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.

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The 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/

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 clip

The 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/

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 clip

The 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/