In 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 last episode, and a lot has happened since then. Here’s what I cover:

• The QSO That Sparked This Episode

  A parks-on-the-air activation at my favorite spot, Decker Wildlife Management Area, led to a surprise moment: someone on the other end of the mic told me they listen to this podcast and love it. That simple comment was enough to inspire me to hit record today.

• Call Signs, Vanity Temptations, and Community Feedback

  I reflect on my call sign, KQ4UUR, and the encouragement I’ve received to keep it, even as I admit the temptation for a shorter call sign if (or when) I get my Extra license. I share why this one has grown on me and the history behind almost changing it.

• Local Repeaters and the People Who Make Them Special

  I talk about the 146.790 and 145.370 repeaters in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, the voices I hear there, and the friendships forming through countless conversations. I also share why I avoid certain ham-radio lingo like “rag chew” and “ham” itself, and why “amateur radio operator” resonates more with me.

• Hamfests, GMRS, and Clearing the Air

  I share a meaningful conversation with the president of the Southwest Ohio GMRS Association at the Cincinnati Hamfest, clearing up some early misunderstandings from my first days in radio and reflecting on how GMRS actually led me to amateur radio in the first place.

• Club Leadership Invitations and Boundaries

  I was recently invited to be on the ballot for Vice President of the Northern Kentucky Amateur Radio Club. I explain why I declined. Not out of disinterest, but because of how I structure my days, my early mornings, and my commitment to staying in alignment with my personal priorities.

• Late-Night Activations and Parks on the Air Goals

  Despite my early bedtime, I found myself doing several activations that stretched well past my preferred bedtime. I talk about the challenge, the fun of chasing QSO counts, and how close I’m getting to taken over a second section of of the leaderboard for my favorite park.

• Starlink Mini and the Perfect POTA Setup

  I share how my Starlink Mini, with its new $5/month standby plan, has become essential gear for parks without cell service, making navigation and logging possible even in remote areas.

• Spurious Emissions and Radio Experiments

  I discuss a fascinating club presentation on spurious emissions, what I learned about unlocking radios, and why I’m now more cautious before transmitting on non-certified bands.

• Antennas, Gear, and Favorite Setups

  From my ATAS struggles to the JPC-12 vertical antenna that keeps impressing me, I give an update on what’s working, what’s not, and what gear I prefer usingly lately.

By the end of this episode, you’ll hear a mix of stories, lessons learned, and the small moments that keep me coming back to the mic.

In 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 within 17 weeks, but then stopped publishing until now, almost 7 months later. I've received many emails from folks asking about the absence of new episodes. So I decided to record this episode to explain the hiatus since December and to share a comprehensive list of my amateur radio adventures over the past seven months.

In this episode, I cover:

• How and why Amateur Radio served as a wonderful "escape" during the final quarter of 2024.
• Why I needed to refocus on the marketing side of my business.
• My first Dayton Hamvention experience.
• My first Field Day experience.
• My recent high SWR issues with my ATAS antenna.
• Why I've temporarily stopped participating in weekly net meetings.
• Why I'm rarely on local repeaters these days.
• How I maintain connections with NKARC (Northern Kentucky Amateur Radio Club) members.
• Why I am no longer operating HF from home.
• How I may have purchased more radio gear than necessary last year.
• And much more!

If you want to hear from me more frequently and don't want to wait until the next episode of this podcast, check out my main podcast called The Cliff Ravenscraft Show in your favorite podcast directory.

You can see a list of all my podcasts that are in “active production” at https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/podcast

In 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 Radio and entrepreneurship. From his unexpected start at Icom America to creating one of the most trusted names in mobile radio mounting solutions, Jim shares behind-the-scenes insights, fascinating stories, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

We’ll delve into:

• How Icom America grew into an industry leader and innovated the first solid-state amateur radios.
• Jim’s early career at Icom and his eventual transition into Amateur Radio as part of his professional growth.
• The groundbreaking release of the IC-706 and how it shaped mobile radio installations.
• The problem that inspired Jim to create Lido Radio Products—solving the challenge of installing radios in high-end vehicles without drilling holes.
• Jim’s passion for antenna design, low-power (QRP) operation, and the magic of radio communication.

Whether you're just starting in Amateur Radio, returning to the hobby after years away, or a seasoned operator curious about the intersection of radio technology and entrepreneurial spirit, this episode offers inspiration and insight.

1. Jim’s Start at Icom America:
   • How a chance job referral led Jim to a career at Icom.
   • The pivotal role of mentorship and hands-on learning in his journey.
2. Behind the Scenes of Icom’s Success:
   • The development of innovative products like the IC-706.
   • How Icom’s commitment to engineering excellence shaped the industry.
3. The Birth of Lido Radio Products:
   • The customer question that sparked the idea for no-drill radio mounts.
   • Jim’s journey from part-time side hustle to a full-time business.
4. The Magic of Radio:
   • Jim’s fascination with antenna design and QRP operation.
   • Stories about the physics and wonder of radio communication.

• "Icom’s IC-706 changed everything." Hear how this revolutionary product cemented Icom’s place as a leader in Amateur Radio.
• "No one wanted to drill holes in their cars." Discover the story behind Lido Radio’s signature no-drill mounting solutions.
• "I just love the science of radio." Jim shares his personal passion for low-power operation and the art of antenna design.

• Lido Radio Products Website