I understand this was made a number of years ago and that you have moved up in the world of portable ops but this video proves why I say life is too short for QRP. Crank it up to a 100 watts. That's why I have an FT-891 for portable ops. Do love your videos. Steve, k7ofg.
The was pretty much my first experience on HF.. Dead bands and I was only hearing stations with 1kW amps. Nobody could hear me. But I am not giving up. I am planing to do my first POTA soon with the FT-891 and Wolf River coil Ant. 73!
Just a tip:. you can use the FST or fast tuning to get around rapidly in the band, but when you arrive on a frequency, turn the Fast tuning off so that you may more accurately tune in the stations. I noticed a lot of your contacts were slightly off frequency, and the voices did not sound natural because the tuning steps are too coarse to accurately tune in some of the stations unless they just happened to fall on your coarse tuning steps. No big deal, but something to remember. Also 20 watts will make a lot more contacts than 5 watts if your battery will handle the extra current for the period you need it. 20 watts is a 6 dB improvement over 5 watts, and 40 watts is a 9 dB improvement. Since the 891 has about a 4 amp final transistor bias current, anyway going to 20 watts is not all that much more current. Check it out. Enjoyed your video, and have fun. 73 James K0UA
The FT-891 draws about 3 amps on transmit even when no RF is going out. It does not take much more battery current to use 20+ watts than 5 watts. I did Field Day in my back yard yesterday with a wire over a tree limb for a 40 & 20 meter EFHW that did not need a tuner. The battery was 3 6 AH LiFePo4 in parallel. I ran 100 watts most of the time & the battery worked fine. I had solar panels to extend run time but did not really need them. The 891 did a good job for FD.
It's fun getting comments on these older videos and looking back at how far I have come. I have long since ditched the crappy SLA for LiFePO4's. I ran my 7300 100 watts and 20AH Bioenno with a 100 watt solar panel for field day this year. You can check out the video to see the setup. What battery were you using that you were running in parallel? Did you make your own? The only commercial one that recommends that is Dakota Lithium that I know of.
I just picked up the mfj stick antenna and used it once for just a little while thrown up quick stationary on top of the car on a mag mount if you can believe it. It worked great ! Big receive signals, low noise for a vertical, even on 40 meters. What is that steak your friend used with it ? I need a solution like that, but I think a tripod would be better with it unless you can get it deep enough in the group. FYI, the voice memories in the 891 work great. We use them all the time for Parks on the air.
Have the same antenna from MFJ, but nowadays i use the coil, a Chameleon extending whip and a military foldable antenna. The all has the same length, but sturdier and coil can be almost in the middle.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF so I’m having a lot of trouble on finding what battery I would need for portable use I will probably be running 100 Watts for two to three hours at most I plan on getting a solar panel at some point but for now just wondering what I need for a few hours of use then head home and put the battery back on a home charger Any suggestion would be appreciated
I would say Julian, OH8STN, is the man when it comes to batteries and solar panels. Check out his chanel if you haven't already. I just ordered the batteries he's using in this video. ua-cam.com/video/SJGKuriGRok/v-deo.html For 100 watt portable you need a BIG battery and this seems like it will do the trick. Not sure how long it will last running that many watts but I'm gonna find out! You could of course buy a 40 amp or higher LiFePO4 already made but I didn't feel like spending upwards of $350 for one and this looks like a fun build. My 8 amp battery will keep me going for a couple hours but I'm only using 5-10 watts (and the harbor freight solar panel doesn't keep up so I've learned). Ultimately, take your time, do some research, and go with what suites your specific needs and budget. Hope this helps. 73.
Hey Mike! Fun video to watch for comparison to your more recent ones. Both your video production style and operating confidence have certainly improved over the years. Always enjoy your “Radio Stuff.” 73 KG6LWE
I share your pain as a FT817 5 watts operator some days you just can't work anything then bang a few contact just pop up and makes the day. All the best from England. M0YCQ
After playing portable for the last couple years since this video was made, I can tell you the antenna I was using was less than ideal. More recently I have gotten back into qrp and have some great antennas that have worked great for me on my POTA activations. 73 from across the pond!
Thanks for the video. I tried qrp, but contacts are very hard to obtain that way. Do want to carry stuff one mile for nothing, so I use 100 Watts. Your video was funny and informative.
Very nice. I'm selling my FT817 to fund a 891. Plan to still run battery portable but having the option to go to 20 watts or so versus the 817's 5 watts will be nice. Looks like you guys had a blast! I worked a few FL stations during their QSO party as well. Wonder if I might have heard you guys that day too... Didn't work either of you though.
