A pandemic-driven surge in hobbyists is reshaping the amateur radio landscape with fresh innovations and renewed enthusiasm
The world of amateur radio is one that never ceases to evolve and inspire and Hamvention 2023, a renowned international event for radio amateurs, brought together some of the most passionate and innovative minds in the field. At the event, amateur radio enthusiasts discussed the significant surge in the popularity of home radio operations during the recent lockdowns. Since the start of the pandemic thousands of new operators joining the ranks.
What are the latest trends, technologies, and projects that amateur radio enthusiasts are excited about? This question forms the heartbeat of our latest Icom episode, sparking insightful conversations and encouraging innovation in the amateur radio field.
For a special episode of Icom, a series of amateur radio enthusiasts who attended Hamvention 2023 were interviewed by YouTuber Tank Radio, including Gunny (KE8RTS), Steve (KD8ICQ), Robert (KO4ZIK), and James (W8CEN), as they share their experiences, projects, and perspectives. The episode touches on several aspects of amateur radio, from equipment preferences to project plans and the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Several main things each individual discusses were:
- Gunny's new project, involving Free Time Averaging (FTA) and his choice of Icom 7300 radio for its user-friendly nature.
- Steve's exploration into digital modes like DMR and System Fusion, and his appreciation for Icom products.
- Robert's experience with the Icom ID 52 Alpha and his fondness for D-Star mode.
Additionally, amateur radio enthusiast James has plans to get his general license and try photophone operations using the Icom 705.
The guests, each of whom is a recognized amateur radio enthusiast, shared their experiences and passion for the hobby. Gunny (KE8RTS) has an innovative approach to radio projects. Steve (KD8ICQ) brings a wealth of experience in digital radio operations. Robert (KO4ZIK) has a keen interest in D-Star mode. Lastly, James (W8CEN) has been an amateur radio operator since 1994 and continues to explore new facets of the hobby.
Video TranscriptExpand ↓
I am with Gunnie. What's your call sign? K E eight RTS. And, what's your next amateur radio project? We've been looking at FTA And I just got some guy wire here at the Hamvention, and I'm gonna replace all my guy's strings with some real guy rope that's gonna last a long time. And then it's gonna be Yagi. Nice. Nice. And what radio are you gonna hook all that to? Icom seventy three hundred. Best thing on the market. Nice. And where did you get that icon? I got it for Christmas for my lovely wife. Nice. Nice. And, you gotta run FT8 straight to the computer. Do you a sound card or anything? No, I don't. All that's worked out in my computer already, and I've already been on. And in one day, I got thirty five countries. Nice. Nice. And, what else about that icon? It's been working out for you. It's just so user friendly. I got another brand. That's a nice brand, but I doesn't work the way I think, the way I need to see things, the way things are lined up. The, waterfall has totally ruined me for radio because I can go right to where I need to go. It's just I can't think of a a thing to improve on that radio. It's just so well done. Awesome. What Thank you very much, and, enjoy the rest of your day. Absolutely. I'm with Steve here. And, what's your call sign? Hey, I'm Kate eight ICQs, Steve Guerrero. And what is your next amateur radio project? So I'm looking at a lot of the digital stuff. I really enjoy, DMR and system fusion. I I do have, a Dstar radio as well. That's what I'm carrying currently. That's probably my most favorite mode. It's in terms of digital stuff. However, I'm I'm starting to break into a lot of the raspberry pie project. As well. So I'm not too familiar with Linux, but I know that's kinda like a a favorite of us hands. Right? So, yes, yes. Love it. And why is, D star your favorite mode? I would say it's probably the easiest to get involved. I, I think it's the most straightforward. It, it just, it just works. Mhmm. It's just easy to program your radios and get going. And what's your radio you prefer for that? So I have the fifty one a, handheld with me right now. Very nice. Very nice. And I do have the counterpart, the bigger radio, the fifty one hundred. In the mobile. So I I do enjoy these. I think, never having been an Icom user before having these. I really like what Icom does. They're they're they're a nice. I've always been a yay suit guy. Mhmm. But I think iCom, really makes a nice piece. Yeah. Yeah. Well, thank you very much. Sure. Enjoy your ham, fast go forth and conquer, man. Of course. Seven threes. Seven three. I'm, with Robert and what's your call sign? K o four z I k. And what radio do you have there? I currently have the Icom ID fifty two alpha. Is and you said that was your first HD? It was first HD. Nice. Nice. What do you like about it? D star. D star? Star? I need to get in some D stars. D star is so cool. Yeah. In fact, that's what our club's using as our comps here while we're walking around. So we can stay in contact with each other. Nice. Nice. Radio. So D star has simplex there. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, I learned something. So, yeah, it's a really good radio. Use this on all my outings, all the public safety with Ares and stuff like that. Yep. What I'm using. And, what's the power at? What's the max power out? Ten watts. Ten watts? Ten watts. Actually, no. Five watts, is it? You tell me? It's five watts. Five watts, five or ten watts. Go go check the listing. Sorry, Ray. Well, thank you for coming on. I appreciate it. No problem. No problem. I appreciate it, Frank. Good seeing you. Let's do a good tank radio. I'm with James. And what's your call sign? With you? Charlie echo November. And what is your next for radio project? Well, I've been hand radio operators since nineteen ninety four, and I don't have my general yet. So I'm gonna get my general plans and get online and do some photo. Yes. Oh, I love doing some photo. And what radio are you gonna be using to do that? I wanna get the seven zero five. Seven zero five. I have the most amazing radio. I have the nineteen fifty two and the fifty one hundred. Uh-huh. And, I love time starting. So we'll see. Nice. Nice. And what what about the seven zero five that you like about it? I like the portability of it, and I can use the same van series on the, the fifty two. Uh-huh. And just, you know, swap between the two. Go out there and, talk radio all day. I love it. I love it. Well, y'all have a good hamfest and, see you out there. Alright. Thank you, sir. You too. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.
