What Is Long Path Via the Gray Line? What is the Gray Line? G4ELIs Simons World Map, Jim W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-11-12 | Jim W6LG has been on the long path since 1964. Jim shows how that works using G4ELI's, Simon's World Map program. A wonderful program that can be a real asset in the ham shack. Here's the address of Simon's website: g4eli.com/world-mapScroll down the page to the bottom where there is a link to a drop box. There is now a newer version with several improvements. Again, this program is excellent.
ARRL Mentor Program Elmer Award from Bob Darlington N3XKB as an Expression of Gratitude to Jim W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-11-06 | To Bob, N3XKB, thank you from Jim W6LG. This was very kind and generous. I am very proud to have received this award.
Tuning A Linear Amplifier 3-500zg 811A 572B Triodes in Grounded Grid For Maximum Output Power W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-11-01 | Jim Heath W6LG shows how he tunes a linear amplifier for maximum output power in watts. He gest about 1200 watts from a Drake L4b Linear Amplifier from the 1970's.
Tuning a Linear Amplifier Like the Drake L4B Heathkit SB220 SB200 Ameritron AL82 AL811 with Jim W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-10-24 | Glowing 3-500z's are beautiful and do a great job. The tubes in the picture are over 40 years old and still have full output. To keep them working that way, tubes of any kind must be operated correctly.
If You Are Considering Buying A Linear Amplifier, A Linear Amplifier With Tubes May Be a Good Deal Jim W6LG 2022-10-15 | Jim explains the schematic for a tube linear amplifier and shows some of the parts he had on the shelf. Keep in mind that some used amps sell for $800 to $1500 which is about 1/4 the price of some new amps.
FRS, GMRS, Reteviz, HamRadioPrep.com, Ham Radio Operators and Hurricane Ian: Is There a Lesson? Jim W6LG 2022-10-10 | Watch the video and if you can provide a short, to the point answer related to using FRS, GMRS and Ham Radio to provide a way to communicate with various jurisdictions. Jim shows the Reteviz RB86 transceiver and comments about it construction which appears to be very good.
Iconic 3-500z/g Tube, Plate Dissipation, Prices of New Amplifiers, Instead Consider a Used Drake L4b Jim W6LG 2022-10-04 | The 3-500z and 3-500zg are iconic tubes. So what does plate dissipation mean? Also, consider the 572b and 811a tubes. New amps are very expensive and there are not many in stock the retailers Consider a used amp like the Drake L4B. Jim W6LG your YouTube Elmer does some quick math to explain some important things to remember
How To Get Your Amateur Ham Radio License or Upgrade Your License & Discussion with Jim Heath W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-09-22 | If you are interested in getting your Amateur/HamRadio License, now is a good time. Here Jim Heath W6LG who has been licensed for almost 60 years, discusses courses offered by HamRadioPrep.com. When you go to HamRadioPrep.com, enter the discount code W6LG for 20% off. www.HamRadioPrep.com Discount Code is W6LG.
Part 2 of Why the SWR is Lower When the Coax is Long and Large Diameter can be Better by Jim W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-09-16 | Jim W6LG discusses more about why coax losses matter and why it can make the SWR look lower and why his is stuck behind the screen!If you would like to donate here is the link here's the link: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F559TA6NT8QRU
Why is the SWR Lower with a Long Length of Coax and Higher with a Short Length of Coax? W6LG Answers Jim W6LG 2022-09-15 | Why when the coax is long between the transmitter and the antenna; the SWR is lower as compared to a short length of coax? Jim W6LG answers the question demonstrating the changes in the SWR and explains why that happens. If you would like to donate here is the link here's the link: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F559TA6NT8QRU
Insertion Loss, A/B Amplifier Relay, Why It Is Called An RCA Phono Plug/Jack, Jim W6LG YouTube Elmer Jim W6LG 2022-09-07 | Jim W6LG YouTube Elmer shows how to measure insertion loss on a box he built with a relay inside to select one of two linear amplifiers. He uses a NanoVNA to measure the insertion loss in an interesting way. If you would like to make a donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F559TA6NT8QRU
Ham Radio Phonytics Are Very Important, You Must Properly Identify Your Station Jim W6LG 2022-09-05 | Jim reads a list of phonytics that will help you with your station' identification. If you can help fill in the missing phonytics please add a comment. First letters should be silent.If you would like to make a donation, click here: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F559TA6NT8QRU
I Am From the FCC. May I See Some Identification Please? You Were Too Fast In The Phonetic Lane! Jim W6LG 2022-08-29 | When do you have to Identify your station? Can you use phonetics? Do you have to say your callsign and location? Must you say your Station Identification in English?To donate using secure PayPal: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F559TA6NT8QRU
I Have Cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, MDS, Neutropenia, Severe Osteoporosis, Heart Failure Jim W6LG 2022-08-20 | My journey has some lessons about doctors and diagnoses. Please watch this video and see if there is something that might help you. I have added a button if you would like to donate. To see the button which looks like a rectangle from YouTube, put your cursor on the screen. When the cursor is on the screen, the link appears and when c licked goes to PayPal. Thank you.Here's the link: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=F559TA6NT8QRU
How to RF Ground Your HF Station as Shown by the ARRL and a Discussion about Ground Loops, Bonding Jim W6LG 2022-08-07 | Jim discusses how he grounds his station to the electrical system to avoid ground loops and other issues. The answer is that there is no RF ground.