Just make sure you get a bigger battery if you want to be out for more than a few hours. The 891 draws 1 amp on receive. I was only running 5 watts and my battery was down to 12.46 volts when we left (not bad though). It's an 8 amp. I could prob get about 4-5 hours at our pace I would imagine thought. Obviously much less if I up the power but its better than only having 5 watts in my opinion. I'm gonna pick up a 10 amp Dakota Lithium lifepo4 soon. Thanks for watching!
Great video guys, shame about Slavko from Slovenia. I just got a new FT-891 and i love it! Such a small thing but packs a lot of punch. Been having s lot of fun with it on my day hikes. 73 from Croatia, 9A3DBX.
Hey Mike was wondering if you could do a detailed video on your case setup and any new mods you may have made. I'm setting up an Apache 4800 for my Icom IC-718 to run portable and REALLY like your current setup. de W8MJL
Looks like you guys had fun! I'm new to QRP after being a ham for over 40 years. And I'm having a blast! Keep the videos coming. My channel is K2CJB Radio. 73! Chris
Hey buddy, watching again your video getting ready for some beach activity here in Portugal. I was looking but couldn’t find any comment on this so i want to advise you to check your mfj antenna analyzer cause something must be wrong there. I see 72R and 0X, that cannot be 3.1:1. It’s less than 1.5:1 so definitely something wrong with it. You might wanna check it. Enjoy your videos btw. Cheers buddy! 73
Right on, beach activity sounds awesome. Have fun out there. I have not had any problems with my anazlyer, but have compared it to my other analyzer and found them to be spot on. I'm going to guess user error. I'm really good at that lol!
Yeah I know right where that is! It’s awesome now that I’m starting to see how many hams are here in the greater Detroit area! Looking forward to more videos
Thanks for the nice video,I have the FT-891 and i home brewed an antenna close to what you have.Packs up nice and small but I lug a 22,AMP JELL BATTERY only because I just rather spend money on more ham gear.lol The FT-891 I feel is ahead of it's time. Enjoy your portable OP's and maybe some day we can hook up 73 BOB AF2DX
Good Lord, I can only imagine how much that battery weighs!! For me, building the LiFePO4 battery (Headway 38120 Cells) was part of the "more ham gear" and part of the excitement of operating portable with a powerful, light weight battery that I can operate qrp or qro. Plus, I have learned so much about battery chemistry, solar, and portable ops in the process, thanks to guys like K9ARV, OH8STN, KG6HQD, KB1HQS, N9YO, W6RIP, JEHUGARCIA, and I'm sure many more. You are right about the 891 being ahead of its time too. I would like to think that I've played a part, albeit small, in helping other hams find a great portable radio that they can take out in the field, as well as use in their shack. I hope to have the privilege of working you on one of my portable outings or vice versa. 73 and thanks so much for watching!
Haha you're 5/9 not moving my needle what does that even mean? :D You're really chilled, really enjoy watching your videos! I don't know why I wasn't a subscriber before but I fixed that ;) Cheers - DE VK4ALE
do you still use the go box? I still use a ft-891 for pota and that go box looks like it would be jsut the ticket. I might try to make something like that.
Not anymore. I abandoned that pretty quick actually. I just put everything in a backpack. For me it’s easier that way. I do use my g90 go box quite a bit though.
Why you don't align the 20m Telescope Antenna itself to get a better SWR? You can see it on your MJF SWR meter if you make a 2nd measurement after you change the length of the Telescope. Make it short and you go higher with your SWR you go one step down on the coil (make the way longer) and but the Telescope back in the First length. Then measure again. If now the SWR is bad then before you must make it shorter. And so on. The reason is if you have a correct mechanical aligned Telescope Antenna you don't have the loos in your Antenna Tuner because you don't need them! No Tuner less(no) loos. But i give you a plus for the Videowork! gggg My PLUS is after Nr. 73
AnythingWithWheels Hahaha. Oh my god I’m cracking up! But I all seriousness it was at least a good 2 maybe 3 inches. Love your videos by the way. I can’t believe I haven’t already subscribed but I’m gonna do that now.
You fucking clowns are good value, keep up the videos!! Good to see you blokes having someone fun! Thumbs up!! PS, rather ambitious summit for a first attempt...
I’m using LiFePO4 batteries with it (not in this video though). The work great. Check out the links in the description to Bioenno and you will be all set.
