Too funny on larping and Buc-ees. I am from Texas and they are everywhere. Sorry folks are interfering with your comms! Paint job on the gear turned out great! Thanks for the video, it was a fun watch, and the rooster crowing was a plus. 73, Brett
Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I don't mind the curve balls while operating. It's good practice and helps build a better emcomm plan. My wife is excited for Buc-ee's. We're getting one in Goodyear, AZ. Take care.
Since you joined the conversation, I was wondering if you are on js8/ft8 to relay comms from Eastern Western US? It seems like there is a disconnect from one side to the other with qrp. Your area could be key to linking the entire US (unless I am mistaken).
Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised in the utility offered for a package this small and at a great price point. I'll continue to use it for travel and ultralight backcountry outings. Thanks for the comment and view.
Great video! I've often wondered about the TruSDX. I've waffled back and forth on getting one but, once again, you are giving great, honest information, on the radio. Thanks for another great video! 73
Thanks, Sean. I was on the fence. I actually had a target set of contacts with my group this morning using it over SSB voice. It's the next video. For the money, size and utility, it's hard to pass up.
In Telaviv, Vienna and New Jersey airports they were very thouough when they saw my hf signals bit x 40 in a plastic food container with bread board wiring and 18650 batteries. Even asked me to disrobe, folks on the plane sort of kept their distance from me afterwards. Must have been the Rubbermaid container. Now I carry a trusdx. Good eval, thank you
I would imagine that international travel would be a bit more challenging. I experienced the same increased scrutiny when traveling to Canada for business pre-COVID. The larger batteries and wires set off alarm bells. Try packing an old school alarm clock next to it n your next trip. Thanks for sharing.
@TheTechPrepper It's the original 706. HF, 6m and 2m. I've lost some bids on the MK2 version and couldn't find a deal on the 7000. Also picked up a 7100 a month later off of ebay.
The concept of travel and comms is actually a pretty important one to dive into. Comms may not always be from the home location and beyond that, we may need to make effective comms while traveling for work, pleasure, or anything else. And ... A Motorola APX teaser :-) Thanks for all you do my friend. 73 Mike KC8OWL
I fully agree. It's very easy to get comfortable operating from a regular fixed location. It's a bit of a reality check to stay in touch with your regular support group while on the move and restricted to smaller, lighter weight gear. More on this topic coming.
Thanks for the community you built! Finally decided to invest in it and already practiced a bit with others in my region. I got one of the trusdxs a while back and it's in my plans to play around with it. Since it can also do voice, I think it will be perfect. It's really a matter of getting around to do things. I did test an upconverter from USB on it so I could run it off the laptop as well, but I didn't test to see if it generated any noise--just if it powers on (it did.) If it works when I do my tests, I'm replacing my x6100 with it and buying a few more for back up. lol@larp. Been called that since I started rucking with my plate carrier with most of the load out.
You are very welcome. I am blessed that so many great people have come together. The (tr)uSDX was something on my radar for a couple years, but nothing I thought that I would ever use, but then I needed something compact for this trip and decided to give it a try. I have not tried voice yet. Good luck!
Great video. I will check the media volume on my phone like you mentioned last night on the live stream with RadioMail, I forgot you had mentioned that originally. Yeah, gotta love some Buckees. I will not go there if I’m pulling my camper however. Not enough room for me. (F-250 super crew and 32 ft TT.)
Thanks. Report back if the media volume adjustment helps trigger the PTT. It's a shame that Buc-ee's doesn't have longer lanes. We have the same situation between the class C when towing the Jeep.
I stayed at the same hotel and walked past you several times during the hamfest. I kept saying to myself "that guy is trying to act like the Tech Prepper!"
I loved the first 5 seconds, but yet another great video. One thing is could I take a manpack on a plane. like 10Ah battery, G90 in a frame with my Antenna stuff?
You're fine. You might get stopped. When asked just tell them that you're an amateur radio operator. I keep a laminated copy of my FCC license on the kit just in case.
The paint came out great. It takes awhile to paint anything out here since it's so humid. We're just getting into a tropical storm with two hurricanes pointed towards us. We'll see if they can down a bit. Stay safe, folks. This weather is pretty crazy these days.
@@TheTechPrepper I have a 705. I have considered manpack but going a different direction. Still enjoy your take on radio configuration. Just wish for more android apps.
