{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-10-18T16:01:24+00:00"},"categoryId":33538,"data":{"title":"Digital Audio & Radio","slug":"digital-audio-radio","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","slug":"technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"}},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":33539,"title":"Ham Radio","slug":"ham-radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33539"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":53,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":34339,"title":"iTunes","slug":"itunes","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34339"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":false,"articleCount":19,"bookCount":0},{"categoryId":33540,"title":"Podcasting","slug":"podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":10,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":33541,"title":"Spotify","slug":"spotify","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33541"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":false,"articleCount":45,"bookCount":0}],"description":"Traditional ham radio enthusiasts, podcasters, and the Spotify-curious, this is your place. Plus, iTunes, radio basics, and more.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33538&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":127,"bookCount":3},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":127,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2018-04-30T12:03:36+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-07-20T14:48:14+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:46+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Ham Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33539"},"slug":"ham-radio","categoryId":33539}],"title":"Sending and Receiving QSLs on Your Ham Radio","strippedTitle":"sending and receiving qsls on your ham radio","slug":"sending-receiving-qsls-ham-radio","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"QSL cards, which are the size of standard postcards, are the ham radio equivalent of a business card. They range from simple to ornate. DXpeditions often create","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"QSL cards, which are the size of standard postcards, are the ham radio equivalent of a business card. They range from simple to ornate. DXpeditions often creates a multi-panel folding cards with lots of information and pictures from the rare location. QSLs are primarily exchanged for HF contacts and are used to qualify for operating awards.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >QSLing electronically</h2>\r\nMany hams are confirming their contacts on two sites: eQSL and ARRL’s Logbook of the World (LoTW). Your logging software may even be able to upload your contacts to these systems automatically as you make them. With these systems, there is no need to exchange paper cards although many hams send a card for a first contact with a station for their collections.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.eqsl.net/\">eQSL</a> was the first electronic QSL system and is extremely easy to use. Its site has a tutorial slideshow that explains just how eQSL works and how to use it. eQSL offers its own operating awards, as well, verified by contacts uploaded to the eQSL system.\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world\">ARRL’s LoTW</a> is more complicated to use. You’re required to authenticate your identity and license, and all submitted contacts are digitally signed for complete trustworthiness. LOTW provides electronic verification of QSOs for award purposes. It currently supports the ARRL awards and CQ’s WPX and WAZ award programs.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">DXpeditions often use an online QSLing system such as <a href=\"http://secure.clublog.org\">Club Log’s OQRS system</a>. You can support the expeditioners with a donation and request your QSL at the same time. It’s speedy, secure, and highly recommended.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Direct QSLing on your ham radio</h2>\r\nIf you want to send a paper card, the quickest (and most expensive) option is <em>direct,</em> meaning directly to other hams at their published addresses. You can find many ham addresses on the web portal QRZ.com. This method ensures that your card gets to recipients as fast as possible and usually results in the shortest turnaround time. Include the return postage and maybe even a self-addressed, stamped envelope.\r\n\r\nDirect QSLing costs more than electronic QSLing but makes it as easy as possible for you to get a return card on its way from the other ham — many times, with a colorful stamp.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Postal theft can be a problem in poorer countries. An active station can make hundreds of contacts per week, attracting unwelcome attention when many envelopes start showing up with those funny number–letter call signs on them. Don’t put any station call signs on the envelope if you have any question about the reliability of the postal service. Make your envelope as ordinary and as thin as possible. If the station gives QSL instructions online or during the contact, be sure to follow them!</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Using QSL managers</h2>\r\nTo avoid poor postal systems and cut postage expenses, many DX stations and DXpeditions use a QSL manager. The manager is located in a country with reliable, secure postal service. This method results in a nearly 100 percent return rate. QSLing via a manager is just like direct QSLing. If you don’t include return postage and an envelope to a manager for a DX station, you’ll likely get your card back via the QSL bureau, which takes a few months at minimum.\r\n\r\nYou can locate managers on websites such at <a href=\"http://www.qrz.com/page/qsl-corner.html\">QRZ.com’s QSL Corner</a>, which is free to members. If the station has a website or has posted information on the QRZ.com page, a manager will usually be listed there.\r\n\r\nIf you send your QSL overseas, be sure to do the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Use the correct global airmail letter rate from the <a href=\"https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm\">U.S. Postal Service website</a>.</li>\r\n \t<li>Ensure airmail service by using an Air Mail sticker (free at the post office), an airmail envelope, or an Air Mail/Par Avion stamp on the envelope.</li>\r\n \t<li>Include return postage from the DX operator's home country to the U.S. from sources such as William Plum DX Supplies (email [email protected]) or the <a href=\"http://www.airmailpostage.com/\">K3FN Air Mail Postage Service</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You may be asked to “send one (or two) greenstamps” for return postage. A greenstamp is a $1 bill. Be sure that currency isn’t visible through the envelope.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Bureaus and QSL services</h2>\r\nAll that postage can mount up pretty quickly. A much cheaper (and much slower) option exists: the QSL bureau system. You should use this method when the DX station says “QSL via the bureau” or on CW and digital modes, “QSL VIA BURO.” The QSL bureau system operates as a sort of ham radio post office, allowing hams to exchange QSLs at a fraction of the cost of direct mail.\r\n\r\nIf you are an ARRL member, you can <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/qsl-service\">bundle up all your DX QSLs</a> (you still have to send domestic cards directly) and send them to the outgoing QSL bureau, where the QSLs are sorted and sent in bulk to incoming QSL bureaus around the world. The cards are then sorted and distributed to individual stations. The recipients send their reply cards back in the other direction.\r\n\r\nTo get your cards, you must keep postage and envelopes in stock at your incoming QSL bureau. (Anyone can use the incoming QSL bureaus.) Then, when you least expect it, a fat package of cards arrives in the mail. What fun!\r\n\r\nAn intermediate route is the <a href=\"http://www.airmailpostage.com/\">K3FN QSL Service</a>, which forwards QSLs to foreign and U.S. managers for a fee, currently 1 to 5 dollars per card depending on how fast you want the QSL in return. You send outbound cards directly to K3FN, and your return cards are sent to you by the service level you paid for.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Applying for awards</h2>\r\nEach award program has its own method for submitting QSL cards to qualify for an award. All of them have a few things in common, though. There is a form to fill out listing each contact individually. For more than a few contacts, you’ll need to enter the information in alphabetical order by prefix.\r\n\r\nFor example, a contact from KA9ABC will be listed before N1EUZ before WBØGQP. (For DX prefix order, use the <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/files/file/DXCC/2017_Current_Deleted2.txt\">ARRL’s most-current DXCC List</a>.) Print clearly so the award manager does not misread your information. Pay the award fee, if any, with a check or money order or electronically if that option is available. (Don’t send cash unless it is necessary.)\r\n\r\nNext, sort the cards into the same order as on the form. Orient them with the contact information facing up, even if it is on the back of the card. Bundle the cards together so that the top card is the first on the application form. You then mail or ship the cards to the award manager as directed by the award’s sponsor. If you are sending a lot of cards or if the cards are particularly rare, send the cards by certified mail or with a signature-required service.\r\n\r\nDon’t forget to include return postage or shipping costs in your award fee. It is also a good idea to include a self-addressed postcard with the application that the sponsor can return so you know the package was received. Assuming all your information checks out, you’ll receive your certificate and QSL cards!\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Cards for the ARRL DXCC Award can be checked by a local or regional “<a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-field-checking\">field checker</a>.\" You can make arrangements to attend a club meeting and submit your cards to him or her directly. Card checkers often have a booth or table at the larger hamfests.</p>","description":"QSL cards, which are the size of standard postcards, are the ham radio equivalent of a business card. They range from simple to ornate. DXpeditions often creates a multi-panel folding cards with lots of information and pictures from the rare location. QSLs are primarily exchanged for HF contacts and are used to qualify for operating awards.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >QSLing electronically</h2>\r\nMany hams are confirming their contacts on two sites: eQSL and ARRL’s Logbook of the World (LoTW). Your logging software may even be able to upload your contacts to these systems automatically as you make them. With these systems, there is no need to exchange paper cards although many hams send a card for a first contact with a station for their collections.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.eqsl.net/\">eQSL</a> was the first electronic QSL system and is extremely easy to use. Its site has a tutorial slideshow that explains just how eQSL works and how to use it. eQSL offers its own operating awards, as well, verified by contacts uploaded to the eQSL system.\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world\">ARRL’s LoTW</a> is more complicated to use. You’re required to authenticate your identity and license, and all submitted contacts are digitally signed for complete trustworthiness. LOTW provides electronic verification of QSOs for award purposes. It currently supports the ARRL awards and CQ’s WPX and WAZ award programs.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">DXpeditions often use an online QSLing system such as <a href=\"http://secure.clublog.org\">Club Log’s OQRS system</a>. You can support the expeditioners with a donation and request your QSL at the same time. It’s speedy, secure, and highly recommended.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Direct QSLing on your ham radio</h2>\r\nIf you want to send a paper card, the quickest (and most expensive) option is <em>direct,</em> meaning directly to other hams at their published addresses. You can find many ham addresses on the web portal QRZ.com. This method ensures that your card gets to recipients as fast as possible and usually results in the shortest turnaround time. Include the return postage and maybe even a self-addressed, stamped envelope.\r\n\r\nDirect QSLing costs more than electronic QSLing but makes it as easy as possible for you to get a return card on its way from the other ham — many times, with a colorful stamp.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Postal theft can be a problem in poorer countries. An active station can make hundreds of contacts per week, attracting unwelcome attention when many envelopes start showing up with those funny number–letter call signs on them. Don’t put any station call signs on the envelope if you have any question about the reliability of the postal service. Make your envelope as ordinary and as thin as possible. If the station gives QSL instructions online or during the contact, be sure to follow them!</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Using QSL managers</h2>\r\nTo avoid poor postal systems and cut postage expenses, many DX stations and DXpeditions use a QSL manager. The manager is located in a country with reliable, secure postal service. This method results in a nearly 100 percent return rate. QSLing via a manager is just like direct QSLing. If you don’t include return postage and an envelope to a manager for a DX station, you’ll likely get your card back via the QSL bureau, which takes a few months at minimum.\r\n\r\nYou can locate managers on websites such at <a href=\"http://www.qrz.com/page/qsl-corner.html\">QRZ.com’s QSL Corner</a>, which is free to members. If the station has a website or has posted information on the QRZ.com page, a manager will usually be listed there.\r\n\r\nIf you send your QSL overseas, be sure to do the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Use the correct global airmail letter rate from the <a href=\"https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm\">U.S. Postal Service website</a>.</li>\r\n \t<li>Ensure airmail service by using an Air Mail sticker (free at the post office), an airmail envelope, or an Air Mail/Par Avion stamp on the envelope.</li>\r\n \t<li>Include return postage from the DX operator's home country to the U.S. from sources such as William Plum DX Supplies (email [email protected]) or the <a href=\"http://www.airmailpostage.com/\">K3FN Air Mail Postage Service</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You may be asked to “send one (or two) greenstamps” for return postage. A greenstamp is a $1 bill. Be sure that currency isn’t visible through the envelope.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Bureaus and QSL services</h2>\r\nAll that postage can mount up pretty quickly. A much cheaper (and much slower) option exists: the QSL bureau system. You should use this method when the DX station says “QSL via the bureau” or on CW and digital modes, “QSL VIA BURO.” The QSL bureau system operates as a sort of ham radio post office, allowing hams to exchange QSLs at a fraction of the cost of direct mail.\r\n\r\nIf you are an ARRL member, you can <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/qsl-service\">bundle up all your DX QSLs</a> (you still have to send domestic cards directly) and send them to the outgoing QSL bureau, where the QSLs are sorted and sent in bulk to incoming QSL bureaus around the world. The cards are then sorted and distributed to individual stations. The recipients send their reply cards back in the other direction.\r\n\r\nTo get your cards, you must keep postage and envelopes in stock at your incoming QSL bureau. (Anyone can use the incoming QSL bureaus.) Then, when you least expect it, a fat package of cards arrives in the mail. What fun!\r\n\r\nAn intermediate route is the <a href=\"http://www.airmailpostage.com/\">K3FN QSL Service</a>, which forwards QSLs to foreign and U.S. managers for a fee, currently 1 to 5 dollars per card depending on how fast you want the QSL in return. You send outbound cards directly to K3FN, and your return cards are sent to you by the service level you paid for.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Applying for awards</h2>\r\nEach award program has its own method for submitting QSL cards to qualify for an award. All of them have a few things in common, though. There is a form to fill out listing each contact individually. For more than a few contacts, you’ll need to enter the information in alphabetical order by prefix.\r\n\r\nFor example, a contact from KA9ABC will be listed before N1EUZ before WBØGQP. (For DX prefix order, use the <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/files/file/DXCC/2017_Current_Deleted2.txt\">ARRL’s most-current DXCC List</a>.) Print clearly so the award manager does not misread your information. Pay the award fee, if any, with a check or money order or electronically if that option is available. (Don’t send cash unless it is necessary.)\r\n\r\nNext, sort the cards into the same order as on the form. Orient them with the contact information facing up, even if it is on the back of the card. Bundle the cards together so that the top card is the first on the application form. You then mail or ship the cards to the award manager as directed by the award’s sponsor. If you are sending a lot of cards or if the cards are particularly rare, send the cards by certified mail or with a signature-required service.\r\n\r\nDon’t forget to include return postage or shipping costs in your award fee. It is also a good idea to include a self-addressed postcard with the application that the sponsor can return so you know the package was received. Assuming all your information checks out, you’ll receive your certificate and QSL cards!\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Cards for the ARRL DXCC Award can be checked by a local or regional “<a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-field-checking\">field checker</a>.\" You can make arrangements to attend a club meeting and submit your cards to him or her directly. Card checkers often have a booth or table at the larger hamfests.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9557,"name":"H. Ward Silver","slug":"h-ward-silver","description":" <b>H. Ward Silver</b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9557"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33539,"title":"Ham Radio","slug":"ham-radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33539"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"QSLing electronically","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Direct QSLing on your ham radio","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Using QSL managers","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Bureaus and QSL services","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Applying for awards","target":"#tab5"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":251980,"title":"10 Tips for Ham Radio Masters","slug":"10-tips-ham-radio-masters","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251980"}},{"articleId":251977,"title":"10 Ham Radio Station Equipment Tips","slug":"10-ham-radio-station-equipment-tips","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251977"}},{"articleId":251974,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from a Kit","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-kit","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251974"}},{"articleId":251971,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from Scratch","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-scratch","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251971"}},{"articleId":251968,"title":"Maintenance Tools for Ham Radios","slug":"maintenance-tools-ham-radios","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251968"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":251980,"title":"10 Tips for Ham Radio Masters","slug":"10-tips-ham-radio-masters","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251980"}},{"articleId":251977,"title":"10 Ham Radio Station Equipment Tips","slug":"10-ham-radio-station-equipment-tips","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251977"}},{"articleId":251974,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from a Kit","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-kit","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251974"}},{"articleId":251971,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from Scratch","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-scratch","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251971"}},{"articleId":251968,"title":"Maintenance Tools for Ham Radios","slug":"maintenance-tools-ham-radios","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251968"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281733,"slug":"ham-radio-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119695608","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695600-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/ham-radio-for-dummies-4e-cover-9781119695608-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Ham Radio For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9557\">H. Ward Silver</b></b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9557,"name":"H. Ward Silver","slug":"h-ward-silver","description":" <b>H. Ward Silver</b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9557"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;ham-radio&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695608&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b42bcdb6\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;ham-radio&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695608&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b42bd7fc\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":251958},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2018-04-30T11:29:10+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-07-20T14:44:30+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:46+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Ham Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33539"},"slug":"ham-radio","categoryId":33539}],"title":"Radio Accessories for Your Ham Radio","strippedTitle":"radio accessories for your ham radio","slug":"radio-accessories-ham-radio","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"You can buy or build hundreds of gadgets for your ham radio to enhance whatever style or specialty you choose. Here’s some information on the most common access","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"You can buy or build hundreds of gadgets for your ham radio to enhance whatever style or specialty you choose. Here’s some information on the most common accessories that you need to get the most out of your station.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mikes, keys, and keyers for your ham radio</h2>\r\nMost radios come with a hand microphone, although if you buy a used radio, the hand mike may be long gone or somewhat worn. The manufacturer-supplied hand mikes are pretty good and are all you need to get started. After you operate for a while, you may decide to upgrade.\r\n\r\nIf you’re a ragchewer, some microphones are designed for audio fidelity with a wide frequency response. Net operators and contesters like the hands-free convenience of a headset with an attached boom mike held in front of your mouth. Handheld radios are more convenient to use, with a speaker–microphone combination accessory that plugs into your radio and clips to a shirt pocket or collar.\r\n\r\nYour radio manufacturer may also offer a premium microphone as an option or accessory for your radio. <a href=\"http://www.heilsound.com/\">Heil Sound</a> and <a href=\"http://www.vibroplex.com/\">Vibroplex</a> manufacture a wide range of top-quality microphones. Heil Sound also manufactures headsets with boom mikes.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">The frequency response of a microphone can make a big difference on the air. If you operate under crowded conditions, the audio from a microphone whose response emphasizes the midrange and higher frequencies is more likely to cut through the noise. Some microphones have selectable frequency responses so that you can have a natural-sounding voice during a casual contact and then switch to the brighter response for some DXing. If you’re not sure which is best, ask the folks you contact, or do an over-the-air check with a friend who knows your voice.