Ham Radio Workbench Podcast
Technology
About
This is your bi-weekly deep dive on making, DIY, electronics, and technical topics of interest to the radio amateur. Join your host George KJ6VU and the HRWB team as they discuss current developments in ham radio while introducing listeners to a plethora of topics and skills such as test equipment, 3D Printing, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and more. Ham radio is a hobby of hobbies - George and team introduce hams of all ages to experimenting and learning within ham radio, which can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. We are proudly sponsored by Autodesk Eagle PCB design tools, Flex Radio and Digikey.
Episodes
- HRWB 262 - ARRL Technical Editor Conrad Trautmann N2YCH
This episode features Conrad Trautmann, N2YCH, the Technical Editor at the ARRL. He shares insights from his broadcast engineering background and his current responsibilities overseeing technical content for ARRL publications.
- HRWB 261 - World Radio League with Andy N0APX
Andy N0APX, a key figure in World Radio League software, shares insights into the platform's capabilities for contact logging and fostering ham radio community.
- HRWB 260 - Portable HF Antennas
This episode of Ham Radio Workbench Podcast, HRWB 260, focuses on portable HF antennas suitable for POTA, SOTA, travel, and outdoor use. The team shares their favorite antennas and offers guidance for ham radio operators new to portable op…
- HRWB 259 - Making CW Keys with Aaron from Modern Morse
Aaron, AE0LZ, owner of Modern Morse, discusses the design and manufacturing process for his portable morse code keys, which are used for POTA, SOTA, and travel.
- HRWB 258 - Morse Code Bug Emulator with Don WB9CYY and Bob WO6W
Don WB9CYY and Bob WO6W, CW operators, developed a device to make modern paddles sound like traditional mechanical
- HRWB 257 - Origins of Silicon Valley with Paul Wesling KM6LH
In this episode we meet Paul Wesling, KM6LH, a Silicon Valley veteran and a chronicler of it's history and the ham radio operators who shaped it. Paul tells us about some of the key figures from William Eitel and Jack McCullough (EiMac) to…
- HRWB 256 - Tube Gear with Grayson Evans KJ7UM
In this episode, Grayson Evans, KJ7UM, joins us again to talk about designing and building ham radio gear with tubes, or as he refers to them: thermatrons. Grayson is the author of Hollow-State Design, a book all about tube-type radio equi…
- HRWB 255 - Ham2K PoLo Logger with Sebastian KI2D
In this episode we meet Sebastian Delmont, KI2D, the author of the wildly popular portable logging software Ham2K PoLo (Portable Logger). Sebastian has a passion for portable operating and has built a very modern, feature rich logging appl…
- HRWB 254 - POTA Roving and Remote Operating with Paul WD9GCO
In this episode, our very own Paul Braun, WD9GCO, our show announcer, becomes the special guest. Paul tells us all about his big POTA rove and how he operated HF remotely from a cruise ship. This show also features a large crowd of regular…
- HRWB 253 - QRP Labs
In this episode we meet Hans Summers, founder of QRP Labs, the makers of the wildly popular QCX, QDX and other great portable HF QRP radios. Hans tells about his journey through the design process and all details on his latest creation the…
- HRWB 252 - All About AllStar ROIP Linking with David NR9V from AllScan
In this episode we meet David Gleason, NR9V, who makes radio interface devices to connect to AllStar and other Radio Over IP applications. We introduce you to AllStar, talk about some of the technical details of the system, and explore the…
- HRWB 251 - 2025 Holiday Shopping Show
In this episode we talk about our workbench projects AND take a deep dive into gift recommendations for your favorite ham. Topics include gifts for the workbench, the shack, portable operations and stocking stuffers. Warm up your wallet !