I’m a medical professional…Emergency nurse practitioner…and an Extra class HAM, unfortunately I have mainly stuck to phone and code…but I do some austere and remote medicine and there are times I can’t find a satellite with my phone…I’m trying to learn to use my rig to send data…and imagines. I don’t consider myself a prepper exactly, at least not in the civil war sense or collapse of government sense…I live very near a nuclear power plant and frankly, if everything goes pear shaped…I’m going to go the baked potato route tbh…however, I do assist in disasters…so I need to learn more about how to use my radio in those kind of situations…how to send video and voice over data network or establish my own so I can talk to my crew…
There were at least a half dozen cups consumed daily on this trip. I even had an instant coffee packed for each day just in case. My carry on had my titanium backpacking cup and alcohol fuel stove. They went on unused.
LOL. I always woke up first, so had to sneak out to the fitness center and coffee from the lobby. Camping, woke up first and put the fan on to drown out percolator boiling noise.
Armoloc is gonna have to get their hands on one of the new icom's that came out today. I know they're big but i also know at least one person is gonna want to make it into a manpack.
Yaesu announced the replacement for the FT-818ND. It's the FTX-1F. ARMOLOQ will be making a TPA frame for it. I spoke with them today. Did Icom release a radio, too?
@@TheTechPrepper yeah. They released a huge radio. I can't remember the model name. It looks like a nice base station. Stoked on the replacement for the 818ND. I have an 818 so it's always nice to see a great radio get a refresh. I'm gonna go get a wire up at home since the rain is just starting out. It'll be nice to bust out the 818 as a backup for my old FT-100.
Nope I use it with an and fed half wave. For FT8 I use the android tablet on the porch. For js8 the windows box and the usb cable. Also it works for VARA HF with windows and the usb cable. It’s slow but you can get by just fine. All my hf winlink Wednesdays the past two months were this or the QDX vis VARA. I use either the larger talent cell or a 3 cell tv 11.8v battery.
Successes are good but the FAILURES are better! We never learn and improve from success. We need more operators in Texas--->Oklahoma--->Kansas for "one degree of separation".
You used the AirFly to connect to bluetooth and hear. If I plugged an AirFly into a PTT, and the PTT into a radio, could I pair with a headset and use it for a mic as well? End goal: I would like to pair a Jabra headset to my radio.
Wait… someone donated a 705. Going to soon realize how great it is. I carry mine in one of those water bottle holders (like the ma perdition or similar) with an antenna in the side pouch. Connects to the phone in my pocket. Good note on people walking over you on the air. If we ever really need to get on air by necessity, just think of how many worried people who can barely use their radio or other gear around the area will have there dusty unused radios fired up making noise in panic.
They sure did. I'm blessed to have an amazing group of supporting members. Unfortunately, it's been sealed in the box for over 3 months. I plan to experiment with it in October.
The bands will be congested if stuff goes sideways. I have some contingency plans to minimize the impact. I'm sure that other "creative" have the same plan as myself when they become packed.
Have you had any luck using a single micro USB cable instead of the digirig? There is a driver you can download to use a micro USB for data and cat control.
I opted to ignore using the USB for combined audio and CAT control due to stability reports. Instead, I needed a sure thing for this trip and wanted the stability of the DigiRig. I'll leave the USB tinkering to others. The DigiRig is my standard interface for all my radios, so I intentionally stuck with what I know works.
@@TheTechPrepper That's good to know. I've never actually used the digirig with the uSDX but have used a Baofeng aprs cable with it to use flmsg and Olivia...so that might work with the winlink app too. I did try 2m sideband on the uSDX after your sideband video but didn't have much luck here where I am because it's too hilly.
@@TheTechPrepper I had the same problem with a DigiPi viewed/remote controled from the phone(5.8inch display). In lower right -> Display -> Bins per pixel:on Laptop is 2, try with 3.
Thanks. We are blessed that we have a great little community of radio content creators. It was wonderful meeting the other content creators in person. More on the way.
Too funny on larping and Buc-ees. I am from Texas and they are everywhere. Sorry folks are interfering with your comms! Paint job on the gear turned out great! Thanks for the video, it was a fun watch, and the rooster crowing was a plus. 73, Brett
Glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I don't mind the curve balls while operating. It's good practice and helps build a better emcomm plan. My wife is excited for Buc-ee's. We're getting one in Goodyear, AZ. Take care.
