Category: K8MRD Radio Stuff

Mike K8MRD’s Videos

Can This Ali Express Bag Replace My Gigaparts Bag

Post author By admin
Post date September 28, 2026

Can This Ali Express Bag Replace My Gigaparts Bag

So my backpack broke. Sort of. Just the zipper but it was enough to drive me mad. Unfortunately Gigaparts doesn’t sell this Explorer bag anymore and I don’t like the new one they have. So what’s a ham to do? I found this new bag on Ali Express and by everything I could tell, it looked like the same bag. So I spent my hard earned $35. Waited 2 weeks for it to arrive at my door step, and now we get to see if there’s any difference.
⭐️Here’s the bag: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807670782886.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.26891802S5J8Ur&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
⭐️The Elmer Brand Chokes: https://elmerbrand.com/collections/frontpage
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.

⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

I Thought This Facebook Ham Radio Deal Was Going To Be A Scam.

Post author By admin
Post date September 25, 2026

I Thought This Facebook Ham Radio Deal Was Going To Be A Scam.

Facebook Is FULL Of Scams. Beware. This Was The Winning Lottery Ticket! Had I not had a dentist appointment this morning (my dentist is a ham too, btw), I would not have been in College Station, and I probably would not have driven out there to check these radios out for a friend. He’s been scouring Facebook Marketplace for a radio. It is absolutely filled with nothing but scammers. 7300’s for $500? Yeah, right. What’s the catch? He’d send me screen shot after screen shot of deals that were too good to be true. And they were. But then he finds this. A lot of ham radios with an asking price of $500 for everything. I’m like, I’ll check em out but you need to get ahold of this guy and ask some questions, get his number, address, etc. So he does. Sends me the phone number, I call the guy and it’s an actual person with these radios. I ask a few questions, notably the most important one, do they work. "Well, last time I used them a few months ago they did". How many times have you heard that? So we agree for me to stop by after my 8am dentist appointment. He’s there, he’s got the radios and he wants to get rid of them. That’s exactly what he did. I’ll let the video explain the rest of the story…
⭐️Here’s a link for the power supply I’m using if you’re interested. Affiliate of course. https://www.12voltpower.com/product/opek-ps3005d-power-supply-30a/?ref=hamradiotube

⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

POTA Has A New Website, & It’s Awesome!

Post author By admin
Post date September 23, 2026

POTA Has A New Website, & It's Awesome!

It’s still in Beta but the new https://next.pota.app website is really cool! Lots of improvements & new features to more easily navigate the site. New map, new features to the spotting page, it just goes on and on. Check it out!
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

Welcome To The Jungle…Antenna Super Cheap Easy DIY 2 Meter Antenna

Post author By admin
Post date September 21, 2026

Welcome To The Jungle...Antenna Super Cheap Easy DIY 2 Meter Antenna

I’ve been fascinated by the Jungle Antenna for a few years now. I don’t know where I first heard of it but I saw a vendor at Hamcation last year, maybe the year before, selling these and I thought it was so cool. Just too cheap to pay for one (am I right?). Especially when you can make one for a few dollars and maybe 5 minutes of your time. Quite possibly the easiest antenna I’ve ever made. So here it is. The 2 Meter Jungle Antenna. Hope you enjoy!
⭐️Here’s some affiliate links:
⭐️BNC female to banana jack (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/4AlqYYf
⭐️Silicone Cable Ties: https://amzn.to/4h3eihh
⭐️3/32" (2.38mm) Paracord: https://amzn.to/3VFwt40

⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

POLO Just Got A Huge Upgrade + Rig Control!

Post author By admin
Post date September 18, 2026

POLO Just Got A Huge Upgrade + Rig Control!

It’s called Ham2K Power Logger (so still POLO). All the features you love in Ham2K Portable Logger, now available on MacOS, Linux, Windows, and Web, besides the original Android and iOS. Still an Alpha release, but it’s been pretty darn stable on my iPhone and Mac. It’s packed full of features. First and foremost, rig control! Plus a new, fully customizable layout, synced logs across all your devices, new map views, all kinds of OTA activities including ARRL Field Day and Winter Field day, easier setup for your operation, the list goes on and on. You can download the Alpha release totally free right here: ⭐️https://ham2k.com
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

The KMurder Dude Tested Stiff Rod Erectioner 5000 Magnum POTA33B Spike

Post author By admin
Post date September 16, 2026

The KMurder Dude Tested Stiff Rod Erectioner 5000 Magnum POTA33B Spike

You Wanted It. You Got It. The POTA33B Ground Spike For No Guy Deployment. No trees to lean your mast into? No problem. Don’t bother with guy ropes either. They’re just a hassle. Stick this spike in the ground, remove the bottom cap of your mast and slide it over the spike. Done.
⭐️Available Friday Sept. 18th Here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamRadioDudeSells?ref=shop_sugg_market
⭐️Enjoy 2X Reward Points On Your New POTA33B At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD At Checkout
https://www.gigaparts.com/explorer-pota33b-33ft-portable-telescopic-carbon-fiber-mast.html
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

Heil BM-17 Ham Radio Headset Review. It Sounds GREAT!!

Post author By admin
Post date September 14, 2026

Heil BM-17 Ham Radio Headset Review. It Sounds GREAT!!

