Modular Ham Radio Go Kit for Off Grid HF Radio
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- Have you considered taking a modular ham radio go kit approach off-grid HF radio? In this episode of the Arctic Circle Off-Grid Expedition after action report, we talk about the pros and cons of the modular HF Radio Go Kit approach, used for the ACOG field station. Some of the problems might be surprising!
Normally I would have operated a QRP-10 watt field radio. Wanting to get over the North Pole during grey line meant using more power than would traditionally required for reliable regional off-grid comms. The modular go-kit was based on the Lab599 TX500, the DL4KA PA500, and the DL4KA BAT500 battery pack. PowerFilm solar provided lightweight portable power, and the Digirig mobile made data communications possible.
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Julian #oh8stn #hamradio #offgrid
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00:00 Introduction
00:50 Modular & Rugged HF Go Kit
03:31 Data modes configuration
04:33 GX connectors & the wire mess
07:48 Painfully slow to deploy
08:42 DL4KA PA500 Current consumption
09:53 DL4KA BAT500 solar charging
11:45 Winlink Performance
12:55 Final Thoughts
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Here is a litle more context in blog format.
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Julian oh8stn
oh8stn.org/blog/2023/07/10/modularity-in-off-grid-field-radio/
I honestly believe you put out the best informative videos concerning ham radio . 73's.
Thank you 🙏
@@OH8STNI second that sentiment! I appreciate the hard work you put in your videos. Quick question. What is the best preferred method if I was willing to make a donation to your channel so you get the maximum amount of the money from the donation? I know RUclips and other platforms are taking ever larger cuts out of a donation. I want my donation to entirely go to you directly. If there is a preferred donation system already in place. Please point me in that direction so I can make a sizable donation. Thanks!
julian i started watching you in 2020. i was in afghanistan and my friends and i wanted to learn about alternate comm methods just in case. thanks for the original and genuine content. i’ve learned a lot !
It's impossible to express how wonderful it is to read this comment.
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Julian oh8stn
Julian, I will second your comment about building modular additions to the IC-705, an extraordinary EMCOMM tool. Wouldn't you agree Icom could create huge business with a 100W add-on amp. Excellent video, as always.
David A., KK6DA
Working on my General HAM right now, in large part because of your content as well as S2 Underground. Looking forward to more QRP content. I’m saving up for a ICOM 705. Keep it up 👍🏽!
Thanks for the kindness. It's been in busy summer, but there's definitely more to come.
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Julian oh8stn
This video made me think about modularity & wires. I just received my PA500 from Oliver (very nice!). I am using an Icom IC-705 with it. As I fondle my new treasure, I noticed it could mount to the Piovi Cage sideways and the antenna connectors would lineup (maybe no cable just two 90 degree connectors and a coupler with the right spacing) and the power connectors would be lined up also and 'send' if so inclined. Positioned correctly it could also shade the screen. The Piovi has the 1/4x20 holes to mount a bracket. For bracket simplicity you would want the fins down, but for cooling you would want the fins up. I think a bracket could be designed for either orientation. I am a retired engineer, but I only left the hassles behind, I still think like an engineer. Now I design for me (optimal!). I do 3D CAD for 3D printing and I may just whip something up. 73 Doug N8VY
THIS is Exactly “WHY” I follow you!! Plus Share your vids with 8 other guys that have an interest in comms.
A Very Sincere - THANK YOU Julian !!
* Since, for Most of us, the Lab 599 & accessories are damn near Impossible to acquire maybe some videos with other / older portable units.
Personally, I would request some using a Yaesu FT857d with external battery in a Manpack.
I know it is QRO, but power output Is adjustable…
My environment is BRUTAL, just a 180* from yours, Beach Environment & the Everglades of Florida. So my adaptations must deal with:
SaltWater - Heat - Humidity - Sand - Insects - Lizards PLUS the occasional Bikini sighting.