Since you joined the conversation, I was wondering if you are on js8/ft8 to relay comms from Eastern Western US? It seems like there is a disconnect from one side to the other with qrp. Your area could be key to linking the entire US (unless I am mistaken).
@@ScottPlude I am on JS8 daily from 1200Z to 2300Z. It's open to anyone that wants to use my station as a relay or for store and forward.
Happy to hear you had good experience with the trusdx. Neat little deal especially for a more urban lo vis environment.
Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised in the utility offered for a package this small and at a great price point. I'll continue to use it for travel and ultralight backcountry outings. Thanks for the comment and view.
Great video! I've often wondered about the TruSDX. I've waffled back and forth on getting one but, once again, you are giving great, honest information, on the radio. Thanks for another great video! 73
Thanks, Sean. I was on the fence. I actually had a target set of contacts with my group this morning using it over SSB voice. It's the next video. For the money, size and utility, it's hard to pass up.
In Telaviv, Vienna and New Jersey airports they were very thouough when they saw my hf signals bit x 40 in a plastic food container with bread board wiring and 18650 batteries. Even asked me to disrobe, folks on the plane sort of kept their distance from me afterwards.
Must have been the Rubbermaid container.
Now I carry a trusdx.
Good eval, thank you
I would imagine that international travel would be a bit more challenging. I experienced the same increased scrutiny when traveling to Canada for business pre-COVID. The larger batteries and wires set off alarm bells. Try packing an old school alarm clock next to it n your next trip. Thanks for sharing.
I bought a Armoloq set for my IC-706. I'll have to check out the rest of their gear for Icom radios. Might end up getting something for my IC-705.
The IC-706 Mk2G is another great all-band, all-mode rig. Enjoy.
@TheTechPrepper It's the original 706. HF, 6m and 2m. I've lost some bids on the MK2 version and couldn't find a deal on the 7000. Also picked up a 7100 a month later off of ebay.
Thanks for the rundown on your ops during Huntsville. Was great to see you in person!
It was great meeting up in person. Roger, on the run down. See you next year. I plan to jump out of plane with Carlos for the next one.
Nice report. Good to finally meet you in person.
It was great to finally meet in person. Thanks for showing me the ropes while walking the floor. Take care, buddy.
Great content as always Gaston. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, will do!
The concept of travel and comms is actually a pretty important one to dive into. Comms may not always be from the home location and beyond that, we may need to make effective comms while traveling for work, pleasure, or anything else. And ... A Motorola APX teaser :-) Thanks for all you do my friend. 73 Mike KC8OWL
I fully agree. It's very easy to get comfortable operating from a regular fixed location. It's a bit of a reality check to stay in touch with your regular support group while on the move and restricted to smaller, lighter weight gear. More on this topic coming.
Nice trip report. Glad you were able to integrate some comms training!
Thanks. I wasn't quite sure what to expect the (tr)uSDX, but I made it work even if took relays and/or store and forward.
The Tech Prepper at Buc-ees...🙂. I have one close by. I do not stop by much except for gas; the temptation is quit strong. Fudge, BBQ...yeah. 😢
They have quite the selection. I heard that the nuts are good too.
Great BBQ sandwiches at buccees , clean bathrooms and nice folks. Buccees treat their employees well.
Thanks for the info on your kit and the community.
You're very welcome. The (tr)uSDX worked out better than expected. Thanks for the support.
Hahaha, 'since everyone thinks I am a larper'
I could not resist, but the camo paint job looks better than the safety orange.
@@TheTechPrepper haha. Yes. Mine is orange.
bright orange camo is probably next level. 🤔 defeats the purpose of camouflage and trying to be less hi-viz that plain bright orange. 🤔
I sure do like my trusdx.
Enjoyed the video.
Mark N5OBC
This little radio surprised me. Are you running any other accessories or modifications on yours?
Thanks for the community you built! Finally decided to invest in it and already practiced a bit with others in my region.
I got one of the trusdxs a while back and it's in my plans to play around with it. Since it can also do voice, I think it will be perfect. It's really a matter of getting around to do things. I did test an upconverter from USB on it so I could run it off the laptop as well, but I didn't test to see if it generated any noise--just if it powers on (it did.) If it works when I do my tests, I'm replacing my x6100 with it and buying a few more for back up.
lol@larp. Been called that since I started rucking with my plate carrier with most of the load out.
