My Top Field Tablet for 2024 - Panasonic FZ-M1 + iKey Keyboard

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  • Опубліковано 14 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 104

  • @tomsmall6220
    @tomsmall6220 10 місяців тому +8

    Great to see you are working with Isaac at Trex Arms. Both of your channels are bringing excellent technical content. Glad to see the collaboration.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      It should be a fun video and educational video. Our goal is share with people the reality of establishing true offgrid communications. A commitment to training is key. Cheers!

  • @thomasmcintyre7913
    @thomasmcintyre7913 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for doing these videos they are really interesting to watch, i have the FZ-G1 Toughpad for almost ten years and its still going strong with WIndows 11 installed. Purchasing some of the items you have is a real nightmare this side of the Atlantic here in the UK a lot of which is not readily available in store in the UK driving us to make expensive purchases online at some cost and long delivery times and custom charges.

  • @blankreganon5395
    @blankreganon5395 10 місяців тому +3

    I really like this format. These unedited videos are great.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +2

      Thanks. It seems like time is at a premium these days, so this is the best that I can do until I get over the hump. I promise my standard GoPro/outdoor video is coming. Take care.

  • @Swamp-Fox
    @Swamp-Fox 10 місяців тому +1

    Congrats to all the winners! I really enjoyed the field gear overview & philosophy of use.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      Glad you enjoyed it. It's just one person's point-of-view. The best I can do is explain why I make the selections and gear decisions. Everyone's needs are different.

  • @Sean-AI7EQ
    @Sean-AI7EQ 10 місяців тому

    Congratulations to all the giveaway winners. I always look forward to the videos and learn new things all the time from you. 73!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for all the support, Sean.

  • @ke8mattj
    @ke8mattj 10 місяців тому

    Congrats on the winners and on (as of this comment) 51k subscribers! Nice Duck Hunt coaster. I agree with the rushing out and buying gear. Beginner preppers and those new to hobbies tend to make that mistake. Have a good day and thanks for all your videos, Gaston!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      That additional 1K was quick! Good eye. I am a sucker for classic NES gaming. In fact, I just picked up "Full Quiet" and was able to run it on my original NES from 1987. Thanks for the support. It's now time to focus on producing a video that is not filmed on my phone... I owe you and the community a properly produced video. It's been busy, but that is no excuse.

    • @ke8mattj
      @ke8mattj 10 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper Understand on the retro gaming. It's pretty much the only games I play anymore, though I do it through emulation on my homebrewed-enabled Wii or my Retroid Pocket2+ if I'm away and mostly SNES and PS1 games. I do play a mobile game (Fate/Grand Order), but that's really it. The NES I bought back after undergrad to play me and my brother's old NES carts hasn't worked for awhile so I went ahead and sent that to the electronics recycler.
      I don't mind the ad-hoc videos. If anything, my opinion is that they seem more authentic. I know you have to make compromises in the field though and that gives you more opportunities to make it more professional.

  • @Chapbook
    @Chapbook 10 місяців тому

    So great that you give back to the community!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      I am blessed to have great support. I want others to be able to test out the same gear that I am a fan of in their respective environments. It's a win for everyone. Cheers.

  • @michaelsanderson7328
    @michaelsanderson7328 10 місяців тому

    Congratulations! Brilliant to see you reach 50k and keep going!

  • @anonymous_friend
    @anonymous_friend 10 місяців тому

    Noticed you are running the stock mic on your 857d pack, I picked up an MH-59 the other day that allows full control of the radio if any buttons or knobs on the radio were to fail. I can also use my old mic as a backup.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      I have one MH-59. It's a bit RF noisy so I stopped using it about two years ago. Right now, it is with my FT-891. The DTMF keypad was convenience.

  • @Thomas-ct3gu
    @Thomas-ct3gu 7 місяців тому

    Those were likely used in LE for e-tickets. Most LE RMS and E-Ticket software utilize barcode scanners to import DL & registration info. A lot of agencies use the Panasonic tough series. But I’m sure you’re probably right about other uses.
    Have you considered Getac?