Circuit Board for Testing Common Mode Current and Other Types of Connectors with a NanoVNA Jim W6LG 2022-08-04 | Jim builds and mounts the "blue board" and then measures some common mode current reductions with his NanoVNA. The circuit board kit is from Halibut Electronics and Mark Smith N6MTS.
Does the Product Add Value? Or, Just Have a Big Price Tag? Jim W6LG 2022-08-03 | Jim W6LG talks about expensive antennas that do not radiate as advertised. That is to say, an expensive antenna that promises superior results may actually be a dummy load and adds no value to the station. Jim goes on to recommend that before spending $1000 on an antenna system research that product. He adds that product reviews are useless in determining the value of an antenna.
Your First SSB Contact, Setting of Mic Gain and Compression, Other Tips from Jim W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-07-27 | Jim Heath W6LG, discuss operating on phone today. He discussion things to consider in this first of three videos about making phone contacts on high frequency (HF) like 20 meters. Jim talks about things to consider. You may chose a different style. The issues discussed are Jim's opinions after being very active for 58 years.
How Many Ferrite Beads on an HF Antenna? What is Coaxial Cable? What are Common Mode Currents? Jim W6LG 2022-07-17 | Six second delay at the beginning. Title was edited down to fit the number of characters. Jim W6LG uses a device similar to that manufactured by Mark Smith at www.halibut.electronics.com. Jim has ordered that circuit board and will test it soon in a YouTube video. How many conductors are there in a typical coax cable? Where do common mode currents flow?
My 1967 visit with Allen Friedman, K6YRA 377 on the Honor Roll, He Told Me to Listen, Listen, Listen Jim W6LG 2022-07-04 | A quick story about my visit with K6YRA, Al, who is at 377 on the Honor Roll. Al told me to listen, listen and listen some more.
Which Coax Cable is Better? One Cable is Gray the Other Cable is Black Gray SWR 2.5:1. Black 3:1. Jim W6LG 2022-07-04 | This is in response to an article in the January 2022 publication OTA.
Jim W6LG YouTube Elmer Answers a Viewers Question About Extending the Range of the Baofeng UV-5R Jim W6LG 2022-06-16 | Jim Heath W6LG discusses why a small VHF/UHF handie talkie like the UV-5R is not likely going to provide communication around the world.
Jim W6LG YouTube Elmer is Talking with Dave VK5MRD in Australia and that is Magical Jim W6LG 2022-06-15 | As said so well by Paul, W4PMH, amateur radio is magical. And here is some magic. Dave, VK5MRD, referred me to his QRZ.com page to see the pictures of his job and dedication to the Royal Flying Doctor Service that does so much good for those in need in Australia.
From WA2R, Tim Quick, a Device for Tuning a Linear Amplifier that Jim, W6LG Calls the QuicKey Jim W6LG 2022-06-13 | Plugged into the key jack on the front of the transceiver, this device can produce a string of dits for tuning. Using dits causes less stress on the amplifier. The Quickey can be used to a linear amplifier and an antenna tuner.
Aman, V85A in Brunei and Jim, W6LG in California Talk Briefly Jim W6LG 2022-06-11 | Aman, V85A in Brunei and Jim W6LG have a fast QSO. Prior to that contact, you can watch Aman listen carefully looking for the weak signals. V85A is a skilled DXer who spends much of his time listening on the bands and studying propagation paths around the world. He uses that information to set the antenna direction at various times of the day. If you hear V85A on the air, say hello.
What to Look for in a Home from Jim Heath W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-05-19 | Jim W6LG discusses some things that he thinks you might want to look for when choosing a new home. And, he asks if viewers want to add some things related to ham radio.
