommendations like the President McKinley FCC to operating techniques for maximum range, Walt covers everything needed to ethically enjoy this overlooked spectrum.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the vision Walt presents: ham radio operators bringing their disciplined practices to elevate CB operations while introducing a new generation to the broader world of radio communications. The hosts find themselves increasingly intrigued by the possibility of using CB as a gateway to bring newcomers into amateur radio, while also giving technician licensees a taste of HF-style communications.

Beyond the technical aspects, we explore the cultural differences between the communities, propagation characteristics of the 11-meter band, and even emergency communications applications where CB continues to prove its worth during disasters. Whether you're a longtime ham with prejudices against CB or a newly licensed operator curious about expanding your radio horizons, this episode offers fresh perspectives that might just send you searching for that sideband-capable CB radio.

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YouTube Channel:
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Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR
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When two ham radio podcasts collide, the airwaves crackle with twice the energy! This special episode brings together the Live Free and Ham crew with the team from Everyday Ham in a crossover that reveals surprising parallels between these two groups of passionate radio operators.

What started as a casual conversation quickly evolved into a fascinating exploration of the shared experiences that connect ham radio enthusiasts across state lines. The chemistry between these six operators from New Hampshire and Michigan is immediately apparent as they discover their mirrored approaches to podcasting, community building, and radio operations.

Paul (N1OG) shares his triumphant achievement of earning his skydiving A license after completing 26 jumps, including a heart-stopping account of a parachute entanglement that showcases the calm problem-solving skills that serve him well in both hobbies. Meanwhile, the Everyday Ham crew recounts their recent Michigan POTA meetup that drew approximately 100 participants, sparking ideas for future collaborations.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through repeater maintenance challenges, the importance of mentoring the next generation of technical experts, and candid equipment reviews. Jim and James share their frustrations with the new Yaesu FTX-1 Optima, while Todd discusses his Jeep antenna mounting adventures. These real-world experiences highlight why these podcasts have become trusted voices in the ham community.

Perhaps most valuable is the exchange of community-building strategies, from the "leave no call unanswered" philosophy on repeaters to creating engaging events that welcome newcomers to the hobby. Both teams share their approaches to keeping their local radio scenes vibrant and accessible, offering listeners practical ideas to implement in their own communities.

By the end of this extended conversation, it's clear that despite the geographic distance between New Hampshire and Michigan, these two podcast teams have created remarkably similar spaces for hams to learn, connect, and grow. Their shared passion for amateur radio transcends boundaries and reminds us why this hobby continues to thrive in the digital age.

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YouTube Channel:
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Dive into the unexpected convergence of amateur radio and skydiving as co-host Paul (N1OG) shares his journey toward skydiving certification. With 23 jumps completed, Paul recounts a hair-raising experience navigating unexpected wind conditions that forced a landing between hangars, resulting in a parachute repair. His candid reflections reveal a surprising preference for the controlled canopy descent over the adrenaline rush of free-fall – drawing fascinating parallels to different operating styles in ham radio.

The conversation shifts to our upcoming 24-hour Parks on the Air marathon at Greenfield State Park (September 7-8), promising food, prizes, and continuous radio operations. We're extending an open invitation to the ham community to join us for this unprecedented activation event.

Eric entertains with tales of his rain-soaked POTA activation attempt and the surprising reaction when distributing ham radio "hammies" to unsuspecting vehicles in parking lots. Meanwhile, a spirited debate erupts about ham radio vehicle setups – how many antennas are too many? The team dissects the practicality and aesthetics of various configurations with equal parts technical insight and good-natured ribbing.

Throughout this adventure-packed episode, we explore how both skydiving and amateur radio cultivate similar skills: technical knowledge, quick decision-making, and calm under pressure. Whether you're fascinated by taking ham radio to new heights or looking for practical advice on mobile setups, this episode delivers with our signature blend of expertise and casual camaraderie.

Join us for this journey through the clouds with your favorite ham radio enthusiasts, and consider participating in our upcoming POTA extravaganza – no parachute required!