It takes 1.5A on receive, i read people saying, if that is true. i think that would be to much to run this thing on a smaller battery like when camping, the battery would be drained to soon even when only receiving. if you have a solar panel to keep the battery charged, that would another thing.
I understand this was made a number of years ago and that you have moved up in the world of portable ops but this video proves why I say life is too short for QRP. Crank it up to a 100 watts. That's why I have an FT-891 for portable ops. Do love your videos.
Steve, k7ofg.
It’s always neat to see other people’s setup. I didn’t know the FT891 had that ‘scope’ feature. Now I really want one!
FUN. You've come a long way in 3 years
It's been an amazing journey for sure. Thanks for watching.
You got the Mountain Dew on the table all you need is two big sub sandwiches and your setup will be complete.
The was pretty much my first experience on HF.. Dead bands and I was only hearing stations with 1kW amps. Nobody could hear me. But I am not giving up. I am planing to do my first POTA soon with the FT-891 and Wolf River coil Ant. 73!
I really enjoy your videos! They are very informative and entertaining.
Glad I found this video. Don't know how I missed it. Thanks for sharing!
Just a tip:. you can use the FST or fast tuning to get around rapidly in the band, but when you arrive on a frequency, turn the Fast tuning off so that you may more accurately tune in the stations. I noticed a lot of your contacts were slightly off frequency, and the voices did not sound natural because the tuning steps are too coarse to accurately tune in some of the stations unless they just happened to fall on your coarse tuning steps. No big deal, but something to remember. Also 20 watts will make a lot more contacts than 5 watts if your battery will handle the extra current for the period you need it. 20 watts is a 6 dB improvement over 5 watts, and 40 watts is a 9 dB improvement. Since the 891 has about a 4 amp final transistor bias current, anyway going to 20 watts is not all that much more current. Check it out. Enjoyed your video, and have fun. 73 James K0UA
Beginner's question: does power on the radio affect ability to receive better, or is it just for transmitting? Thanks.
@@LevyCarneiro power only affects transmitting and a receivers sensitivity is its ability to pick up weak signals
Hi James ... I'm new hamradio, also have FT-891 and about Watts and dB's, i have a question:
60 watts is a 12 dB improvement?
Many thank's / 73 CR7BDO
A fun and outstanding video! Glad you made the hike safely!
VideosByDPF Thanks! It was a long treacherous journey but the greater the challenge the greater the reward lol.
I hope he had his bear repellent for the hike LOL
Springtime in Michigan is literally the best.
I'm counting down the days!!
The FT-891 draws about 3 amps on transmit even when no RF is going out. It does not take much more battery current to use 20+ watts than 5 watts. I did Field Day in my back yard yesterday with a wire over a tree limb for a 40 & 20 meter EFHW that did not need a tuner. The battery was 3 6 AH LiFePo4 in parallel. I ran 100 watts most of the time & the battery worked fine. I had solar panels to extend run time but did not really need them. The 891 did a good job for FD.
It's fun getting comments on these older videos and looking back at how far I have come. I have long since ditched the crappy SLA for LiFePO4's. I ran my 7300 100 watts and 20AH Bioenno with a 100 watt solar panel for field day this year. You can check out the video to see the setup. What battery were you using that you were running in parallel? Did you make your own? The only commercial one that recommends that is Dakota Lithium that I know of.
I just picked up the mfj stick antenna and used it once for just a little while thrown up quick stationary on top of the car on a mag mount if you can believe it. It worked great ! Big receive signals, low noise for a vertical, even on 40 meters.
What is that steak your friend used with it ? I need a solution like that, but I think a tripod would be better with it unless you can get it deep enough in the group.
FYI, the voice memories in the 891 work great. We use them all the time for Parks on the air.
Great video, way to go..... Portable!
Thanks Glenn, this was just the beginning...
Have the same antenna from MFJ, but nowadays i use the coil, a Chameleon extending whip and a military foldable antenna.
The all has the same length, but sturdier and coil can be almost in the middle.
Yeah I'm using the Wolf River Coils TIA 1000 nowadays. Works great!
Nice set up I just bought that rig should get it Tuesday
Congrats! It's gonna be a long few days waiting though lol!
