As far as what to do with the keyfob connector; I have always put a small flashlight on it using a small s-biner. That way I've always got a flashlight, and it's clipped in so I can't accidentally drop it and lose it. I love Tom Bihn bags as well - I have a backpack that's over 10 years old and still going strong! Enjoyed the video!
Nice follow up video! Just bought a FX-4CR and putting together a kit. Already have the VX3 and other items. Got a few batteries for the VC3 from that store in TX (MTC) a while back when they were $25 each.
Hahaha! I heard me call you at the end of the clip with the MTR-3B! On a side note, I just picked up an MTR-3B and it's SO much smaller than I was expecting
Very informative. A few things: 1) The go bag gear needs devices with external charging ports, preferably all USB-C. I think this eliminates the HT radio. 2) Ideally, water resistance ratings on all gear, but I understand this is probably not possible. 3) Maybe the FX-4CR is a better option given its stronger case, higher power, and waterfall display.
Another good option is the QCX or QMX for ultralight operation. The elecraft KH1 will probably be added to that list once we start getting ahold of them.
I own a KX-3, which isn't the tiniest, but it sure is capable. I have the internal tuner, the internal 2m transverter, and the internal battery tray, as well as the roofing filter option, the PD3 paddles, the mic, of course, the side kx and face cover, and a heavier heat sync. I'm not happy with the internal batteries, other than for keeping the real time clock set, so I have a 3AH Denco LiFePO4. I've also got the PX3 and suitable cables, but I wouldn't take that in the field. Somewhere I have an AX1. I've also got a packtenna. That's enough for EDC POTA and (if my back improves) SOTA. I have a car charger for the LiFePO4, but that should stay with the car. There's other stuff (solar panels, power mini 2, other antennas) that would be separate from the carry kit. For LiFePO4 with the mountain topper, you could always put a couple of silicon diodes in series. Or a 3 terminal regulator. These all turn some of your energy into heat (less if you use a switching regulator, but they can be noisy). But it keeps lithium fire away from your mountain toppeer.
To me the best very small CW rig was the LNR mountain topper MTR3B but it’s out of production and the MTR4b is much bigger. Now that the KH1 came out with everything the MTR3b and very close to its size with real volume control, AF gain and yes a tuner. That is what I will build if replace my KX2 in my kit.
I've been looking at the Tom Bihn bags for a while, great to see them used for a radio pack. I recently built a pack for a grab-n-go kit for my FT5D to do digital, analog and APRS modes on-the-go but this HF setup looks nice too.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse No, they aren't cheap But I am tired of hearing about how prices for quality gear is too high. I know that you know what I mean. You get what you pay for
I have a TruSDX and a Yaesu VX2. I have a Tiny Tracker that would enable APRS. BTW some cameras used a double-thick battery that also fits the VX. (Pentax D-L17, 1800mA). I also have a long telescoping SMA whip graduated in frequencies.
The Tr-usdx Rev 1.2 is also out which fixes the speaker squeal and the new firmware adds a spectrum display and enables catstreaming for one wire digital operating.
The Maxpedition S-type versapack works great for me for my EDC including my (tr)uSDX and FT-5DR. Wish i could get K6ARK's tiny antenna but sadly, it's never available on Amazon anymore. (That and i suck at small part manipulation these days - anyone wanna sell one?) When I know I'm likely to do digital, i use a generic backpack to carry my radio gear and a Surface Go 3 and my MPAS Lite antenna. In any case, great video Josh!
The vacuum cleaner: will it antenna? My wife parked it in front of my chair for some reason.... clearly she wants to know if it will antenna... but how to proceed? There is so much rubber!
On the end of the long wire attached to the vacuum cleaner. There is a connector with two poles. Connect the ladder wire on each pole. Connect the 49:1 balun to the wire as usuall. Set the vacuum cleaner on the roof with the handle pointing the direction you want the signal to go. If the roof happens to be flat that is ok. It will just be omnidirectional and may not radiate as far.
I've always been interested in ham radio I have about a thing a small radio I'm not even sure how to program it or to skin with it but I'd like to know what I need to do to take some courses to learn how to be an amateur radio operator?, thank you
Hi! I learned morse code in the military. Now I want to start practice again. Not to send but practise. I need a key but what do I need more to make the sound? I an thinking about a paddlekey. /Håkan
Good Video, Josh. But to quote one of your shirts, "Life Is Too Short For QRP". (yeah I'm old and wore out) And please don't shave your head and go door to door selling Peanut Brittle. (OH, so you've joined a CW cult.) 😁 mike N4ONL
No they are not Tom Bihn’s builds products in the USA and they are built very well and last. Compared to Tumi they are a reasonable cost. Yes you can find cheaper but made were?