Microphone Test Results with Jim Heath W6LG Jim W6LG 2022-04-19 | Here's what I used for the test. amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=psdc_11974671_t3_B08R951Z33?th=1amazon.com/MXL-Dynamic-Microphone-Gray-BCD-1/dp/B08R951Z33/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1V1I133WVJPCP&keywords=MXL%2BBCD-1%2BDynamic%2BPodcast%2BMicrophone&qid=1650337317&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=mxl%2Bbcd-1%2Bdynamic%2Bpodcast%2Bmicrophone%2Cmi%2C122&sr=1-2&th=1amazon.com/dp/B08ML13KSB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Which is the BEST Microphone? Listen to this test! Jim W6LG 2022-04-17 | For about 1 minute I will test 3 microphones.Which sounds the best to you?Which do you think is the most expensive?Which do you think is the least expensive?Put your answer in the comments.
Tim Duffy K3LR is Interviewed by Jim W6LG about DX Engineering, Summit Racing & K3LR Contest Station Jim W6LG 2022-04-14 | Jim Heath, W6LG, does an unscripted interview of Tim Duffy at the contest station K3LR about Summit Racing and DX Engineering. Tim. also discusses his contest station. Tim's contest station is so well designed and installed that 11 operators can be setting next to each other running 1500 watts. K3LR is ready to handle emergency traffic from around the planet. Contest Station: K3LR.comNCC-2; dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-ncc-2Bonding Plates and more: dxengineering.com/search?SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=bonding%20plates
NC0B, Rob Sherwoods Receiver Performance Spreadsheet Now Sortable By K4FMH, Dr. Frank M. Howell Jim W6LG 2022-03-27 | Jim Heath W6LG, ham radio Elmer, discusses the sortable spreadsheet created by a collaboration of Rob Sherwood, NC0B and Dr. Frank Howell, K4FHM. This tremendous resource is now available to all for research. Here is a link to Frank's blog: foxmikehotel.com/sortable-sherwood-receiver-bench-test-table-march-5-2022Here is the link to the Frank's website and the sortable spreadsheet: k4fmh.com/2022/03/24/sortable-sherwoodHere is the link to Rob's website:http://www.sherweng.com/table.htmlEnjoy!
What is Ham Radio? Jim W6LG 2022-03-02 | I have been a ham radio operator for 58 years. Many times I have been asked: What is ham radio? To answer that question, I asked several friends to record their view of ham radio and send it to me for a YouTube video. So, here are their responses.
Does the PL259 (etc.) have more loss than an N connector at HF? Which should you use? Jim W6LG 2022-02-26 | Jim Heath, W6LG YouTube Elmer compares the loss of UHF connectors to N connectors in order to answer the question: Which type of connector should you use at HF?From David Gold, a correction to my video where I use the term connector and it should have been adapter. He also adds to the explanation of what I was attempting to do in the "test". Please read his comments moved to here in the description.Hi Jim- thanks for the video. I agree with you regarding VHF and HF frequencies. When did we start calling "adapters" "connectors"? To me, a connector is directly attached to a cable, and an adapter goes between the connector and the equipment (or another adapter). The PL-259 was termed a "UHF connector", because back when it was developed, VHF was "ultra high frequency". But for 400mhz up, I believe the N connector is the way to go. For HF and VHF, I use a PL259 SO239... they are cheaper and work fine. And for the "experts" who question your measurement methods....this is a relative comparison, and this video was not intended as part of an engineering syllabus....it was a nice demonstration. Let me just add one more thing: I believe that if you added a well-used (not brand new) cheap 90-degree adaptor into the mix, your losses would be greater, especially if you actually measured power dissipation and not just low-level signals from a VNA....I have removed ALL of the cheap (amazon, not amphenol) right angle adapters from my gear. 73
Sealing Coax Connectors and Coax Cable from the Weather Jim W6LG 2022-02-21 | Jim Heath W6LG shows how he seals two PL259's and a bulkhead connector, He also shows a connector for Heliax that is available from hamsupply.com/pl-259-for-superflexTemflex 2155 @ amazon.com/3M-Temflex-Rubber-Splicing-Tape/dp/B005298APQ/ref=sr_1_20?crid=35Y4TQWI6ARRF&keywords=tremflex+834+tape&qid=1645414554&sprefix=tremflex+834+tape%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-20
ARRL OTA Magazine Article, Protect Your Outdoor Cable Connections, Oops! Jim W6LG 2022-02-18 | Jim talks about the OTA Magazine. He disagrees with parts of the article and finds some mistakes that are relatively minor. But, those mistakes should have been found during proofreading. In Part 2, Jim will show his method for sealing coax cable connections. He will also show a very nicely made connector for Heliax type cables.Here's a comment from a member of the Board. What do you think about her comment? I should point about that the CW/Morse Code issue can be debated. I was a Cub, Boy and Ham Radio Explorer Scout. So I can speak with some authority about CW. Ria may not have been a Scout. Link to a TV website as number one for mentoring sites is inexcusable. That link to that picture of the shirtless muscular man posing makes me wonder what the author was thinking about. OTA proofing appears very sloppy and the proofreader needs to find another job within the organization. As a Life Member and an amateur for almost 60 years with over 40K subscribers (I have some videos in the many thousands of views) my input might have had some limited value to that one article. Okay, here's Ria's comment. If you want to respond, please be courteous. Ria's Shack ham radio • 3 hours ago (edited)Jim certainly has some good points but calling dots and dashes as being incorrect is in itself incorrect. Technically it’s correct in ham radio to use dits and dahs but Morse was a visual language in some places. From what I understand BSA used to teach it as dots and dashes (I wish they didn’t). In fact it was dots and dashes back in the late 1870s when a needle produced code on paper/ticker tape. And yes I’m aware that ARRL publications have had a lot of errors but it’s gotten better - David Minster himself goes through a lot of them and finds errors to be fixed. They’re actually looking to improve measurably in that department.