</p>\r\nMorse code enthusiasts have thousands of keys to choose among, spanning more than a century of history. Beginners often start with a straight key and then graduate to an electronic keyer and a paddle. If you think you’ll use CW a lot, I recommend going the keyer/paddle route right away.\r\n\r\nMost rigs now include a keyer as a standard option. You can plug the paddle into the radio, and you’re on your way! CW operators tend to find paddle choice very personal, so definitely try one out before you buy. A hamfest often has one or more key–bug–paddle collectors, and you can try many styles. The ham behind the table is likely to be full of good information as well.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Programmable memories are very handy for storing commonly sent information, such as your call sign or a CQ message. You can put your keyer in beacon mode to send a stored CQ message repeatedly to see whether anyone is listening on a dead band. (If everybody listens and nobody transmits, the band sounds dead but may be open to somewhere surprising.)</p>\r\nIf you decide on an external keyer, you can choose kits or finished models, such as the popular Winkey-based keyers made by <a href=\"https://hamcrafters2.com/index.html\">K1EL</a>. Several computer programs send code from the keyboard. Browse <a href=\"http://www.ac6v.com/morseprograms.htm\">ac6v.com</a> for an extensive list of software.\r\n\r\nA <em>voice keyer</em> is a device that can store short voice messages and play them back into your radio as though you were speaking. Some keyers are stand-alone units, and others use a PC sound card. Voice keyers are handy for contesting, DXing, calling CQ, and so on. Some models also store both CW and voice messages, such as the <a href=\"http://www.mfjenterprises.com/\">MJF Contest Keyer</a>. Contest logging software such <a href=\"http://www.n1mm.com/\">as N1MM Logger+</a> and <a href=\"http://www.writelog.com/\">Writelog</a> can create a voice keyer by using the computer’s sound card.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Antenna tuners for your ham radio</h2>\r\nAntenna tuners don’t really “tune” your antenna, but they allow your transmitter to operate at maximum efficiency no matter what impedance appears at the station end of your feed line. Tuners are explained in the article <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/transmatch-antenna-tuner\">“Do You Need an Antenna Tuner?”</a>.\r\n\r\nAlthough your new radio may be equipped with an antenna tuner, in some situations you may need an external unit. Internal tuners have a somewhat limited range that fits many antennas. Antennas being used far from their optimum frequency often present an impedance that the rig’s internal tuner can’t handle. External tuners often include <em>baluns</em> (an abbreviation of “balanced-to-unbalanced”) for connecting open-wire feed lines to coaxial cable.\r\n\r\nTuners are available in sizes from tiny, QRP-size units to humongous, full-power boxes larger than many radios. The table below lists a few of the manufacturers offering an assortment of tuners. If you decide to purchase a tuner, choose one that’s rated comfortably in excess of the maximum power you expect to use. Getting one with the option to use balanced feed lines is highly recommended. The ability to switch between different feed lines and an SWR meter (which measures reflected RF power) is a nice-to-have feature.\r\n<table width=\"491\"><caption>Antenna Tuner Manufacturers</caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\">Manufacturer</td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Balanced Feed Line</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">High-Power (>300 Watts)</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Automatic Tuning</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.mfjenterprises.com/\">MFJ Enterprises</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.ameritron.com/\">Ameritron</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">No</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.vectronics.com/\">Vectronics</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">No</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"https://www.dxengineering.com/search/brand/ldg-electronics\">LDG Electronics</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">External balun adapter</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.palstar.com/en/tuners\">Palstar</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"https://www.sgcworld.com/productInfoPage.html\">SGC</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nAlong with the tuner, you need a <em>dummy load,</em> a large resistor that can dissipate the full power of your transmitter. The MFJ-260C can dissipate 300 watts, which is adequate for HF transceivers. High-power loads, such as the MFJ-250, immerse the resistor in cooling oil. (These are paint cans filled with oil, sometimes called <em>cantennas</em> after an old Heathkit product name.) The dummy load keeps your transmitted signals from causing interference during tuneup. HF dummy loads may not be suitable for use at VHF or UHF, so check the frequency coverage specification before you buy.","description":"You can buy or build hundreds of gadgets for your ham radio to enhance whatever style or specialty you choose. Here’s some information on the most common accessories that you need to get the most out of your station.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mikes, keys, and keyers for your ham radio</h2>\r\nMost radios come with a hand microphone, although if you buy a used radio, the hand mike may be long gone or somewhat worn. The manufacturer-supplied hand mikes are pretty good and are all you need to get started. After you operate for a while, you may decide to upgrade.\r\n\r\nIf you’re a ragchewer, some microphones are designed for audio fidelity with a wide frequency response. Net operators and contesters like the hands-free convenience of a headset with an attached boom mike held in front of your mouth. Handheld radios are more convenient to use, with a speaker–microphone combination accessory that plugs into your radio and clips to a shirt pocket or collar.\r\n\r\nYour radio manufacturer may also offer a premium microphone as an option or accessory for your radio. <a href=\"http://www.heilsound.com/\">Heil Sound</a> and <a href=\"http://www.vibroplex.com/\">Vibroplex</a> manufacture a wide range of top-quality microphones. Heil Sound also manufactures headsets with boom mikes.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">The frequency response of a microphone can make a big difference on the air. If you operate under crowded conditions, the audio from a microphone whose response emphasizes the midrange and higher frequencies is more likely to cut through the noise. Some microphones have selectable frequency responses so that you can have a natural-sounding voice during a casual contact and then switch to the brighter response for some DXing. If you’re not sure which is best, ask the folks you contact, or do an over-the-air check with a friend who knows your voice.</p>\r\nMorse code enthusiasts have thousands of keys to choose among, spanning more than a century of history. Beginners often start with a straight key and then graduate to an electronic keyer and a paddle. If you think you’ll use CW a lot, I recommend going the keyer/paddle route right away.\r\n\r\nMost rigs now include a keyer as a standard option. You can plug the paddle into the radio, and you’re on your way! CW operators tend to find paddle choice very personal, so definitely try one out before you buy. A hamfest often has one or more key–bug–paddle collectors, and you can try many styles. The ham behind the table is likely to be full of good information as well.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Programmable memories are very handy for storing commonly sent information, such as your call sign or a CQ message. You can put your keyer in beacon mode to send a stored CQ message repeatedly to see whether anyone is listening on a dead band. (If everybody listens and nobody transmits, the band sounds dead but may be open to somewhere surprising.)</p>\r\nIf you decide on an external keyer, you can choose kits or finished models, such as the popular Winkey-based keyers made by <a href=\"https://hamcrafters2.com/index.html\">K1EL</a>. Several computer programs send code from the keyboard. Browse <a href=\"http://www.ac6v.com/morseprograms.htm\">ac6v.com</a> for an extensive list of software.\r\n\r\nA <em>voice keyer</em> is a device that can store short voice messages and play them back into your radio as though you were speaking. Some keyers are stand-alone units, and others use a PC sound card. Voice keyers are handy for contesting, DXing, calling CQ, and so on. Some models also store both CW and voice messages, such as the <a href=\"http://www.mfjenterprises.com/\">MJF Contest Keyer</a>. Contest logging software such <a href=\"http://www.n1mm.com/\">as N1MM Logger+</a> and <a href=\"http://www.writelog.com/\">Writelog</a> can create a voice keyer by using the computer’s sound card.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Antenna tuners for your ham radio</h2>\r\nAntenna tuners don’t really “tune” your antenna, but they allow your transmitter to operate at maximum efficiency no matter what impedance appears at the station end of your feed line. Tuners are explained in the article <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/transmatch-antenna-tuner\">“Do You Need an Antenna Tuner?”</a>.\r\n\r\nAlthough your new radio may be equipped with an antenna tuner, in some situations you may need an external unit. Internal tuners have a somewhat limited range that fits many antennas. Antennas being used far from their optimum frequency often present an impedance that the rig’s internal tuner can’t handle. External tuners often include <em>baluns</em> (an abbreviation of “balanced-to-unbalanced”) for connecting open-wire feed lines to coaxial cable.\r\n\r\nTuners are available in sizes from tiny, QRP-size units to humongous, full-power boxes larger than many radios. The table below lists a few of the manufacturers offering an assortment of tuners. If you decide to purchase a tuner, choose one that’s rated comfortably in excess of the maximum power you expect to use. Getting one with the option to use balanced feed lines is highly recommended. The ability to switch between different feed lines and an SWR meter (which measures reflected RF power) is a nice-to-have feature.\r\n<table width=\"491\"><caption>Antenna Tuner Manufacturers</caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\">Manufacturer</td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Balanced Feed Line</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">High-Power (>300 Watts)</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Automatic Tuning</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.mfjenterprises.com/\">MFJ Enterprises</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.ameritron.com/\">Ameritron</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">No</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.vectronics.com/\">Vectronics</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">No</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"https://www.dxengineering.com/search/brand/ldg-electronics\">LDG Electronics</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">External balun adapter</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"http://www.palstar.com/en/tuners\">Palstar</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"114\"><a href=\"https://www.sgcworld.com/productInfoPage.html\">SGC</a></td>\r\n<td width=\"104\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"161\">Yes</td>\r\n<td width=\"113\">Yes</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nAlong with the tuner, you need a <em>dummy load,</em> a large resistor that can dissipate the full power of your transmitter. The MFJ-260C can dissipate 300 watts, which is adequate for HF transceivers. High-power loads, such as the MFJ-250, immerse the resistor in cooling oil. (These are paint cans filled with oil, sometimes called <em>cantennas</em> after an old Heathkit product name.) The dummy load keeps your transmitted signals from causing interference during tuneup. HF dummy loads may not be suitable for use at VHF or UHF, so check the frequency coverage specification before you buy.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9557,"name":"H. Ward Silver","slug":"h-ward-silver","description":" <b>H. Ward Silver</b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9557"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33539,"title":"Ham Radio","slug":"ham-radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33539"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Mikes, keys, and keyers for your ham radio","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Antenna tuners for your ham radio","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":251980,"title":"10 Tips for Ham Radio Masters","slug":"10-tips-ham-radio-masters","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251980"}},{"articleId":251977,"title":"10 Ham Radio Station Equipment Tips","slug":"10-ham-radio-station-equipment-tips","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251977"}},{"articleId":251974,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from a Kit","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-kit","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251974"}},{"articleId":251971,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from Scratch","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-scratch","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251971"}},{"articleId":251968,"title":"Maintenance Tools for Ham Radios","slug":"maintenance-tools-ham-radios","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251968"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":251980,"title":"10 Tips for Ham Radio Masters","slug":"10-tips-ham-radio-masters","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251980"}},{"articleId":251977,"title":"10 Ham Radio Station Equipment Tips","slug":"10-ham-radio-station-equipment-tips","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251977"}},{"articleId":251974,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from a Kit","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-kit","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251974"}},{"articleId":251971,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from Scratch","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-scratch","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251971"}},{"articleId":251968,"title":"Maintenance Tools for Ham Radios","slug":"maintenance-tools-ham-radios","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251968"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281733,"slug":"ham-radio-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119695608","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695600-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/ham-radio-for-dummies-4e-cover-9781119695608-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Ham Radio For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9557\">H. Ward Silver</b></b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9557,"name":"H. Ward Silver","slug":"h-ward-silver","description":" <b>H. Ward Silver</b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9557"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;ham-radio&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695608&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b42b423c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;ham-radio&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695608&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b42b4ce0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":251949},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:49:06+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-25T21:06:00+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Ham Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33539"},"slug":"ham-radio","categoryId":33539}],"title":"Ham Radio For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"ham radio for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"ham-radio-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"New ham radio operators should keep the information in this cheat sheet handy while gathering experience. Bookmark the websites, too.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you’re new to ham radio, these articles contain information that new ham radio operators should keep handy while gathering experience. You’ll find these references to be just what you need while learning to navigate the radio bands and make contacts. Bookmarking the websites in your web browser will help while you’re online, too.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_283247\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-283247\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/ham-radio-hobbyist.jpg\" alt=\"ham radio hobbyist\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © Aubord Dulac / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"If you’re new to ham radio, these articles contain information that new ham radio operators should keep handy while gathering experience. You’ll find these references to be just what you need while learning to navigate the radio bands and make contacts. Bookmarking the websites in your web browser will help while you’re online, too.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_283247\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-283247\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/ham-radio-hobbyist.jpg\" alt=\"ham radio hobbyist\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © Aubord Dulac / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9557,"name":"H. Ward Silver","slug":"h-ward-silver","description":" <b>H. Ward Silver</b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9557"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33539,"title":"Ham Radio","slug":"ham-radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33539"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":251980,"title":"10 Tips for Ham Radio Masters","slug":"10-tips-ham-radio-masters","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251980"}},{"articleId":251977,"title":"10 Ham Radio Station Equipment Tips","slug":"10-ham-radio-station-equipment-tips","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251977"}},{"articleId":251974,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from a Kit","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-kit","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251974"}},{"articleId":251971,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from Scratch","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-scratch","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251971"}},{"articleId":251968,"title":"Maintenance Tools for Ham Radios","slug":"maintenance-tools-ham-radios","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251968"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":251980,"title":"10 Tips for Ham Radio Masters","slug":"10-tips-ham-radio-masters","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251980"}},{"articleId":251977,"title":"10 Ham Radio Station Equipment Tips","slug":"10-ham-radio-station-equipment-tips","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251977"}},{"articleId":251974,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from a Kit","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-kit","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251974"}},{"articleId":251971,"title":"Building Ham Radio Equipment from Scratch","slug":"building-ham-radio-equipment-scratch","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251971"}},{"articleId":251968,"title":"Maintenance Tools for Ham Radios","slug":"maintenance-tools-ham-radios","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251968"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281733,"slug":"ham-radio-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119695608","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119695600-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119695600/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/ham-radio-for-dummies-4e-cover-9781119695608-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Ham Radio For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9557\">H. Ward Silver</b></b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9557,"name":"H. Ward Silver","slug":"h-ward-silver","description":" <b>H. Ward Silver</b> has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing <i>Ham Radios For Dummies</i> in 2004. He supports Seattle University&#8217;s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, <i>QST,</i> published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL&#8217;s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9557"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;ham-radio&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695608&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3c675ce\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;ham-radio&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119695608&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3c68076\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":164186,"title":"Technician Class Frequency Privileges in Ham Radio","slug":"technician-class-frequency-privileges-in-ham-radio","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/164186"}},{"articleId":164187,"title":"General Class Frequency Privileges in Ham Radio","slug":"general-class-frequency-privileges-in-ham-radio","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/164187"}},{"articleId":164190,"title":"Common Ham Radio Q Signals","slug":"common-ham-radio-q-signals","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/164190"}},{"articleId":164188,"title":"Common Ham Radio Repeater Channel Spacings and Offsets","slug":"common-ham-radio-repeater-channel-spacings-and-offsets","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/164188"}},{"articleId":164185,"title":"Your Ham Radio Go Kit","slug":"your-ham-radio-go-kit","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/164185"}},{"articleId":164189,"title":"10 Handy Ham Radio Websites","slug":"10-handy-ham-radio-websites","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","ham-radio"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/164189"}}],"content":[{"title":"Technician class frequency privileges in ham radio","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you’re getting started, remembering where you’re allowed to operate is important. As a Technician licensee, you have full access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, but what about on the shortwave high-frequency (HF) bands? This chart helps you follow the rules.  You can transmit with up to 200 watts PEP A band-by-band plan showing where to find different types of activity is available from the <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/band-plan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Radio Relay League (ARRL)</a>.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"98\"><strong>Band</strong></td>\n<td width=\"157\"><strong>Frequencies (In MHz)</strong></td>\n<td width=\"277\"><strong>Modes You Can Use (200 watts PEP maximum power)</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"98\">80 meters</td>\n<td width=\"157\">3.525 – 3.600</td>\n<td width=\"277\">CW</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"98\">40 meters</td>\n<td width=\"157\">7.025 – 7.125</td>\n<td width=\"277\">CW</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"98\">15 meters</td>\n<td width=\"157\">21.025 – 21.200</td>\n<td width=\"277\">CW</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"98\">10 meters</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</td>\n<td width=\"157\">28.000 – 28.300</td>\n<td width=\"277\">CW and RTTY/data</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"157\">28.300 – 28.500</td>\n<td width=\"277\">CW and phone</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"98\">Above 50 MHz</td>\n<td width=\"157\"></td>\n<td width=\"277\">All amateur privileges</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>CW = <a href=\"https://dummies-wp-admin.dummies.com/programming/ham-radio/10-ham-radio-station-equipment-tips/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Morse code</a>; PEP = peak envelope power; RTTY = radioteletype.</p>\n"},{"title":"General class frequency privileges in ham radio","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Soon, if you haven’t done so already, you’ll be thinking about upgrading. You have <em>many</em> more frequencies to use on the high-frequency (HF) bands, as shown in the following table. A complete chart of the U.S. frequency and mode privileges for all license classes is available from the <a href=\"http://www.arrl.org/graphical-frequency-allocations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Radio Relay League (ARRL)</a>.