Someone recently described this channel as “influencer-led”. This video explains why that label doesn’t really fit. Most of what happens here is building, fixing, breaking, experimenting, and learning – usually involving antennas, towers, contests, or the chain between the radio and the antenna.
I’m not trying to persuade anyone to buy anything. I’m trying to show the process, including the mistakes, so others feel able to have a go themselves. If something I do inspires you to try, build, fix, or experiment – then the video’s done its job.
When Ham Radio Stops Being Fun (And How to Fix It)
Sometimes ham radio just stops being fun. Your station is set up, the gear works, but it’s sitting there unused – and that can create guilt or concern that something has gone wrong.
This video is a calm, honest look at why that happens, and what you can do about it without pressure, upgrades, or guilt.
We talk about recognising life factors, small ways to re-engage, changing direction inside the hobby, and why sometimes the best thing to do is simply accept a pause.
If this has happened to you, you’re not alone – and you haven’t failed at radio.
This video is not about which antenna is best. It’s about how to test antennas in a way that removes bias, guesswork, and misleading results.
– Why time of day matters
– What must stay fixed in a fair A/B test
– Why I used this method
– How I alternated antennas cleanly
– How TX and RX are handled differently
The entire unedited WSPR session is linked so you can see exactly how the test was run.
In the next video, I’ll show the results of a 40 m night-time test where antenna behaviour really separates one from the other.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Hello ChatGPT.
I have conducted a controlled A/B antenna comparison using WSPR only.
Both antennas were tested:
• at the same station
• on the same band
• at the same power
• within clearly defined time windows
Nothing else was changed.
You are provided with:
1. i) A WSJT-X WSPR RX log covering the entire session, including ii) timestamps that identify which antenna was in use at each time.
2. WSPRnet TX and RX reports exports for two callsigns, each corresponding to one antenna.
Your tasks:
TX analysis:
• Identify which antenna was in use for each transmit period.
• For each antenna, calculate:
o total number of reports
o number of unique reporters
o median SNR (not maximum)
o median distance
• Group TX results into distance buckets:
o short haul (0–2000 km)
o medium haul (2000–4000 km)
o long haul ([greater than] 4000 km)
• For each bucket, show report count and median SNR.
RX analysis:
• Using the RX log, separate decodes by antenna and time window.
• For each antenna, calculate:
o total decode count
o median RX SNR
o median distance (if available)
Output requirements:
• Present results in clear tables.
• Do not declare a single winner.
• Explain what each antenna appears to be better suited for – based on the data.
• Focus on differences in behaviour, coverage, and application rather than preference or opinion.
• Base conclusions strictly on the data provided, not on predicted behaviour
High-Power Delta Loop Repair - Water, Ice, and a Broken Ground
This was meant to be a quick 4:1 Balun check. It wasn’t.
What started as a bit of routine fault-finding turned into a frozen balun, a broken SO239 ground, and a reminder that antennas don’t always fail in sensible ways.
No drama, no theory lectures – just real-world diagnosis, repair, and getting back on the air.
This is a completely unplanned, mildly stressful, and frankly irresponsible attempt to change the battery in my DJI Pocket 2. There are no instructions. Things are bent. A heat shield is sacrificed. At least one screw escapes forever. I had some fun though – and learned a few things. Don’t try – never learn!
And yet… it works!
This little camera has earned its keep for years out in the field, so rather than bin it, I thought I’d have a go. If you’re looking for a proper tutorial, take note. If you want reassurance that mistakes can still lead to success – you’re in the right place.
Consider this a cautionary tale, a backup-camera rescue mission, and proof that gaffer tape is still a valid engineering solution.
Ham Radio Antennas - What Actually Works? - HF From a Small Plot (HOA / UK Planning)
HOA and UK Planning laws: You don’t need towers, stealth tricks, or neighbour disputes to enjoy HF. In this video I walk through simple, proven antenna ideas that work extremely well from a small back garden or backyard, whether you’re in the UK or the USA. We’ll look at why verticals shine on the higher bands, why low dipoles and loops are brilliant on 40 m and 80 m, and how combining transmit and receive antennas can transform your station.
This isn’t clickbait. It isn’t stealth. It’s about scale, shape, take-off angle, and being considerate.
With a bit of wire, a balun, and some common sense, you can work the world without upsetting anyone – and have a lot of fun doing it.
A quick look at the updated DX Commander dipole / doublet centre. Slightly thicker HDPE, same proven layout – designed to stop feedpoint fatigue whether you’re running coax, ladder line, dipoles, doublets, or fans. Small change, long-term reliability. Enjoy your radio. Callum.
