Cliff's Notes on Amateur Radio
de Cliff Ravenscraft
Episódio mais recente
021 - Jeff Franklin N3FMC
021 - Jeff Franklin N3FMC
Sobre este podcast
I’m Cliff Ravenscraft (KQ4UUR), a lifelong communicator who’s been podcasting since 2005. In 2024, I fulfilled a dream I’d carried since age 13 by finally becoming a licensed Amateur Radio operator. Since then, Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio has become my space to document this journey, sharing the joy, discoveries, and connections the hobby brings.
Here you’ll find stories from the field, lessons learned through experience, and meaningful conversations with operators from across the globe. Whether you’re just getting started, deeply experienced, or rediscovering your love for the hobby, this is a space to celebrate the wonder and connection that radio brings.
Episódios
Os 20 episódios mais recentes de 21
- 021 - Jeff Franklin N3FMC · 1 h 1 minIn this episode of the POTA Hunter Series, I sit down with Jeff Franklin, N3FMC (“Ford Motor Company”), a familiar voice that many Parks on the Air activators recognize…
- 020 - My First POTA Activation of 2026, and a Surprise All States Award · 1 h 0 minIt’s been a while since I last released an episode of Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio, and in this episode, I share exactly why that is, what’s been happening in my world, and…
- 019 - Meet W0KEG Kevin “KEGMan” Giebel - A Parks on the Air Legend | POTA Hunters Series · 1 h 3 minIn my series called POTA Hunters, I sit down with the voices I hear in nearly every activation to get to know the people behind those familiar call signs. In this second…
- 018 - Meet AL7KC Mike Sambuco - A Parks on the Air Legend | POTA Hunters Series · 1 h 0 minThis episode contains my first conversation in a new series called POTA Hunters, where I sit down with the voices I hear in nearly every activation to get to know the people…
- 017 - I Am Going To Activate 26 Parks In Two Days This Weekend · 35 minMy Ambitious POTA Goal: Activate 25 Parks in Two Days (THIS WEEKEND!) Since earning my General License in September 2024, I’ve completely fallen in love with Parks On The Air…
- 016 - Help Me Decide What Comes Next for Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio · 13 minIn this short episode, I’m bringing you behind the scenes and sharing two ideas that have been on my mind for Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio. I’m genuinely looking for your…
- 015 - Portable Go Bag Complete After POTA Equipment Failure · 1 h 8 minThis episode was inspired by a QSO with Ron Rowe, W2ELS. If you’d like to hear another episode of this podcast, there’s only one way to make it happen: hunt me down in the park…
- 014 - Parks, Pileups, and Podcast Listeners · 1 h 38 minIn this episode, I sit down with no script, just a heart full of gratitude for this hobby that has become such a meaningful part of my life. It’s been about six weeks since the…
- 013 - Did I Get Bored With Amateur Radio After Four Months? · 1 h 10 minIn this episode, I share the reason I've been "radio silent" since December as it relates to this podcast. I launched this podcast on August 24th, publishing 12 podcast episodes…
- 012 - The Untold Story of ICOM’s Rise and Lido Radio’s Beginnings with Jim Newcomb · 1 h 30 minIn this episode of Cliff’s Notes on Amateur Radio, I sit down with Jim Newcomb, the founder of Lido Radio Products, to explore his incredible journey through the world of Amateur…
- 011 - HF & POTA Gear Haul 2024 - Part 2 · 1 h 14 minIn this episode, I continue sharing my initial amateur radio gear purchases after selling my 1974 Classic Volkswagen Beetle, which provided me with a $9,000 budget for the hobby…
- 010 - HF & POTA Gear Haul 2024 - Part 1 · 56 minIn this episode, I share my Amateur Radio journey over the past three and a half weeks since my first Parks On The Air activation in episode 9. I share why I've been "radio…
- 009 - My First Parks On The Air (POTA) Park Activation · 1 h 58 minI'm deeply grateful for the incredible gift Mark Volstad (AI4BJ) gave me today. Mark reached out midweek, offering to assist with my first official POTA Park Activation using his…
- 008 - Unlocking the World of HF - A Tale of Generosity, Setups, and Connection · 1 h 15 minMy First Solo Adventures with HF Radio In this episode, I share my first solo adventures with HF radio, with the help of many different people who have made that possible for…
- 007 A Burning Desire for HF: How POTA and Passion Drove Me to Get My General License · 1 h 3 minIn this episode, I share the story of my recent journey toward earning my General HAM Radio License and how my experience in the Parks on the Air (POTA) program motivated me to…
- 006 - Reconnecting Others to their Love of Amateur Radio and My First Adventures into Digital Voice · 1 h 3 minIn this episode, I share how this podcast has had the unexpected benefit of reconnecting others who had previously been active in amateur radio but had lost their passion for it…
- 005 - The Vanity Call Sign Trap: From Buyer's Remorse to Embracing My Call Sign: A Ham Radio Journey · 48 minIn this episode of Cliff's Notes on amateur radio, I share the story of my immediate buyer's remorse after receiving my assigned call sign. It all began on August 21, 2024, the…
- 004 - How To Get A 100% On Your Technician Amateur Radio Exam With Less Than 10 Hours of Study · 40 minAre you ready to get your Technician Amateur Radio License? In the United States, the Technician license exam consists of 35 questions drawn from a pool of 423. To pass, you…
- 003 - Digital Radio Options | A Conversation with Deacon Bradley (N5JOV) · 1 h 17 minIn this episode, I'm joined by my friend Deacon Bradley (N5JOV), a friend who has had his amateur radio license since 2020. Deacon shares his journey into amateur radio and why…
- 002 - Why Radio? Why Now? How GMRS & Cheap Baofeng Radios Inspired Me To Finally Get My HAM License · 1 h 13 minIn this episode, I share my unique journey of how I finally got serious about getting my amateur radio technician license. I've always been interested in radio, from my childhood…