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">B<strong>and</strong></td>\n<td width=\"177\"><strong>Frequencies (in MHz)</strong></td>\n<td width=\"177\"><strong>Mode</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">160, 60, 30 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\"></td>\n<td width=\"177\">All amateur privileges</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"177\">80 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\">3.525–3.600</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, RTTY, data</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">3.800–4.000</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, phone, image</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"177\">40 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\">7.025–7.125</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, RTTY, data</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">7.175–7.300</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, phone, image</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"177\">20 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\">14.025–14.150</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, RTTY, data</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">14.225–14.350</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, phone, image</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"177\">15 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\">21.025–21.200</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, RTTY, data</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">21.275–21.450</td>\n<td width=\"177\">CW, phone, image</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">17, 12, 10 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\"></td>\n<td width=\"177\">All amateur privileges</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">Above 50 MHz</td>\n<td width=\"177\"></td>\n<td width=\"177\">All amateur privileges</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>CW = Morse code; RTTY = radioteletype.</p>\n"},{"title":"Common ham radio Q signals","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Hams use three-letter Q <em>signals</em> on every mode and even in face-to-face conversation. Here are the Q signals most commonly used in day-to-day operation. Each signal can be a question or an answer, as shown in the Meaning column. A complete list of ham radio Q signals, including those used on nets and repeaters, is available via the <a href=\"http://ac6v.com/opaids.php#QS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AC6V Operating Aids</a> web page.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><strong>Q Signal</strong></td>\n<td width=\"266\"><strong>Meaning</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRL</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Is the frequency busy?<br />\nThe frequency is busy. Please do not interfere.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRM</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Abbreviation for interference from other signals.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRN</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Abbreviation for interference from natural or human-made static.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRO</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Shall I increase power?<br />\nIncrease power.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRP</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Shall I decrease power?<br />\nDecrease power.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRQ</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Shall I send faster?<br />\nSend faster (__words per minute [wpm]).</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRS</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Shall I send more slowly?<br />\nSend more slowly (__wpm).</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRT</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Shall I stop sending or transmitting?<br />\nStop sending or transmitting.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRU</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Have you anything more for me?<br />\nI have nothing more for you.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRV</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Are you ready?<br />\nI am ready.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRX</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Stand by.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QRZ</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Who is calling me?</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QSB</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Abbreviation for signal fading.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QSL</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Did you receive and understand?<br />\nReceived and understood.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QSO</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Abbreviation for a contact.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QST</td>\n<td width=\"266\">General call preceding a message addressed to all amateurs.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QSX</td>\n<td width=\"266\">I am listening on ___ kHz.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QSY</td>\n<td width=\"266\">Change to transmission on another frequency (or to ___ kHz).</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">QTH</td>\n<td width=\"266\">What is your location?<br />\nMy location is ____.</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"},{"title":"Common ham radio repeater channel spacings and offsets","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Until you become accustomed to using repeaters on all the different ham radio bands, this chart can help you remember the right offsets and channel spacings to use. Many radios have the standard options preprogrammed, but you need to be aware of what they should be.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\"><strong>Band</strong></td>\n<td width=\"177\"><strong>Output Frequencies of Each Group (In MHz)</strong></td>\n<td width=\"177\"><strong>Offset from Output to Input Frequency</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"3\" width=\"177\">6 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\">51.62 – 51.98</td>\n<td rowspan=\"3\" width=\"177\">– 500 kHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">52.5 – 52.98</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">53.5 – 53.98</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"3\" width=\"177\">2 meters (a mix of 20 kHz and 15 kHz channel spacing)</td>\n<td width=\"177\">145.2 – 145.5</td>\n<td width=\"177\">– 600 kHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">146.61 – 146.97</td>\n<td width=\"177\">– 600 kHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">147.00 – 147.39</td>\n<td width=\"177\">+ 600 kHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">222 MHz or 1-1/4 meters</td>\n<td width=\"177\">223.85 – 224.98</td>\n<td width=\"177\">– 1.6 MHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"177\">440 MHz or 70 cm (local options determine whether inputs are above or below outputs)</td>\n<td width=\"177\">442 – 445 (California repeaters start at 440 MHz)</td>\n<td width=\"177\">+ 5 MHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">447 – 450</td>\n<td width=\"177\">– 5 MHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"177\">1296 MHz or 23 cm</td>\n<td width=\"177\">1282 – 1288</td>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" width=\"177\">– 12 MHz</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"177\">1290 – 1294</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"},{"title":"Your ham radio go kit","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Would you be ready if a call came from your local public service group to provide some ham radio expertise for a day or so? Items in the following list are the basics of what should be in your radio go kit. Now is a good time to check your supplies and be prepared! Don’t forget to put together a personal go kit, too.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dual-band (VHF/UHF) handheld radio and mini manual</li>\n<li>Full-size flexible whip antenna</li>\n<li>Copy of your Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and any public service group or government agency IDs</li>\n<li>Mag-mount antenna with necessary adapters for connecting to various connectors</li>\n<li>Extra coaxial cable with the right connectors for your radios</li>\n<li>Extra battery packs and charger</li>\n<li>AA-cell battery pack if available and fresh batteries</li>\n<li>AC power supply and auxiliary power (cigarette lighter) adapter with spare fuses</li>\n<li>Headset with microphone (preferred) or speaker-mic</li>\n<li>Copy of your local public service team’s frequencies, phone numbers, and procedures</li>\n<li>Pocket knife and/or multipurpose tool</li>\n<li>Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries</li>\n<li>Pencil and notebook, clipboard, and permanent marker</li>\n<li>Duct tape, electrical tape, and a few small cable ties</li>\n<li>Cash for food, gas, and telephone calls (about $20 in small bills and change)</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"10 handy ham radio websites","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The most common question asked by newcomers to ham radio is “How do I…?” These ten websites are full of information that you can use as you try new things or hone your existing skills. Be sure to bookmark these pages in your home and mobile browsers.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><strong>Website</strong></td>\n<td width=\"266\"><strong>Organization and Use</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.arrl.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ARRL</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Many useful regulatory, educational, operating, and technical items and links</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.ac6v.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AC6V</a></u> and <a href=\"https://www.dxzone.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DX Zone</a></td>\n<td width=\"266\">General-interest websites with many links on all phases of ham radio</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.qrz.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">QRZ.com</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Call sign lookup service and general-interest ham radio portal</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.eham.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eHam.net</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">News, articles, equipment swap-and-shop, product reviews, and mailing lists</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><a href=\"https://www.solarham.net/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Solar Ham</a></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Real-time information on propagation and solar data</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><a href=\"http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/radio-communications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Space Weather Prediction Center</a></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Real-time information on space weather and radio communications</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.tapr.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TAPR</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Information on digital data modes and software-defined radio (SDR)</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"https://www.amsat.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AMSAT</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Main site for information on amateur satellites</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.contestcalendar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WA7BNM Contest Calendar</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Contest calendar and log due dates</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><a href=\"http://www.ham-yota.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YOTA (Youngsters On the Air)</a></td>\n<td width=\"266\">World-wide group for student and young adult hams, based in Europe</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.dxmaps.com/spots/map.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DXMAPS.com</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Collection of real-time maps showing worldwide activity on any amateur band</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\"><u><a href=\"http://www.dxsummit.fi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DX Summit</a></u></td>\n<td width=\"266\">Worldwide DX spotting network</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207898},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:55:23+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-23T16:28:45+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:12+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"},"slug":"podcasting","categoryId":33540}],"title":"Podcasting For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"podcasting for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Ensure that your podcasts are available on various platforms and well-received by adhering to technical standards for artwork and audio.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When you are podcasting, you have to keep track of a lot of components. Besides ensuring that the hardware is operating properly, that your software is capturing audio without fail, and keeping track of your latest episode’s analytics, you also have to keep straight all the minute details.\r\n\r\nEnsure that your podcasts are well-received by adhering to technical standards for artwork and audio. Check out some of the podcasting platforms on which you want to ensure your podcasts are listed. If you’re doing a podcast interview, a little prep time can save a lot of embarrassment.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_273241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-273241\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-duo.jpg\" alt=\"podcasting\" width=\"556\" height=\"312\" /> © Indypendenz / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"When you are podcasting, you have to keep track of a lot of components. Besides ensuring that the hardware is operating properly, that your software is capturing audio without fail, and keeping track of your latest episode’s analytics, you also have to keep straight all the minute details.\r\n\r\nEnsure that your podcasts are well-received by adhering to technical standards for artwork and audio. Check out some of the podcasting platforms on which you want to ensure your podcasts are listed. If you’re doing a podcast interview, a little prep time can save a lot of embarrassment.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_273241\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-273241\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-duo.jpg\" alt=\"podcasting\" width=\"556\" height=\"312\" /> © Indypendenz / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}},{"authorId":10283,"name":"Chuck Tomasi","slug":"chuck-tomasi","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b>Chuck Tomasi</b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10283"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33540,"title":"Podcasting","slug":"podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":247331,"title":"Tips for Podcasting with Multiple Guests","slug":"tips-podcasting-multiple-guests","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/247331"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":275284,"title":"What Are Community Podcasts?","slug":"what-are-community-podcasts","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275284"}},{"articleId":275277,"title":"Podcasting with Your Laptop","slug":"podcasting-with-your-laptop","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275277"}},{"articleId":275272,"title":"Show Art: Getting Graphic with Your Podcast","slug":"show-art-getting-graphic-with-your-podcast","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275272"}},{"articleId":275265,"title":"Podcasting: How to Set Up a Streaming Account","slug":"podcasting-how-to-set-up-a-streaming-account","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275265"}},{"articleId":275254,"title":"Top 10 Reasons to Podcast","slug":"top-10-reasons-to-podcast","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275254"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281822,"slug":"podcasting-for-dummies-4th-edition","isbn":"9781119711810","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119711819-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781119711810-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Podcasting For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10282\">Tee Morris</b></b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b><b data-author-id=\"10283\">Chuck Tomasi</b></b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}},{"authorId":10283,"name":"Chuck Tomasi","slug":"chuck-tomasi","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b>Chuck Tomasi</b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10283"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;podcasting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711810&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b2008c12\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;podcasting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711810&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b2009704\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":191029,"title":"Listen to and Publish Podcasts","slug":"how-to-find-a-podcast","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191029"}}],"content":[{"title":"How to listen to podcasts","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You can listen to podcasts in a variety of ways, such as telling your digital assistant (for example, Siri, Amazon Echo, or Google Home) to play the latest episode. Or you may choose a more traditional route to load an app on your desktop or mobile device <a href=\"https://dummies-wp-admin.dummies.com/computers/macs/mac-operating-systems/how-to-use-the-podcasts-app-on-your-mac/\">to subscribe</a> and have the content automatically downloaded when it becomes available.</p>\n<p>For podcast producers, get to know the places to get your podcast published. The following links connect you to thousands of podcasts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-podcasts/id525463029\">Apple Podcasts</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.spotify.com/us/\">Spotify</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.stitcher.com/\">Stitcher</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://play.google.com/music/podcasts/publish?u=0\">Google Play</a></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Popular audio recording and editing software","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>A major component of creating podcasts is the software used to record and edit your audio. Following are several suggestions for both PC and Mac. Some are free while others are a bit more expensive.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"175\"><strong>Program</strong></td>\n<td width=\"195\"><strong>Mac or PC</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"175\"><strong><a href=\"https://www.audacityteam.org/\">Audacity</a></strong></td>\n<td width=\"195\">PC, Mac</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"175\"><strong><a href=\"https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/\">GarageBand</a></strong></td>\n<td width=\"195\">Mac</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"175\"><strong><a href=\"https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/\">Logic Pro X</a></strong></td>\n<td width=\"195\">Mac</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"175\"><strong><a href=\"https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html\">Audition</a></strong></td>\n<td width=\"195\">PC, Mac</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Podcast platforms","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>With your media recorded, edited, tagged, and ready for distribution, you need an online location to offer your podcast. The platform could be your own blog and plug-in combo, or an all-in-one podcasting solution.</p>\n<p>A podcasting platform is where you will want to turn when you are ready to launch your podcast and continue to produce and post episodes.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://libsyn.com/\">LibSyn</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.podbean.com/\">Podbean</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.buzzsprout.com/\">Buzzsprout</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://wordpress.com/\">WordPress</a> &amp; <a href=\"https://blubrry.com/\">Blubrry</a></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Tips for preparing for a podcast interview","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Interviews are your opportunity to host amazing and interesting individuals. You are turning your show over to a guest who will have a platform to promote themselves, a charity, a special event, or something important to them. This unique opportunity introduces new voices to your podcast and expands the scope and reach of your show. When you open your show to guests, keep the following points in mind:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Know who you&#8217;re talking to and what you want to talk about. It’s a good idea to visit guests’ websites and do research. You don&#8217;t have to be an expert on their subject matter, but you should be familiar with it.</li>\n<li>Follow a logical progression when asking questions.</li>\n<li>Prepare twice the number of questions that you think you&#8217;ll need. Then if your guest gives brief answers, you have a stockpile of questions to call upon.</li>\n<li>Never worry about asking a stupid question. Chances are, your audience has never heard it answered.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Suggested settings to compress MP3 files","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>It’s easy to create an mp3 file; but with so many options offered, what are the desired settings for compressed audio files?</p>\n<p>Too much compression, and the audio is altered, usually compressed to a point where the listening experience is unpleasant. Too little compression, and your files take longer to load and stream.</p>\n<p>When making an mp3 file, you want to strike a happy medium between data compression and audio quality:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bit rate: 128 Kbps (best quality for both voice and music)</li>\n<li>Sample rate: 44.100 kHz / 44,100 Hz</li>\n<li>Joint Stereo</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"ID3 tags defined and implemented","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You want to keep your podcast files organized. One of the best ways to make your files easy to sort and convenient for your listeners (so they know what’s coming next) is to implement ID3 tags. By being consistent in applying ID3 tags, you ensure that your podcast appears in a player the way you want.</p>\n<p>What do you put into ID3 tags? Here are the tags, both essential and optional, explained in podcasting terms and why they matter:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Name: </strong>The name or number of this particular podcast episode. For example, Technorama Ep 511: Adama’s Beard<em>.</em></li>\n<li><strong>Artist:</strong> Your name or the name of your podcasting team. For example, Chuck Tomasi and Kreg Steppe, Grammar Girl, Tee Morris.</li>\n<li><strong>Album: </strong>The name of your show. For example, Technorama, Happy Hour from the Tower, The Topic is Trek<em>.</em></li>\n<li><strong>Track Number: </strong>(Optional) The sequential order of the podcast. For audio books released in chapters, the track numbers are chapter numbers.</li>\n<li><strong>Year: </strong>The year the episode was produced.</li>\n<li><strong>Composer </strong>(optional)<strong>: </strong>Your engineer’s name or the originators of the material. For example, in Tee’s podcast, <em>MOREVI</em>’s artist is listed as Tee Morris, but the composers are Tee Morris and Lisa Lee because the original work was cowritten.