  • @K6SUD
    @K6SUD 10 місяців тому

    Congrats on the 50K!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for letting of your support on all the platforms.

  • @wheeler7973
    @wheeler7973 10 місяців тому

    Congrats to the winners 🎉🎉

  • @kb6lcw99
    @kb6lcw99 10 місяців тому

    Great Operating position!

  • @MrBigDave65
    @MrBigDave65 10 місяців тому

    I think that Yellow Freight used a similar model for dock workers that also has an integrated barcode scanner.

  • @cpt.moroni3092
    @cpt.moroni3092 9 місяців тому

    I have JS8 call set up. Any nets I can get on to test it out?

  • @KINGSTONSPRIDE
    @KINGSTONSPRIDE 10 місяців тому

    Thanks for this. I was waiting for a video of the tough pad from you 73!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      Oops. I should have done a more scripted one. At least I mentioned the highlights based on my usage.

    • @KINGSTONSPRIDE
      @KINGSTONSPRIDE 9 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepperdo you still have any keyboards left for sale?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  9 місяців тому +1

      @@KINGSTONSPRIDE They all sold out to the members in 3 hours.

  • @robertjeffery3237
    @robertjeffery3237 10 місяців тому

    Awesome that you were able to hit 50K subscribers #TTP!

  • @wambroser
    @wambroser 10 місяців тому

    Congrats on the 50k!

  • @DonzLockz
    @DonzLockz 10 місяців тому

    Congrats to all the winners.🏆
    Cool little IP rated field laptops.
    We appreciate all your info Gaston. :)

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      Thanks, Don. They're not IP68 rate, but the IP65 rating in this form-factor gets the job done. It's been 14 months and I have not busted a unit in the field. 73

    • @DonzLockz
      @DonzLockz 10 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper wow, that's saying something for you. You work your gear to extremes.👍

  • @davidoverton2432
    @davidoverton2432 10 місяців тому

    I'm thinking of setting up a community gmrs repeater what repeater and what easy to use radios would you recommend we have a lot of older folks I would get them set up but they don't need a lot of features to get lost on we are in relatively flat terrain here in west texas. USB charging would also be very desirable

  • @Q12_
    @Q12_ 8 місяців тому

    Thank you for the Info and the Video!
    I've been snooping around your comments and Online trying to see If there's a way to use the GPS in the Devices for Time Setting with programs like BKTTimeSync.
    Unfortunately the Farthest I've gotten is on Windows using the Program Gpscomplete and with it I can see the Coordinates in the program but can't Set it up for the computer to use it to get Time information.
    Any ideas or Direction you can point me towards?
    Thank you and I hope to hear you on the Air someday.
    73

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  8 місяців тому +1

      Under Linux you can use use gpsd and Chrony. I've done this in the past, but don't have the details. I believe that Jason KM4ACK did a video on this topic several years ago. Good luck.

    • @Q12_
      @Q12_ 8 місяців тому

      Update for any Others Wishing to Use the internal GPS for BKTTimeSync.
      I found a Driver for the GPS that Lets it output it's NMEA data to a Virtual Com Port.
      Hope this Helps anyone.

  • @pale_2111
    @pale_2111 10 місяців тому

    Congrats to the winners!!! I'm interested in getting a Tough Book computer, but not sure of the software they run.
    Currently, I'm using a Acer Aspire 5 for data modes. It works great at home or doing a SES. However, I've taken it to the field and some POTA activations with my club. Not the greatest for that. I'm a bit rough with my equipment at times because I'm a bit accident prone.
    Do you have any reviews on the Tough Book or planning on doing so in the future? I definitely need a backup computer and looking towards the Tough Book.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      Search my channel page for "cf-20" or "fz-m1". There is a review video for each.

