Category: General

Ham College episode 140 is now available for download.

General Class Exam Questions Part 1.
G1A – General class control operator frequency privileges. Primary and secondary allocations.

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In this milestone episode of Ham College, “Ham College 140: Beginning Amateur Radio General Class Studies,” Professor Thomas and Dean Martin transition from Technician level studies to the General Class amateur radio license.

Here is a summary of the key topics covered:

In this milestone episode of Ham College, “Ham College 140: Beginning Amateur Radio General Class Studies,” Professor Thomas and Dean Martin transition from Technician level studies to the General Class amateur radio license.
Here is a summary of the key topics covered:
Transitioning to General Class
The Appeal: The hosts discuss why creators should upgrade to General Class, primarily for the expanded HF (High Frequency) privileges that allow for worldwide communication beyond the limited “sliver” available to Technicians on 10 meters.
Exam Details: They break down the Element 3 exam: 35 questions total, with a requirement of 26 correct answers (74%) to pass. The full question pool contains 425 questions.
Study Resources: Recommended materials include the Gordon West General Class study guide, ARRL license manuals, and the question pools available at ncvec.org.
Technical & Regulatory Review:
The episode dives into specific sub-elements of the General Class exam, including:
Operating Privileges: Understanding frequency allocations and where General Class operators are prohibited from transmitting (specifically segments on the 80, 40, 20, and 15-meter bands reserved for Extra Class).
Modes & Power: A review of power limits (up to 1,500W PEP for General, with some exceptions like 30m and 60m) and mode-specific segments (CW, Phone, Image, and Data).
Secondary Usage: Explanation of what it means to be a “secondary user” on a band (e.g., on 60 meters), emphasizing that amateur stations must not interfere with primary users and must accept any interference from them.
Channel Announcement:
A major highlight of this episode is the announcement that Ham College is moving to its own dedicated YouTube channel (Ham College TV). While it remains part of the Amateur Logic family and will still stream live at live.amateurlogic.tv, recorded episodes will now be hosted on this new separate channel, https://youtube.com/HamCollege-ALTV .
The episode concludes with a practice quiz where the hosts (and the live chat) test their knowledge on frequency segments and band regulations, providing a helpful review for anyone looking to upgrade their license before upcoming events like Field Day.

AmateurLogic.TV Episode 217 is now available for download.

George and Tommy’s Excellent Adventure to Hamvention 2026. Meet some old friends. See some new items and some that don’t even exist yet. Visit the West Chester Amateur Radio Association (WC8VOA) at the VOA Museum. And get a quick peek of some of the new things at the VOA Museum in a special episode coming soon.

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This episode of AmateurLogic.TV, AmateurLogic 217: Hamvention 2026, is a deep dive into the 2026 Dayton Hamvention, featuring on-the-ground footage, interviews with vendors, and a visit to the Voice of America (VOA) Museum.
Key Highlights
Hamvention 2026 Coverage: George and Tommy share their “most excellent adventure” at Dayton, highlighting the sights, sounds, and gadgets they encountered.
New Radio Tech & Prototypes:
Icom “X” Concept: A highly anticipated, mysterious new HF/VHF/UHF mobile radio prototype (X026) was shown under glass, sparking speculation about features like a Wi-Fi-enabled control head.
Icom IC-5200: Updates on the upcoming IC-5100 replacement, featuring a color touchscreen and a potential firmware update for APRS.
QRP Amplifiers: An interview with Jim (WA2UJ) from RF Power Tools showcasing their 50W and 100W amplifiers designed specifically for radios like the IC-705.
The National VOA Museum & Ham Club: A tour of the newly renovated National VOA Museum and the WC8VOA club shack. Mike Braun (KB8ZE) discusses their state-of-the-art contesting station, their monthly license testing. Lee Hite discusses the history of the top secret “re-entrant rhombic” antennas that made the station so powerful during WWII.
Mesh Networking: A look at the latest in “Meshtastic” hardware from Low Mesh, including waterproof pocket rangers and outdoor Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) nodes for long-range, low-power data mesh networks.
Audio & Gear: Jerry from Heil Sound discusses their current lineup, the legacy of Bob Heil, and available replacement parts for classic Heil products.
SDR Play: A discussion on using SDR devices (like the RSPduo) as panadapters and lab-grade spectrum analyzers and more with long-time friend Steve (W7UDI).
Technical Updates: A reminder about the new Technician Class question pool taking effect July 1st, 2026, and an encouraging look at the current state of Solar Cycle 25.
The episode wraps up with some lighthearted moments, including a “giant mutant ninja skunk” sighting at the VOA site.