</li>\n<li><strong>Genre: </strong>We recommend <em>Podcast</em> for most, but choose accordingly and be consistent.</li>\n<li><strong>Comments: </strong>A quick two or three lines of show notes for your podcasts. This is similar to description in your blog post. It’s a good idea to include your contact information here also.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Artwork parameters for podcast show art","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>After your show is edited and given ID3 tags, you will want to incorporate show art for the episode and upload show art for your podcast where directories and podcast apps can access it easily. Depending on the nature of your podcast, you may want to change your podcast season by season or show by show as you may want to change moods with each episode. On designing and posting show art, make certain your artwork meets the following criteria:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum: 1400 × 1400 pixels, both in width and height</li>\n<li>Maximum: 3000 × 3000 pixels, both in width and height</li>\n<li>72 dpi resolution</li>\n<li>8-bit channel, RGB Mode</li>\n<li>JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) format</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-23T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208854},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:52:38+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-14T21:05:05+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Spotify","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33541"},"slug":"spotify","categoryId":33541}],"title":"Spotify For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"spotify for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"spotify-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to take full advantage of your Spotify account, including sharing music, searching, managing your playlists, and more.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Spotify is changing the way the world listens to music. With a Spotify account, you can listen to all kinds of music, create and share playlists, and even join the Spotify online community.","description":"Spotify is changing the way the world listens to music. With a Spotify account, you can listen to all kinds of music, create and share playlists, and even join the Spotify online community.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10016,"name":"Kim Gilmour","slug":"kim-gilmour","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10016"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33541,"title":"Spotify","slug":"spotify","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33541"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":181529,"title":"Managing Your Spotify Playlists","slug":"managing-your-spotify-playlists","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","spotify"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181529"}},{"articleId":181524,"title":"Syncing Local Music with Spotify","slug":"syncing-local-music-with-spotify","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","spotify"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181524"}},{"articleId":180108,"title":"How Spotify Works","slug":"how-spotify-works","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","spotify"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/180108"}},{"articleId":180106,"title":"How to Download Spotify for Mac","slug":"how-to-download-spotify-for-mac","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","spotify"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/180106"}},{"articleId":180103,"title":"How to Run Spotify on Your Computer","slug":"how-to-run-spotify-on-your-computer","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","spotify"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/180103"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;spotify&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1ad30be\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;spotify&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1ad3b98\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":181529,"title":"Managing Your Spotify Playlists","slug":"managing-your-spotify-playlists","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","spotify"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181529"}},{"articleId":181528,"title":"Spotify Keyboard Shortcuts","slug":"spotify-keyboard-shortcuts","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181528"}},{"articleId":181526,"title":"Spotify Playlist Sharing Tips","slug":"spotify-playlist-sharing-tips","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181526"}},{"articleId":181525,"title":"Spotify Search Options","slug":"spotify-search-options","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181525"}},{"articleId":181524,"title":"Syncing Local Music with Spotify","slug":"syncing-local-music-with-spotify","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","spotify"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181524"}},{"articleId":181523,"title":"Fun Spotify Third-Party Resources","slug":"fun-spotify-third-party-resources","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181523"}}],"content":[{"title":"Managing your spotify playlists","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Spotify makes it easy for you to organize and manage the playlists in your music library and avoid wasting time hunting for your favorite tracks. Here are some tips for keeping tabs on your playlists:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create playlist folders by selecting File→New Playlist Folder from the menu bar. Click and drag your playlists into these folders.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">In the left sidebar, click and drag folders and playlists into your chosen order.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Categorize folders by giving them meaningful names, such as genre, artist, or year.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Get an overview of all tracks in a folder by clicking a playlist folder to view them in the main pane.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Find your favorite playlists quickly by dragging them to the top of your list, for easy viewing.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Spotify keyboard shortcuts","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Spotify is fast, but you can make it run even faster by using keyboard shortcuts to perform certain functions. The most common tasks are outlined in this table. Hold down Ctrl while pressing the appropriate letter. (For Mac users, hold the Command button instead of Ctrl.)</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Function</th>\n<th>Shortcut</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Create new playlist</td>\n<td>Ctrl+N</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Copy</td>\n<td>Ctrl+C</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Paste</td>\n<td>Ctrl+V</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Launch the Filter bar</td>\n<td>Ctrl+F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Toggle album art</td>\n<td>Ctrl+G</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Play selected track</td>\n<td>Enter</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Play/pause</td>\n<td>Space</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Go to Search text box</td>\n<td>Ctrl+L</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Select all</td>\n<td>Ctrl+A</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Playlist sharing tips","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you’ve created a Spotify playlist you want to share with the world, here are some tips on how to get that playlist seen by the Spotify community:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Right-click a playlist and select Copy HTTP Link from the pop-up menu that appears to get a link that you can share through e-mail, Word documents, websites, Twitter, Facebook — you name it. Type Ctrl+V (Command+V on a Mac) to paste the link.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Join ShareMyPlaylists.com to submit your playlist.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect your Spotify account to Facebook to enable Spotify Social and start sharing music.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Right-click a playlist and select Publish to send it to your profile page.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Spotify automatically publishes your listening habits, including playlists, to your profile page and on Facebook. You can turn this function off by choosing File→Preferences (Spotify→Preferences on the Mac) and deselecting the Automatically Publish New Playlists check box in the options that appear.</p>\n"},{"title":"Search options","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Apart from typing text into Spotify’s Search text box, you can refine your Spotify search by using different parameters or syntax. These more advanced search techniques can help you hone in on just what you’re looking for.</p>\n<p>Remember, you can add more text to a parameter search to narrow it (for instance, <i>year:1960-1969 “Rolling Stones”</i>). This table gives you the different search types you can use.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Search Type</th>\n<th>Example</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Genre</td>\n<td>genre:rock</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Artist</td>\n<td>artist:muse</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Album</td>\n<td>album:“The Resistance”</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Year</td>\n<td>year:2009</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Range of years</td>\n<td>year:2000-2011</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Record label</td>\n<td>label:warner</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>You can also use the common search syntaxes AND, NOT, and OR in Spotify’s search bar (and use quotes around phrases or names you want to include or exclude):</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">AND: When you want both terms to be included (Radiohead AND live)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">NOT: When you want to include one term but not the other (Cher NOT Sonny)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OR: When you want either term to be included in a search (Michael Jackson OR Jackson 5)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Syncing local music","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You can use Spotify to <i>sync</i> (or copy) a selection of local tracks from your computer to an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or Android device. Just follow these steps:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open Spotify on your computer and create a playlist that contains the local tracks you want to sync.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Make sure both your computer and your mobile device are hooked up to the same Wi-Fi connection.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">On your mobile device, open Spotify.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">The device now appears on your computer below Devices in the Spotify window’s left sidebar.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">On an iPhone, browse to the playlist that you want to sync and swipe the switch that appears at the top-right of the screen to Offline.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">On Android devices, tap Edit Offline Playlists, select the check boxes next to the playlists you want to sync, and tap Done.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Fun Spotify third-party resources","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Many great Spotify-related websites and tools can make music recommendations, convert iTunes playlists into Spotify ones, and much more. Here are a few useful third-party-resource destinations:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.britify.com\"><b>BRITify</b></a><b>: </b>Listen to music played on BBC radio programs.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.pansentient.com\"><b>Pansentient League</b></a><b>:</b> Discover useful and fun Spotify tips.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.playlistify.org/\"><b>Playlistify</b></a><b>:</b> Convert track listings into Spotify playlists.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.spotibot.com\"><b>Spotibot</b></a><b>:</b> Get automated music recommendations and more.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.spotifyclassical.com\"><b>Spotify Classical</b></a><b>:</b> Your friendly guide to classical music on Spotify.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.tubufy.com\"><b>Tubufy</b></a><b>:</b> Converts Spotify playlists to related YouTube videos.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-14T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208415},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:14:20+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-01-26T14:50:09+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"iTunes","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34339"},"slug":"itunes","categoryId":34339}],"title":"How to Install or Upgrade iTunes on a Mac","strippedTitle":"how to install or upgrade itunes on a mac","slug":"how-to-install-or-upgrade-itunes-on-a-mac","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"iTunes comes preinstalled on every new Mac that's been sold since 2003. But if you have an older Mac, installing iTunes is easy. To manually install iTunes on t","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"iTunes comes preinstalled on every new Mac that's been sold since 2003. But if you have an older Mac, installing iTunes is easy. To manually install iTunes on to a Mac or manually upgrade the version you have, start at the <a href=\"https://support.apple.com/downloads/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple website</a>.","description":"iTunes comes preinstalled on every new Mac that's been sold since 2003. But if you have an older Mac, installing iTunes is easy. To manually install iTunes on to a Mac or manually upgrade the version you have, start at the <a href=\"https://support.apple.com/downloads/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple website</a>.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9210,"name":"Tony Bove","slug":"tony-bove","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9210"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34339,"title":"iTunes","slug":"itunes","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34339"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":227376,"title":"Resetting and Restoring your iPod","slug":"resetting-restoring-ipod","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","itunes"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/227376"}},{"articleId":210329,"title":"How to Buy and Download Content from iTunes","slug":"how-to-buy-and-download-content-from-itunes","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","itunes"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210329"}},{"articleId":207376,"title":"How to Create Podcast Playlists in iTunes","slug":"how-to-create-podcast-playlists-in-itunes-2","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","itunes"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207376"}},{"articleId":206225,"title":"How to Install iTunes on a Windows PC","slug":"how-to-install-itunes-on-a-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","itunes"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206225"}},{"articleId":206224,"title":"How to Set Up an iTunes Store Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-an-itunes-store-account","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","itunes"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206224"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;itunes&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b17b282b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;itunes&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b17b32aa\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Download the iTunes installer from the Apple site.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/170808.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/170807.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Go to the Apple website, select the Mac OS version you need, and then click the Download button.</p>\n"},{"title":"Open the iTunes installer drive image.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Double-click the <span class=\"code\">iTunes.dmg</span> file to mount the iTunes installation drive.</p>\n"},{"title":"Double-click the iTunes.mpkg file to unpack the installer package.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The <span class=\"code\">iTunes.mpkg</span> file is a package containing all the elements of the iTunes software and the installation program. After double-clicking this package file, a dialog appears that asks whether the installer can run a special program to check your computer.</p>\n"},{"title":"Click Continue to run the special program.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The installer needs to run a program to check your computer and make sure it’s capable of running iTunes.</p>\n"},{"title":"Click Continue, read the Read Me page, and click Continue again.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The installer displays important Read Me information about the latest iTunes features.</p>\n"},{"title":"Read the License Agreement and click Continue to go to the second page. Click the Agree button and then click Continue again.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You can scroll down to read the agreement. You must choose to accept the agreement by clicking the Agree button, or the installer goes no further.</p>\n"},{"title":"Select the Mac OS startup drive as the destination volume and then click Continue.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The installer asks for the <i>destination</i> <i>volume</i> (hard drive), which must be a Mac OS X startup drive.</p>\n"},{"title":"Click Install (or Upgrade).","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>As an alternative, you can customize your installation by clicking Customize, selecting each package you want to install, and then clicking Install.</p>\n"},{"title":"Click Close when the installer finishes.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You can now launch iTunes by double-clicking the iTunes application or clicking the iTunes icon on the Dock.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-26T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206234},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2017-11-22T12:04:03+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-19T17:16:33+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:38+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"},"slug":"podcasting","categoryId":33540}],"title":"Tips for Podcasting with Multiple Guests","strippedTitle":"tips for podcasting with multiple guests","slug":"tips-podcasting-multiple-guests","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Podcasts and banter go hand-in-hand. Make sure yourself and your guests and co-hosts use best practices for a successful episode.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"One great way to podcast is with guests in-studio or co-hosts when more than one podcaster gets on mic.\r\n\r\nWhile there’s something to be said for the single voice doing a monologue or perhaps doing interviews, the show dynamics change quite a bit when you get multiple people gathered together over your favorite topic. For one thing, it’s a lot easier to carry on a conversation! Another bonus is with the right dynamic between hosts, an energy is created that subscribers see and hear in every episode.\r\n\r\nHere are some specific things to be aware of when doing a show with multiple guests:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Have a mixer with enough channels</strong>. The mixer becomes a crucial piece of equipment when co-hosts become part of the production. You can try the one mic, two voices approach, but the end result is hard to control and mix in post-production. For the best sound and optimal control, all participants need their own microphones. This means XLR connections, not USB, for microphones. Two hosts and you’ll need two channels. Four hosts, four channels. And don’t forget, you may want a few extra inputs for music, sound effects, and more. So make sure the mixer can handle the in-studio demands.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure everyone can hear.</strong> You’re wearing headphones when you record. So should your guests, especially if drop-ins are included in your recording. It’s not only fair, it’s practical that everyone hears the same thing. Each guest needs his or her own set of headphones. Before you run out and get a cheap “Y” cable to split the signal, realize that with each split, the audio signal degrades. To keep the investment economical, invest in a stereo headphone amplifier for about $25 that takes the headphone signal and splits (while boosting) it in to four separate channels. You’ll find this investment will serve you and your podcast well.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Always do your prep work.</strong> Even after a decade of podcasting, there are still gremlins in our audio systems. You can record on Saturday afternoon and come back Sunday night only to find audio levels have been adjusted. Okay, it could be the cats playing with the mixer settings in the middle of the night, but it never hurts to check your audio (and video) settings before each recording.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Have one director.</strong> This is the person in charge of your show’s flow, timing, and in some cases coming up with clever segues to jump from one topic to the next. Usually this is the person at the mixer, but not always. It may even be someone off mic (or camera) giving hand signals. In some cases, this may be a baton passed from person to person in the cast. You’ll find what works best for your group. The podcaster calling the plays serves as a moderator. It's your job to keep the energy up, the conversation going, and keep the episode on track.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Give everyone some air time.</strong> As with the previous item, the director may need to make sure everyone gives everyone else a chance to talk. Different people bring different things to your show. Some people may be passionate and outspoken (and some may be considered an unstoppable train), while others don’t want to interrupt and wait their turn. Encourage your guests to play fair and give everyone a share the air time. Discuss this among your co-hosts before it becomes a problem.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>When guests are in-studio or on the line, give them the majority of air time on that episode.</strong> Both Chuck and Tee have seen and heard their fair share of interviews gone bad. It can be something as horrific as the host or hosts not knowing (or caring) to do any research on the guest. Tee recalls one podcast where the co-hosts broke on a tangent between themselves for ten minutes <em>while the guest remained silent on the line, waiting to be asked another question.</em> When guests are on the docket, remember that the episode is no longer yours. It’s theirs.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure everyone can see everyone else.</strong> It’s been said that as much as 93 percent of our communications is nonverbal. Even if you are doing an audio podcast, you want to be able to see each other during the conversation. Configure your studio to make sure everyone can see everyone else in order to have eye contact, see silent signals to pick up the pace or slow down, and let the director know all have something to say. Being able to read each other’s nonverbal cues is made easier when sightlines are clear and unobstructed — well, most of the time.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_247332\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"wp-image-247332 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-3e-hosting-sightlines.jpg\" alt=\"host sightlines when podcasting\" width=\"535\" height=\"401\" /> Sightlines matter when you have co-hosts or guests in-studio.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Be aware that your show will be longer as you include more guests in the conversation. If you want to keep your show length consistent, then include fewer topics than you expect.</p>","description":"One great way to podcast is with guests in-studio or co-hosts when more than one podcaster gets on mic.