ARRL, Is Anyone Proofreading? Jim W6LG 2022-02-17 | Is anyone proofreading at the ARRL's magazine division? Are the editors amateur radio operators? Do they know anything about amateur radio? I don't know the answers. But the latest OTA Magazine needs to be fixed. As a Life Member I am very disappointed again. Check out the mistaken links and other things gone wrong with that magazine that is supposed to help beginners and intermediate licensees.
The Good Earth Jim W6LG 2021-12-03 | Shawn Billy Williams, ZS1SBW and Jim Heath, W6LG discuss the importance of a good earth ground for the amateur radio station. Shawn is an expert in the National Electric Code and Jim is a former Deputy Building Inspector. Jim has also been a ham radio operator for more than 58 years.
Twilight Zone Via Ham Radio Long Path To Africa Jim W6LG 2021-10-21 | Long path in the twilight zone is really amazing. As we head towards another peak in the sunspot cycle, paths like that will be even better and more frequent. Jim W6LG describes his lifelong use of the Twilight Zone.Jim was first on the air in 1964 not 1960.
Deceptive Antennas Using A Standard Carbon Resistor With Inductive And Capacitive Reactance Jim W6LG 2021-09-30 | Jim, W6LG talks about antenna reviews and reviewers. Simply put, does the reviewer know what he or she is talking about?
This Ham Radio Product Introduction & Review Is A Lie, Scam And Fake. Listen To Jim W6LGs Words. Jim W6LG 2021-09-15 | I do my best to make this "antenna", could be anything for that matter, sound great. I am tryig to make you believe that you need to buy one! Glowing reports from ham radio reviewers don't exist and neither does this device. This review is a fake and so is the product. Even though it is awful, I make it sounds perfect. Have you seen reviews like this?
FCC Requires RF Radiation Exposure Calculation, ARRL Calculator Reviewed By Jim W6LG Ham Radio Elmer Jim W6LG 2021-08-29 | Despite a very poorly written explanation and calculator, I recommend the RF Exposure Calculator from the National Organization for Amateur Radio. The misspelled word(s), poor sentences, incorrect definitions from the ARRL is really bad coming from an organization that prints books and magazines. The ARRL needs to fix this right away. I make lots of mistakes but I am just one person. They have staff that should have reviewed those pages.
Why A Multimeter Cannot Be Used To Measure Impedance & A New NanoVNA 2 Discount Code Jim W6LG Jim W6LG 2021-08-15 | Here's new NanoVNA with a metal box so that the connectors with not break as they did in previous versions.
NanoVNA 2 With Jim Heath W6LG Measured Very Little Loss With 60 Connectors At 140MHz Jim W6LG 2021-08-15 | Sixty coax connectors and almost zero insertion loss at 30MHz and about 1dB at 140MHz.To see this on Amazon, here is the link: amazon.com/SAA-V2-10KHz-3GHz-Touchscreen-Measuring-Parameters/dp/B08BRYTHVGThe discount code is: UCC4QZBI
Whats A Ham? What Is Amateur Radio? Jim Heath W6LG Answers Those Questions Jim W6LG 2021-08-06 | Jim Heath W6LG YouTube Elmer answers the question about why they are called 'hams' and also describes 'Amateur Radio'. Jim uses his 58 years of experience as a licensed Amateur Radio Operator.