Ham College episode 139 is now available for download.

Technician Exam Questions Part 26 of 26
T0A – Power circuits and hazards: hazardous voltages, fuses and circuit breakers, grounding, electrical code compliance, Lightning protection; Battery safety.
T0B – Antenna safety: tower safety and grounding, installing antennas, antenna supports.
T0C – RF hazards: radiation exposure, proximity to antennas, recognized safe power levels, radiation types, duty cycle.

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AmateurLogic.TV Episode 216 is now available for download.

Exploring the Ham Dash App ham radio dashboard. Consolidating the shack with Raspberry Pi 5 and M.2 solid state drive. Should you Repair or Replace that appliance with the recently expired warranty.

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This episode of AmateurLogic (Episode 216) features a variety of projects, software updates, and community news for the amateur radio community. The hosts cover technical tools, shack integration, and practical maintenance tips.

Key segments from the episode include:

Ham Dash App (9:10 – 16:45): Tommy introduces HamDash.app, a browser-based, dashboard for ham radio operators. It provides a consolidated view of live DX spots, AI-powered propagation predictions, a contest calendar, and space weather data without requiring software installation.

Raspberry Pi 5 Shack Integration (24:18 – 31:07): Emile demonstrates how he uses a Raspberry Pi 5 equipped with an NVME SSD to consolidate his radio shack. The setup handles tasks like browsing ARRL magazines, monitoring hotspots, and running digital modes like WSJT-X while maintaining a low-power, lightweight station.

Repair or Replace (36:57 – 44:35): Mike shares a practical tutorial on troubleshooting a failed appliance. He identifies a faulty thermal fuse as the cause of a fan’s failure and advocates for repairing equipment rather than disposing of it to help reduce landfill waste.

Community & Events: The hosts discuss preparations for the upcoming Dayton Hamvention (3:43, 6:53, 51:17) and invite viewers to meet them. There is also a mention of fundraising for the Huntsville YOTA Camp 2026 (33:56 – 34:58).

Ham College episode 138 is now available for download.

Technician Exam Questions Part 25
T9A – Antennas: vertical and horizontal polarization, concept of antenna gain, definition and types of beam antennas, antenna loading, common portable and mobile antennas, relationships between resonant length and frequency, and dipole pattern.
T9B – Feed lines: types, attenuation vs frequency, selecting. SWR concepts, Antenna tuners (couplers), RF Connector selecting and weather protection.

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Ham College episode 137 is now available for download.

Technician Exam Questions Part 24
T8C – Operating activities: radio direction finding, contests, linking over the internet, exchanging grid locators.
T8D – Non-voice and digital communications: image signals and definition of NTSC, CW, packet radio, PSK, APRS, error detection and correction, amateur radio networking, Digital Mobile Radio, WSJT modes, and Broadband-Hamnet.

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Ham College episode 136 is now available for download.

Technician Exam Questions Part 23.
T8A – Basic characteristics of FM and SSB: Bandwidth of various modulation modes: CW, SSB, FM, fast-scan TV, Choice of emission type: selection of USB vs LSB, use of SSB for weak signal work, use of FM for VHF.
T8B – Amateur satellite operation: Doppler shift, basic orbits, operating protocols, modulation mode selection, transmitter power considerations, telemetry and telecommand, satellite tracking programs, beacons, uplink and downlink mode definitions, spin fading, definition of “LEO”, setting uplink power.

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This episode of Ham College (0:00) covers essential topics from the Amateur Radio Technician Exam Question Pool, focusing on FM and SSB modulation characteristics, bandwidth, and amateur satellite operations.
The hosts discuss the technical aspects of different modes. Modulation Modes and Bandwidth (4:02 – 24:50)
CW (Continuous Wave): Provides the narrowest bandwidth (10:55, 23:52). SSB
(Single Sideband): Typically has a bandwidth of 3 kHz (18:00) and is preferred for weak signal work on VHF/UHF (7:42).
FM(Frequency Modulation): Commonly used for repeaters with a bandwidth between 10 and 15 kHz (18:22, 19:00).
Fast-scan TV: Requires a very wide bandwidth, approximately 6 MHz (19:47, 20:47).
Amateur Satellite Operations (28:15 – 45:26)
Satellites and Beacons: Satellites use beacons to transmit telemetry and status information (28:19, 35:22).
Tracking and Doppler: Tracking programs calculate the satellite’s position and
the Doppler shift of frequencies (32:01, 33:05).
Operating Protocols: Excessive power on the uplink can block other users (30:10).
Spin fading is caused by the rotation of the satellite and its antennas (41:56).
Modes: UV mode indicates a 70 cm (UHF) uplink and a 2 meter (VHF) downlink (40:46).
LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit (43:02).

