FT8 in Ham Radio has revolutionized amateur radio communication by making weak-signal contacts possible worldwide with minimal equipment. Invented by Nobel Prize winner Joe Taylor, K1JT, FT8 is now one of the most popular digital modes, allowing operators in antenna-restricted environments such as HOAs, apartments, and balconies to work DX they could never reach on SSB or CW. FT8 is also widely used as a propagation tool to detect band openings for other modes. Alongside FT4, it has become an essential part of modern ham radio operation. RemoteHamRadio’s cloud-based FT8 portal takes accessibility even further, enabling seamless operation without complicated software. From new operators to seasoned DX chasers, FT8 ensures amateur radio remains active, inclusive, and future-ready.

As a lifelong ham radio operator and owner of multiple ham radio properties, I’ve learned that the right land can make the difference between a hobby and a truly professional station. Whether you’re building a home QTH or a remote station, selecting property that allows for towers, antennas, and future expansion is critical.

In 2010, I took the leap at age 45, using my life savings to purchase my Summit, NY QTH. The towers went up the same year, creating one of the first EPIC remote stations in the USA—the start of what became Remote Ham Radio. While the original goal was contesting, I quickly realized the potential of remote operations and went on to acquire additional properties, including Jonesport, which we discuss in this article.

This blog provides a step-by-step guide for finding and building your dream QTH. From property evaluation and zoning navigation to tower placement and remote operation setup, you’ll gain practical advice and insider tips from someone who has done it all. Start your journey today and unlock the secrets to creating a high-performance ham radio station.

Learn how to buy ham radio real estate for home QTH or remote stations with expert tips from Ray W2RE. Step-by-step guide for hams.

Meet W2RE, the ham radio tower expert trusted by thousands of amateur operators worldwide. From maintaining RemoteHamRadio stations used daily, to designing and building massive MEGA stations, W2RE combines engineering skill with passion for the ham community. His educational videos, live tower streams, and photos reach over 10 million views a month, inspiring both new and experienced hams. Trusted by NASA, Homeland Security, and Boeing, W2RE keeps his focus on the amateur operator. Discover how he became the go-to tower guy for remote operations, top-tier station builds, and insights that elevate the hobby—one tower at a time.

Ham Radio (Amateur Radio): Connect Worldwide and Serve Your Community

Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a global, non-commercial hobby and public service that allows licensed individuals to communicate, experiment, and provide emergency support. Licensed operators, or “hams,” can talk with others around the world, including astronauts in space, and contribute to disaster relief efforts when traditional communication systems fail.

The ham radio hobby offers a variety of activities, from technical experimentation with antennas and radio equipment to participating in emergency communications and international radio contests. It’s a hands-on way to learn about electronics, technology, and global communication.

In the photo is Lori KB2HZI, who earned her FCC ham radio license at just 18 years old. Her achievement highlights how youth can get involved in amateur radio, gain real-world technical experience, and become part of the worldwide ham radio community.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, ham radio for beginners provides opportunities to explore technology, connect globally, and contribute to public service—all while enjoying one of the most rewarding hobbies in the world.

The cost of installing a ham radio tower is one of the most frequently asked questions in the amateur radio community. At Ham Radio 24-7, we’re dedicated to providing clear answers for operators looking to upgrade their station. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of installing a ham radio tower, explore the different types of towers available, and highlight important factors like installation cost and long-term maintenance. Whether you’re a new operator or an experienced contester, understanding the true cost of a ham radio antenna tower will help you make the best investment for your station’s performance and reliability.

What if your hobby could change your life? I turned my passion for Ham Radio into multiple income streams, dream stations, and some of the best ham radio real estate you can imagine.

This isn’t just about radios—it’s about leaving the 9-to-5, giving up the W2 grind, and building a life on your own terms. From starting Hudson Valley Towers to creating 20+ income streams, I’ve turned a weekend pastime into a career, a lifestyle, and true freedom.

Whether it’s DX chasing, building antennas, or running remote stations, Ham Radio can do more than fill your weekends—it can transform your future.