This request is a little selfish but I dare to say that only a “Very few” have the Lab 599 + Amp + Batt
Again, YOU ROCK Julian! THANK YOU for what you do here!
You are very welcome 🙏👍
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Julian oh8stn
I recently earned my General License and have started working HF. I have the TX-500 and watch all your videos. I am building a modular kit based on what you are doing. THANK YOU!! I learn so much from you!!!
You are very welcome 👍🔆
Wonderful presentation. All the componets look great but I still have that "simplicity doesn't break" mindset.
Hi Julian,
Thanks für the great Video and revieving all these components. I stayed last summer in may Holidays in the north of sweden and enjoyed the setup. I own an lab599 and a diy599 pa500. I were able to make many contacts even in the polar cycle. The amplifyer is amazing. If you condiser to deploy a dx commander you have multiband cababilities. If i am portable i use an gabil foot and some radials and a collapsable whip (5,6m) for 20 to 10m for 40m i need one coil to get to the right frequenz. It works great. Give it a try 2 weeks ago I worked gabon (15m) with this setup from eastern Germany.
Stay tuned 73 de DD4SG Gerold
Lot of food for thought in this one. Having internal audio codec & CAT control over a single USB connection would be a game changer to reduce cable clutter and eliminate points of failure. I like the idea of a docking station for the LAB 599. That would definitely help with the cable clutter as well. Perhaps mounting the transceiver/PA/Tuner stack and peripherals in a pelican style case with case mounted external connectors would work. I like having the option of both resonant and non-resonant antennas based on your communications objectives and size/weight constraints. Modularity is definitely needed for off-grid field radio, but comes with its own set of challenges. Great video!
Your exercises in emergency situations are incredibly valuable to all our HAM education. While I am a firm believer in the KISS method, sometimes modularity becomes a clustered mess! Atleast you are trying out your rigs, in real world situations. Finding out what works, what doesn't, and the real life problems.
Obviously you can have the perfect equipment & rig, but 1 simple problem, can break down everything! Ie: A bad battery, a blown fuse, or a broken wire!
I suppose if you have to "Bug Out" with your radio gear. Be prepared to haul along a full spare parts kit!? But then all that stuff, adds back bulk and weight! The answer is... There is no easy answer!
Less is More! Ounces = Pounds! 2 is 1, & 1 is None!
Thanks for all the hard work you do. We all appreciate it! 👍👍
Yes this test with this specific equipment was designed precisely for the scenario you describe. Too many people build something or cobble things together and call it a day. If we don't test and document what works or what doesn't work, We can never move forward.
Thanks for the awesome comment.
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Julian oh8stn
Always looking for the best solution. Hats off to you my friend. You seem to do everything different to anyone else that suits your needs. I always enjoy watching and learning your videos Julian. 👍🤠
Learning a lot from you... 73 from Brazil....
Thanks so much for all the info. You always have such great content!
Thanks Julian! Always great content!
Great video. Thanks!
Great stuff as always, Julian! Modularity is an essential part of on-the-go operations, in my opinion. In a perfect world we'd all have two (at least) of everything. In a lot of situations that's just not practical so we have to roll the dice. I do like that Lab 599 setup you've got though! Take care, my friend!
Excellent video. You are always so analytic and give me lots to think about.
Yeah, that is a NICE setup! Add a jar of Ragu and you can even have dinner! Cobweb of wires or not, THE way to go - Modular!!! Good show, Julian! 72, 73, Jerry wa2omu.
Excellent presentation--informative, thoughtful, and honest. Many thanks!
Great presentation, as always. Although I rarely do any digital comms, your field testing transcends to many scenarios, and I always learn something. It will be interesting to see how the major manufacturers approach the modularity concept. With the increase in FT8 popularity, they'll see their market shift.
Thank you and agreed. I've been in touch with two of the Japan radio manufacturers. I can say, it's gonna take some convincing.
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Julian oh8stn
Appreciate the effort and explanations.