Really appreciate this short format instead of the live stream. Thank you!
The usb to 12v is brilliant.
Can’t wait to see what you put together for the kh1. You have helped a lot with me scaling back my KX2 kit. Using k6ark EFHW and his mini mic.
Great little kit. Thanks for running through all the bits and why you include them.👍🤠
WOW that truSDX is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Great video. There some things I have never heard of. Getting a small go bag like those will be a challenge.
I love the (tr)uSDX! Thanks for pointing me to the new firmware update, gotta get that going.
My go kit isn’t small but it’s fun. Xiegu G90. 9Ah bioenno. EARCHI EFHW antenna. It’s small enough to keep in the car. Thanks for the video Josh.
As far as what to do with the keyfob connector; I have always put a small flashlight on it using a small s-biner. That way I've always got a flashlight, and it's clipped in so I can't accidentally drop it and lose it. I love Tom Bihn bags as well - I have a backpack that's over 10 years old and still going strong! Enjoyed the video!
Nice follow up video! Just bought a FX-4CR and putting together a kit. Already have the VX3 and other items. Got a few batteries for the VC3 from that store in TX (MTC) a while back when they were $25 each.
What portable backpacking friendly antenna will you use with it?
Hahaha! I heard me call you at the end of the clip with the MTR-3B! On a side note, I just picked up an MTR-3B and it's SO much smaller than I was expecting
Josh- I made a similar kit with a SW-3B in May this year. I used a free golfer's pouch and a 12V 3AH battery from Amazon.
Very informative. A few things: 1) The go bag gear needs devices with external charging ports, preferably all USB-C. I think this eliminates the HT radio. 2) Ideally, water resistance ratings on all gear, but I understand this is probably not possible. 3) Maybe the FX-4CR is a better option given its stronger case, higher power, and waterfall display.
Another good option is the QCX or QMX for ultralight operation. The elecraft KH1 will probably be added to that list once we start getting ahold of them.
I own a KX-3, which isn't the tiniest, but it sure is capable. I have the internal tuner, the internal 2m transverter, and the internal battery tray, as well as the roofing filter option, the PD3 paddles, the mic, of course, the side kx and face cover, and a heavier heat sync. I'm not happy with the internal batteries, other than for keeping the real time clock set, so I have a 3AH Denco LiFePO4. I've also got the PX3 and suitable cables, but I wouldn't take that in the field. Somewhere I have an AX1. I've also got a packtenna. That's enough for EDC POTA and (if my back improves) SOTA. I have a car charger for the LiFePO4, but that should stay with the car. There's other stuff (solar panels, power mini 2, other antennas) that would be separate from the carry kit.
For LiFePO4 with the mountain topper, you could always put a couple of silicon diodes in series. Or a 3 terminal regulator. These all turn some of your energy into heat (less if you use a switching regulator, but they can be noisy). But it keeps lithium fire away from your mountain toppeer.
Yes! The trusdx firmware update is amazing. I am working all states on FT8 and at least 28 countries including Australia, Japan, Serbia, and the UK.
I love mine! I’ve been working on designing some prettier parts because I’m not the biggest fan of the appearance
@@DutchmanRadiowould love to see those at some point
That's about what I've done with my KX3! What antenna did you use? I have a Buddi-dipole. And where ARE you?
Vx-3 is only 1.5w with internal battery. You have given me a lot of ideas for a grab and go kit.
It is!!! Oh man, I forgot that!
To me the best very small CW rig was the LNR mountain topper MTR3B but it’s out of production and the MTR4b is much bigger. Now that the KH1 came out with everything the MTR3b and very close to its size with real volume control, AF gain and yes a tuner. That is what I will build if replace my KX2 in my kit.
I've been looking at the Tom Bihn bags for a while, great to see them used for a radio pack. I recently built a pack for a grab-n-go kit for my FT5D to do digital, analog and APRS modes on-the-go but this HF setup looks nice too.
They are not cheap, but the small bags are some of my favorite for organization.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse No, they aren't cheap But I am tired of hearing about how prices for quality gear is too high. I know that you know what I mean. You get what you pay for
100%
I have a TruSDX and a Yaesu VX2. I have a Tiny Tracker that would enable APRS. BTW some cameras used a double-thick battery that also fits the VX. (Pentax D-L17, 1800mA). I also have a long telescoping SMA whip graduated in frequencies.