Dive in and see how a hobby can become your ultimate adventu

If you’re ready to go beyond CB and GMRS radios, HamRadio is your next adventure. With an FCC license, you gain access to a vast world of frequencies, global communication, and exciting technology. Curious about how to become a Ham Radio operator? It’s easier than you think! And for kids under 21, the RemoteHamRadio Youth Program lets you get on the air for free. All you need is a smartphone, PC, laptop, or tablet with Wi-Fi—using SDR technology, you can work the world on HF through this revolutionary service. Lets dig in deep on this article.

Walk Through the NK2R Install 🚀📡

We’re taking you behind the scenes of the NK2R install – the first 4O3A rotating kit in the USA, spinning a 140' Rohn 55 tower with 75 elements, all GXP antennas! ⚡🏗️

This station plays beautifully, and seeing it in action is nothing short of amazing. We’ve embedded a ton of videos from our YouTube and TikTok posts, so you can watch the full build and antenna setup from every angle. 🎥🔥

Heads up – this is a deep dive, and it’ll take about 30 minutes to digest with all the videos. So grab a cup of coffee ☕, settle in, and enjoy the full blog experience!

From foundation to first rotation, this install shows what precision, planning, and teamwork can accomplish in the world of ham radio. 🌌💪

🚀 The Tease is Over – It’s Official! 🚀

We’re excited to announce that the DX-Launcher is now LIVE to the public!

No more struggling with slingshots, ropes, or tossing weights over trees. We’ve taken the concept of the potato gun and engineered it into the most powerful and precise dipole antenna launcher ever designed for amateur radio.

This Could Change Your Life — Seriously.

I’ve posted now and then on Facebook about my daily workouts and health regimen. But today, I’m going deeper — I’ve written a full blog about it.

Here’s the truth:
In our ham radio hobby, we have a health crisis.
No, it’s not RF exposure.
It’s us. Our habits. Our inactivity. Our health.

But here’s the good news — it doesn’t have to stay this way. You can change your life. I did. Others are doing it too.

A few of you have already messaged me privately saying my posts inspired you to get moving, to eat better, to start taking your health seriously. That means everything to me. Now, I want to reach more of you.

Because this isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better.

👉 Read the blog. Share it. Let’s make our health a priority — together.

Ham Radio Contesting and Monetization

Monetization in ham radio contesting? It’s quietly taking shape — mostly driven by passionate “small pistol” Ham Radio YouTube streamers who are putting in the work behind the scenes.

So why should contesters pay attention? Because this shift has the potential to change how contests are played, viewed, and scored. Some operators may choose to stream their efforts without submitting a score, especially if monetization ends up being restricted by contest rules.

This isn’t about stirring the pot — just acknowledging what’s already happening. We’ve seen monetization take off in POTA operations, and it’s likely more widespread than many realize.

Let’s take an honest look at what this could mean for the future of contesting.

No Towers? No Problem. A Case for RemoteHamRadio.com

For countless amateur radio enthusiasts, living under HOA restrictions or lacking the space for a personal station can be a deal-breaker. But it doesn’t have to be. RemoteHamRadio.com (RHR) offers a powerful solution—unlocking access to world-class ham radio stations from virtually anywhere.

RHR is home to the most advanced remote ham radio software on the planet, with top-tier sites strategically located for optimal DX performance. Whether you're chasing rare contacts or just enjoying a ragchew, RHR gives you the full experience—without the wires, permits, or towers.

Operate from your PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone using our intuitive web-based platform or dedicated app. With built-in FT8/FT4 in the cloud, you can get on the air with minimal setup. Prefer CW? You can even operate using a paddle or straight key remotely—yes, it’s that smooth.

If you're passionate about amateur radio but feel boxed in by space or regulations, it’s time to experience the freedom and power of RHR. Sit back and discover why RemoteHamRadio might be exactly what your hobby’s been missing.

The Story Behind the AL1G Ham Radio Install in Anchorage, Alaska 📡❄️

When most people think of Alaska, they imagine snow-capped peaks, untamed wilderness, and the thrill of adventure. For ham radio operators, however, Alaska represents unique technical challenges and extreme RF opportunities.