You are very welcome
Thank you Julian. I'm sourcing components for my own portable QRP set up; your videos are invaluable to me for that.
Aftermarket manufacturers listen up! Here is a good opportunity to produce some aftermarket ruggedized cables for the Lab 599 TX-500!
I plan on custom fabricating my own cables based on your after action report.
I plan on using high quality wire and connectors. I'm also going to use Kevlar wire loom covers for extra ruggedness and abrasion resistance.
Now cables like that would probably cost 20 to $30 a piece from an aftermarket manufacturer.
However I am more than willing to pay that cost if commercially produced cables like that become available.
Same but different situation here! I have been trying to build a Ham Radio Go-Box, for 2 years now. The plan was to keep it simple, cheap, and light weight! All fitting into a "Fat 50" Ammo Can... Even though I have sourced affordable parts, I now have so much stuff, I wanted, it won't fit in my Ammo Can! (Even without wiring it up, yet! 😢) So much for simple and light weight!
Its time to do a final wiring lay out. So, I will re-assess the "wants" versus "needs", versus my container's space!
I may just build a basic box, then another "Full Tilt Boogy" box (with all the bells, whistles, and Flux Capacitor ⚡️)?
Either way, its all fun & educational. And may be usefull in an emergency!
From what I have seen with the TX500 to clean up some of the wire mess you could use some 90 degree connectors. You could also try some heat shrink that is lined with epoxy. This would allow you to form short, but rigid jumpers. One of the biggest thing I can not stand about the Digi-Rig cables is that they are coiled. There is too much coil tension on them and they just seem to tangle up on everything in the field. Custom cables and sleeving them have helped greatly.
I love the way you structure your videos. This was very helpful
Thanks for putting in the time
I learned a lot.
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AB9c1
Thanks for watching , the comment and the kindness. 🙏
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Julian oh8stn
Julian, thank you for your content. You are giving me the confidence I need to get busy building a 20m/40m linked dipole. I will be using my TR-25 QRP radio on an upcoming vacation to South Dakota. I have all of the pieces but need to measure, cut, tweak the SWR, and enjoy. I will bring a SOTABeams pushup pole to use as the center for the inverted V. I've never used the pole as a center point. I will use four paracord lines to use as the pole's stability. Now, those directions for using the NanoVNA for SWR are always confounding. TNX de David AE4LH
Depending on the weight of your diaple, You may need to remove one or two sections from the top of the mast. Be safe and have fun.
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Julian oh8stn
Thanks, good job
Just saw the TX500 at my local HRO store this weekend. In earlier videos you had the PA50 attached with some latch on top? Then I saw you bolt up the BAT500 and now I see all three with cable ties. This radio looks like a good solution for me as I face needing to downsize from my QRO base station on a large rural property.
Nice review!
Thanks. Learning with every deployment.
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Julian oh8stn
Awesome Video! The cable mess you mentioned was exactly my reason to start to develop a way around it. With the amp and battery underneath I'm sure it's not getting better. Will try to put the digirig underneath the speaker in my design so that you still can put the lab599 or diy599 battery pack or amp below it. Once it's finished I will send it to you. Thx for all the Infos! It helped me a lot.
@@webanon I will. Thx for the sub!
Another great video, been looking at the tx500 for awhile its now available again in the UK. But may keep with the ic705 after your comments.
Julian, great video as always. Did you consider the Xiegu X-6100 at all?
15:10 - yes. F that other wire mess noise. Carry the IC-705 and take care of it. Get a cage with a screen shield during transport. Also yes, broadband antennas: auto connect Winlink, etc.
Hello, I watched your video by curiosity and was please you have explain problems you’ve have met.
I’m not an amateur radio, but what I see is that companies like Yaesu or Icom seems primarily have built radio for voice communication not for data, maybe because there are to many modes available without any as a standard that could be integrated.
For emergency field, I would think modularity is not the way to go because you want a setup ready, when needed. I can’t imagine, under stress,building the setup you have shown. There is too many cables, and not surprising you had a problem.
