Episode 14: Do You Really Need a New Radio? Honest Ham Radio Upgrade Advice

Published: February 5, 2026

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhsGTEIVIE8

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438895/episodes/18629581

Summary

Do you really need that new radio? The crew gets honest about upgrade pressure and what they've learned from their own buying mistakes, including Jim's $10K shack confession and why antenna upgrades beat radio upgrades every time. The episode opens with a moment of remembrance for Elwood Downey WB0OEW, creator of the beloved HamClock.

In This Episode

  • Remembering HamClock creator Elwood Downey WB0OEW

  • CW practice updates and the Hamgeek HamCube Pro trainer review

  • James tries hotel radio from Germany with a QRP rig and an end-fed out the window

  • Winter Field Day recap and shout-outs

  • When was the last time you felt pressure to upgrade?

  • Why antenna upgrades beat radio upgrades every time

  • Jim's honest $10K shack confession and what he'd do differently

  • Rory's BuddiHEX plans: next great antenna or next regrettable purchase?

  • HamCation and Hamvention buying season advice

Chapters

  • 0:00 Remembering HamClock creator Elwood Downey

  • 3:40 Around the shack: CW practice and HamCube Pro trainer review

  • 7:33 James tries hotel radio from Germany

  • 9:26 Winter Field Day recap and shout-outs

  • 11:07 The big topic: upgrade pressure

  • 18:41 Why antenna upgrades beat radio upgrades

  • 20:47 Jim's honest $10K shack confession

  • 23:43 Taking advantage of band openings with any station

  • 27:37 Embrace the journey: there's no wrong way to ham

  • 31:08 HamCation and Hamvention buying season advice

  • 33:29 Rory's BuddiHEX plans

  • 44:25 Backpacking gear, adapters, and hamfest bargain hunting

  • 46:33 HamCation Orlando 2026 preview

Mentioned in This Episode

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Previous

Episode 15: Are Radio Prices Going Up? FT2, Bouvet 3Y0K, Yaesu & HamClock

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Episode 13: How to Learn CW in 2026: Two Paths to Morse Code Success