Talk Critical
Home base · Narrated course

A radio station at home that reaches the whole region, and across the country.

A 55-watt radio on a tall roof antenna reaches repeaters and radios 30 to 60 miles away. Add an HF radio and a wire antenna after the General license, and you can talk across the country. This course covers the gear, a safe antenna install, backup power, both radios part by part, and real on-air examples.

Get the full course, $10/monthFree previewFree sample test
30-60+ mifrom a roof antenna
HFacross the country, after General
36 partsof two radios, shown on the radio
21 minnarrated course, 66 slides
Free preview

A look inside Ham at the Desk: Base Station

Two slides from the course, and the opening of the narration. Every slide is narrated, then followed by a reading slide with the words written out.

Listen to the opening
Test yourself: free 8-question sample

Real questions from the course test, every answer explained. Members take the full test and earn a certificate at 80%.

Take the free sample test
What you'll learn

The full course

  • What to buyThe Yaesu FTM-150R, a 10-foot roof antenna, coax, power and the HF station, with store links and prices.
  • Put the antenna up safelyMast above the roof, clear of power lines, drip loop, lightning arrestor and ground rod.
  • Power and backup powerA 30-amp supply every day, and a battery that keeps you on the air when the power is out.
  • Know both radiosAll 20 parts of the FTM-150R and 16 of the FT-891, each circled on the radio.
  • The General license and HFUpgrading, the end-fed wire antenna and tuner, and which HF band to use when.
  • Three real examples, step by stepOn battery in an outage, reaching family far away on simplex, and checking into an HF net.
  • 25-question test and certificateEvery answer explained; score 80% to print your certificate.

Questions

How do I get in after I pay?

Gumroad emails you a receipt with a license key. Go to Members sign in, paste the key, and the courses open.

Can I cancel?

Yes, at any time in your Gumroad Library. You keep access until the end of the month you paid for.

Do I need any radio experience?

No. Every step is shown and narrated in plain English, from opening the box to making your first call.

What else is included?

One membership opens all six courses: GMRS Radio: Step by Step, Ham Radio: Step by Step, Ham in the Truck: Mobile Radio, Satellite Phones and Messengers and Hand-Crank Emergency Radio are included too.