Fans of 'Ham Nation' may recognize Christian, KØSTH from his work as the host of the "New Ham" segment. '100 Watts and a Wire' is a program celebrating amateur radio through the eyes of a 'new' ham. The show will feature topical conversation and interviews, news and an entertaining look at the adventures of a ham trying to figure it all out. We'll explore the interesting layers of this diverse hobby and service. '100 Watts and a Wire' is perfect for those who are new to ham radio, their Elmer’s, the seasoned radio operator and the technically curious crowd. You don't have to spend a fortune to get on the air and have fun! Join Emmy winner Christian Cudnik for an inside a look at the world of amateur radio. In this episode, we officially launch 100 Watts and a Wire! Join us for a review of Field Day 2015, we explore the growth of the 100 Watts and Wire Facebook group, and make a Special Announcement! http://100wattsandawire.com/100-watts-and-a-wire/2015/6/30/episode-2-the-real-episode-1
Gosh, I've been running 100W and a wire for almost 30 years. Worked every US county, 2400 prefixes and 272 entities. Not bragging just agreeing that you don't have to spend a lot to get good results. (Though time and decent band conditions help a lot.)
This is the key. There are many times when I will be scanning around 20-6 meters and not hear anything, be about to turn the radio off when I hear some foreign DX in the mud. Usually it is some European Bloc country or randomly, a Pacific island. Having the time to actually sit down and scan the band is one part, having the patience to keep listening and adjusting filters, noise reduction and such, and a little bit of luck from the solar and atmospheric gods go a long way.
Heh...funny how some people rail about too much technology "polluting / diluting" this hobby. It's (modern) technology - ie. social media, etc. - that has brought an original practice to light. Good luck to Christian in his endeavors! I, too, only work around 100 watts and a wire loop. I'm a happy camper running and logging nets running "barefoot"
I enjoyed listening to the inaugural podcast. Christian and Katie will fill an important niche in the hobby especially aimed at newer ops and those who have limited stations. What a great new program!
I was on 20 meters 14.305 yesterday afternoon with the conditions being very poor and my G5RV Jr is only up at 18 ft right now I had a hard time pulling them in. This week end going up to 34 ft with full size G5RV (102ft long) hope this helps with my "barefoot" Kenwood. I will check in again in a few days, what times and days will the net be transmitting? 73's Louis KG5HBI
When I can talk to Poland from my home on my wire (bought from Lowes) on 100 watts and Columbia (psk-31) on 25 watts why would I need more. During field day I was using a high gain antenna that one of the club members had put up (not a beam just a vertical) and with 100 watts I talked to Guam.
To each, its own. But for me, just because one has a lot...does not mean they have to throw it ALL. I got my license privilege on October 8th, 1991 and still to this day use the least for the most efficient. Better to be heard, than seen. Besides the last i heard our bands, sounds like a bunch of children in the sandbox and its not suppose to be that way. Its a service first, secondly its a hobby for all to enjoy. When was the last time anyone here just invited your neighbours to play on your sandbox?
Hey I wanted everyone to know that I am only running 100 watts and a wire and absolutely love it. Over this last year I built a very special full wave loop. If I can hear them I can work them and I only experience at most times 2-3 db noise floor. Very quiet aerial so when I am receiving a QSO using the full wave aerial I get the entire true signal and can give very accurate s-meter reports. I also get very good signal reports back too. The antenna is capable of easily taking the full power and legal limit. I fully support wire aerials, and I have worked a number of countries without even trying. I don't see any advantage of buying a linear amplifier except to get through a pile up. I have been in communication a long time and learned a long time ago it is antenna, antenna, antenna. Without a good one you have wasted your money...Loop good on 60 - 10 meters, not enough room for an 160 or 80 meter loop...73's KA5DJS...