This is the story behind the AL1G ham radio install in Anchorage, Alaska, featuring the powerhouse GXP 5B-3L antenna system. What started as a routine project inquiry quickly turned into a high-stakes mission: installing a world-class station in one of the most remote, rugged, and unforgiving environments in the U.S.

The goal? Deliver a top-performing ham radio setup that exceeded expectations—keeping the project on budget while maximizing performance.

Stay with us as we dive into the engineering challenges, remote logistics, and lessons learned from this incredible Alaska install.

🚨 Big News from Newington! 🚨

HamRadio 24/7, in collaboration with Radio Echo Communications and Nik VC Towers, just installed a GXP 30-40 at the legendary W1HQ station at ARRL HQ in Newington, CT! 🏛️🎙️

This wasn’t just another install — it’s a story of teamwork, precision, and pushing the limits of what’s possible in amateur radio. 💪📡 We’ll take you behind the scenes on how it all came together — the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the final result.

📸 Sit back, relax, and enjoy the full story, loaded with photos and videos that bring this project to life! 🎥

How HamRadio Grew from a Few Viewers to Millions Overnight

It began humbly — just a small group of enthusiasts tuning in, chasing signals across the airwaves, and keeping alive the timeless magic of ham radio. But what happened next shocked even the most seasoned operators. Like a frequency catching the perfect skip, HamRadio surged from a quiet corner of the hobby world to a global 24/7 media powerhouse.

What sparked this explosive growth? How did a niche passion suddenly capture the attention of millions worldwide? The story of HamRadio’s rise isn’t just about antennas and frequencies — it’s about community, innovation, and the unstoppable power of connection.

🌄 750 Miles. 100 Acres. 3 Days. One Tower to Rule Them All. 🏗️📡

In 2024, our team took on one of the most ambitious remote ham radio station builds ever—traveling 750 miles to a rugged, 100-acre mountaintop to install a massive 100′ Rohn 55 tower. This powerhouse is equipped with HF antennas covering every band from 6 to 160 meters, designed for world-class performance. 💪🔥

With only a 3-day window, challenging terrain, and heavy-duty equipment, this project was more than a station build—it was a full-scale adventure. From sunrise lifts to precision antenna calibrations, we overcame every obstacle to bring a dream station to life. 🌲🚧

This mountaintop HF antenna install pushed the limits of logistics, engineering, and teamwork. Every connection was meticulously executed to ensure optimal performance for operators everywhere. 🌐📡

Whether you’re an aspiring ham radio operator, a remote station enthusiast, or simply fascinated by epic builds, this story showcases what’s possible when preparation, skill, and determination meet. 👀✨

Ready to see the full journey? Dive in and experience the ultimate remote ham radio station install—an epic mountaintop project you won’t forget.

From Modest Station to Powerhouse: The Upgrade

When our client came to us with a humble 80-foot setup, they dreamed of something far bigger—an all-band juggernaut capable of tackling the WARC bands and 6 meters with ease. Here’s how we made that vision a reality step by step:

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each stage of this transformation in the full article.

HamRadio 24/7 started as a simple idea—just a few Facebook posts a week, sharing what we do in the world of ham radio. Fast forward to early 2025, and we’ve grown into a digital force with over 10 million views a month across platforms.

This is only the beginning.

If you're reading this now—or years from now—know that HamRadio 24/7 was built on passion, consistency, and the belief that ham radio deserves the spotlight.

We're now active on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and expanding into every major platform. Why? Because the ham radio world has stories to tell, and not many are telling them.

At our core, we build world-class ham radio stations—fully remote or locally operated. But we go beyond the technical. We bring the experience to life with:

🎥 Multi-angle video coverage
📸 GoPro, Insta360, drone, and classic iPhone footage
🌍 Behind-the-scenes access never seen before in ham radio

Why Site Selection is Everything for Your Remote Ham Station

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned after building more remote ham radio stations than anyone else in the field. Whether you're dreaming of high-ground DX domination or just want a reliable remote contest station, the journey starts with one thing: location.

Welcome to HamRadio 24-7, where the passion for amateur radio is lived, shared, and broadcast every single day. This isn’t just a brand or a channel — it’s a lifelong journey led by Ray W2RE, a visionary operator with decades of experience and a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of what ham radio can be in the modern era.