  • @remingtonsnoke5898
    @remingtonsnoke5898 10 місяців тому

    Will you please explain the difference between the FZ-M1 and the FZ-G1? Also any information regarding the difference in the CF-20's and CF-33's would be appreciated.
    Thanks!
    KF0IWI
    Remington Snoke

  • @alcopower5710
    @alcopower5710 8 днів тому

    Do you have gps installed on this unit? Would love to be able to use this in a car then take it along for hiking or off road. Thanks in advance 👍

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  8 днів тому

      I use an external GPS. My ETC project includes a customized Navit configuration and the ability to download offline maps as part of the image build. I used it on a 1600 mile trip last year. I covered all of this on the Buy Me a Coffee side in October and November of last year.

  • @bhamptonkc7
    @bhamptonkc7 9 місяців тому

    Hey Tech, nice video I am looking to support my community with my skills, people with your level of commitment are rare.

  • @cyberscoutKO4PZX
    @cyberscoutKO4PZX 9 місяців тому

    Have you been able to get the stylus to work on either your FZ-M1 or your CF-20?

  • @ianlamb5883
    @ianlamb5883 10 місяців тому +1

    Can’t wait to see a Issac and TTP collab! I found TTP through TRex 👍

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      That's good to know. Isaac is a great guy. He designed the first logo for my EmComm Tools project. That should be a fun video. It will be part of my "No Random Contacts" series. Thanks for the support.

  • @sypher4912
    @sypher4912 10 місяців тому

    I'm an FZ-G1 driver! They're great!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      Thanks for the feedback on the FZ-G1. I have several friends that love it. It's just too big for my application. It's hard to go wrong the Panasonic Toughpad or Toughbook line.

    • @sypher4912
      @sypher4912 10 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper We need to link up at some point. I'm currently writing an open source implementation of the MIL STD 188-110D serial data modem, and 4th Gen Wideband ALE. I call it Minutemodem.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      @@sypher4912 Yes, we need to link up. I have been thinking about writing a modem for a while. I'm working through the basics of the mathematics for DSP. Please shoot me an email. I'm on QRZ. 73 de KT7RUN

  • @Brodie-wu2ry
    @Brodie-wu2ry 4 місяці тому

    Where would you recommend purchasing one of these?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  4 місяці тому +1

      The secondary market is your only choice. I would look for a good condition FZ-M1 Mk2 on eBay. They should be around $400- $600. Avoid the Mk1 as it is sluggish, but it works.

  • @danebradley
    @danebradley 9 місяців тому

    Do you have a reliable site or place for which you source these tablets from? id like to dive more into the digital side of things and I like the idea of a rugged tablet. I see prices vary quite a bit online from an onslaught of various websites

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  9 місяців тому

      My source for used models dried up 16 months ago. These FZ-M1s used to be $110 used. I am working a deal to get 24 brand new FZ-M1 MK2 units, but these will not be cheap. I plan to kit them with brand new iKey keyboards and my customized OS. I'll be asking around $2,500.

    • @danebradley
      @danebradley 9 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper Thanks for the reply! that's a bummer but the 24 new ones sounds like a great opportunity for some folks! are there any other small form factor tablets that you could recommend? appreciate the help man and keep up the great work, ill be following along.

  • @dylanfeeney2373
    @dylanfeeney2373 10 місяців тому

    I just bought a cf 33 toughbook

  • @anthaeus
    @anthaeus 3 місяці тому

    where did you buy the ikey keyboard? cant find it on ebay for several months now.. there is only one with the german keyboard layout available..

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  3 місяці тому +1

      I found my original one on eBay, but later put together a bulk order of 50 units for the members. The order was large enough that iKey went back to manufacturing for me. Unfortunately, I sold out over a weekend earlier in the year. Keep checking eBay.

    • @anthaeus
      @anthaeus 2 місяці тому

      @@TheTechPrepper thank you, that answer helps alot. Ofc iam up for if you would place another order someday.

