Live, Learn, Transmit — now in your ears. The HamShackTV Podcast brings the world of ham radio straight to your favorite podcast app. Hosted by Josh AA4WX, this show delivers unfiltered takes, interviews with key voices in the amateur radio scene, breaking news, gear reviews, emergency comms, and deep dives into the hobby we live and breathe. Whether you’re a seasoned Elmer or just passed your Tech, there’s a seat for you at the shack.
New episodes often. No fluff, no nonsense — just real radio talk.
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More shortwave traffic. Strange digital bursts. Numbers stations. Increased military radio activity.
As tensions rise in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and regional powers, many amateur radio operators are beginning to notice changes across the HF spectrum.
In this video we break down:
• Why wars often increase HF radio traffic
• The types of signals you might hear during global conflicts
• How military and intelligence communications operate near amateur bands
• Why amateur radio still matters during geopolitical crises
History has shown that during major conflicts, HF radio becomes one of the most resilient communication systems on Earth.
And sometimes… the bands tell the story before the news does.
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Meshtastic or MeshCore? The Truth After Real-World Testing
Friday, March 6, 2026 • Duration 02:15:14
This week on HamShackTV Live — we’re diving into one of the biggest debates in the off-grid and radio tech world right now:
Meshtastic vs MeshCore.
Two platforms. Two philosophies. Two very different approaches to mesh networking.
We’re breaking down:
• Ease of setup
• Stability and reliability
• BLE performance
• Mapping capabilities
• Encryption & security
• Relay roles and node behavior
• iOS vs Android experience
• Real-world field use
• Strengths and weaknesses of both systems
If you’re running LoRa nodes, solar relays, LilyGo T-Decks, RAK4630 boards, or building out your own off-grid comms network — this one matters.
We’re not here for hype. We’re here for facts and field experience.
RARSfest 2026 Preview | Nancy KB2TNR (Filmed at Hamcation)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 • Duration 03:51
Filmed live at Orlando Hamcation 2026.
In this interview, I sit down with Nancy KB2TNR, Chair of the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society Hamfest — better known as RARSfest — to preview their 2026 event happening April 4th in Raleigh, North Carolina.
We discuss:
• What makes RARSfest unique
• What attendees can expect in 2026
• Vendor and flea market highlights
• Educational forums and activities
• Why this event continues to grow year after year
RARSfest has become one of the premier hamfests in the Southeast, drawing operators from across the region.
If you’re within driving distance of Raleigh, April 4th needs to be on your calendar.
This interview is part of ongoing Hamcation 2026 coverage on HamShackTV.
Use coupon code HAMSHACKTV for 10% off paid memberships.
This interview is part of the 2026 HamShackTV Hamfest Tour, bringing you direct access to the leaders shaping amateur radio.
FlexRadio at Hamcation 2026 | SDR Innovation on Display
Monday, February 16, 2026 • Duration 03:24
We stopped by the FlexRadio booth at Orlando Hamcation 2026 as part of the 2026 HamShackTV Hamfest Tour Fueled by HamRadioPrep & World Radio League.
FlexRadio continues to push the boundaries of software-defined radio, and at Hamcation we got a close look at their latest offerings, SmartSDR ecosystem, and the future direction of high-performance HF operation.
In this walkthrough:
• FlexRadio booth highlights
• SDR demonstrations
• SmartSDR discussion
• Performance and operating flexibility
• Why SDR continues to grow in popularity
Whether you're a longtime Flex user or considering stepping into the SDR world, this gives you a look at what they’re showcasing in 2026.
More Hamcation coverage coming from across the vendor floor and forums.
Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More!
Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout.
Morse Code in 2026… Still Alive? | Long Island CW Club at Hamcation
Monday, February 16, 2026 • Duration 28:49
Is Morse code still relevant in 2026?
At Orlando Hamcation, I sat down with several members of the Long Island CW Club to talk about the current state of CW, why operators are still learning it, and why it continues to matter in modern amateur radio.
We discuss:
• Why people are still learning Morse code
• The growth of structured CW training
• CW vs digital modes
• Emergency communications value
• The discipline and skill behind the key
The Long Island CW Club has become one of the largest and most active Morse code training organizations in amateur radio.
National Amateur Radio Alliance: Why NARA? Why Now? Why Not? | W4OPS at Hamcation 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • Duration 47:25
Filmed live at Orlando Hamcation 2026.
In this presentation, Mikel W4OPS discusses the National Amateur Radio Alliance (NARA) and addresses three key questions:
Why NARA?
Why now?
Why not?
This session explores the motivations behind the formation of NARA, the current state of amateur radio organizations, and the vision for the future of representation within the hobby.
Whether you support the concept, have questions, or are still forming your opinion, this presentation provides direct insight from one of the individuals involved.
Topics discussed include:
• The purpose of the National Amateur Radio Alliance
• Organizational structure and goals
• Concerns within the amateur radio community
• Future plans and direction
This is full, unedited coverage of the session as presented at Hamcation.
Please keep the discussion respectful in the comments.
Live. Learn. Transmit. Welcome to the shack.
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Orlando Hamcation 2026 Day One | Commercial Vendors & New Gear
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • Duration 27:54
Day One at Orlando Hamcation 2026 continues — this time we focus on the commercial vendor floor.
This is where the manufacturers, dealers, and major brands set up shop. New radios. Amplifiers. Antennas. Accessories. Software. Show specials. Hands-on demos.
If you're serious about upgrading your station, this is the room that matters.
In this walkthrough:
• Major commercial vendors
• New product displays
• Show-only deals
• Gear demos and booth highlights
• Crowd energy inside the vendor hall
Hamcation isn’t just a flea market — it’s one of the largest amateur radio conventions in the country, and the commercial floor proves it.
If you couldn’t make it to Orlando this year, this gives you a front-row look at what’s new in 2026.
More Hamcation coverage coming:
• Interviews
• Creator meetups
• Campground life
• Best finds recap
Drop a comment if you spotted something you want to add to your shack.
Live. Learn. Transmit. Welcome to the shack.
🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY!
Orlando Hamcation 2026 Day One | North Hall & Flea Market
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • Duration 26:38
Day One at Orlando Hamcation 2026 rolls on.
After covering the gate and swaps building, we head into the North Hall and out to the outdoor flea market — where the big vendors, new product displays, and serious treasure hunting collide.
In this video:
• North Hall vendor walkthrough
• Major manufacturers and displays
• New gear and show specials
• Outdoor flea market tables
• Hidden gems and classic equipment
• Crowd energy and deal hunting
This is the heart of Hamcation — where you can see the newest technology inside and find vintage gold outside just a few steps away.
If you couldn’t make it to Orlando this year, this gives you the full experience from the floor.
More Hamcation coverage coming:
• Interviews
• Creator meetups
• Campground livestream
• Product deep dives
If you're attending, comment below and tell us what you picked up.
Live. Learn. Transmit. Welcome to the shack.
🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY!
🛒 Shop My Amazon Link
Flight around Youtubers Compound at Orlando Hamcation
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way
Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More!
Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout.
📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way
Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
🔌 Digirig Interface
Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast:
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!
Songs that may be used in my videos:
Newsmark - 615 Music
The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