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YouTube Channel:
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What happens when three passionate ham radio operators decide to make history with the first-ever 24-hour Parks On The Air activation? The Live Free and Ham crew unveils their ambitious plans for a September 2025 event at Greenfield State Park that promises to combine radio operation, camping, community building, and possibly even fundraising for ham radio causes.

Todd shares his journey of radio removal and reinstallation as he upgrades to a new hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe. The surprising amount of dirt accumulated around his mobile installation serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the real-world challenges facing mobile operators. His contemplation about whether to upgrade from his FT-300 to the FT-500 sparks a thoughtful discussion about radio features that make a meaningful difference for real-world operating conditions.

Meanwhile, Eric celebrates a ham radio milestone that was years in the making - receiving his QSL card confirmation from Antarctica, completing his all-continent collection nearly three years after making the contact via FT8. The Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition's card arrives with a charming misspelling that only adds to its collectible value. For DXers, this moment resonates as the sweet culmination of patience and persistence.

The hosts also explore Paul's continuing skydiving journey, with detailed insights into the progression through AFF levels and the value of wind tunnel training. His experience demonstrates how skills developed in controlled environments translate to real-world performance - a principle that applies equally well to developing ham radio expertise.

Whether you're interested in joining the 24-hour POTA activation, contemplating your next mobile installation, chasing DX confirmations, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow radio enthusiasts, this episode offers something for every ham. Visit livefreeandham.com/24hour-poda to learn more about participating in what could become a new tradition in the Parks On The Air program!

To pre-register for the 24-Hour POTA Campout, use this link

https://livefreeandham.com/24h-pota

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YouTube Channel:
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Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR
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Join the Live Free and Ham crew for their first-ever no-holds-barred Ask Me Anything session that takes unexpected turns while delivering genuine ham radio insights. From the sublime to the ridiculous, nothing is off-limits as the guys field questions from their live audience.

The conversation kicks off with Paul sharing breathtaking stories from his skydiving adventures, describing the surreal moment of watching an aircraft fly away while floating in freefall at 13,400 feet. His description of the mental clarity and peace experienced during jumps offers a fascinating glimpse into why this extreme sport has become his passion. Meanwhile, Todd updates listeners on his baseball coaching commitments and his new hybrid Jeep, while Eric laments his POTA withdrawal symptoms.

A major highlight comes with the announcement of their 24-Hour POTA event scheduled for September 6-7 at Greenfield State Park in New Hampshire. The team enthusiastically invites listeners to join this marathon operating session, complete with catered meals and multiple stations. Whether you're a seasoned operator or new to portable operations, this community gathering promises great radio, good food, and plenty of camaraderie.

The AMA portion delivers candid discussions about favorite portable antennas, memorable VHF contacts, equipment failures, and surprisingly personal topics. Each host reveals their antenna preferences for field operations, from Eric's Mad Dog Coil 80 to Paul's Reliance Bug Out Mini and Todd's BuddyPole Pro. Their entertaining debate about "worst antenna experiences" will resonate with anyone who's struggled with equipment in the field.

Between serious radio talk, the conversation weaves through hilarious tangents about underwear preferences, hair loss, and Todd's ongoing journey toward his Extra class license. The authentic chemistry between these three friends creates an entertaining blend of technical knowledge and personal stories that makes ham radio accessible to operators at all levels.

Whether you're interested in portable operations, skydiving adventures, or just enjoy the unfiltered banter of three passionate ham radio operators, this episode delivers entertainment and insights in equal measure.

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YouTube Channel:
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Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR
Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch
Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ

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Ever wondered what happens when passionate female ham radio operators take to mountain peaks? This episode takes you on an unforgettable journey into the world of Summits on the Air (SOTA) with two extraordinary guests - Amy AG7GP and Paula K9IR, founders of the "Queens of the Mountain" event.

Amy shares her transformation from a novice carrying 25 pounds of equipment up mountains to becoming a skilled SOTA operator and community builder in the Pacific Northwest. Her story of overcoming self-doubt resonates with anyone who's faced challenges in outdoor activities. Meanwhile, Paula recounts her 48-year ham radio journey, from passing her first code test in 1976 to conquering an astonishing seven summits in a single day as part of what she calls "biathlon for geeks."