Also, your radio equipment seems rugged but not your Windows tablet. If it’s a key components of your setup, you could think about it.
Otherwise, your solar power setup is very well thought.
Overall, i’ve enjoyed watching your video and listen your thought process.
Great job!
Great thankyou so much I’ll look forward to it and love hot tenting it’s my favourite time of year when the temp drops and ur right the 705 is a bit too delicate compared to the tx-500 the only downside of it is as u say the cableing as the 705 has less cabling Dylan
Thanks
Nice!
IC-705 and manual tuner is pretty efficient and flexible for my operation. Coupled with choice of data modulation device.
One hundred percent agreed. This last trip solidified the benefits of the 705.
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Julian oh8stn
I just wanted a ruggedized and updated yaesu ft 857 with a Quick change battery pack and an internal automatic antenna tuner. But to be honest, with the number of people that do pota and sota and outdoor activations, we don't have a lot of options It really feels like the company's don't listen.
Awesome video. Thank you for sharing with us. KN6PWH....73
You are very welcome.
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Julian oh8stn
Try making a cable assembly kit. An all in one. I’d like to how that would be done.
BTW, maybe too hot for a plastic bracket, so I may end up doing some metal work in my shop. Could be fun.
@OH8STN Great information! Question: Who makes your glasses?
I have two different sets of ballistic goggles. WileyX and these Bollè Tactical. Both have RX inserts.
@@OH8STN Thank you for the INFORMATION!!!
This is great information. For an EMCOMM use case, there are too many single points of failure in this system. I mainly use an FT-857 or 818 for EMCOMM field training. I keep a SignaLink USB and associated cables in a separate kit, and of course a small Panasonic ToughBook, but I’ve found that I seldom have to go to weak signal modes for targeted communication between known NVIS and longer range contacts. I’ve all but ditched the Chameleon TDL, because it has too many parts. A simple LEFS does EVERYTHING I need, and is 1 part (I keep the 80 meter extension in the pack). When it HAS to work, it just HAS to work! I keep a manual external tuner in my kit, just in case. I’m a fan of simplicity in emergency systems. Thanks for the great info!
I got an idea, but it's rather expensive. A magnetic loop antenna could be a solution. I know there's a few on the market, but they're expensive. Chameleon and Alpha Antenna have mag loop antennas that have a remote tuner.
I do have experience with the AL-705 magnetic loop from Alpha Antenna, but not their 100w mag loop and the CHA. If you have they money or maybe they can send you one for review. It would be interesting to see how they preform in the field.
That seems like alot of gear to haul along. What are you envisioning that requires that set up? Why is the approach of radio, external battery and solar power disadvantaged to this. Its definitely got a cool factor but wow all that set up. Love your channel regardless.
It was a test of a modular setup. Radio, amplifier, battery pack, computer. The goal was to establish how pragmatic the approach would be in practice.
The BAT500 has a start charging voltage of 15.5 volts. In low light, it may take a while to reach that start up voltage.
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Julian oh8stn
Hey, Julian, I am torn between the 705 and lab 599. I need compact and portable due to living in a small apt. My main use will be outdoors, SSB, digital and one day CW. With the 599 being out for a while now, any recommendations?
It's complicated 🤣
The size and weight of the tx500 are appealing. Its cable mess for dsta modes and cat control are not.
The 705 is the benchmark for all mode portable HF, VHF, UHF with one or no cables. Its size is less appealing, but everything is included or already built in.
It really is complicated. Hear some watching gun reading for you.
ruclips.net/video/P5C3Fyy96DU/видео.html
oh8stn.org/blog/2020/10/14/icom-ic-705-vs-lab599-discovery-tx-500/
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Julian oh8stn
Maybe the modularity needs to be complemented with a modular cable solution. The military seem to get around this problem with robust "dogbone" type cables that are solid but short. Most of your wires seem to be red and black power distribution. Couldn't agree more about built-in USB CAT & sound.