\r\n\r\nWhile there’s something to be said for the single voice doing a monologue or perhaps doing interviews, the show dynamics change quite a bit when you get multiple people gathered together over your favorite topic. For one thing, it’s a lot easier to carry on a conversation! Another bonus is with the right dynamic between hosts, an energy is created that subscribers see and hear in every episode.\r\n\r\nHere are some specific things to be aware of when doing a show with multiple guests:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Have a mixer with enough channels</strong>. The mixer becomes a crucial piece of equipment when co-hosts become part of the production. You can try the one mic, two voices approach, but the end result is hard to control and mix in post-production. For the best sound and optimal control, all participants need their own microphones. This means XLR connections, not USB, for microphones. Two hosts and you’ll need two channels. Four hosts, four channels. And don’t forget, you may want a few extra inputs for music, sound effects, and more. So make sure the mixer can handle the in-studio demands.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure everyone can hear.</strong> You’re wearing headphones when you record. So should your guests, especially if drop-ins are included in your recording. It’s not only fair, it’s practical that everyone hears the same thing. Each guest needs his or her own set of headphones. Before you run out and get a cheap “Y” cable to split the signal, realize that with each split, the audio signal degrades. To keep the investment economical, invest in a stereo headphone amplifier for about $25 that takes the headphone signal and splits (while boosting) it in to four separate channels. You’ll find this investment will serve you and your podcast well.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Always do your prep work.</strong> Even after a decade of podcasting, there are still gremlins in our audio systems. You can record on Saturday afternoon and come back Sunday night only to find audio levels have been adjusted. Okay, it could be the cats playing with the mixer settings in the middle of the night, but it never hurts to check your audio (and video) settings before each recording.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Have one director.</strong> This is the person in charge of your show’s flow, timing, and in some cases coming up with clever segues to jump from one topic to the next. Usually this is the person at the mixer, but not always. It may even be someone off mic (or camera) giving hand signals. In some cases, this may be a baton passed from person to person in the cast. You’ll find what works best for your group. The podcaster calling the plays serves as a moderator. It's your job to keep the energy up, the conversation going, and keep the episode on track.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Give everyone some air time.</strong> As with the previous item, the director may need to make sure everyone gives everyone else a chance to talk. Different people bring different things to your show. Some people may be passionate and outspoken (and some may be considered an unstoppable train), while others don’t want to interrupt and wait their turn. Encourage your guests to play fair and give everyone a share the air time. Discuss this among your co-hosts before it becomes a problem.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>When guests are in-studio or on the line, give them the majority of air time on that episode.</strong> Both Chuck and Tee have seen and heard their fair share of interviews gone bad. It can be something as horrific as the host or hosts not knowing (or caring) to do any research on the guest. Tee recalls one podcast where the co-hosts broke on a tangent between themselves for ten minutes <em>while the guest remained silent on the line, waiting to be asked another question.</em> When guests are on the docket, remember that the episode is no longer yours. It’s theirs.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure everyone can see everyone else.</strong> It’s been said that as much as 93 percent of our communications is nonverbal. Even if you are doing an audio podcast, you want to be able to see each other during the conversation. Configure your studio to make sure everyone can see everyone else in order to have eye contact, see silent signals to pick up the pace or slow down, and let the director know all have something to say. Being able to read each other’s nonverbal cues is made easier when sightlines are clear and unobstructed — well, most of the time.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_247332\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"535\"]<img class=\"wp-image-247332 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-3e-hosting-sightlines.jpg\" alt=\"host sightlines when podcasting\" width=\"535\" height=\"401\" /> Sightlines matter when you have co-hosts or guests in-studio.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Be aware that your show will be longer as you include more guests in the conversation. If you want to keep your show length consistent, then include fewer topics than you expect.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}},{"authorId":10283,"name":"Chuck Tomasi","slug":"chuck-tomasi","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b>Chuck Tomasi</b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10283"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33540,"title":"Podcasting","slug":"podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":208854,"title":"Podcasting For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208854"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":275284,"title":"What Are Community Podcasts?","slug":"what-are-community-podcasts","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275284"}},{"articleId":275277,"title":"Podcasting with Your Laptop","slug":"podcasting-with-your-laptop","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275277"}},{"articleId":275272,"title":"Show Art: Getting Graphic with Your Podcast","slug":"show-art-getting-graphic-with-your-podcast","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275272"}},{"articleId":275265,"title":"Podcasting: How to Set Up a Streaming Account","slug":"podcasting-how-to-set-up-a-streaming-account","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275265"}},{"articleId":275254,"title":"Top 10 Reasons to Podcast","slug":"top-10-reasons-to-podcast","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275254"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281822,"slug":"podcasting-for-dummies-4th-edition","isbn":"9781119711810","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119711819-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119711819/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781119711810-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Podcasting For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10282\">Tee Morris</b></b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b><b data-author-id=\"10283\">Chuck Tomasi</b></b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}},{"authorId":10283,"name":"Chuck Tomasi","slug":"chuck-tomasi","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b>Chuck Tomasi</b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10283"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;podcasting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711810&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afe85443\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;podcasting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711810&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afe85f57\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-08-26T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":247331},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-12-31T18:55:55+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-03-17T15:16:11+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:58+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"},"slug":"podcasting","categoryId":33540}],"title":"What Are Community Podcasts?","strippedTitle":"what are community podcasts?","slug":"what-are-community-podcasts","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about community podcasts: These slice-of-life podcasts encourage community among listeners and fans to promote an issue or cause.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Slice-of-life podcasts that encourage community among listeners and fans are podcasts that <em>promote.</em> They can promote a show cancelled too soon into production, an issue affecting the well-being of a community, or offer a voice to a cause. The promotion comes from word-of-mouth advertising (<em>buzz</em>) that these podcasters generate from their thoughts, comments, and opinions on their subject — be it traveling across Spain, daily life in New York City, George Lucas’s <em>Star Wars,</em> or Joss Whedon’s <em>Firefly.</em>\r\n\r\nSlice-of-life <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/internet-basics/podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">podcasts</a> let the world into locations and clue people into possibilities that listeners may be curious about. After a few podcasts, you can even encourage listeners to experience that corner of the world, that idea, or join the community.\r\n\r\nDo you have a cause you want to give attention to? Do you want to raise awareness in your county or district? Do you want to share the experience of preparing for a wedding or anniversary? Consider sound-seeing tour podcasts in order to build an online community through your podcast.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Creating a podcast to encourage testimony</h2>\r\nCommunity is synonymous with podcasting. This book talks a lot about community, establishing a connection between you the podcaster and your audience, impatiently waiting for the next episode. Podcasts can also bring an existing community — a group with a shared interest, a community of homeowners, or a group dedicated to a cause — together and keep its members informed. The podcast can reach audiences in and outside of your community, sharing your interests and concerns with others, making your community even stronger in the long run.\r\n\r\n<em>The </em><a href=\"http://www.wdwradio.com\"><em>WDW Radio Show</em></a> has been a long-running podcast about planning the best trip to the “House of the Mouse,” Walt Disney World. Hosted by Disney expert, author, speaker, and entrepreneur Lou Mongello, the <em>WDW Radio Show</em> has built an impressive community around his family-friendly podcast, featuring a blog, videos, and live broadcasts as part of his audio travel guide.\r\n\r\nTravel planning is not the only topic of discussion on the <em>WDW Radio Show</em>. Lou also hosts interviews with representatives from the Walt Disney Company, shares comments from listeners about previous episodes or queries about best travel tips, and many personal anecdotes on everything from a favorite amusement park ride to the best Disney vacation memories.\r\n\r\nWhat makes the <em>WDW Radio Show</em> more of a community than just another podcast is in how its podcast works to not only inform listeners on getting the most out of a visit to Walt Disney World, but also encourage listeners to share their own tips, ideas, and stories about the “best” way to experience Disney, Epcot, and other properties. This community, in turn, promotes the Walt Disney image through the best of methods: word-of-mouth.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275287\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-disney-community.jpg\" alt=\"WDW Radio show\" width=\"556\" height=\"260\" /> The WDW Radio Show encourages community by keeping its members and fans of the Mouse in the know.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe podosphere takes great pride in its sense of community, but the podcasts showcased here are set apart because the community is encouraged to take a more active role in the issues, concerns, and points of focus the podcast is centered around.\r\n\r\nIn some cases, the producing of the podcast brings the community together, either through listener contributions, listeners directing the course of the show, or listeners coming together for a common cause.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Podcasting for fun (while promoting in the process)</h2>\r\nWhen it comes to promotion, no one does a better job in promoting your business than your most passionate fans.\r\n\r\nThey work for free, set their own hours, and sing the praises (if you are lucky) of whatever it is you happen to be producing. Many times, these podcasts are nicknamed <em>fancasts,</em> but these are podcasts where consumers independently sit down around mics and talk about your business, be it an entertainment property, a product, or some sort of service.\r\n\r\nBut what, you may ask, is the line between a fancast and a podcast about your business?\r\n\r\n<em>The Churn</em> is hosted by SyFy Wire and features authors Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham as cohosts, who write collectively as James S.A. Corey, author of <em>The Expanse</em> novels. This makes the podcast an “official” production, and upon listening to it, you know without question that anything appearing on this show is firsthand knowledge of what is happening on the set, coming from the creators of the world, and shared from the actors bringing these characters to life.\r\n\r\nThat does not mean <em>The Churn</em> is the only podcast about this popular SyFy offering.\r\n\r\n<em>The </em><a href=\"http://solotalkmedia.com/category/the-expanse-podcast\"><em>Expanse Podcast</em></a><em>: Tales from the Rocinate</em> is hosted by Solo Talk Media, a graphic designer from Ontario, Canada not affiliated in any way with SyFy or Universal Studios. Solo Talk Media (also known as Mark) is a fan of <em>The Expanse</em> and launched this podcast to share his love for the series. Along with show recaps, Mark reports news on <em>The Expanse</em> cast and crew and offers his own speculation on how things will unfold over upcoming episodes.\r\n\r\nOther shows like Solo Talk’s include <a href=\"https://baldmove.com/category/the-expanse/\"><em>Beltalowda</em></a> and <a href=\"https://crashcouch.podbean.com/\"><em>Crash Couch</em></a>, two podcasts independently produced from SyFy’s own official podcasts. These are examples of fans who are sharing their appreciation for this science fiction series, serving as an unofficial street team for the production.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">When it comes to fans podcasting, be it about a specific property or a generic theme, don’t expect all the opinions coming from the podcast to be positive. If fans don’t like a direction or a decision taken in a series, they will share it on their podcast. A fan’s podcast could be considered the highest form of feedback, and should be regarded as such. You might like the podcasts supporting your favorite sports team, show, or organization. You also might hear some opinions radically different from your own.</p>\r\nBetween fancasts hosted by experienced journalists like Yahoo! Sports’ Greg Wyshynski and Vice Sports’ Dave Lozo (of <a href=\"https://pucksoup.libsyn.com/website\"><em>Puck Soup</em></a>) and passionate hockey fans (as are the hosts of <a href=\"http://oilersyyc.ca\"><em>The OilersYYC</em></a>) the National Hockey League receives regular promotion and attention free of charge.\r\n\r\nIrish culture is also given plenty of attention through podcasts like historian Fin Dwyer’s <a href=\"https://play.acast.com/s/irishhistory\"><em>Irish History Podcast</em></a> and celebrated musician Marc Gunn’s <a href=\"http://celticmusicpodcast.com\"><em>Irish and Celtic Music Podcast</em></a>, seen in the following figure. What’s terrific about these podcasts is they can actually work to not only promote your passion, but promote your own brand. Marc Gunn, for example, in showcasing Irish and Celtic music, culture, and lore on his podcast, also spreads awareness of his own brand as an accomplished musician. The podcast, blog, and companion app all offer listeners a chance to find his music alongside the music of other independent musicians featured on his podcast.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275285\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275285\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-music-promotion.jpg\" alt=\"podcast as music promotion\" width=\"556\" height=\"556\" /> Marc Gunn, in offering a platform to musicians everywhere with his Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, also promotes his own music brand.[/caption]\r\n\r\nCommunity-driven podcasts cover a wide range of audiences. However, all communities share a similar mindset, and you can apply these sound production (see what we did there?) principles:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>You are the host, but it’s not all about you.</strong> Community podcasts should be about the community. Yes, there is room for personal thoughts and commentary, but in small doses.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The podcast is about the community and how it interacts with the world around you; that is what the content should focus on. Your podcast can feature other members of the community who share the same opinions as yours or even take opposing viewpoints (a spirited debate can up your show). Just remember that the community-based podcast is not about you personally, but about how you see the world, how that connects with the people around you in the community, and how all that comes together in the pursuit of a common interest.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Avoid the negative.</strong> It would be easy to turn a podcast into a gossip column or a personal rant against the very concept that brought the community into being. While there is no law or ethic barring you from speaking out or voicing concerns, a community is based on support. Whether you consider yourself a fan of Harry Potter, Apple Computers, or your local county, your goal in a community podcast is to remain positive and celebrate the benefits of being part of the cooperative spirit. If there is a matter of concern in your community, then there’s room for debate and action. So, as with a political podcast, offer some possible solutions to these issues.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nRegardless of the kind of community you’re chronicling, your podcast should work much like glue — helping to keep supporters together in the face of problems (instead of just crying in your collective beer) and celebrating what gives them joy. Reinforce that sense of community and keep your podcast strong.","description":"Slice-of-life podcasts that encourage community among listeners and fans are podcasts that <em>promote.</em> They can promote a show cancelled too soon into production, an issue affecting the well-being of a community, or offer a voice to a cause. The promotion comes from word-of-mouth advertising (<em>buzz</em>) that these podcasters generate from their thoughts, comments, and opinions on their subject — be it traveling across Spain, daily life in New York City, George Lucas’s <em>Star Wars,</em> or Joss Whedon’s <em>Firefly.</em>\r\n\r\nSlice-of-life <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/internet-basics/podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">podcasts</a> let the world into locations and clue people into possibilities that listeners may be curious about. After a few podcasts, you can even encourage listeners to experience that corner of the world, that idea, or join the community.\r\n\r\nDo you have a cause you want to give attention to? Do you want to raise awareness in your county or district? Do you want to share the experience of preparing for a wedding or anniversary? Consider sound-seeing tour podcasts in order to build an online community through your podcast.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Creating a podcast to encourage testimony</h2>\r\nCommunity is synonymous with podcasting. This book talks a lot about community, establishing a connection between you the podcaster and your audience, impatiently waiting for the next episode. Podcasts can also bring an existing community — a group with a shared interest, a community of homeowners, or a group dedicated to a cause — together and keep its members informed. The podcast can reach audiences in and outside of your community, sharing your interests and concerns with others, making your community even stronger in the long run.\r\n\r\n<em>The </em><a href=\"http://www.wdwradio.com\"><em>WDW Radio Show</em></a> has been a long-running podcast about planning the best trip to the “House of the Mouse,” Walt Disney World. Hosted by Disney expert, author, speaker, and entrepreneur Lou Mongello, the <em>WDW Radio Show</em> has built an impressive community around his family-friendly podcast, featuring a blog, videos, and live broadcasts as part of his audio travel guide.\r\n\r\nTravel planning is not the only topic of discussion on the <em>WDW Radio Show</em>. Lou also hosts interviews with representatives from the Walt Disney Company, shares comments from listeners about previous episodes or queries about best travel tips, and many personal anecdotes on everything from a favorite amusement park ride to the best Disney vacation memories.\r\n\r\nWhat makes the <em>WDW Radio Show</em> more of a community than just another podcast is in how its podcast works to not only inform listeners on getting the most out of a visit to Walt Disney World, but also encourage listeners to share their own tips, ideas, and stories about the “best” way to experience Disney, Epcot, and other properties. This community, in turn, promotes the Walt Disney image through the best of methods: word-of-mouth.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275287\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-disney-community.jpg\" alt=\"WDW Radio show\" width=\"556\" height=\"260\" /> The WDW Radio Show encourages community by keeping its members and fans of the Mouse in the know.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe podosphere takes great pride in its sense of community, but the podcasts showcased here are set apart because the community is encouraged to take a more active role in the issues, concerns, and points of focus the podcast is centered around.\r\n\r\nIn some cases, the producing of the podcast brings the community together, either through listener contributions, listeners directing the course of the show, or listeners coming together for a common cause.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Podcasting for fun (while promoting in the process)</h2>\r\nWhen it comes to promotion, no one does a better job in promoting your business than your most passionate fans.\r\n\r\nThey work for free, set their own hours, and sing the praises (if you are lucky) of whatever it is you happen to be producing. Many times, these podcasts are nicknamed <em>fancasts,</em> but these are podcasts where consumers independently sit down around mics and talk about your business, be it an entertainment property, a product, or some sort of service.\r\n\r\nBut what, you may ask, is the line between a fancast and a podcast about your business?\r\n\r\n<em>The Churn</em> is hosted by SyFy Wire and features authors Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham as cohosts, who write collectively as James S.A. Corey, author of <em>The Expanse</em> novels. This makes the podcast an “official” production, and upon listening to it, you know without question that anything appearing on this show is firsthand knowledge of what is happening on the set, coming from the creators of the world, and shared from the actors bringing these characters to life.\r\n\r\nThat does not mean <em>The Churn</em> is the only podcast about this popular SyFy offering.\r\n\r\n<em>The </em><a href=\"http://solotalkmedia.com/category/the-expanse-podcast\"><em>Expanse Podcast</em></a><em>: Tales from the Rocinate</em> is hosted by Solo Talk Media, a graphic designer from Ontario, Canada not affiliated in any way with SyFy or Universal Studios. Solo Talk Media (also known as Mark) is a fan of <em>The Expanse</em> and launched this podcast to share his love for the series. Along with show recaps, Mark reports news on <em>The Expanse</em> cast and crew and offers his own speculation on how things will unfold over upcoming episodes.\r\n\r\nOther shows like Solo Talk’s include <a href=\"https://baldmove.com/category/the-expanse/\"><em>Beltalowda</em></a> and <a href=\"https://crashcouch.podbean.com/\"><em>Crash Couch</em></a>, two podcasts independently produced from SyFy’s own official podcasts. These are examples of fans who are sharing their appreciation for this science fiction series, serving as an unofficial street team for the production.