- HRWB 250 - Microwave Operating Using the IC-905 With Paul KI7ADC and Raoul W7RPS
In this episode we meet Paul, KI7ADC, and Raoul, W7RPS, both avid users of the Icom IC-905 VHF/UHF/SHF radio. We talk about what attracted them to operate on the microwave bands and what it took to get their portable stations all set up. P…
- HRWB 249 - Shore Station KPH with Richard Dillman W6AWO
In this episode we meet Richard Dillman, W6AWO, one of the key people responsible for putting historical shore station KPH back on the air. In this fascinating interview, Richard tells us about the history of KPH, when it was decomissioned…
- HRWB 248 - Polar Modulation with Tony K1KP
In this episode we meet Tony, K1KP, the developer of polar modulation that is being used in the new Flex Radio Aurora radio. Polar modulation is a technology breakthrough that allows Flex Radio to make an integrated 500 watt HF/6m transcie…
- HRWB 247 - Setting Up A Large Scale Field Day with Keith Elliott W6KME
In this episode we meet Keith Elliott, W6KME, from the Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club. Keith has been ordanizing the club's Field Day event for the past 5 years and has learned a lot about how to set up a very large, multi-transmitter st…
- HRWB 246 - Good After-Evening-Noon: Projects with Simon Wilton G7HCD/VA3SII
In this episode, we meet Simon Wilton, G7HCD / VA3SII, a prolific designer, tinkerer and ham radio operator. Simon describes some of his projects including 3D brackets for radio control heads and his design tools of choice. Simon is also t…
- HRWB 245 - Projects with Pat Hensley, W5WTH
In this episode our good friend Pat Hensley, W5WTH, joins us to talk about his latest super creative electronics projects and his design process. Pat comes up with some of the coolest ham radio projects as he explores the world of electron…
- HRWB 244 - A Conversation With Eric 4Z1UG, host of the QSO Today Podcast
In this episode we talk with Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, the host of the popular QSO Today Podcast. Eric has produced over 500 interviews with interesting and influential amateur radio operators creating an amazing repository of ham radio history. E…
- HRWB 243 - Building Go Kits with Vince VE6LK
In this episode, our very own Vince, VE6LK, walks us through the process of figuring out how to build your go kit. Whether your are building a kit for mission critical emergency communications or casual field operating, Vince has practical…
- HRWB 242 - Zero Retries Newsletter & Radio Conference
In this episode we meet Steve and Tina Stroh. Steve is the editor of the Zero Retries newsletter where he writes about all things digital communications related to ham radio. Steve has a wide range of interestes include emerging technologi…
- HRWB 241 - Field Day 2025 Debrief
In this episode the whole team gets together and talks about our Field Day 2025 experience. Everyone's Field Day was a bit different. From casual mobile operating to big club events, we all had a great time and learned things along the way…
- HRWB 240 - Test Leads with Carlos from Parts Candy
In this episode we meet Carlos from Parts Candy. Carlos is an experienced electronics technician and he shares his life-long love of electronics and his technical skills reparing electronic equipment. Seeing a need in the market for high q…
- HRWB 239 - Radio Mobile Path Prediction Software with Roger Coude VE2DBE
In this episode we meet Roger Coude, VE2DBE, the author of Radio Mobile. This amazing software package allows the user to create a cross sectional plot of a radio path between two points on Earth. The software includes a terrain database s…
- HRWB 238 - Hamvention 2025 Debrief
In this episode we are joined by Paul WD9GCO and Josh K7OSH, part of the HRWB family, and we talk about Hamvention 2025. We met soooo many great people who stopped by the booth to say hello. In this episode we recap what each of us learned…
- HRWB 237 - Remote Operating The K4 With Eric From Elecraft
In this episode we have Eric, co-founder of Elecraft, on the show to talk about the K4 radio architecture and how it's designed to be operated remotely. Eric talks about the design considerations, process and the various ways to control th…
- HRWB 236 - Flex Radio New Product Announcement
In this special episode, we meet Steve Hicks, CTO of Flex Radio. Steve announces a new radio in the Flex Radio product line. This new radio is a combination of the features of the current 8000 series of radios plus a built in 500 watt powe…
- HRWB 235 - Ham Radio Reviews and Buying Used Gear
In this episode, our resident expert on writing ham radio gear reviews, Thomas, K4SWL, walks us through the process of writing a good ham radio review. How can you tell a good review from a bad one and tips for how you can write good conte…
- HRWB 234 - Teensy Maestro Project with Len KD0RC
In this episode we meet Len Koppl, KD0RC, the designer of the Teensy Maestro remote control head for a Flex radio. Len is a professional software developer and project manager and brings many decades of technical experience and ham radio h…
- HRWB 233 - A Conversation with Kirk Kleinschmidt, NT0Z, and Paul Braun, WD9GCO
In this episode we have an extended conversation with Kirk, NT0Z and Paul WD9GCO. Kirk is the Amateur Radio columnist for The Spectrum Monitor ; former columnist for Monitoring Times and Popular Communications ; Author of Stealth Amateur R…
- HRWB 232 - Product Design with Richard VE2DX
In this episode we meet Richard Desaulniers, VE2DX. Richard has been licensed since 1990 and has a background in emergency communications serving at disaster events in Quebec. He enjoys hunting DX, Island Activations and DXPeditions. Richa…