I have also found that with all of the cables from the TX500 to the PA500, having the controls on the ends of the amplifier in the small spaces between the connectors to be a pain. Must be horrible with cold fingers. I think that the amp is technically brilliant but the focus on making it the same form factor as the TX is a mistake. A BAT500 & PA500 secured in an ammo box with the controls on the front would be better. Did you find the VOX band switching adequate or did you need to CAT and PTT to the amp to make it reliable? If so, how did the Digirig fit in with no CAT pass through on the amp?
I was thinkingthe same!
Love your video could you do a software setup for this setup ? As I can't find a decent utube vid I just bought a tx500 and can't wait to go portable this winter Dylan
Which software?
Hi thanks for the quick reply it’s the vara software and what it is u usually run for email contact? Dylan
Will you use a digirig interface? You should btw. I'll do a quick tutorial asap.
Definately feels like a step back to your 818 wire mess days. Guess it depends on what your use case is. Still wondering what the important message that needs to be sent is, in a shtf scenario. High power is nice but it can be detrimental as well, in added weight complexity and shouting here i am. Id like to see some ideas on just using an ht like an id52, a yeasu ft5 or the upcoming d75 with digimodes and a phone or tablet.
I also think the rig you leave behind is just as important as the rig you take into the field. Having a repeater you control at home base is a huge force multiplier. More power better antenna can run off larger backup battery bank. Thanks for getting out there and showing whats what
This isn't a step backwards for me, it was more of a test for the community. In one of the upcoming episodes , we'll talk about portable power. That episode supports almost everything you're saying in this comment. I'll continue using this modular setup for analog communications, but I doubt i'll ever take it out again for data mode field work.
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Julian oh8stn
IMHO, the cabling is the Achilles Heel of this setup. What is the total weight of the radio, amp, and battery?
Agreed. Almost the entire video speaks on the cable mess. 2.1kg/4lb.
How hard would it be to custom build a incased, printed circut board, you could just plug into the side of your rig? If that is even possible? This may cut down on a lot of weight and bulk, versus all the wiring harnesses.
It's a brilliant idea and something we're thinking about already. Excellent that you brought this topic up.
Top
Going with IC-705 and PA500. What is best protection frame for IC-705? I want to do man-pack with external LiFeSO4 batteries (Small & light as possible of course). Pockets on pack organized with accessories and antennas. Using "wfview" to do remote ops on win11 tablet. That is my minimum cable approach. Thanks for being my Nbr one source for EMCOMM. Glad to be a patreon supporter. Added 60 watt solar and the pack is getting bigger and heavier (LOL)🤔
Thank you Doug. 🙏
Best frame is from peovi mounts. ruclips.net/video/ag9aH3USKl4/видео.html
Curious, Have you been experimenting with your KX2 yet? Like to know your thoughts. Great video!
They wouldn't ship to Scandinavia, and the closest distributor is in Italy. It's a no-go sadly.
Can you elaborate a little more about the tuning issue with the pa500
Nothing really to elaborate on. When the amplifiers bypassed the tuning is also bypassed. If you need the tuner but not the amplifier, it's only possible to do with resonant antenna. Personally I would love to see the tuner work independently of the amplifier.
I'm not certain,, but it looked like you were using a cable between the tx-500 and the bat-500. Do the pogo pins turn out to have issues?
The BAT-500 does not have the pogo pins - you're thinking of the Lab599 BP-500
Indeed that is correct. The bat500 doesn't have the pogo pins 😔
How are you keeping the surface powered for long deployments? I’ve seen some non-sanctioned DC charging solutions for the surface tablet, but how are you cracking that nut?
Here you go 👍
oh8stn.net/MicrosoftSurfaceGo
🌞 ⚡️ Baby!
There's nothing here that would make me change from my FT-818, I got the Windcamp battery and it made a big difference and being able to charge it quickly ( compared to the supplied NiMh battery ) in the radio makes all the difference.