K8MRD RADIO STUFF so I’m having a lot of trouble on finding what battery I would need for portable use I will probably be running 100 Watts for two to three hours at most I plan on getting a solar panel at some point but for now just wondering what I need for a few hours of use then head home and put the battery back on a home charger Any suggestion would be appreciated
I would say Julian, OH8STN, is the man when it comes to batteries and solar panels. Check out his chanel if you haven't already. I just ordered the batteries he's using in this video. ua-cam.com/video/SJGKuriGRok/v-deo.html For 100 watt portable you need a BIG battery and this seems like it will do the trick. Not sure how long it will last running that many watts but I'm gonna find out! You could of course buy a 40 amp or higher LiFePO4 already made but I didn't feel like spending upwards of $350 for one and this looks like a fun build. My 8 amp battery will keep me going for a couple hours but I'm only using 5-10 watts (and the harbor freight solar panel doesn't keep up so I've learned). Ultimately, take your time, do some research, and go with what suites your specific needs and budget. Hope this helps. 73.
Hey Mike!
Fun video to watch for comparison to your more recent ones.
Both your video production style and operating confidence have certainly improved over the years.
Always enjoy your “Radio Stuff.”
73
KG6LWE
You guys put in the work #sota style 👍🏻. Looks like you had fun and that’s the best part. QRP is a blast. Thanks for the entertainment.
Jerry best friend
I ordered an MFJ Quickstick antenna, the 1936TWC, just under a month ago, but it has not yet been shipped.
I share your pain as a FT817 5 watts operator some days you just can't work anything then bang a few contact just pop up and makes the day. All the best from England. M0YCQ
After playing portable for the last couple years since this video was made, I can tell you the antenna I was using was less than ideal. More recently I have gotten back into qrp and have some great antennas that have worked great for me on my POTA activations. 73 from across the pond!
Great video. Had an absolute blast watching you guys.
73
Julian oh8stn
Thanks Julian, it was a lot of fun. I've been out a few times more since then and I'm loving it. Big fan of your channel btw!
Thanks for the video. I tried qrp, but contacts are very hard to obtain that way. Do want to carry stuff one mile for nothing, so I use 100 Watts. Your video was funny and informative.
Very nice. I'm selling my FT817 to fund a 891. Plan to still run battery portable but having the option to go to 20 watts or so versus the 817's 5 watts will be nice. Looks like you guys had a blast! I worked a few FL stations during their QSO party as well. Wonder if I might have heard you guys that day too... Didn't work either of you though.
Just make sure you get a bigger battery if you want to be out for more than a few hours. The 891 draws 1 amp on receive. I was only running 5 watts and my battery was down to 12.46 volts when we left (not bad though). It's an 8 amp. I could prob get about 4-5 hours at our pace I would imagine thought. Obviously much less if I up the power but its better than only having 5 watts in my opinion. I'm gonna pick up a 10 amp Dakota Lithium lifepo4 soon. Thanks for watching!
consider a lifepo4 battery, much lighter weight, higher terminal voltage (13.x vs 12.x)costs more, but its worth it. google bioennopower.com
Get yourself one of those folding solar panels. I have a 28w version that keeps the battery topped off and will greatly extend your battery life.
Great video I’m looking at buying the 891. You guys got recognition from the portable master himself congratulations 👍
Thanks Tony, and yeah, that's pretty much the best comment ever.
K8@@hamradiotube 1hi
Great video guys, shame about Slavko from Slovenia. I just got a new FT-891 and i love it! Such a small thing but packs a lot of punch. Been having s lot of fun with it on my day hikes. 73 from Croatia, 9A3DBX.
By far the best radio for portable out there. Have fun and 73.
I’ve worked Slavko a few times.
Hey Mike was wondering if you could do a detailed video on your case setup and any new mods you may have made. I'm setting up an Apache 4800 for my Icom IC-718 to run portable and REALLY like your current setup. de W8MJL
Looks like you guys had fun! I'm new to QRP after being a ham for over 40 years. And I'm having a blast! Keep the videos coming. My channel is K2CJB Radio. 73! Chris
Thanks Chris, it was sweet. I'm checking out your videos now ;0. They look good so far!
Hey buddy, watching again your video getting ready for some beach activity here in Portugal. I was looking but couldn’t find any comment on this so i want to advise you to check your mfj antenna analyzer cause something must be wrong there. I see 72R and 0X, that cannot be 3.1:1. It’s less than 1.5:1 so definitely something wrong with it. You might wanna check it.
Enjoy your videos btw.
Cheers buddy! 73
Right on, beach activity sounds awesome. Have fun out there. I have not had any problems with my anazlyer, but have compared it to my other analyzer and found them to be spot on. I'm going to guess user error. I'm really good at that lol!