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">When it comes to fans podcasting, be it about a specific property or a generic theme, don’t expect all the opinions coming from the podcast to be positive. If fans don’t like a direction or a decision taken in a series, they will share it on their podcast. A fan’s podcast could be considered the highest form of feedback, and should be regarded as such. You might like the podcasts supporting your favorite sports team, show, or organization. You also might hear some opinions radically different from your own.</p>\r\nBetween fancasts hosted by experienced journalists like Yahoo! Sports’ Greg Wyshynski and Vice Sports’ Dave Lozo (of <a href=\"https://pucksoup.libsyn.com/website\"><em>Puck Soup</em></a>) and passionate hockey fans (as are the hosts of <a href=\"http://oilersyyc.ca\"><em>The OilersYYC</em></a>) the National Hockey League receives regular promotion and attention free of charge.\r\n\r\nIrish culture is also given plenty of attention through podcasts like historian Fin Dwyer’s <a href=\"https://play.acast.com/s/irishhistory\"><em>Irish History Podcast</em></a> and celebrated musician Marc Gunn’s <a href=\"http://celticmusicpodcast.com\"><em>Irish and Celtic Music Podcast</em></a>, seen in the following figure. What’s terrific about these podcasts is they can actually work to not only promote your passion, but promote your own brand. Marc Gunn, for example, in showcasing Irish and Celtic music, culture, and lore on his podcast, also spreads awareness of his own brand as an accomplished musician. The podcast, blog, and companion app all offer listeners a chance to find his music alongside the music of other independent musicians featured on his podcast.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275285\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275285\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-music-promotion.jpg\" alt=\"podcast as music promotion\" width=\"556\" height=\"556\" /> Marc Gunn, in offering a platform to musicians everywhere with his Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, also promotes his own music brand.[/caption]\r\n\r\nCommunity-driven podcasts cover a wide range of audiences. However, all communities share a similar mindset, and you can apply these sound production (see what we did there?) principles:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>You are the host, but it’s not all about you.</strong> Community podcasts should be about the community. Yes, there is room for personal thoughts and commentary, but in small doses.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The podcast is about the community and how it interacts with the world around you; that is what the content should focus on. Your podcast can feature other members of the community who share the same opinions as yours or even take opposing viewpoints (a spirited debate can up your show). Just remember that the community-based podcast is not about you personally, but about how you see the world, how that connects with the people around you in the community, and how all that comes together in the pursuit of a common interest.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Avoid the negative.</strong> It would be easy to turn a podcast into a gossip column or a personal rant against the very concept that brought the community into being. While there is no law or ethic barring you from speaking out or voicing concerns, a community is based on support. Whether you consider yourself a fan of Harry Potter, Apple Computers, or your local county, your goal in a community podcast is to remain positive and celebrate the benefits of being part of the cooperative spirit. If there is a matter of concern in your community, then there’s room for debate and action. So, as with a political podcast, offer some possible solutions to these issues.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nRegardless of the kind of community you’re chronicling, your podcast should work much like glue — helping to keep supporters together in the face of problems (instead of just crying in your collective beer) and celebrating what gives them joy. Reinforce that sense of community and keep your podcast strong.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}},{"authorId":10283,"name":"Chuck Tomasi","slug":"chuck-tomasi","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b>Chuck Tomasi</b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10283"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33540,"title":"Podcasting","slug":"podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Creating a podcast to encourage testimony","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Podcasting for fun (while promoting in the process)","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":275277,"title":"Podcasting with Your Laptop","slug":"podcasting-with-your-laptop","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275277"}},{"articleId":275272,"title":"Show Art: Getting Graphic with Your Podcast","slug":"show-art-getting-graphic-with-your-podcast","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275272"}},{"articleId":275265,"title":"Podcasting: How to Set Up a Streaming Account","slug":"podcasting-how-to-set-up-a-streaming-account","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275265"}},{"articleId":275254,"title":"Top 10 Reasons to Podcast","slug":"top-10-reasons-to-podcast","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/275254"}},{"articleId":261397,"title":"How to Listen to Podcasts","slug":"how-listen-podcasts","categoryList":["technology","digital-audio-radio","podcasting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261397"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;podcasting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad605f8f\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;digital-audio-radio&quot;,&quot;podcasting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad606877\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":275284},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-12-31T18:46:17+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-03-17T14:42:14+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:57+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Digital Audio & Radio","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33538"},"slug":"digital-audio-radio","categoryId":33538},{"name":"Podcasting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33540"},"slug":"podcasting","categoryId":33540}],"title":"Podcasting with Your Laptop","strippedTitle":"podcasting with your laptop","slug":"podcasting-with-your-laptop","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"If you're podcasting from your laptop and want studio sound, invest in a preamplifier. Check out the Mackie Onyx Blackjack and Shure MVi.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Podcasts are portable by nature, but with your laptop, you're talking about packing up the studio and working on location. So, you want to have a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/internet-basics/podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">podcast</a> that has that studio quality sound, but you want more than one microphone and to have a bit of control over the levels. This is when you would want to invest in a preamplifier or a <em>pre-amp</em>. To understand what a preamp is, you should learn a few more technical matters around microphones.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275280\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275280\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-laptop.jpg\" alt=\"podcasting with laptop\" width=\"556\" height=\"368\" /> © radioshoot / Shutterstock.com[/caption]\r\n\r\nMicrophones, be they condenser or dynamic, record their signals at <em>mic-level</em>. This is the signal created from the internal diaphragm moving back and forth against a magnet in a wire coil, generating an electrical signal. It’s a clean signal, but very weak. The best audio is recorded not at mic-level, but at <em>line-level</em>. You get line-level signals coming out of electric guitars, keyboards, and other instruments. To get a weaker mic-level signal boosted to the line-level signal, you need to give it a swift kick-in-the-pants. The preamp, sometimes a separate unit or built into a mixer board or a USB microphone, provides that kick to bring the mic-level signal to line-level without adding any noise to the original signal.\r\n\r\nNow that you know what a preamp is, how about a few options for you to consider?\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mackie Onyx Blackjack</h2>\r\nThe <em>Mackie Onyx Blackjack</em> offers you all the power and reliability of a mixer in a small, compact design. The best part of working with this preamp is it has zero latency when recording. This means there is no delay for when you speak and when you hear your voice while recording. You can adjust the Blackjack’s buffer settings to maximize your computer’s processing ability as well.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275279\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275279\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-blackjack.jpg\" alt=\"Mackie Onyx Blackjack\" width=\"556\" height=\"291\" /> The Mackie Onyx Blackjack provides a boost to your incoming mic-level signal in a compact design, making it extremely portable.[/caption]\r\n\r\nBlackjack also offers podcasters:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A prepamp bus-powered via USB</li>\r\n \t<li>Two XLR connections delivering 48V phantom power</li>\r\n \t<li>A 25-degree inclination by design, allowing for full view of all controls at all times</li>\r\n \t<li>An all-metal chassis that gives the Blackjack “built-like-a-tank” durability</li>\r\n \t<li>Onboard analog-to-digital conversion, granting your amplified signal with the lowest noise and distortion possible</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Shure MVi</h2>\r\nShure Audio is no stranger to setting the bar for audio engineering and recording on looking at the prevalence and relevance of its audio gear. With the rise of podcasting, Shure set out to create gear that would capture quality sound, and the <em>MVi</em> is a compact, USB-powered preamp ready to power your microphone (or microphones, if you employ a splitter) accordingly.\r\n\r\nThe MVi offers a podcaster-on-the-go:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play, with optional iOS connectivity with iPhones and iPads</li>\r\n \t<li>Touch-sensetive panel for control over five different DSP presets, headphone volume, and more</li>\r\n \t<li>Built-in headphone jack for real-time monitoring</li>\r\n \t<li>One XLR connection offering 48V phantom power option</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275278\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"338\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275278\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-shure-mvi.jpg\" alt=\"Shure's MVi\" width=\"338\" height=\"600\" /> Shure’s MVi, part of the MOTIV series of audio gear, is a preamp designed with desktop computers and mobile devices in mind.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">If you want to record on location, you could use studio condenser mics, which, because of their sensitivity, will pick up a lot of the background, setting a nice ambiance for your podcast. Depending on your environment, though, there might be too much ambiance for your interview. This is why, in most on-location settings, dynamic mics are preferred. You will still get some background noise, but not as pronounced when using studio condenser mics.</p>\r\nThe Shure MVi can serve as a preamp for up to two microphones, powered by USB, similar to the Onyx Blackjack. With an even more compact design, the MVi makes your portable studio even more so.","description":"Podcasts are portable by nature, but with your laptop, you're talking about packing up the studio and working on location. So, you want to have a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/internet-basics/podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">podcast</a> that has that studio quality sound, but you want more than one microphone and to have a bit of control over the levels. This is when you would want to invest in a preamplifier or a <em>pre-amp</em>. To understand what a preamp is, you should learn a few more technical matters around microphones.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275280\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275280\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-laptop.jpg\" alt=\"podcasting with laptop\" width=\"556\" height=\"368\" /> © radioshoot / Shutterstock.com[/caption]\r\n\r\nMicrophones, be they condenser or dynamic, record their signals at <em>mic-level</em>. This is the signal created from the internal diaphragm moving back and forth against a magnet in a wire coil, generating an electrical signal. It’s a clean signal, but very weak. The best audio is recorded not at mic-level, but at <em>line-level</em>. You get line-level signals coming out of electric guitars, keyboards, and other instruments. To get a weaker mic-level signal boosted to the line-level signal, you need to give it a swift kick-in-the-pants. The preamp, sometimes a separate unit or built into a mixer board or a USB microphone, provides that kick to bring the mic-level signal to line-level without adding any noise to the original signal.\r\n\r\nNow that you know what a preamp is, how about a few options for you to consider?\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mackie Onyx Blackjack</h2>\r\nThe <em>Mackie Onyx Blackjack</em> offers you all the power and reliability of a mixer in a small, compact design. The best part of working with this preamp is it has zero latency when recording. This means there is no delay for when you speak and when you hear your voice while recording. You can adjust the Blackjack’s buffer settings to maximize your computer’s processing ability as well.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275279\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275279\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-blackjack.jpg\" alt=\"Mackie Onyx Blackjack\" width=\"556\" height=\"291\" /> The Mackie Onyx Blackjack provides a boost to your incoming mic-level signal in a compact design, making it extremely portable.[/caption]\r\n\r\nBlackjack also offers podcasters:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A prepamp bus-powered via USB</li>\r\n \t<li>Two XLR connections delivering 48V phantom power</li>\r\n \t<li>A 25-degree inclination by design, allowing for full view of all controls at all times</li>\r\n \t<li>An all-metal chassis that gives the Blackjack “built-like-a-tank” durability</li>\r\n \t<li>Onboard analog-to-digital conversion, granting your amplified signal with the lowest noise and distortion possible</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Shure MVi</h2>\r\nShure Audio is no stranger to setting the bar for audio engineering and recording on looking at the prevalence and relevance of its audio gear. With the rise of podcasting, Shure set out to create gear that would capture quality sound, and the <em>MVi</em> is a compact, USB-powered preamp ready to power your microphone (or microphones, if you employ a splitter) accordingly.\r\n\r\nThe MVi offers a podcaster-on-the-go:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play, with optional iOS connectivity with iPhones and iPads</li>\r\n \t<li>Touch-sensetive panel for control over five different DSP presets, headphone volume, and more</li>\r\n \t<li>Built-in headphone jack for real-time monitoring</li>\r\n \t<li>One XLR connection offering 48V phantom power option</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275278\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"338\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275278\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-shure-mvi.jpg\" alt=\"Shure's MVi\" width=\"338\" height=\"600\" /> Shure’s MVi, part of the MOTIV series of audio gear, is a preamp designed with desktop computers and mobile devices in mind.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">If you want to record on location, you could use studio condenser mics, which, because of their sensitivity, will pick up a lot of the background, setting a nice ambiance for your podcast. Depending on your environment, though, there might be too much ambiance for your interview. This is why, in most on-location settings, dynamic mics are preferred. You will still get some background noise, but not as pronounced when using studio condenser mics.</p>\r\nThe Shure MVi can serve as a preamp for up to two microphones, powered by USB, similar to the Onyx Blackjack. With an even more compact design, the MVi makes your portable studio even more so.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}},{"authorId":10283,"name":"Chuck Tomasi","slug":"chuck-tomasi","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is an award&#45;winning podcaster and the author of <i>Twitch For Dummies</i> and <i>Discord For Dummies.</i> <b>Chuck Tomasi</b> is a Developer Advocate who has created thousands of hours of content for work and fun. 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Review the design specifications and explore the BluBrry PowerPress plug-in.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"A big piece of successful <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/internet-basics/podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">podcasting</a> is marketing, and a big part of marketing is <em>branding</em>. Your podcast logo (or <em>show art</em>) is very important to help set you apart. A large percentage of listeners use apps where show art is prominently displayed, both in directories and in playback modes. Apple once was indifferent about show art, but now it’s part of registering your podcast with its directory. So, when getting ready to launch your podcast, you need to have a good look for your production like those featured here.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275273\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275273\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-show-art.jpg\" alt=\"podcast show art\" width=\"556\" height=\"370\" /> Show Art is a podcaster’s way to brand a show and gives your episode a slick final touch when played back on various media devices.[/caption]\r\n\r\nShow artwork, commonly seen in many media players, is a nice option for podcasters who want to brand a podcast with a logo. For example, Mur Lafferty’s Parsec-winning <em>I Should Be Writing</em> logo is a classic broadcast microphone with a sticky note slapped on it and a pencil, sharpened and ready for use. Then you have <em>The Onion Radio News</em>’s trademark onion with a globe ghosted behind it, the stamp of quality journalism at its funniest. These icons are associated with their shows, and this kind of branding is becoming more and more common in podcasting.\r\n\r\nTo get your artwork ready for prime time:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Design your show art to the following specifications:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Format: </strong>JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) format</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Color Mode: </strong>8-bit channel, RGB mode</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Resolution: </strong>72 dpi</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Size: </strong>1400 × 1400 pixels (minimum) or 3000 × 3000 pixels (maximum)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) application, upload your art somewhere on to your web server. </strong>If you are using a service like LibSyn, you will use its FTP options the same way you would upload an episode. If you are hosting the podcast on your own, you can use Cyberduck or Fetch to upload it somewhere on your server.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Pull up the artwork on your browser and then copy its URL. </strong>Once you have the URL of the show art copied, have it on a note somewhere on your computer. You will need that URL when registering your show with various directories.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> When using your podcast plug-in with your blog, enter in your artwork’s URL when asked for it.\r\n</strong>With the PowerPress podcast plug-in from BluBrry, you simply enter in the URL of your show into the Artwork section. Podcast plug-ins should offer similar options.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you do a makeover of your show art, you can upload a new image to replace the old one.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Save your changes in the plug-in.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you have all of the details of your file covered, down to the branding behind your podcast, you have to get everything online so that others can enjoy what your creativity has to offer.","description":"A big piece of successful <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/internet-basics/podcasting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">podcasting</a> is marketing, and a big part of marketing is <em>branding</em>. Your podcast logo (or <em>show art</em>) is very important to help set you apart. A large percentage of listeners use apps where show art is prominently displayed, both in directories and in playback modes. Apple once was indifferent about show art, but now it’s part of registering your podcast with its directory. So, when getting ready to launch your podcast, you need to have a good look for your production like those featured here.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275273\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275273\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasting-show-art.jpg\" alt=\"podcast show art\" width=\"556\" height=\"370\" /> Show Art is a podcaster’s way to brand a show and gives your episode a slick final touch when played back on various media devices.[/caption]\r\n\r\nShow artwork, commonly seen in many media players, is a nice option for podcasters who want to brand a podcast with a logo. For example, Mur Lafferty’s Parsec-winning <em>I Should Be Writing</em> logo is a classic broadcast microphone with a sticky note slapped on it and a pencil, sharpened and ready for use. Then you have <em>The Onion Radio News</em>’s trademark onion with a globe ghosted behind it, the stamp of quality journalism at its funniest. These icons are associated with their shows, and this kind of branding is becoming more and more common in podcasting.\r\n\r\nTo get your artwork ready for prime time:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Design your show art to the following specifications:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Format: </strong>JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) format</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Color Mode: </strong>8-bit channel, RGB mode</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Resolution: </strong>72 dpi</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Size: </strong>1400 × 1400 pixels (minimum) or 3000 × 3000 pixels (maximum)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) application, upload your art somewhere on to your web server. </strong>If you are using a service like LibSyn, you will use its FTP options the same way you would upload an episode. If you are hosting the podcast on your own, you can use Cyberduck or Fetch to upload it somewhere on your server.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Pull up the artwork on your browser and then copy its URL. </strong>Once you have the URL of the show art copied, have it on a note somewhere on your computer. You will need that URL when registering your show with various directories.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> When using your podcast plug-in with your blog, enter in your artwork’s URL when asked for it.\r\n</strong>With the PowerPress podcast plug-in from BluBrry, you simply enter in the URL of your show into the Artwork section. Podcast plug-ins should offer similar options.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you do a makeover of your show art, you can upload a new image to replace the old one.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Save your changes in the plug-in.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you have all of the details of your file covered, down to the branding behind your podcast, you have to get everything online so that others can enjoy what your creativity has to offer.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. 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Ham Radio Sending and Receiving QSLs on Your Ham Radio