The amount of cables on the TX-500 is a turn off + those ugly connectors.
The receiver on the 818 is very quite with excellent audio which is typical of Yaesu. The filtering is probably better on a modern TX-500 but, in my opinion, it's certainly not worth the money over an FT-818 with the Windcamp battery. Not at all.
I love the FT-818 it for it's size and sheer ruggedness, all I needed to protect it was a 20 Euro leather pouch and I have great fun with it and a DL1DN whip antenna + the MFJ-1820T and an EFHW 49:1, the fun factor vs cost vs receive audio quality can't be beat with the 818. I use it pedestrian mobile with the strap around my neck and the DL1DN whip and I love they way he designed the antenna that the only counterpoise you need is to touch the antenna ground and it works well for a very compromised antenna.
The only other radio I would like to try is the IC-705 but I wouldn't be able to throw that around like the FT-818.
Apples and oranges.
The 818 with a wincamp battery can't be charged in the field. The 818 receiver is terrible compared to tx500/ic705. Yes, audio is loud and clear. Filters are extremely hard to get for the 818, If they can be found at all. If you want to do data modes with the 818, a digirig or other interface is required. That's already 3 cables, including power.
The price of the tx500 has increased because of $/€ printing press. Also middlemen take their share.
If I were looking for a cost effective alternative to the 818, It would be a Xiegu x6100.
@@OH8STN Sure the receiver is probably more capable but it's not over twice the price capable, again, in my opinion.
For it's intended use in the field with less than optimal antennas the receiver is fine and well up to the job4, for base use or CW I'd probably want better filters.
You're correct with the battery, but I suppose I don't operate for more than a couple of hrs.
The X6100, I haven't been impressed by the sound quality and reports of overload, though again, with portable antennas one would probably not see any overload unless operating close to someone else. I might just get one to play around, I suppose inevitably I'll end up with the 705 lol, trying to resist but it would make a nice stand alone SDR for SWL which would mean I would use it probably 7 days a week. 🙂
Curious, have you been experimenting with your KX2 yet? Like to know your thoughts on deployment. Great video!
Elecraft wouldn't send it to Scandinavia. With the closest dealer being it Italy, it's a no-go.
@@OH8STN I don't think the Italian dealer stocks the Kx2 any more ? + the cost of a Kx2 is now absolutely ridiculous and not worth it, in my opinion.
Agreed. It was worth a try.
Perhaps when the kx4 comes out, I'll ask my brother to send one.
@@OH8STN
Ass it stands now you're looking at 2000 Euro's ( European prices after VAT and Import costs ) for a Kx2 with tuner, internal charger and Li battery. ? absolutely no way.
You'd think they would just axe the Kx3 while they're having such difficulty with parts and introduce the Kx4 ? but they're probably only in the early stages of developing a KX4, or, it could be that they are not developing it at this time, either way I suspect it will be a long time yet before we see a Kx4.
I would love to see Yaesu release an FT-819 but I doubt we will see another QRP rig from Yaesu for a couple of years and if they did would they be able to release one to replace the FT-818 at a similar price or go all bells and whistles and make an expensive radio less people can afford and then have no choice to turn to inferior Chinese rigs ?
I love winlink, and that’s pretty much your fault. My problem is leaning down my manpack, I have a Note tablet and have never been able to get WoAD to work, not even a little bit. The tablet works great for psk31, but that’s about it. If you have the secret to WoAD success, please share it with me!
RR, working on it 👍
Julian, very good video. But, you are often talking about emergency communication. In that case the radio and ancillary equipment should be as simple as possible. Your set up does not look simple and you forgot the KISS (keep it simple stupid) method. I got my radio license almost half a century ago (and always renewed it) and did not use it for 30 years. Now, living in Europe and with all the trouble around, I want a transceiver for emergencies only. What is your rcommendation? I think the Icom 705 may be the right radio for me.
