The Ham Radio Guy

Welcome to Episode #71, and today we’re talking about one of the great elements of the hobby — QRP. That’s right, making contacts across states, across continents, even across oceans… all with less power than it takes to light up a nightstand lamp. In this episode, we’ll explore what QRP really means, the history and philosophy behind running low power, the gear and antennas that make it possible, and the community of hams who thrive on doing more with less. Along the way, I’ll share stories, tips, and even a challenge for you to try the next time you’re on the air. So grab your coffee, dial it down to 5 watts or less, and let’s see just how far a little signal can really go Affiliate Links   Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy   Hamstuffonline.com   American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.   ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=w0met10   County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO   Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3.  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.   Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24   Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/    https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231   Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping   Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy   Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA   https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy    https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy   Email: [email protected]   Sign up for the newsletter  

Check out these new short podcast episodes that will be integrated in between other longer podcast.  Let me know if you enjoy these.   In this episode, Marvin, W0MET breaks down two simple habits that can save you hours of frustration in the shack and in the field: labeling everything and building a known-good kit. No new radios. No expensive upgrades. Just real-world tips that make troubleshooting faster, portable ops smoother, and Field Day far less stressful. Small changes—big results.

2025 Year-End Review: Amateur Radio News, FCC Updates & Silent Keys As we close out 2025, Marvin Turner, W0MET, takes a comprehensive look back at the year in amateur radio. In this special year-end episode of The Ham Radio Guy, we cover the biggest equipment releases, major FCC and regulatory developments, industry changes, and key public-service milestones that shaped the hobby. Highlights include new radios from Yaesu, FlexRadio, Icom, and Kenwood, the expansion of the 60-meter band, ongoing spectrum and antenna-rights advocacy, the shutdown of Hamshack Hotline, and SteppIR’s exit from the amateur antenna market. We also reflect on milestones like the IARU’s 100th anniversary, the Hurricane Watch Net’s 60 years of service, and ARISS special events aboard the International Space Station. The episode concludes with a respectful tribute to several Silent Keys whose leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on amateur radio. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the bands, this episode offers a thoughtful recap of where amateur radio has been—and where it’s headed next. 73,Marvin, W0MET     Affiliate Links   Dakota Lithium – LiPo batteries – 11 yr warranty. Dakota Lithium use Coupon Code: thehamradioguy   Hamstuffonline.com   American Filament   Use code HRG to give customers 5% off of up to 2 spools.   ABR industries – Coax https://abrind.com/?sld=w0met10   County Comms - Every day carry items https://countycomm.com/THEHAMRADIO   Ham radio Prep  https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8918896.b362a3.  Use code HAMRADIOGUY.   Alpha Antenna.    https://www.alphaantenna.com/W0MET?aff=24   Bridgecom Systems https://www-affiliate-bridgecomsystems.goaffpro.com/    https://portal.referralcandy.com/FKVKH75/share_redirect?type=referral_link_email_click&location=reminder_email&message_id=1231229231   Big Poppa Smokers.  http://shrsl.com/4u7s0. FREEAFFBPS  Use code for Free shipping   Lido mounts https://www.lidoradio.com/pages/brands?sca_ref=8185043.zmqlAAzYNB you can also click on any link and use Coupon Code: HamRadioGuy   Spec 5 Meshtashtic https://specfive.com?sca_ref=8242389.ii7FfHThhfLNxdCl SOCIAL MEDIA   https://twitter.com/TheHamRadioGuy    https://www.patreon.com/TheHamRadioGuy   Email: [email protected]   Sign up for the newsletter