Article / Updated 07-20-2022

QSL cards, which are the size of standard postcards, are the ham radio equivalent of a business card. They range from simple to ornate. DXpeditions often creates a multi-panel folding cards with lots of information and pictures from the rare location. QSLs are primarily exchanged for HF contacts and are used to qualify for operating awards. QSLing electronically Many hams are confirming their contacts on two sites: eQSL and ARRL’s Logbook of the World (LoTW). Your logging software may even be able to upload your contacts to these systems automatically as you make them. With these systems, there is no need to exchange paper cards although many hams send a card for a first contact with a station for their collections. eQSL was the first electronic QSL system and is extremely easy to use. Its site has a tutorial slideshow that explains just how eQSL works and how to use it. eQSL offers its own operating awards, as well, verified by contacts uploaded to the eQSL system. The ARRL’s LoTW is more complicated to use. You’re required to authenticate your identity and license, and all submitted contacts are digitally signed for complete trustworthiness. LOTW provides electronic verification of QSOs for award purposes. It currently supports the ARRL awards and CQ’s WPX and WAZ award programs. DXpeditions often use an online QSLing system such as Club Log’s OQRS system. You can support the expeditioners with a donation and request your QSL at the same time. It’s speedy, secure, and highly recommended. Direct QSLing on your ham radio If you want to send a paper card, the quickest (and most expensive) option is direct, meaning directly to other hams at their published addresses. You can find many ham addresses on the web portal QRZ.com. This method ensures that your card gets to recipients as fast as possible and usually results in the shortest turnaround time. Include the return postage and maybe even a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Direct QSLing costs more than electronic QSLing but makes it as easy as possible for you to get a return card on its way from the other ham — many times, with a colorful stamp. Postal theft can be a problem in poorer countries. An active station can make hundreds of contacts per week, attracting unwelcome attention when many envelopes start showing up with those funny number–letter call signs on them. Don’t put any station call signs on the envelope if you have any question about the reliability of the postal service. Make your envelope as ordinary and as thin as possible. If the station gives QSL instructions online or during the contact, be sure to follow them! Using QSL managers To avoid poor postal systems and cut postage expenses, many DX stations and DXpeditions use a QSL manager. The manager is located in a country with reliable, secure postal service. This method results in a nearly 100 percent return rate. QSLing via a manager is just like direct QSLing. If you don’t include return postage and an envelope to a manager for a DX station, you’ll likely get your card back via the QSL bureau, which takes a few months at minimum. You can locate managers on websites such at QRZ.com’s QSL Corner, which is free to members. If the station has a website or has posted information on the QRZ.com page, a manager will usually be listed there. If you send your QSL overseas, be sure to do the following: Use the correct global airmail letter rate from the U.S. Postal Service website. Ensure airmail service by using an Air Mail sticker (free at the post office), an airmail envelope, or an Air Mail/Par Avion stamp on the envelope. Include return postage from the DX operator's home country to the U.S. from sources such as William Plum DX Supplies (email [email protected]) or the K3FN Air Mail Postage Service. You may be asked to “send one (or two) greenstamps” for return postage. A greenstamp is a $1 bill. Be sure that currency isn’t visible through the envelope. Bureaus and QSL services All that postage can mount up pretty quickly. A much cheaper (and much slower) option exists: the QSL bureau system. You should use this method when the DX station says “QSL via the bureau” or on CW and digital modes, “QSL VIA BURO.” The QSL bureau system operates as a sort of ham radio post office, allowing hams to exchange QSLs at a fraction of the cost of direct mail. If you are an ARRL member, you can bundle up all your DX QSLs (you still have to send domestic cards directly) and send them to the outgoing QSL bureau, where the QSLs are sorted and sent in bulk to incoming QSL bureaus around the world. The cards are then sorted and distributed to individual stations. The recipients send their reply cards back in the other direction. To get your cards, you must keep postage and envelopes in stock at your incoming QSL bureau. (Anyone can use the incoming QSL bureaus.) Then, when you least expect it, a fat package of cards arrives in the mail. What fun! An intermediate route is the K3FN QSL Service, which forwards QSLs to foreign and U.S. managers for a fee, currently 1 to 5 dollars per card depending on how fast you want the QSL in return. You send outbound cards directly to K3FN, and your return cards are sent to you by the service level you paid for. Applying for awards Each award program has its own method for submitting QSL cards to qualify for an award. All of them have a few things in common, though. There is a form to fill out listing each contact individually. For more than a few contacts, you’ll need to enter the information in alphabetical order by prefix. For example, a contact from KA9ABC will be listed before N1EUZ before WBØGQP. (For DX prefix order, use the ARRL’s most-current DXCC List.) Print clearly so the award manager does not misread your information. Pay the award fee, if any, with a check or money order or electronically if that option is available. (Don’t send cash unless it is necessary.) Next, sort the cards into the same order as on the form. Orient them with the contact information facing up, even if it is on the back of the card. Bundle the cards together so that the top card is the first on the application form. You then mail or ship the cards to the award manager as directed by the award’s sponsor. If you are sending a lot of cards or if the cards are particularly rare, send the cards by certified mail or with a signature-required service. Don’t forget to include return postage or shipping costs in your award fee. It is also a good idea to include a self-addressed postcard with the application that the sponsor can return so you know the package was received. Assuming all your information checks out, you’ll receive your certificate and QSL cards! Cards for the ARRL DXCC Award can be checked by a local or regional “field checker." You can make arrangements to attend a club meeting and submit your cards to him or her directly. Card checkers often have a booth or table at the larger hamfests.

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Ham Radio Radio Accessories for Your Ham Radio

Article / Updated 07-20-2022

You can buy or build hundreds of gadgets for your ham radio to enhance whatever style or specialty you choose. Here’s some information on the most common accessories that you need to get the most out of your station. Mikes, keys, and keyers for your ham radio Most radios come with a hand microphone, although if you buy a used radio, the hand mike may be long gone or somewhat worn. The manufacturer-supplied hand mikes are pretty good and are all you need to get started. After you operate for a while, you may decide to upgrade. If you’re a ragchewer, some microphones are designed for audio fidelity with a wide frequency response. Net operators and contesters like the hands-free convenience of a headset with an attached boom mike held in front of your mouth. Handheld radios are more convenient to use, with a speaker–microphone combination accessory that plugs into your radio and clips to a shirt pocket or collar. Your radio manufacturer may also offer a premium microphone as an option or accessory for your radio. Heil Sound and Vibroplex manufacture a wide range of top-quality microphones. Heil Sound also manufactures headsets with boom mikes. The frequency response of a microphone can make a big difference on the air. If you operate under crowded conditions, the audio from a microphone whose response emphasizes the midrange and higher frequencies is more likely to cut through the noise. Some microphones have selectable frequency responses so that you can have a natural-sounding voice during a casual contact and then switch to the brighter response for some DXing. If you’re not sure which is best, ask the folks you contact, or do an over-the-air check with a friend who knows your voice. Morse code enthusiasts have thousands of keys to choose among, spanning more than a century of history. Beginners often start with a straight key and then graduate to an electronic keyer and a paddle. If you think you’ll use CW a lot, I recommend going the keyer/paddle route right away. Most rigs now include a keyer as a standard option. You can plug the paddle into the radio, and you’re on your way! CW operators tend to find paddle choice very personal, so definitely try one out before you buy. A hamfest often has one or more key–bug–paddle collectors, and you can try many styles. The ham behind the table is likely to be full of good information as well. Programmable memories are very handy for storing commonly sent information, such as your call sign or a CQ message. You can put your keyer in beacon mode to send a stored CQ message repeatedly to see whether anyone is listening on a dead band. (If everybody listens and nobody transmits, the band sounds dead but may be open to somewhere surprising.) If you decide on an external keyer, you can choose kits or finished models, such as the popular Winkey-based keyers made by K1EL. Several computer programs send code from the keyboard. Browse ac6v.com for an extensive list of software. A voice keyer is a device that can store short voice messages and play them back into your radio as though you were speaking. Some keyers are stand-alone units, and others use a PC sound card. Voice keyers are handy for contesting, DXing, calling CQ, and so on. Some models also store both CW and voice messages, such as the MJF Contest Keyer. Contest logging software such as N1MM Logger+ and Writelog can create a voice keyer by using the computer’s sound card. Antenna tuners for your ham radio Antenna tuners don’t really “tune” your antenna, but they allow your transmitter to operate at maximum efficiency no matter what impedance appears at the station end of your feed line. Tuners are explained in the article “Do You Need an Antenna Tuner?”. Although your new radio may be equipped with an antenna tuner, in some situations you may need an external unit. Internal tuners have a somewhat limited range that fits many antennas. Antennas being used far from their optimum frequency often present an impedance that the rig’s internal tuner can’t handle. External tuners often include baluns (an abbreviation of “balanced-to-unbalanced”) for connecting open-wire feed lines to coaxial cable. Tuners are available in sizes from tiny, QRP-size units to humongous, full-power boxes larger than many radios. The table below lists a few of the manufacturers offering an assortment of tuners. If you decide to purchase a tuner, choose one that’s rated comfortably in excess of the maximum power you expect to use. Getting one with the option to use balanced feed lines is highly recommended. The ability to switch between different feed lines and an SWR meter (which measures reflected RF power) is a nice-to-have feature. Antenna Tuner Manufacturers Manufacturer Balanced Feed Line High-Power (>300 Watts) Automatic Tuning MFJ Enterprises Yes Yes Yes Ameritron Yes Yes No Vectronics Yes Yes No LDG Electronics External balun adapter Yes Yes Palstar Yes Yes Yes SGC Yes Yes Yes Along with the tuner, you need a dummy load, a large resistor that can dissipate the full power of your transmitter. The MFJ-260C can dissipate 300 watts, which is adequate for HF transceivers. High-power loads, such as the MFJ-250, immerse the resistor in cooling oil. (These are paint cans filled with oil, sometimes called cantennas after an old Heathkit product name.) The dummy load keeps your transmitted signals from causing interference during tuneup. HF dummy loads may not be suitable for use at VHF or UHF, so check the frequency coverage specification before you buy.