You are very welcome. I am blessed that so many great people have come together. The (tr)uSDX was something on my radar for a couple years, but nothing I thought that I would ever use, but then I needed something compact for this trip and decided to give it a try. I have not tried voice yet. Good luck!
Great video. I will check the media volume on my phone like you mentioned last night on the live stream with RadioMail, I forgot you had mentioned that originally. Yeah, gotta love some Buckees. I will not go there if I’m pulling my camper however. Not enough room for me. (F-250 super crew and 32 ft TT.)
Thanks. Report back if the media volume adjustment helps trigger the PTT. It's a shame that Buc-ee's doesn't have longer lanes. We have the same situation between the class C when towing the Jeep.
@@TheTechPrepper That didn’t work either.
I stayed at the same hotel and walked past you several times during the hamfest. I kept saying to myself "that guy is trying to act like the Tech Prepper!"
You should have said, hello. I don't bite. See you next year.
Great job Gaston. Will looking forward to setting mine up
Thanks, Chris. It's a nice little package for travel. Good luck with your setup.
@@TheTechPrepper thanks
I loved the first 5 seconds, but yet another great video. One thing is could I take a manpack on a plane. like 10Ah battery, G90 in a frame with my Antenna stuff?
You're fine. You might get stopped. When asked just tell them that you're an amateur radio operator. I keep a laminated copy of my FCC license on the kit just in case.
Sounds fun! This sort of training is critical for success in the future.
It was a blast. Yes, it is absolutely critical.
The paint came out great. It takes awhile to paint anything out here since it's so humid. We're just getting into a tropical storm with two hurricanes pointed towards us. We'll see if they can down a bit. Stay safe, folks. This weather is pretty crazy these days.
Thanks. I'm resisting the urge to paint everything. Be safe out there and best of luck with the weather.
your microkit is way cool. especially after assembling my luggable 897 kit.
The 897 is a great rig. I have one too, but that would have been interesting taking it through TSA as a carry on. The (tr)uSDX did the trick. 73
Nice work.
Thanks, buddy. I appreciate the hospitality. I'll see you next year.
You grabbed my attention with the 705. Waiting, lol
The ARMOLOQ TPA pack frames with the MBS battey compartment look really slick. I still need to put mine together. ETA for a video is in October.
@@TheTechPrepper I have a 705. I have considered manpack but going a different direction. Still enjoy your take on radio configuration. Just wish for more android apps.
@@68thBC Everyone's needs are different. The 705 is a great rig. I have feeling that the Android app ecosystem will grow in the coming months.
I still can’t believe you actually went to a hamfest 😅
Yeah. It's not my normal scene, but I wanted to meet with old friends that were at the show.
I’m a medical professional…Emergency nurse practitioner…and an Extra class HAM, unfortunately I have mainly stuck to phone and code…but I do some austere and remote medicine and there are times I can’t find a satellite with my phone…I’m trying to learn to use my rig to send data…and imagines. I don’t consider myself a prepper exactly, at least not in the civil war sense or collapse of government sense…I live very near a nuclear power plant and frankly, if everything goes pear shaped…I’m going to go the baked potato route tbh…however, I do assist in disasters…so I need to learn more about how to use my radio in those kind of situations…how to send video and voice over data network or establish my own so I can talk to my crew…
No coffee? Best travel hack is coffee in the lobby 👌
There were at least a half dozen cups consumed daily on this trip. I even had an instant coffee packed for each day just in case. My carry on had my titanium backpacking cup and alcohol fuel stove. They went on unused.
LOL. I always woke up first, so had to sneak out to the fitness center and coffee from the lobby. Camping, woke up first and put the fan on to drown out percolator boiling noise.
Armoloc is gonna have to get their hands on one of the new icom's that came out today. I know they're big but i also know at least one person is gonna want to make it into a manpack.
Yaesu announced the replacement for the FT-818ND. It's the FTX-1F. ARMOLOQ will be making a TPA frame for it. I spoke with them today. Did Icom release a radio, too?
@@TheTechPrepper yeah. They released a huge radio. I can't remember the model name. It looks like a nice base station. Stoked on the replacement for the 818ND. I have an 818 so it's always nice to see a great radio get a refresh. I'm gonna go get a wire up at home since the rain is just starting out. It'll be nice to bust out the 818 as a backup for my old FT-100.