Ham is bad enough, I’m not wearing a Fanny Pack! 🤪
Sorry you’re not man enough 🤷🏼♀️
The Tr-usdx Rev 1.2 is also out which fixes the speaker squeal and the new firmware adds a spectrum display and enables catstreaming for one wire digital operating.
Still 'beta' isn't it?
You don't need to use the bungee for the signal stick....the signal stick will easily go into an overhand knot.
The Maxpedition S-type versapack works great for me for my EDC including my (tr)uSDX and FT-5DR. Wish i could get K6ARK's tiny antenna but sadly, it's never available on Amazon anymore. (That and i suck at small part manipulation these days - anyone wanna sell one?) When I know I'm likely to do digital, i use a generic backpack to carry my radio gear and a Surface Go 3 and my MPAS Lite antenna. In any case, great video Josh!
Thanks Josh, you just made me spend “‘bout another thousand” 😂
Josh, you will do fine on a pota cw activation! Hope to catch you. dit dit
The vacuum cleaner: will it antenna? My wife parked it in front of my chair for some reason.... clearly she wants to know if it will antenna... but how to proceed? There is so much rubber!
On the end of the long wire attached to the vacuum cleaner. There is a connector with two poles. Connect the ladder wire on each pole. Connect the 49:1 balun to the wire as usuall. Set the vacuum cleaner on the roof with the handle pointing the direction you want the signal to go. If the roof happens to be flat that is ok. It will just be omnidirectional and may not radiate as far.
What?
@@bryantwalley, imaging my wife's expression driving up to the house... I'm a dead man... The Vietnamese have terrible ways to kill a husband...
My go kit is g90 with jpc 12 antenna with 9ah battery worked the world on 10w m6dac
I wish the K6ARK antennas were in stock, I'd like to buy/build one.
I have the "classic" MTR3B with the single LED display and enjoy using it when I am able to get outside.
Looking for a similar cover for my Mountain Topper 4b.
Any ideas for a source?
Thank you.
Nice little kit Josh!
Hey Adam (K6ARK)! Are you coming out of the mountains soon to make some more antennas? 😁
They’re unobtainium 😢
I wonder if they make some cool 3D printed cases for the Lipo batteries.
I've always been interested in ham radio I have about a thing a small radio I'm not even sure how to program it or to skin with it but I'd like to know what I need to do to take some courses to learn how to be an amateur radio operator?, thank you
I am interested in the mic you are using on the Trusdx, where can I get one?
I love those. I thought it only rotates the lead. What thickness lead do you use?
Whatever the pencil calls for, but I prefer 0.7
Time to upgrade the rig to a QMX. 😂 K5DEZ
Hi! I learned morse code in the military. Now I want to start practice again. Not to send but practise. I need a key but what do I need more to make the sound? I an thinking about a paddlekey. /Håkan
These keys are inexpensive. cwmorse.us/
Hi, Josh! It looks like your link to the TruSDX is for the preassembled version. Is it still possible to buy this as a build-it-yourself kit?
Sure. Check out DL2MANs website for the best links.
Any antenna alternatives? That one isn't available.
Pactenna, and any other small end fed.
link to assembly?
Can’t wait until the QMX goes mainstream with SSB. Just sayin!
I need to get that thing built.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I need to order one!😎
I just built mine but had to order a replacement 5v board due to the mfg issue they had
@@alxjmrk so wait six months until they are on rev3 or rev4?
Good Video, Josh. But to quote one of your shirts, "Life Is Too Short For QRP". (yeah I'm old and wore out)
And please don't shave your head and go door to door selling Peanut Brittle. (OH, so you've joined a CW cult.)
😁
mike N4ONL
Does anyone make a case for the trusdx that fits a soundcard inside it like the digirig?
I don't think you need a sound card, just plug in the USB.
For digital modes? I’m pretty sure it needs a sound card
@BobBob-il2ku You want a FX-4CR. It has what you're looking for.
What about a QRP Labs QCX?
I don’t have mine built, but sure!
Got a copy of your station license stuffed in that side pocket?
I don’t, It you can.
Or just buy an Elecraft KH1 and call it good 😊
I shot and edited this BEFORE the KH1 announcement!!! 😬
Oh, goodness. The Tom Bihn pouches are spendy.
No they are not Tom Bihn’s builds products in the USA and they are built very well and last. Compared to Tumi they are a reasonable cost. Yes you can find cheaper but made were?
As always great video W7GUM