  • @KM4ACK
    @KM4ACK 10 місяців тому +3

    I spy a gorilla drive! Great minds think alike 😀

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      Wait... Do you use these too? I have about a half dozen of these. I need to find a way to get you and FZ-M1 kit too for all your help. I'll keep my eyes peeled as I am out of units.

  • @themoonshell-F4LFJ
    @themoonshell-F4LFJ 10 місяців тому

    I like the FZ-M1 too. I’ve got two brand new Mk3 8GB 250GB 4G for 160 Euro each. Unfortunately a new extended battery is the same cost as the M1 and the keyboard is 3 times the M1 price. I guess that the price for ultra portability.
    I have to get an Mk2 with the bridge battery.
    Otherwise I use a Dell 7220. Easy to find affordable batteries but bigger and power hungry.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      That's an excellent deal for an MK3. Well done.

  • @TransitAndTeslas
    @TransitAndTeslas 7 місяців тому

    I’ve been wanting to get one of these rugged tablets to be able to use outdoors. Can I run Windows on them instead of Linux?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  7 місяців тому

      Yes. These originally shipped with Windows 8, but Windows runs great on them. I recommend the MK2 version l, not the MK1 for best performance.

  • @TomAto-ch4sh
    @TomAto-ch4sh 9 місяців тому

    New to the channel, great content. Subscribed. Where do I get one of these ikey M1 keyboards for a reasonable price? Are you selling any? Thanks for your time.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  9 місяців тому

      I just sold 20 to the members. iKey is completely out of them. You may have to search on the secondary market.

  • @debestgamer4533
    @debestgamer4533 10 місяців тому

    Ok question for you, what was that little antenna used on the ARMOLOQ TPA-817 B video from 2 years ago

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      It's a 2m only whip antenna from a company called Radiall. I do not have a model number as it was given to me. It has an excellent match once you had 19" counterpoise to the manpack. Note: It is only rated for 10 watts.

  • @Philip-KA4KOE
    @Philip-KA4KOE 10 місяців тому

    I use a Getac F110-G3.

  • @mlhogan1
    @mlhogan1 10 місяців тому

    What operating sysyem do you use on the fzm1 Linux or windows

  • @davidparsons8963
    @davidparsons8963 10 місяців тому

    I would like to purchase that 3d printed barcode delete. Or possibly get the file. How do we contact your friend?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  9 місяців тому

      offgridwx.com/product/3d-printed-flush-cover-for-panasonic-fz-m1-barcode-reader-module-replacement/

  • @a.r.grimes3294
    @a.r.grimes3294 10 місяців тому

    Do you have an update on EmComm tools? Is it still in development?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      The project is changing slightly due to legal issues. There's a link to an EmComm Tools Community site in the video description with all the details.

  • @Q12_
    @Q12_ 7 місяців тому

    Is it at all Possible to ask which CPU version you have for your FZ-M1?
    I use the I5 Processor and So far with all my Field Excercizes, The Tablet Churns to a Grinding Halt during Operation, Maybe six-eight Minutes in, while using JS8 Call.
    Was wondering if it's the Processor that's doing me in or what.
    It is the I5 Chip with Win 10 and 8gb Ram 128gb SSD.
    Any help is appreciated!

  • @MrStanwyck
    @MrStanwyck 10 місяців тому

    How good is the tablet outside in direct sunlight?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      It's a bit rough since it only supports a 500 nit display, but it is doable. I do it all the time out hear in the Arizona summers. For outdoor work, you real should have 700+ nit.

    • @MrStanwyck
      @MrStanwyck 10 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper thanks Gaston. Do you have a recommendation for a laptop or tablet to use in the field with a super bright display?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      @@MrStanwyck Yes, but I need more experience with it. Please research the Dell 7220. I have been testing it for about 6 months.

