Ly2H

Hometown: Vilnius, Lithuania

First License: 1979, Class 3, 10 watts output, 80,40, 10

Favorite Operating Mode: CW

First Rig: 
Direct conversion 3 Transistor Receiver 80, 40, 20 meters
Soviet Tank Receiver 
2 transistor and 1 Tube CW Transmitter, 10 watts

QSO Today Interview Summary: 
We discuss Linus Balsys, LY2H’s involvement in amateur radio, his background in ham radio from a young age, and his career progression. Linus shared his journey into ham radio at age 17 and his experience in journalism, serving as a news correspondent during Soviet times and Lithuania’s first correspondent in Brussels.The transcript then shifted to Linus Balsys’s’ YouTube channel, focusing on amateur radio field operations, QRP operating techniques, Morse code, digital modes, park activations, awards programs, and satellite operations.

He discussed his mobile station in a Renault Trafic campervan and modern ham radio equipment’s innovation and affordability. Linus expressed enthusiasm for technologies like Icom IC-705 and NanoVNA for antenna analysis.

Linus discussed recent experiences with SDRs, QRP-Labs QMX, QDX, and repairing his wife’s tablet computer, and highlighting how ham radio skills can be useful in everyday life. The conversation then delved into the challenges faced by hams in Lithuania to attract new operators, addressing the aging demographic and efforts to involve younger generations through classes and family participation. The focus was on attracting younger operators interested in contests, digital operations, satellite communication, and meteorological tracking.

Lastly, Linus shared two exciting aspects of ham radio: technological advancements like SDRs enabling global signal processing, and the social impact during emergencies where hams provide crucial communication support. He reflected on the historical significance of hams in times of crisis.

Conversation Outline:

• Chapter 1: Introduction and Podcast Sponsorship (00:00 – 01:24)
• 00:00: Introduction to the episode and the importance of listener sponsorship for the QSO Today podcast.
• 00:25: Plans to strengthen the QSO Today Academy with the podcast and video presentations.
• 01:05: Use of new AI tools to improve content organization and accessibility.
• 01:24: Acknowledgment of listener sponsors and gratitude for donations.
• Chapter 2: Tribute to Bob Heil and Ham Radio Community (02:10 – 03:13)
• 02:10: Announcement of the passing of Bob Heil and his contributions to amateur radio and professional sound.
• 02:54: Information on English-speaking hams in Israel and invitation to join the community.
• 03:13: Introduction of Linus Balasus, the guest for the episode.
• Chapter 3: Linus Balasus’s Ham Radio Journey (03:57 – 06:00)
• 03:57: Introduction and welcome to Linus Balasus.
• 04:13: Linus’s start in ham radio at the age of 17 and his decision to join the Center for Young Technicians.
• 05:23: Linus’s interest in technology and electronics prior to becoming a ham operator.
• 06:00: Linus’s mentors and his learning of Morse code.
• Chapter 4: Ham Radio in Soviet-Occupied Lithuania (06:56 – 10:26)
• 06:56: Discussion about the challenges of being a ham radio operator in Soviet-occupied Lithuania.
• 08:11: Linus’s decision to stay in ham radio while his friend dropped out.
• 08:33: Inclusion of ham radio in the Center for Young Technicians and the availability of equipment.
• 09:17: Use of homemade transceivers in megastations and the expertise of professional engineers.
• 10:26: Linus’s participation in contests and the synchronization of transceivers.
• Chapter 5: Pursuing Journalism Studies and Ham Radio (10:36 – 12:26)
• 10:36: Linus’s decision to study journalism at university and his involvement in the university ham radio club.
• 12:26: Linus’s technical background gained through his involvement in the university ham radio club.
• Chapter 6: Linus’s Career in Journalism and Politics (12:26 – 37:54)
• 12:26: Transition to discussing Linus’s career in journalism and politics.
• 12:39: Linus’s work as a journalist at the national radio and television in Lithuania.
• 15:42: The challenges of being a journalist during the Cold War and the restrictions on communication with certain countries.
• 17:54: Linus’s work as a journalist during Lithuania’s independence years and his coverage of the EU and NATO.
• 36:39: Linus’s experience as a member of the Lithuanian parliament and his role as an advisor to the president.
• 37:54: National awards received by Linus for his contributions to journalism and politics.
• Chapter 7: Linus’s YouTube Channel and Ham Radio Activities (43:59 – 49:08)
• 43:59: Linus’s start and motivation behind his YouTube channel.
• 44:30: Use of an iPhone for filming and the production value of Linus’s videos.
• 45:12: Linus’s focus on outdoor activities, including parks, summits, and castles.
• 49:08: Linus’s interest in the QMX and TrueSDX projects on his workbench.
• Chapter 8: Linus’s Favorite Operating Modes and Advice for Hams (59:38 – 1:29:27)
• 59:38: Linus’s preference for CW and digital modes.
• 1:00:16: Linus’s enthusiasm for FT8 and its innovation.
• 1:02:28: Linus’s workbench projects, including the QMX and TrueSDX.
• 1:05:01: Linus’s advice for new and returning hams, emphasizing the importance of learning and involvement in the ham radio community.
• 1:29:27: Closing remarks and gratitude for the opportunity to be on the podcast.
• Note: The timestamps provided are approximate and may vary slightly based on specific listening platforms or edits.

Action items:

• Linus: Go ahead, don’t be shy (1:25:27)
• Take out your tube type transceiver and switch it on (1:25:35)
• Get to a local club and talk to other hams (1:25:50)
• Join ham radio groups on Facebook and ask for advice (1:26:00)

Terms: 
Crystal Radio
Music of Colors (Build a “color organ”)
Center for Young Technicians, Lithuania
R250M military receivers
UK2BBB Club Station
Multi-single contest operation
Voice of America
Radio Free Europe
BBC
Shortwave Listener License, Soviet
8 pole crystal filter
Dynamic Range Receiver Properties
Perestroika – end of the Soviet Union
Vilnius University of , Journalism
Vilnius University Amateur Radio Club Station
Technical University of Decaulnis, Lithuania
RTTY – Radio Teletype
EME – Earth Moon Earth (Moon bounce)
Meteor Scatter
National Radio Vilnius Foreign Service
European Union
European Union Defense Policy
QRP
iPhone MAXPro 11 USA
GoPro 9 Camera
Renualt Trafic Van
Deep Discharge Lead Acid Battery
World Wide Flora Fauna Program WWFF
Castles On the Air
Hill Fort On The Air
Lithuanian Hill Forts
FT-8 Digital Modes
RTTY 
QRP-Labs QMX Digital Mode Transceiver
Hans Summers, G0UPL QSO Today Interview
Icom IC-705 All Band and Mode Transceiver
Yaesu FT-817 All Band Transceiver
NanoVNA
TinySA
Smith Chart
TrueSDR Transceiver
QRP Labs QDX Transceiver
Fox Hunting – T-Hunting
Lithuanian Revolution, 1991
Ham radio station in Lithuanian Parliament Building during revolution

Excited most by: technical progress and innovation in amateur radio like SDR, and the social side of ham radio. 

Advice to new or returning hams: go ahead, don’t be shy.  Nothing is lost. Get back to Morse Code​