The Budget $1,000 Ham Radio Shack

Lets talk about putting together a ham radio shack for under $1,000. There is more to consider than you might think! We'll cover VHF/UHF & HF radios
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[djake]

I like this "cut out of a stream" format. I also appreciate that your answers were suited to different areas of interest. I also love that your "starter" suggestions didn't include the 7300. Granted it, alone, is more than $1000, but it grinds my gears when folks suggest it for beginners. I started on an FT450D (still my main rig), and love it. And it's much cheaper.

[Charlie-Bee]

So much to learn. I passed my tec and general on Saturday. Waiting for my FCC email. I have no idea where to start so here I am.

[davidsradioroom]

I liked this video very much! This is very good for a beginner or a newer ham. As for suggestions for improvement, I would go with a simpler background behind you. It would put you more in focus. The person who downvoted you has no reason to do so.

[leeharrell]

You should continue this series with "The $2, 000 Ham Shack", "The $3, 000 Ham Shack", etc., etc.

[southjersey]

I’ve finally settled on a version of the HF $1, 000 shack; interested in voice only, not contesting, being portable on my property and I like to listen:

Astron 35a power supply (already have)

Alinco SR8T $480
Super Antenna MP1 DX80 $299
LMR 400, 100 ft $90
NanoVNA Analyzer $55
Comet CTC window jumper $55

Add in some tax and P/H and I’m at $1, 000. Once I get experience then I can upgrade. Mark

[Paintbl]

Just passed my technician exam last Saturday. Thanks for all the helpful vids!

[ChedCuaresma]

I love this format. Please release more videos like this.

[adventuresincampingwithcar]

Concerning the crimper. I picked up a Harbor freight standard crimper, on sale for 10.00. Then ordered a set of Kline jaws for Andersen power pole, for about 16.00. They fit perfectly, and for about the same price I have a tool that does both.

[drewhodge]

I got myself a 450D used for £400 and a new End Fed long wire £45. Then a basic SDR for £13 and an Panoramic Adapter Tap (PAT70M) Board £20 plus a cable assemble £12. Second hand 25amp power supply £10 and Auto antenna tuner £80. Total £580.
Picked up a box full of radios and CB for £45 which included a nice old VHF rig and a 2m dipole for £40. and 2x Baofeng UV-5r £23. Plus loads of coax £40 All in Total Price £728.
So shopping around it can be done under $1000.

[ekbanjosworld]

Have to say I enjoyed this show ! I'm designing my shack around emergency comms, SOTA/POTA and QRP. At the present, I'm more interested in building antennas. I want to also have portable QRO rig that doubles as my first home base station. Want VHF/UHF portable units in cars, one in garage and a home base unit. I want to include local scanners/CB/GRMS/and a very good SW listening setup with dedicated antenna. I buy nearly every piece of equipment used. Have had good luck so far. I save a lot of money that way. My ultimate goal is to actually set up a repeater station running everything on solar/ off grid ! Excellent show ! But $1000 is hard to work with. Now you need to get a show together showing how to test used equipment in the field or at the swap meet or ham fest !

[tonyrowland]

well for one i enjoy the whole vid. i work fri swing shift and use this for a wake up with first coffee sat am. Please dont change..

[Anvilshock]

Distillation of stream to video always appreciated. Less chitchat, more noteworthy info over time. Could be a lot more concentrated, still. I don't care about someone's just having gotten their license and other trivia, most especially not superchat or equivalent where people effectively purchase online presence through your feeling compelled to call out their messages. Video is called Budget $1, 000 Ham Radio Shack, so that's what I'd expect to learn, and nothing more.
Poor audio level matching, though. If the little green bar in Windows volume mixer (or fruit-based fashion accessory equivalent) is barely twitching above zero even with everything cranked to 100 %, you're too quiet, simple as that.

[mikengeerockstarkaraokedj]

Loved the video. I got lucky with some in my shack. I had a coworkers family member sell me some when her father passed. A Icom 2 meter that I sold for $100, a ic271a, a ic765, and a kdk 2 meter. For all of those four radios for $700

[aberg]

Thanks! From [to be assigned soon...] :) Really appreciate all these (old!) videos. So helpful getting started as someone who just passed both the tech and gen exam simply by cramming... it's a big mind blowing how much there is to learn now that I've passed the test before hitting "BUY!!" on items.

[billfong]

HRO is great. They guys there are friendly, helpful and informative. You also get to try out the stuff they have in the store before buying.

[v]

I came here from the Modern Rogue since I'm an Austinite and I enjoy their content. Been wanting to get a whole ENTIRE shack just for fun! I really want to get into this and talk to other people. Ive gotten a nice little radio and a power supply but I want a shack whenever I do get my license so I can use everything I have lol.

[bendeleted]

Resellers often show up BEFORE the yard sale starts so they will get any radios there if listed in an ad.

[WolfQuantum]

Just got my General ticket. Now time to try and figure out how to get on HF on a VHF budget. ;) I ran our VHF net several times on a TYT TH-UV88 with speaker mic many times. Only recently got a Yaesu FT-2900R mobile (bought on QRZ) and put it on a very inexpensive, but fully usable 30 Watt peak/25 Watt continuous PS. I run that into a Tram discone multi-band antenna. I think my HF goal for now is a Xiegu G90 and maye a dipole or even a longwire. I just want to reach out of Texas for now. I don't need to hit Europe, China, or Brazil. Nice, but not necessary.

The wife selling your radio gear for what you paid for them is like the gun guys who say the same thing. LOL.

[novanet]

Since we are almost 4 years into the future of this list, how valid are the options still? I really love this list as someone new to radio, im studying for my basic and harec license right now ( Belgium ). Since 2019 a lot of things have changed, covid happened, electronics shortages, new radios, inflation, ....

[bytor]

Just starting to "cut my teeth" in amateur radio studying for my technical license, and I love the information here. My goals are to simply make contacts with others (I know a few people from my Scout troop and a couple of folks I know through church who are also hams), and then I'd like to explore storm spotting and relaying weather information through our local Skywarn network.