The conversation delves deep into the unique experiences of women in this male-dominated hobby. Both guests candidly discuss the challenges some female operators face while highlighting the incredible support network they've built. Their Queens of the Mountain event (June 7-8, 2025) invites women worldwide to activate summits and encourages all operators to make contacts with them.

You'll discover fascinating SOTA insights along the way - from prominence requirements that determine what qualifies as a summit to dramatic tales of broken ankles on mountaintops and navigating dense forest where "you need a machete to hack through." The guests even share the touching story behind their special award named for K1LIZ, a blind operator who achieved Mountain Goat status multiple times.

Whether you're an experienced SOTA activator, curious about mountain operations, or simply enjoy hearing stories of perseverance and community-building, this episode offers something special. Ready to join this remarkable community? Listen now and discover how you can participate in the growing movement of women taking amateur radio to new heights.

QRZ Page:
Amy AG7GP - https://www.qrz.com/db/AG7GP
Paula K9IR - https://www.qrz.com/db/K9IR

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YouTube Channel:
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Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR
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What happens when a ham radio enthusiast decides to leap from 14,000 feet? Our own Paul (N1OG "The Grouch") takes us on an extraordinary journey from New Hampshire to the skies above Illinois in pursuit of his skydiving A license.

The adventure begins with Paul's meticulous planning and a cross-country road trip towing his 30-foot camper through relentless rain. Along the way, he activates POTA locations with fellow operators and makes a special stop at K9OL Carlos's QTH—the very ham whose parachute mobile operations inspired Paul's skydiving ambitions. Through Paul's vivid storytelling, we experience the challenges of navigating gas stations with a massive trailer, boondocking at farms and vineyards, and maintaining ham radio operations off-grid.

Upon arriving at Chicagoland Skydiving Center, one of the nation's premier jump schools, Paul dives into intensive ground training. His detailed account of learning emergency procedures, canopy control, landing patterns, and altitude awareness reveals surprising parallels between ham radio and skydiving—both requiring technical knowledge, systematic learning, and alertness under pressure.

The climax comes as Paul recounts his first solo jump—from the nerve-wracking exit from the aircraft to the moment of deployment at 5,500 feet, and finally, his successful landing. Despite challenges with stability during free fall, his triumph in maintaining altitude awareness and executing a controlled landing showcases the transferable skills between hobbies. His infectious excitement about "flying the parachute" captures the unique thrill of this achievement.

Whether you're a skydiving enthusiast, a ham operator curious about adventure sports, or simply someone who appreciates stories of personal challenge and growth, this episode offers an intimate look at pushing boundaries and embracing new frontiers. Follow along as we transform N1OG from "The Grouch" to "Parachute Jesus" and discover how ham radio can lead to unexpected adventures.

Want to support Paul's journey to his A license? Visit livefreeandham.com and click the GoFundMe link to help him complete his training!

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YouTube Channel:
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Grab your radio gear and join us as we dive into Ham Fest season! This episode captures our fresh, unfiltered thoughts about Near Fest and the broader landscape of amateur radio gatherings in New England.

After attending the spring Near Fest event, we share a candid assessment of what worked, what didn't, and what could transform these events for the future. From the cramped vendor spaces to the challenge of hearing announcements, we explore the practical realities of today's ham festivals while acknowledging their irreplaceable community value. Our special guest Mike (N3MFL) brings a thoughtful perspective as we compare Near Fest to other ham gatherings and debate the merits of different venue layouts.

The conversation sparks exciting ideas for reimagining ham radio events. What if we created a 24-hour POTA activation combined with camping? What if live streaming became a central feature, allowing real-time engagement with the broader ham community? These possibilities point toward a future where ham festivals blend tradition with innovation, creating experiences that honor our roots while embracing new technologies and approaches.

Throughout the episode, Todd faces more Extra class exam questions in our "A Little Something Extra" segment, showing progress toward his license upgrade goals. We also share stories of meaningful connections made at Near Fest, including time spent with commercial vendors like Matt from Reliance Antennas, whose quality products and customer-first approach exemplify the best of the ham radio community.

Whether you're a ham fest regular or have never attended one, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving ham radio community. Join us in imagining—and creating—the next generation of ham radio gatherings!

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YouTube Channel:
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Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR
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