AmateurLogic.TV Episode 215 is now available for download.

Cutting a 1/4 wave shorted stub. DR Mode travel prep for automatic repeater memories. ATS 20+ Firmware update improvements. Emile’s latest shack update.

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This episode of AmateurLogic (March 13th, 2026) covers several technical projects and personal updates from the hosts, alongside a birthday celebration for George.

Video Highlights:
Quarter-Wave Stub Project: George demonstrates cutting and retuning a 1/4 wave shorted stub from 101.7 MHz to 107.5 MHz to protect a transmitter’s driver stage (4:31-18:40).
Top Band Antennas: Emile shares insights from Brian Betz (W7JET) regarding advanced antenna systems for 160 meters, specifically discussing an eight-circle antenna array and beverage antennas (19:02-20:59).
Shack Updates & Fiber Install: Emile shows off his new shack setup and the installation of a 600 ft armored fiber optic cable for high-speed internet (23:48-26:49).
DR Mode Travel Prep: Tommy explains how to use D-Star digital radio (DR) mode on an ICOM ID-52A to easily find and program local repeaters while traveling internationally for D-Star and Analog, specifically for a trip to London (31:00-43:55).
Simulated Emergency Test (SET): George announces a statewide emergency drill in Mississippi simulating a disruption of communication services due to a novel pathogen(Zombie virus) (43:59-46:18).
ATS-20+ Receiver Firmware Update: Mike walks through upgrading the firmware on a popular low-cost ATS-20+ radio, utilizing AverDudes to improve the screen display and functionality (51:26-1:01:40).

Ham College episode 135 is now available for download.

Technician Exam Questions Part 22.
T7C – Antenna and transmission line measurements and troubleshooting: measuring SWR, effects of high SWR, causes of feed line failures, Basic coaxial cable characteristics, Use of dummy loads when testing.
T7D – Using basic test instruments: voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter, Soldering.

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This video, “Ham College 135,” (0:00-0:03) focuses on preparing viewers for the amateur technician exam, specifically covering antenna and transmission line measurements, troubleshooting, and the use of basic test instruments.
Key topics include:
Dummy Loads The primary purpose of a dummy load is to prevent transmitting signals over the air during tests (2:08-2:12). It consists of a non-inductive resistor mounted to a heat sink (6:06-6:09).
SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) An SWR meter is used to determine if an antenna is resonant at the desired operating frequency (3:17-3:21). A reading of 1:1 indicates a perfect impedance match (7:27-7:34). High SWR indicates an impedance mismatch (12:46-13:08) and can cause solid-state transmitters to reduce output power to protect circuitry (8:30-8:35).
Power lost in a feed line due to high SWR is converted into heat (13:34-13:47). A directional watt meter is used to measure SWR (15:23-15:27).
Coaxial Cable Moisture contamination is a primary cause of coaxial cable failure (21:11-21:15). The outer jacket of coaxial cable should be resistant to ultraviolet light to prevent damage and water entry (23:23-23:50).
Air core coax cable requires special techniques to prevent moisture (26:13-26:21) but has less loss per foot than foam or solid dielectric types (25:26-25:33).
Test Instruments
A voltmeter measures electric potential (35:06-35:16) and is connected in parallel to a component (38:03-38:19).
An ammeter measures current and is connected in series with a component (39:16-39:20).
An ohmmeter is used to measure resistance (54:04-54:09). When connected across a large, discharged capacitor, it shows an increasing resistance over time (57:36-58:11). When measuring in-circuit resistance, the circuit must not be powered (1:01:31-1:02:14).
Soldering A cold tin-lead solder joint typically appears with a rough or lumpy surface (47:22-47:34).

Ham College episode 134 is now available for download.

Technician Exam Questions Part 21.
T7A – Station equipment: receivers, transceivers, transmitter amplifiers, receive amplifiers, transverters; Basic radio circuit concepts and terminology: sensitivity, selectivity, mixers, oscillators, PTT, modulation.
T7B – Symptoms, causes, and cures of common transmitter and receiver problems: overload and overdrive, distortion, interference and consumer electronics, RF feedback.

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