You should have used a Garim GPS.
With a Spot locator.
put the counter poise wires on fishing reels one reel for each poise
Hey isn't that the shed where N9YO was stalked by that mustached guy? 0:46
HAHAHA! No but very similar. That was so weird!
Where at in MI? New HAM here, love the rig! Great video
Tom Moxie we were in independence township. Near Clarkston if you know where that is.
Yeah I know right where that is! It’s awesome now that I’m starting to see how many hams are here in the greater Detroit area! Looking forward to more videos
congratulations! that's very healthy... good luck from now on...
73 de PY1ZB
If you use 10W on SSB it makes a difference.
Not a noticeable one. Now, had I been using a more efficient antenna, that would make a difference.
Your hike wore me out! Haha fun video! KM4FXP 73
The Yaesu FT891 doesn't have an automatic antenna tuner?
Thanks for the nice video,I have the FT-891 and i home brewed an antenna close to what you have.Packs up nice and small but I lug a 22,AMP JELL BATTERY only because I just rather spend money on more ham gear.lol The FT-891 I feel is ahead of it's time. Enjoy your portable OP's and maybe some day we can hook up 73 BOB AF2DX
Good Lord, I can only imagine how much that battery weighs!! For me, building the LiFePO4 battery (Headway 38120 Cells) was part of the "more ham gear" and part of the excitement of operating portable with a powerful, light weight battery that I can operate qrp or qro. Plus, I have learned so much about battery chemistry, solar, and portable ops in the process, thanks to guys like K9ARV, OH8STN, KG6HQD, KB1HQS, N9YO, W6RIP, JEHUGARCIA, and I'm sure many more. You are right about the 891 being ahead of its time too. I would like to think that I've played a part, albeit small, in helping other hams find a great portable radio that they can take out in the field, as well as use in their shack. I hope to have the privilege of working you on one of my portable outings or vice versa. 73 and thanks so much for watching!
Hey your buddy is using the Big Stick by MFJ and you? Buddi Stick?
Tha ks
He is using the big stick but I think I just said buddy stick. I'm not really sure what it was but something like that.
That first contact is a 59?
Haha you're 5/9 not moving my needle what does that even mean? :D
You're really chilled, really enjoy watching your videos! I don't know why I wasn't a subscriber before but I fixed that ;) Cheers - DE VK4ALE
Looks like a great day for DX'ing....A bad day Dx'ing is better than a good day at work! 73 K3DBI
do you still use the go box? I still use a ft-891 for pota and that go box looks like it would be jsut the ticket. I might try to make something like that.
Not anymore. I abandoned that pretty quick actually. I just put everything in a backpack. For me it’s easier that way. I do use my g90 go box quite a bit though.
Where did you get the w898sp man pack ?
Why you don't align the 20m Telescope Antenna itself to get a better SWR? You can see it on your MJF SWR meter if you make a 2nd measurement after you change the length of the Telescope. Make it short and you go higher with your SWR you go one step down on the coil (make the way longer) and but the Telescope back in the First length. Then measure again. If now the SWR is bad then before you must make it shorter. And so on. The reason is if you have a correct mechanical aligned Telescope Antenna you don't have the loos in your Antenna Tuner because you don't need them! No Tuner less(no) loos. But i give you a plus for the Videowork! gggg My PLUS is after Nr. 73
Volker King i had the same thought
What was the hike elevation of this summit? : ) I Lol at your joke. Great job.
AnythingWithWheels Hahaha. Oh my god I’m cracking up! But I all seriousness it was at least a good 2 maybe 3 inches. Love your videos by the way. I can’t believe I haven’t already subscribed but I’m gonna do that now.
Subbed
You fucking clowns are good value, keep up the videos!! Good to see you blokes having someone fun! Thumbs up!! PS, rather ambitious summit for a first attempt...
how is the Yaesu FT-891 run on battery 12V ? i want to use this radio camping...
I’m using LiFePO4 batteries with it (not in this video though). The work great. Check out the links in the description to Bioenno and you will be all set.
It takes 1.5A on receive, i read people saying, if that is true. i think that would be to much to run this thing on a smaller battery like when camping, the battery would be drained to soon even when only receiving. if you have a solar panel to keep the battery charged, that would another thing.
I can’t see Jason’s legs he’s just like a floating torso
poor ant with qrp is not a good thing
Blame it on the band!