I agree with the KISS method. An all in one radio, even if a little heavier, may be an easier to use radio rig.
If you would stay within the limits of a 10 watt radio then all would be fine simply relay your info to one of several QRO stations in your net if they were required.
You are working with Amateur equipment and operating as a Portable Operator as you seem to stress in your videos.
In the past you would limit your operations to working 5 watts with at Yaesu FT-817ND (a Great radio) and a Broadband Vertical Antenna and all was fine then but now you want to be a QRO Portable Operator with newer gear and that it seems to have opened up a whole new can of worms for you.
Keep it simple (KISS) and work within the "limitations" as a lone QRP Portable Operator (which are many) and I think you would be fine and not have to concern yourself with having a massive collection of Logistics and Support. Just my Two-Cents worth. Good video.
It'stoo bad the Elecraft does not tak the x series and make them modular.
Indeed 👍
I draw the line at clusterbuggery..
What if the TX-500 and IC 705 fell in love and had a baby?
I would buy one at any price 👍
fishing box radio
ie toolbox radio
about those iron/metal air batteries, the metal-side electrolyte could be for example iron-sulfate (metal-sulfate), with graphite on the air electrode side, but sulfuric acid will form hydrogen into the metals/electrolyte/air-electrode changing the voltage to barely operating, so h2so4 is a no go for now
0L
I’m going to have to disagree with you Julian. Military manpack hf radios are much better than modular messes. One cable to run data modes and an antenna in that’s it. They have inbuilt batteries, 25 to 30 watts of power, extremely energy efficient, robust and tuners capable of taking a whip antenna or a coax. This is what yaesu needs to bring out to the market. Cheers Lance
Interesting Lance. I didn't mention manpacks in this video. Just talked about the equipment used in Lapland. What part of what I said don't you agree with?
I read your comment a couple of more times, but don't see why there's any disagreement. The only issue I have or have ever had with manpacks is our load capacity. In the military, we have/had a squad supporting us, a logistics machine, ... In a civil disaster scenario, there may be no carrying capacity for both a manpack radio and necessary food, gear, shelter, etc... I simply can't reconcile the size & weight of a manpack. As I mentioned in this video, I also can't reconcile the mess of wires in this solution. The radio equipment is one part of a larger kit. With logistic support comma a man pack would be a good idea. Without logistics, I'm not sure if a man pack is the right choice.
Where do we disagree?
@@OH8STN On the modular system. More parts more chance of failure. I know I’m dreaming that one of the amateur radio companies out there would make an amateur manpack but you can only dream plus the modern man packs are much small than the past on and an amateur one would not have to be built to military specs.
We don't disagree Lance.
I tried to make the point in this video without crapping all over the setup. The wire mess is completely unsustainable in the field. Perhaps the message was too subtle. The one wire approach is definitely the way to go in the future. The thing is, if we don't take this gear out into the field for testing, we can't provide the feedback needed by manufacturers to make improvements. The let down for me was not being able to keep all those wires connected while humping my pack. I had to stop, set up the radio and connect all those wires, before the kit could be used. I don't think we are in disagreement. 👍
I prefer a Yaesu FT-891, one or two 12Ah LiFePO4 drop in batteries, a genasun mppt charge controller, a decent foldable solar panel and an old lenovo thinkpad laptop with 12v car charger and some kind of antenna of course. cable salad kept to minimum. not too heavx either
i think when you buy a toy expect toy results and faults
What would you suggest?
@@OH8STN may be a yaesu817/857 or latest options from icom, whilst this has done you well in the past, it does show limitations of hardware design, what you play around with in SOTA and may be in a potable rig movin about in context of an emergency you would likely be within a base camp within a caravan or 5th wheel you are hardly going be within a backpacking sitrep or doing S&R style deployment that be left to younin's..
man pack portable sounds great on paper in practice on the other hand no t so great..
Definitivamente. No me. Gusta. Ese. Radio. Que ni parece. Radio.... Viva. El. 817