The Ham Radio Guy

Ever spin the dial… make a few contacts… and then just sit there thinking, “Alright… now what?”

That moment hits more hams than you’d think. You got licensed, figured out your gear… but now you need a mission.That’s where awards change everything. Because right now, you could be chasing all 50 states, working 100 countries, activating parks—and actually building a log that means something.

And with 2026 bringing some unique, limited-time opportunities…This might be the year you finally go all in. This is Episode #73

 
AFFILATE 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: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com
 
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Most conversations about “advanced” amateur radio assume unlimited budgets and perfect conditions.
But that’s not reality for most of us.

In a upcoming episode, I wil lbe talking honestly about the real cost of going next-level in amateur radio—the stuff nobody warns you about.
I will have a Patreon-exclusive follow-up flips the script.

Advanced Ham Radio on a Budget is about:

Spending smarter, not bigger

Prioritizing antennas and skills over shiny gear

Avoiding the upgrades that look good but don’t actually perform

Building a station that works for your goals—not someone else’s Instagram post

This episode is practical, honest, and based on real-world experience—not marketing brochures, but i want to see where the real cost that people spend first to talk about that as well.

 
 
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: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com
 
Sign up for the newsletter

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: W0MET@thehamradioguy.com
 
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.