  • @Robert-cd5zr
    @Robert-cd5zr 10 місяців тому

    The reason people buy exactly what you have is because they're following step by step instructions with known good configurations and hardware to minimize potential hangups, there is so little troubleshooting support available because of how esoteric this is. One silly issue can throw a wrench in everything which is frustrating and discouraging. But, as you say, their task and purpose might not overlap exactly the same. I am glad you continue to mention the limitations and what this system isn't, as much as what it is, so that people can go into it knowing that. Do these little tablets have HDMI or any sort of video out capability to hook up to a larger monitor at home and use as tablets in the field? Either on the tablet or through the dock?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      You make a good point. These tablets just have one USB A port and a 3.5mm connector. Panasonic does make a dock for it that provides an HDMI port, a VGA port, a serial port and two USB A ports. I have one that I run in my shack (shown in this video), but I have never used the video out.

  • @BobBob-il2ku
    @BobBob-il2ku 10 місяців тому

    What was the discounted price for the keyboard?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      I bought these in bulk, so I can't comment. But, I sold 17 units at lower price ($370.00) USD compared some of the rugged computing retailers. They sold out in a couple of hours to the Silver members. I am trying to work a larger order with iKey, but they are currently out of components.

  • @crwalker33
    @crwalker33 10 місяців тому

    Where are you finding these at those prices?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      No one wanted these, so I picked them up on eBay for $100 a piece in January of 2023. When I started showing them off last year, the prices seem to jump to about $400 USD for MK1, $600 USD for a MK2 and $800 for a MK3. The keyboards are great, but they are pricey.

  • @jameslee522
    @jameslee522 10 місяців тому

    what is the model number of that keyboard?

    • @jameslee522
      @jameslee522 10 місяців тому

      NM found it, IK-PAN-FZM1

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому +1

      The actual model that I use is the IK-PAN-FZM1-C1 as it has the USB port.

  • @Indigenous_Patriot_1175
    @Indigenous_Patriot_1175 10 місяців тому

    I am a supporter of your channel but How can I become a silver member?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      There is a support link in the video description to my Buy Me a Coffee page. From there, you can select the support tier. Thanks for the support.

  • @scuzzy2142
    @scuzzy2142 10 місяців тому

    Now i can only find these tablets for $900+ where do i find them cheaper?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      All my sources dried up early last year. They used to be about $100 for the MK1. $900 is unless it is an MK from a refurbished dealer. Just keep hunting.

  • @DominicMazoch
    @DominicMazoch 10 місяців тому

    My portable Ecomm stuff is for Phone WinLink on 2/.70 M for ARES District 14 Harris Co, and District 1,the Counties around Harris in the Houston Texas Metro.
    Rigs: 2730 and/or Y 6000
    AC power supply
    HFT Jackery 290
    APP 12 V DC lines
    Rigrunner.
    2 2/.70M 1/2 L/1/2x2/2L antennae
    2 mag Mounts.
    2'pizza Pam's
    1 Evolve 3 computer and power supply.
    Bags of connectors.
    Can be out of house in under 5 minutes
    It is a roller bag.
    Has rolled on Houston METRO bus and light rail to various events.
    Constantly looking at improvements.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      That's nice and compact. Well done. My compact EDC setup is a Yaesu VX-6R with a DigiRig Mobile and Mobilinkd TNC4. Both work well with my Android phone.

    • @DominicMazoch
      @DominicMazoch 10 місяців тому

      ​@@TheTechPrepperOn the Ic 2720/30, there are TWO mic ports. So you can use one for the Digi, one for the Mic. Also it has two speaker ports. They can be separate for each channel. So Phone on one, Digi/ WinLink on the other.

  • @C--2
    @C--2 10 місяців тому

    Microsoft stops support of Windows 10 on 24OCT25. Then what? Linux?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  10 місяців тому

      Linux runs well on these systems. I've had good luck with Ubuntu. Windows 10 also runs well on these. Mine air gapped, so I don't need support. These are just used for running offline tools and radio-based communications software.