How Frustration Built the Best Portable Logger: Sebastián KI2D & Ham2K PoLo
A better logger doesn't just record contacts—it changes how you operate. We sit down with Sebastián KI2D, creator of Ham2K PoLo, to explore how mobile-first design, tiny UX details, and relentless iteration make portable operating smoother, faster, and less gear-heavy. From his journey growing up in Venezuela to building startups in New York—and yes, proposing the Arepa and Olive emojis—Sebastián shares the mindset behind a tool that understands what activators actually do in the field.Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe Everyday Ham Podcast is hosted by James Mills (K8JKU), Jim Davis (N8JRD), and Rory Locke (W8KNX) – three friends who dive into the world of amateur radio with a casual, lighthearted twist. Follow us at: Website: https://www.everydayham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayhampodcast/
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Flex Radio's new 200 Dollar SmartSDR Subscription, is this the Future of Ham Radio Software?
FlexRadio just announced SmartSDR Plus subscriptions starting at $199/year. Time for an impromptu Saturday morning coffee chat! Join James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) as we discuss what this means for ham radio and share our honest opinions. Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe Everyday Ham Podcast is hosted by James Mills (K8JKU), Jim Davis (N8JRD), and Rory Locke (W8KNX) – three friends who dive into the world of amateur radio with a casual, lighthearted twist. Follow us at: Website: https://www.everydayham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayhampodcast/
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From Parks to Peaks: How SOTA Differs from POTA
Ever wondered what happens when you combine hiking, mountaineering, and ham radio? That's exactly what Summits on the Air (SOTA) is all about! In this episode, we step away from our usual Parks on the Air discussions to explore the thrilling world of mountaintop radio operations with two accomplished SOTA enthusiasts.Meet Matt W7MDN, a pilot from Spokane who combines trail running and snowshoeing with radio, and Tim N7KOM, a mountaineer and YouTube creator from Bend who's known for his ultralight setups. Both have achieved the prestigious Mountain Goat award, representing 1,000 activation points earned by operating from mountain summits.We unpack the fundamental differences between POTA and SOTA – while parks often allow drive-up operations with 100-watt rigs, SOTA requires reaching designated activation zones near peaks with equipment disconnected from vehicles. The equipment philosophy shifts dramatically too, with most SOTA operators using 5-10 watt radios like the MTR3 or Elecraft KX2, paired with lightweight wire antennas that can be quickly deployed.The conversation dives into the meticulous planning required for SOTA activations, from researching access permissions to preparing for safety contingencies. Matt and Tim share their favorite activation stories, including Matt's Mountain Goat qualification during a January snowshoe expedition and Tim's sunrise celebration atop Mount McLaughlin complete with ceremonial goat horns.Whether you're an experienced operator looking for a new challenge or simply curious about combining outdoor adventure with radio, this episode provides a comprehensive introduction to SOTA. You'll learn about the points system, equipment recommendations, online resources, and the thriving community that makes this radio sport so rewarding.Ready to climb a mountain with your radio? This might just be the inspiration you need to earn those summit points and breathtaking views!Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe Everyday Ham Podcast is hosted by James Mills (K8JKU), Jim Davis (N8JRD), and Rory Locke (W8KNX) – three friends who dive into the world of amateur radio with a casual, lighthearted twist. Follow us at: Website: https://www.everydayham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayhampodcast/
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New ICOM Radios Steal the Show - Tokyo Ham Fair Reactions
The tides of amateur radio innovation ebb and flow as manufacturers take turns showcasing their latest technological marvels. While Yaesu dominated last year's Tokyo Ham Fair with the FTX1, this year unquestionably belonged to ICOM, who unveiled two significant new radios that have the ham community buzzing with anticipation.ICOM's IC-7300 Mark II represents a thoughtful evolution of what has become perhaps the most popular HF radio of the past decade. Rather than reinventing the wheel, ICOM listened carefully to user feedback, maintaining the beloved form factor while modernizing crucial aspects. The enhanced receiver offers 12dB better noise performance, addressing one of the few criticisms of the original – its performance in crowded band conditions. Lower power consumption and 23% less heat generation make it more field-operation friendly, while connectivity gets a complete overhaul with HDMI output, USB-C with dual COM functionality, and SMA receiver antenna ports.Equally exciting is the ID-5200 mobile radio, which finally brings ICOM's VHF/UHF mobile lineup into the modern era with a vibrant color touchscreen replacing the aging monochrome display of the ID-5100. Evidence suggests it may include native APRS functionality – a feature long requested by ICOM users – alongside Wi-Fi for internal D-STAR gateway functionality without requiring an external hotspot. Though still "under glass" as a concept, this hybrid-interface radio maintains ICOM's reputation for intuitive menu systems while adding modern connectivity options.Perhaps most encouraging for the hobby was Uniden's return to the Ham Fair after a 40-year absence, potentially signaling renewed corporate interest in amateur radio markets. As manufacturers continue pushing innovation forward with substantial upgrades rather than incremental changes, there's never been a more exciting time to explore the evolving world of amateur radio technology. Which of these new offerings has captured your interest, and what features would you like to see in future ham radio developments?Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe Everyday Ham Podcast is hosted by James Mills (K8JKU), Jim Davis (N8JRD), and Rory Locke (W8KNX) – three friends who dive into the world of amateur radio with a casual, lighthearted twist. Follow us at: Website: https://www.everydayham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayhampodcast/
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Are We Losing Ham Radio Spectrum? 70cm Band Under Threat
Title: Ham Radio Spectrum Defense & The End of NOAA APT EraIs amateur radio spectrum under siege? James (K8JKU), Jim (N8JRD), and Rory (W8KNX) tackle the controversial FCC experimental license granted to AST SpaceMobile that threatens our 70cm amateur band.This episode covers the growing concern over spectrum encroachment, what the ARRL is doing to defend our frequencies, and why every ham needs to contact their representatives. We also discuss Jim's hands-on experience with the Flex 6400 ATU and bid farewell to the legendary NOAA-15 and NOAA-19 satellites.Topics: Spectrum defense, FCC policy, emergency communications, amateur radio advocacy, satellite operations, and the importance of congressional outreach for protecting our hobby.Visit EverydayHam.com for show notes and join our Discord community!Short show intro audio clip Short outro audio clipThe Everyday Ham Podcast is hosted by James Mills (K8JKU), Jim Davis (N8JRD), and Rory Locke (W8KNX) – three friends who dive into the world of amateur radio with a casual, lighthearted twist. Follow us at: Website: https://www.everydayham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayhampodcast/
O Everyday Ham Podcast: Amateur Radio Conversations
Welcome to the Everyday Ham Podcast, where three friends dive into the world of amateur (ham) radio with a casual, lighthearted twist. (Visit www.everydayham.com)From discussing what we're working on, current events, and lessons learned to sharing our gripes and off-topic banter, we bring a mix of fun, relatable conversations and radio expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the hobby, join us for engaging chats that celebrate the quirks, challenges, and joys of being on the air.
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