- HRWB 231 - Ham Radio Workbenches On The Air (HRWBOTA)
In this episode we talk all about our second on the air operating event, Ham Radio Workbenches On The Air. We had so much fun the last time, we decided to do it again. We talk about whats on our workbenches and go over all the details abou…
- HRWB 230 - All About Geochron with Patrick KJ7SZU
In this episode we meet Patrick, KJ7SZU, the owner of the company that makes the digital clock and information device, Geochron. The mechanical Geochron clock has been around for over 40 years. When Patrick saw his first mechanical Geochro…
- HRWB 229 - The 44 Net and the ARDC
In this episode we meet Rosy Schechter, KJ7RYV, ARDC Executive Director, John Burwell, KI5QKX, 44Net Program Manager and Rebecca Key, KO4KVG, ARDC Communications Manager. ARDC, Amateur Radio Digital Communications. The ARDC manages the IP…
- HRWB 228 - Preparing for Winter Field Day
In this episode we talk about how to prepare for Winter Field Day and field operating in cold weather in general. Winter Field Day is a great operating event for individuals and clubs. Its a great excuse to get out and operate when it, brr…
- HRWB 227 - Turn Your Android Phone Into An HT with Vance KV4P
In this episode we meet Vance, KV4P, the designer of a radio module that connects to your Android phone and turns it into a 2m FM HT. Vance is a professional UX (User eXperience) designer and brought his years of design knowledge to the pr…
- HRWB 226 - Designing The Station Control System
In this episode the tables are turned and George, KJ6VU, becomes the special guest. The topic is how he designed his station control system. The station controller is used to monitor and control key components in your remotely controlled h…
- HRWB 225 - QRP Radio Design with Jonathan KM4CFT
In this episode we meet Jonathan Kayne, KM4CFT, the designer of a very popular new QRP radio called the CFT-1. Jonathan shares his journey from concept to production of his new radio design. The truly remarkable thing about his accomplishm…
- HRWB 224 - 2024 Holiday Shopping Show
In this episode we give you the buyer's guide to holiday cheer. The team put their heads together to come up with many suggestions for the workbench, ham shack and portable ops plus a few stocking stuffers. If you are buying for a loved on…
- HRWB 223 - A Conversation with Bill Meara from the SolderSmoke Podcast
In this episode we catch up with our good friend Bill Meara, N2CQR, the host of the SolderSmoke podcast. SolderSmoke is a haven for those of us interested in home brewing our own radio equipoment. Bill shares his experiences both at the wo…
- HRWB 222 - Disaster Prep with Thomas K4SWL and Josh K7OSH
In this episode we catch up with our good friend and show regular Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, to find out how things are going in the disaster recovery from hurricane Helene. We are also joined by our good frend Josh Higgins, K7OSH, from th…
- HRWB 221 - Thomas, K4SWL, On Hurricane Helene and Emergency Preparation
In this episode, our dear friend Thomas, K4SWL, tells us about the devestation in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Thomas shares his family's esperience and his advice for emergency preparation. We had so many interesti…
- HRWB 220 - Projects and Portable Operating with Adam K6ARK
In this episode we meet Adam Kimmerly, K6ARK, and avid outdoorsman, hiker, and ham radio operator. Adam has achieved Mountain Goat status by earning over 1,000 points in the Summits On The Air program. In addition to his outdoor adventures…
- HRWB 219 - Projects with Pat Hensley, W5WTH
In this episode we meet Pat Hensley, W5WTH, a prolific designer and project builder. Pat has made several intersting radio and non-radio related electronic projects and he features them on his blog site WhiskeyTangoHotel.Com Some of Pat's…
- HRWB 218 - 18650 Battery Tester Project with Rick, KC6UFT
In this episode we bring back Rick England, KC6UFT, the designer of the 18650 battery tester. In a previous episode, Rick told us all about the need to test 18650, and other batteries, under load to determine their health. Rick has refined…
- HRWB 217 - Meet the European Ham Radio Show Team
In this episode we meet Morten LB0FI, Kjetil LB4FH, Tobias DL3MHT, and Bård (Bob) LB5JJ from the European Ham Radio Show on YouTube. Walt, K4OGO, was not able to make the show this time. The European Ham Radio show is hosted by Morten and…
- HRWB 216 - Starter Workbench Gear with Alan W2AEW
In this episode we talk with Alan Wolke, W2AEW, an expert in electronic test equipment. Alan has a fantastic YouTube channel where he educates us about test equipment, circuit design and electronics theory. Alan talks about the projects on…
- HRWB 215 - TNC'S and Trackers with Scott, N1VG, of Argent Data Systems
In this episode we meet Scott, N1VG, the owner of Argent Data Systems. Scott is a long time maker and innovator that has brought several ham radio and commercial communications products to market including TNC's (Terminal Node Controllers)…
- HRWB 214 - Field Day 2024 Debrief with Randy K7AGE and Josh K7OSH
In this episode we meet famous YouTuber, Randy, K7AGE, and Hoodview ARC VP Josh, K7OSH, to talk about our Field Day experiences and what makes a good club Field Day event. Josh is the Field Day Chairman of the Hoodview ARC and organized a…
- HRWB 213 - Radio Rejuvenation with Dan Quigley N7HQ
In this episode we bring back our good friend Dan Quigley, N7HQ, to talk about restoring older radio equipment. Should you return an old radio to it's original state or repurpose the chassis for a more modern project with the look and feel…