Getting A Hole In One With Cheap Coax And A Look At 400MAX Coax By YouTube Ham Radio Elmer Jim W6LG Jim W6LG 2021-08-04 | Jim shows the damage thet was done as a result of using that gray RG8X coax. He compare that coax to DXEngineering's 400MAX.
Questions And Answers About Coax Cables From the Video About RG8X From Jim Heath W6LG Jim W6LG 2021-07-23 | How does the coax cable affect the SWR? Does that brand of connector matter? Does this CB antenna handle 20,000watts from a CB? Jim tackles those questions and more.This is Part 2 of a series about coax cables.
RG8X No-Name Coax, You Need To Be Careful, Jim W6LG Shows What Happened To 100 Feet Of Gray Coax Jim W6LG 2021-07-22 | Jim Heath W6LG shows what happened to RG8X that had 1500 applied. Watch the subsequent episodes for more information about coax.This is Part 1 of a series about coax cables. Music from AE3RM Raul Midon
Gift Card Scam Alert! Warning Heres What Happened By Jim Heath W6LG Ham Radio Elmer Jim W6LG 2021-07-11 | This is a quickly made video about what happened. The attempted scam is so old and tired that I was surprised it was being attempted. Watch this video. If you are older, like me, be aware that their are people who will take everything from you if they can. Use your family as a resource.
Qatar Amateur Radio Operator A71AM, Saif, Is Interviewed By Jim Heath W6LG Ham Radio Elmer Jim W6LG 2021-07-11 | Saif and Jim are very close friends for many years. They are like brothers. Their backgrounds could not be more different. Saif grew up in the desert of Qatar and became a military pilot. Jim grew up in Burbank/Hollywood, the son of a studio executive and worked as a Building Inspector for many years. Their friendship is a good example of how amateur radio is composed of three main parts: Licensed Radio Service, amazing hobby with thousands of interests and friendship. Amateur radio operators, known as hams, can have close friends all over the world.
ARRL Did Not Answer KA9AMOs Letter and Video, Interview By Jim Heath, W6LG, Ham Radio Elmer Jim W6LG 2021-07-08 | im, KA9AMO wrote to the ARRL and produced a video with a suggestion. Tim got no response in spite of many attempts. The point of this video is that the ARRL was not responsive to Tim's polite and well thought out suggestion.July 13, 2021 Update From Tim KA9AMOThank you to all who commented both publicly and privately via email. I am grateful for all comments positive and negative because it shows a sincere interest and a willingness to offer a perspective and response in the absence of the ARRLSome of the comments said I was “whining”. It may have sounded that way but I was not. I was merely expressing my observations of the Summer Field Day 2021. In the video I offered suggestions for possible improvements in future events that I thought would benefit amateur radio operators.The purpose of this video was not to bash the ARRL as some said in the comments. The purpose was to offer a potential improvement to the Summer Field Day for all amateur radio operators around the world. I had participated in the prior Winter Field Day from our local club station. The Field Operation was restricted to the lower portion of the General Class phone band. This worked well. Those who wished to participate had a section of the bands. Those who chose not to participate could coexist comfortably in another section of the bands. I understand that the participation in this event is much small than the Summer Field Day.Also, one of the functions of amateur radio is to foster ‘international good will’. The strong interference and the inconsiderate operating of by during the Summer Field Day 2021 forced some foreign stations off the bands. I believe from their perspective it was just the opposite of international goodwill.As of today July 14, 2021 I have not received a response from the ARRL. With many types of social media, I believe that excellent customer service is essential for a business or association to survive. The lack of response to my many emails and the video on YouTube is disappointing.Jim W6LG's function in the video was that of interviewer. He asked leading questions in order to get me to further explain in greater detail what I was offering. Here are some important points about me:§ I earned my Novice License in 1978 while a Junior at Indiana State University Evansville.§ I earned my Technician License in 1978, Advanced Class License in 1979 and Extra Class License in 2019.§ I graduated from Indiana State University Evansville in May 1979 with honors as a Chemistry Major and a Physics Minor plus German foreign language endorsement.§ For more than 35 years I have owned and operated a successful machine shop business. I have been successful because I offer the best possible customer service to all.Thank you for reading this and I would like to end the discussion here.Tim Goad, KA9AMO
Why Ham Radio Equipment Needs A Separate Bonding (Brounding) Strap By Jim Heath W6LG Ham Radio Elmer Jim W6LG 2021-07-08 | In a very brief discussion, Jim explains why and how ham radio equipment should be bonded to a common point. Music by Raul Midon AE3RM. And because of my cataracts, it is out of focus. Thanks.