There are multiple options due to make and model of radio. If you want to grab one for yourself, you can always enjoy 2X reward points at Gigaparts https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?q=heil+bm-17 with code K8MRD, or you can grab one from DX Engineering with the following affiliate link: https://dxengineering.pxf.io/vDv0Bv

⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

Meshtastic The Easy Way! New Pocket Pro SMA By MakerNova

Post author By admin
Post date September 11, 2026

Meshtastic The Easy Way! New Pocket Pro SMA By MakerNova

So you want to get into Meshtastic but don’t know where to start? This Pocket Pro SMA by MakerNova just might be for you. It’s a turn key Meshtastic node. Just buy it, turn it on, pair to your phone, configure a few settings in the app, and you’re up and running on Meshtastic. It’s that simple. This features the Heltek T096 board that has both a built in transceiver and built in dual band GPS module, Bluetooth 5, USB-C chargeable 2000mAh battery that lasts for days, and a 10dBi SMA antenna. Printed in rugged ASA material, it comes with the Alley Cat & MakerNova protective case system for durable protection while out in the field. And it comes in a bunch of different colors to choose from.
⭐️Save 10% off the Pocket Pro SMA or any other MakerNova products with this affiliate link: https://makernova.io/?ref=K8MRD or just use code K8MRD at checkout.
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

I’m Bored! Let’s Go On A Ham Radio Adventure!

Post author By admin
Post date September 9, 2026

I'm Bored! Let's Go On A Ham Radio Adventure!

I was bored out of my mind on Friday. The urge to play radio was growing stronger by the minute. I’ve got new gear I want to play with and an antenna that I made months ago (if not longer) that I’ve never used. But I didn’t want to go to any of the parks around me. I’ve activated them all already. I wanted something new. So I set out on a quest for a new park. Far from home. One I’d never even heard of before. It was beautiful. In this video I take you along my journey, show you the park, my setup, my antenna, everything but the contacts. Analytics show that once I get on the air in a POTA video, most people tune out. Myself included. What is interesting to me is the journey, the setup, the gear, location, and the results. Hopefully it is to you too. Gone are the days where watching someone make POTA contacts is considered exciting (unless it’s live, perhaps). Not saying I’ll never show making contacts in a video again, but perhaps this format will prove more engaging. It’s certainly more fun for me to make. Let me know what you think.
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?
⭐️Sotabeams Clone: https://youtu.be/m7OrfYU_IvM?si=FZhCOf6_gZECloOX 3D Printed Trailer Hitch Mast Mount: https://youtu.be/77nTJZiNZ1c
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair

K8MRD Radio Stuff Youtube

We Had The Entire Campground To Ourselves! Natchez State Park, MS

Post author By admin
Post date September 7, 2026

We Had The Entire Campground To Ourselves! Natchez State Park, MS

I found this park by pure dumb luck. You see, when I set out from Huntsville, TX to Huntsville, AL, I wanted to take a different route than I normally would. Google Maps suggested a route that would take me South East to I-10 through Southern Louisiana. It only added 45 minutes to the entire trip so I figured why not? It’s a beautiful drive. Once past New Orleans, I’d hop on 59 North and make my way through Mississippi to AL. That was the plan anyway. Google had other plans. On Sunday afternoon I set out. I wanted to get some miles behind me. When I’m not towing a trailer it takes about 11.5 hours to get to Huntsville, AL. I knew it would take longer now that I’m pulling the teardrop so I figured I’d make it a two day trip. I selected the correct route, but after some bit of driving, Google must have recalculated a different route. I figured this out when I was pretty much due east of where I live, going along the south side of Lake Livingston. Not where I expected to be. But, being the adventurous one, I figured screw it, let’s see where this takes me. The original plan was to take I-10 and once I got to 59 I would find a rest stop to camp overnight. Instead, Google had me going through the middle of nowhere LA. A pretty drive, but nary a freeway or rest stop to be found. It was all back roads. At around 10PM I passed a Walmart in what I now now is right on the LA/MS border. I thought, do I just sleep in the Walmart parking lot? Nah, it’s too early. I can keep going. A couple miles later I was crossing the Mighty Mississippi River. That very road dumped me in the middle of Natchez, MS. I’d taken Natchez Trace Parkway before, though much further north, and thought to myself, hey I can camp somewhere on the parkway at one of the many pull offs they have. Some of them even have bathrooms. About 10 miles into Natches Trace Parkway (I started at the very beginning, which was cool) I saw a sign for Natches State Park Campground. I was on the phone with Caitlin at the time and she was helping me figure out where exactly it was. So I end up staying there on my way to AL, but I also learned Caitlin had never been on Natchez Trace Parkway. If you’ve never been, look it up. It’s literally hundreds of miles of beautiful road and scenery and it’s all national park. The whole damn thing is a POTA! Last year or the year before I pulled off I-20 on my way to AL and activated it. I’d taken the parkway a couple other times and it is just drop dead gorgeous. Much better than taking the freeway if you’re heading North/South. Anyway, I knew I had to take Caitlin there. She’d love it. We left Monte Sano State Park on Sunday morning. About 7 hours later we were at Natchez State Park. I stayed in campground A going to AL but wanted to check out campground B this time. Boy were we glad we did. We had the entire campground to ourselves. It was awesome. We picked what we think was the best campsite there. A beautiful site overlooking the lake. We only had a few hours of daylight left so we thought we’d explore the park a bit and it is absolutely beautiful. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend it.

Hope you enjoy!
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join

⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd

#hamradio #hamradiotube #parksontheair