@@TheTechPrepper ooh- I forgot to ask if you bought the kit version of the Trusdx and put it together or the pre-made?
Nope
I use it with an and fed half wave. For FT8 I use the android tablet on the porch. For js8 the windows box and the usb cable.
Also it works for VARA HF with windows and the usb cable. It’s slow but you can get by just fine.
All my hf winlink Wednesdays the past two months were this or the QDX vis VARA.
I use either the larger talent cell or a 3 cell tv 11.8v battery.
Need to trim that TruSDX knob.
It's already been replaced. Done.
Successes are good but the FAILURES are better! We never learn and improve from success.
We need more operators in Texas--->Oklahoma--->Kansas for "one degree of separation".
Agreed. Come in and join the party TX, OK and KS. Help us fill in the gap.
You used the AirFly to connect to bluetooth and hear. If I plugged an AirFly into a PTT, and the PTT into a radio, could I pair with a headset and use it for a mic as well? End goal: I would like to pair a Jabra headset to my radio.
I have not tried any of this, so you will likely need to experiment and see what works. Good luck.
Wait… someone donated a 705. Going to soon realize how great it is.
I carry mine in one of those water bottle holders (like the ma perdition or similar) with an antenna in the side pouch. Connects to the phone in my pocket.
Good note on people walking over you on the air. If we ever really need to get on air by necessity, just think of how many worried people who can barely use their radio or other gear around the area will have there dusty unused radios fired up making noise in panic.
They sure did. I'm blessed to have an amazing group of supporting members. Unfortunately, it's been sealed in the box for over 3 months. I plan to experiment with it in October.
The bands will be congested if stuff goes sideways. I have some contingency plans to minimize the impact. I'm sure that other "creative" have the same plan as myself when they become packed.
Aw man, you were in Huntsville? I'm in Huntsville, too! Why didn't I go to hamfest??
I was there for a total of 4 days. I plan to go next year. Why didn't you?
@@TheTechPrepper I had a conflict :( I'll try to make it next year.
Have you had any luck using a single micro USB cable instead of the digirig? There is a driver you can download to use a micro USB for data and cat control.
I opted to ignore using the USB for combined audio and CAT control due to stability reports. Instead, I needed a sure thing for this trip and wanted the stability of the DigiRig. I'll leave the USB tinkering to others. The DigiRig is my standard interface for all my radios, so I intentionally stuck with what I know works.
I guess the uSDX cables work with that one too for your digirig?
Yes. These are actually the uSDX cables from the DigiRig site.
@@TheTechPrepper That's good to know. I've never actually used the digirig with the uSDX but have used a Baofeng aprs cable with it to use flmsg and Olivia...so that might work with the winlink app too. I did try 2m sideband on the uSDX after your sideband video but didn't have much luck here where I am because it's too hilly.
How did you get by the security with comms with you ?
I had TSA Pre and zipped right through security. No questions, not even an eye roll. I was expecting to be stopped.
TSA doesn’t really care about radios. They might take a look if you have batteries and lots of cables with the radio.
I tried to join your membership but had some trouble. I hope I only bought 1 membership.
Please send me a message on Buy Me a Coffee or shoot me an email (it's on my RUclips "About" page) and I'll take a look. Thanks for the support.
What resolution do you run on the fz?
I run mine at 1280x800 (16:10).
@@TheTechPrepper In JS8Call you can change Hz/pixels in order to have the hole audio band displayed on waterfall.
@@vestale4 Excellent. I did not know this. It's on my todo list. Thank you!
@@TheTechPrepper I had the same problem with a DigiPi viewed/remote controled from the phone(5.8inch display).
In lower right -> Display -> Bins per pixel:on Laptop is 2, try with 3.
So you're just gonna show that sweet Moto gear (APX7000/XTS5000) in the hotel room and not even hint about what your plans are?
The APX7000 belonged to my travel buddy. I sold him the XTS5000 last year as I'm using DMR, not P25 for my encrypted comms. Good eye.
@@TheTechPrepper Dang, I was hoping for some P25 content but I understand the desire to role with DMR for your use case.
Great video. It was nice to see you with my other favorite RUclips peeps. You keep it simple and real. PREPARE DAILY!
73
Gene N3XUS/WRZT77
Thanks. We are blessed that we have a great little community of radio content creators. It was wonderful meeting the other content creators in person. More on the way.