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Ham Radio Ham Radio For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2022

If you’re new to ham radio, these articles contain information that new ham radio operators should keep handy while gathering experience. You’ll find these references to be just what you need while learning to navigate the radio bands and make contacts. Bookmarking the websites in your web browser will help while you’re online, too.

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Podcasting Podcasting For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-23-2022

When you are podcasting, you have to keep track of a lot of components. Besides ensuring that the hardware is operating properly, that your software is capturing audio without fail, and keeping track of your latest episode’s analytics, you also have to keep straight all the minute details. Ensure that your podcasts are well-received by adhering to technical standards for artwork and audio. Check out some of the podcasting platforms on which you want to ensure your podcasts are listed. If you’re doing a podcast interview, a little prep time can save a lot of embarrassment.

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Spotify Spotify For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-14-2022

Spotify is changing the way the world listens to music. With a Spotify account, you can listen to all kinds of music, create and share playlists, and even join the Spotify online community.

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iTunes How to Install or Upgrade iTunes on a Mac

Step by Step / Updated 01-26-2022

iTunes comes preinstalled on every new Mac that's been sold since 2003. But if you have an older Mac, installing iTunes is easy. To manually install iTunes on to a Mac or manually upgrade the version you have, start at the Apple website.

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Podcasting Tips for Podcasting with Multiple Guests

Article / Updated 09-19-2021

One great way to podcast is with guests in-studio or co-hosts when more than one podcaster gets on mic. While there’s something to be said for the single voice doing a monologue or perhaps doing interviews, the show dynamics change quite a bit when you get multiple people gathered together over your favorite topic. For one thing, it’s a lot easier to carry on a conversation! Another bonus is with the right dynamic between hosts, an energy is created that subscribers see and hear in every episode. Here are some specific things to be aware of when doing a show with multiple guests: Have a mixer with enough channels. The mixer becomes a crucial piece of equipment when co-hosts become part of the production. You can try the one mic, two voices approach, but the end result is hard to control and mix in post-production. For the best sound and optimal control, all participants need their own microphones. This means XLR connections, not USB, for microphones. Two hosts and you’ll need two channels. Four hosts, four channels. And don’t forget, you may want a few extra inputs for music, sound effects, and more. So make sure the mixer can handle the in-studio demands. Make sure everyone can hear. You’re wearing headphones when you record. So should your guests, especially if drop-ins are included in your recording. It’s not only fair, it’s practical that everyone hears the same thing. Each guest needs his or her own set of headphones. Before you run out and get a cheap “Y” cable to split the signal, realize that with each split, the audio signal degrades. To keep the investment economical, invest in a stereo headphone amplifier for about $25 that takes the headphone signal and splits (while boosting) it in to four separate channels. You’ll find this investment will serve you and your podcast well. Always do your prep work. Even after a decade of podcasting, there are still gremlins in our audio systems. You can record on Saturday afternoon and come back Sunday night only to find audio levels have been adjusted. Okay, it could be the cats playing with the mixer settings in the middle of the night, but it never hurts to check your audio (and video) settings before each recording. Have one director. This is the person in charge of your show’s flow, timing, and in some cases coming up with clever segues to jump from one topic to the next. Usually this is the person at the mixer, but not always. It may even be someone off mic (or camera) giving hand signals. In some cases, this may be a baton passed from person to person in the cast. You’ll find what works best for your group. The podcaster calling the plays serves as a moderator. It's your job to keep the energy up, the conversation going, and keep the episode on track. Give everyone some air time. As with the previous item, the director may need to make sure everyone gives everyone else a chance to talk. Different people bring different things to your show. Some people may be passionate and outspoken (and some may be considered an unstoppable train), while others don’t want to interrupt and wait their turn. Encourage your guests to play fair and give everyone a share the air time. Discuss this among your co-hosts before it becomes a problem. When guests are in-studio or on the line, give them the majority of air time on that episode. Both Chuck and Tee have seen and heard their fair share of interviews gone bad. It can be something as horrific as the host or hosts not knowing (or caring) to do any research on the guest. Tee recalls one podcast where the co-hosts broke on a tangent between themselves for ten minutes while the guest remained silent on the line, waiting to be asked another question. When guests are on the docket, remember that the episode is no longer yours. It’s theirs. Make sure everyone can see everyone else. It’s been said that as much as 93 percent of our communications is nonverbal. Even if you are doing an audio podcast, you want to be able to see each other during the conversation. Configure your studio to make sure everyone can see everyone else in order to have eye contact, see silent signals to pick up the pace or slow down, and let the director know all have something to say. Being able to read each other’s nonverbal cues is made easier when sightlines are clear and unobstructed — well, most of the time. Be aware that your show will be longer as you include more guests in the conversation. If you want to keep your show length consistent, then include fewer topics than you expect.

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Podcasting What Are Community Podcasts?

Article / Updated 03-17-2021

Slice-of-life podcasts that encourage community among listeners and fans are podcasts that promote. They can promote a show cancelled too soon into production, an issue affecting the well-being of a community, or offer a voice to a cause. The promotion comes from word-of-mouth advertising (buzz) that these podcasters generate from their thoughts, comments, and opinions on their subject — be it traveling across Spain, daily life in New York City, George Lucas’s Star Wars, or Joss Whedon’s Firefly. Slice-of-life podcasts let the world into locations and clue people into possibilities that listeners may be curious about. After a few podcasts, you can even encourage listeners to experience that corner of the world, that idea, or join the community. Do you have a cause you want to give attention to? Do you want to raise awareness in your county or district? Do you want to share the experience of preparing for a wedding or anniversary? Consider sound-seeing tour podcasts in order to build an online community through your podcast. Creating a podcast to encourage testimony Community is synonymous with podcasting. This book talks a lot about community, establishing a connection between you the podcaster and your audience, impatiently waiting for the next episode. Podcasts can also bring an existing community — a group with a shared interest, a community of homeowners, or a group dedicated to a cause — together and keep its members informed. The podcast can reach audiences in and outside of your community, sharing your interests and concerns with others, making your community even stronger in the long run. The WDW Radio Show has been a long-running podcast about planning the best trip to the “House of the Mouse,” Walt Disney World. Hosted by Disney expert, author, speaker, and entrepreneur Lou Mongello, the WDW Radio Show has built an impressive community around his family-friendly podcast, featuring a blog, videos, and live broadcasts as part of his audio travel guide. Travel planning is not the only topic of discussion on the WDW Radio Show. Lou also hosts interviews with representatives from the Walt Disney Company, shares comments from listeners about previous episodes or queries about best travel tips, and many personal anecdotes on everything from a favorite amusement park ride to the best Disney vacation memories. What makes the WDW Radio Show more of a community than just another podcast is in how its podcast works to not only inform listeners on getting the most out of a visit to Walt Disney World, but also encourage listeners to share their own tips, ideas, and stories about the “best” way to experience Disney, Epcot, and other properties. This community, in turn, promotes the Walt Disney image through the best of methods: word-of-mouth. The podosphere takes great pride in its sense of community, but the podcasts showcased here are set apart because the community is encouraged to take a more active role in the issues, concerns, and points of focus the podcast is centered around. In some cases, the producing of the podcast brings the community together, either through listener contributions, listeners directing the course of the show, or listeners coming together for a common cause. Podcasting for fun (while promoting in the process) When it comes to promotion, no one does a better job in promoting your business than your most passionate fans. They work for free, set their own hours, and sing the praises (if you are lucky) of whatever it is you happen to be producing. Many times, these podcasts are nicknamed fancasts, but these are podcasts where consumers independently sit down around mics and talk about your business, be it an entertainment property, a product, or some sort of service. But what, you may ask, is the line between a fancast and a podcast about your business? The Churn is hosted by SyFy Wire and features authors Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham as cohosts, who write collectively as James S.A. Corey, author of The Expanse novels. This makes the podcast an “official” production, and upon listening to it, you know without question that anything appearing on this show is firsthand knowledge of what is happening on the set, coming from the creators of the world, and shared from the actors bringing these characters to life. That does not mean The Churn is the only podcast about this popular SyFy offering. The Expanse Podcast: Tales from the Rocinate is hosted by Solo Talk Media, a graphic designer from Ontario, Canada not affiliated in any way with SyFy or Universal Studios. Solo Talk Media (also known as Mark) is a fan of The Expanse and launched this podcast to share his love for the series. Along with show recaps, Mark reports news on The Expanse cast and crew and offers his own speculation on how things will unfold over upcoming episodes. Other shows like Solo Talk’s include Beltalowda and Crash Couch, two podcasts independently produced from SyFy’s own official podcasts. These are examples of fans who are sharing their appreciation for this science fiction series, serving as an unofficial street team for the production. When it comes to fans podcasting, be it about a specific property or a generic theme, don’t expect all the opinions coming from the podcast to be positive. If fans don’t like a direction or a decision taken in a series, they will share it on their podcast. A fan’s podcast could be considered the highest form of feedback, and should be regarded as such. You might like the podcasts supporting your favorite sports team, show, or organization. You also might hear some opinions radically different from your own. Between fancasts hosted by experienced journalists like Yahoo! Sports’ Greg Wyshynski and Vice Sports’ Dave Lozo (of Puck Soup) and passionate hockey fans (as are the hosts of The OilersYYC) the National Hockey League receives regular promotion and attention free of charge. Irish culture is also given plenty of attention through podcasts like historian Fin Dwyer’s Irish History Podcast and celebrated musician Marc Gunn’s Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, seen in the following figure. What’s terrific about these podcasts is they can actually work to not only promote your passion, but promote your own brand. Marc Gunn, for example, in showcasing Irish and Celtic music, culture, and lore on his podcast, also spreads awareness of his own brand as an accomplished musician. The podcast, blog, and companion app all offer listeners a chance to find his music alongside the music of other independent musicians featured on his podcast. Community-driven podcasts cover a wide range of audiences. However, all communities share a similar mindset, and you can apply these sound production (see what we did there?) principles: You are the host, but it’s not all about you. Community podcasts should be about the community. Yes, there is room for personal thoughts and commentary, but in small doses. The podcast is about the community and how it interacts with the world around you; that is what the content should focus on. Your podcast can feature other members of the community who share the same opinions as yours or even take opposing viewpoints (a spirited debate can up your show). Just remember that the community-based podcast is not about you personally, but about how you see the world, how that connects with the people around you in the community, and how all that comes together in the pursuit of a common interest. Avoid the negative. It would be easy to turn a podcast into a gossip column or a personal rant against the very concept that brought the community into being. While there is no law or ethic barring you from speaking out or voicing concerns, a community is based on support. Whether you consider yourself a fan of Harry Potter, Apple Computers, or your local county, your goal in a community podcast is to remain positive and celebrate the benefits of being part of the cooperative spirit. If there is a matter of concern in your community, then there’s room for debate and action. So, as with a political podcast, offer some possible solutions to these issues. Regardless of the kind of community you’re chronicling, your podcast should work much like glue — helping to keep supporters together in the face of problems (instead of just crying in your collective beer) and celebrating what gives them joy. Reinforce that sense of community and keep your podcast strong.

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Podcasting Podcasting with Your Laptop

Article / Updated 03-17-2021

Podcasts are portable by nature, but with your laptop, you're talking about packing up the studio and working on location. So, you want to have a podcast that has that studio quality sound, but you want more than one microphone and to have a bit of control over the levels. This is when you would want to invest in a preamplifier or a pre-amp. To understand what a preamp is, you should learn a few more technical matters around microphones. Microphones, be they condenser or dynamic, record their signals at mic-level. This is the signal created from the internal diaphragm moving back and forth against a magnet in a wire coil, generating an electrical signal. It’s a clean signal, but very weak. The best audio is recorded not at mic-level, but at line-level. You get line-level signals coming out of electric guitars, keyboards, and other instruments. To get a weaker mic-level signal boosted to the line-level signal, you need to give it a swift kick-in-the-pants. The preamp, sometimes a separate unit or built into a mixer board or a USB microphone, provides that kick to bring the mic-level signal to line-level without adding any noise to the original signal. Now that you know what a preamp is, how about a few options for you to consider? Mackie Onyx Blackjack The Mackie Onyx Blackjack offers you all the power and reliability of a mixer in a small, compact design. The best part of working with this preamp is it has zero latency when recording. This means there is no delay for when you speak and when you hear your voice while recording. You can adjust the Blackjack’s buffer settings to maximize your computer’s processing ability as well. Blackjack also offers podcasters: A prepamp bus-powered via USB Two XLR connections delivering 48V phantom power A 25-degree inclination by design, allowing for full view of all controls at all times An all-metal chassis that gives the Blackjack “built-like-a-tank” durability Onboard analog-to-digital conversion, granting your amplified signal with the lowest noise and distortion possible Shure MVi Shure Audio is no stranger to setting the bar for audio engineering and recording on looking at the prevalence and relevance of its audio gear. With the rise of podcasting, Shure set out to create gear that would capture quality sound, and the MVi is a compact, USB-powered preamp ready to power your microphone (or microphones, if you employ a splitter) accordingly. The MVi offers a podcaster-on-the-go: USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play, with optional iOS connectivity with iPhones and iPads Touch-sensetive panel for control over five different DSP presets, headphone volume, and more Built-in headphone jack for real-time monitoring One XLR connection offering 48V phantom power option If you want to record on location, you could use studio condenser mics, which, because of their sensitivity, will pick up a lot of the background, setting a nice ambiance for your podcast. Depending on your environment, though, there might be too much ambiance for your interview. This is why, in most on-location settings, dynamic mics are preferred. You will still get some background noise, but not as pronounced when using studio condenser mics. The Shure MVi can serve as a preamp for up to two microphones, powered by USB, similar to the Onyx Blackjack. With an even more compact design, the MVi makes your portable studio even more so.

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Podcasting Show Art: Getting Graphic with Your Podcast

Article / Updated 03-17-2021

A big piece of successful podcasting is marketing, and a big part of marketing is branding. Your podcast logo (or show art) is very important to help set you apart. A large percentage of listeners use apps where show art is prominently displayed, both in directories and in playback modes. Apple once was indifferent about show art, but now it’s part of registering your podcast with its directory. So, when getting ready to launch your podcast, you need to have a good look for your production like those featured here. Show artwork, commonly seen in many media players, is a nice option for podcasters who want to brand a podcast with a logo. For example, Mur Lafferty’s Parsec-winning I Should Be Writing logo is a classic broadcast microphone with a sticky note slapped on it and a pencil, sharpened and ready for use. Then you have The Onion Radio News’s trademark onion with a globe ghosted behind it, the stamp of quality journalism at its funniest. These icons are associated with their shows, and this kind of branding is becoming more and more common in podcasting. To get your artwork ready for prime time: Design your show art to the following specifications: Format: JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) format Color Mode: 8-bit channel, RGB mode Resolution: 72 dpi Size: 1400 × 1400 pixels (minimum) or 3000 × 3000 pixels (maximum) Using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) application, upload your art somewhere on to your web server. If you are using a service like LibSyn, you will use its FTP options the same way you would upload an episode. If you are hosting the podcast on your own, you can use Cyberduck or Fetch to upload it somewhere on your server. Pull up the artwork on your browser and then copy its URL. Once you have the URL of the show art copied, have it on a note somewhere on your computer. You will need that URL when registering your show with various directories. When using your podcast plug-in with your blog, enter in your artwork’s URL when asked for it. With the PowerPress podcast plug-in from BluBrry, you simply enter in the URL of your show into the Artwork section. Podcast plug-ins should offer similar options. If you do a makeover of your show art, you can upload a new image to replace the old one. Save your changes in the plug-in. After you have all of the details of your file covered, down to the branding behind your podcast, you have to get everything online so that others can enjoy what your creativity has to offer.

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