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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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
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.
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!
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
@@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
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.
![100% Offgrid Digital Comms - Air Gapped Windows Demo [Unedited]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YzD8hLo4k20/mqdefault.jpg)
![100% Offgrid Digital Comms - Air Gapped Windows Demo [Unedited]](/img/tr.png)
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.
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!
I spy a gorilla drive! Great minds think alike 😀
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.
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
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!
I really like this format. These unedited videos are great.
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.
Have you been able to get the stylus to work on either your FZ-M1 or your CF-20?
Can’t wait to see a Issac and TTP collab! I found TTP through TRex 👍
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.
I have JS8 call set up. Any nets I can get on to test it out?
Microsoft stops support of Windows 10 on 24OCT25. Then what? Linux?
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.
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.
I just sold 20 to the members. iKey is completely out of them. You may have to search on the secondary market.
I would like to purchase that 3d printed barcode delete. Or possibly get the file. How do we contact your friend?
offgridwx.com/product/3d-printed-flush-cover-for-panasonic-fz-m1-barcode-reader-module-replacement/
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?
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.
Now i can only find these tablets for $900+ where do i find them cheaper?
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.
Where would you recommend purchasing one of these?
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.
Congrats to all the winners! I really enjoyed the field gear overview & philosophy of use.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
Hey Tech, nice video I am looking to support my community with my skills, people with your level of commitment are rare.
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
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.
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
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.
@@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.
I think that Yellow Freight used a similar model for dock workers that also has an integrated barcode scanner.
I just bought a cf 33 toughbook
Enjoy!
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.
That's an excellent deal for an MK3. Well done.
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.
Search my channel page for "cf-20" or "fz-m1". There is a review video for each.
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?
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.
Ok question for you, what was that little antenna used on the ARMOLOQ TPA-817 B video from 2 years ago
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.
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.
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.
Congratulations! Brilliant to see you reach 50k and keep going!
Thanks, Michael!
Congratulations to all the giveaway winners. I always look forward to the videos and learn new things all the time from you. 73!
Thanks for all the support, Sean.
I use a Getac F110-G3.
What operating sysyem do you use on the fzm1 Linux or windows
Ubuntu Linux 22.10
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.
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.
@@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.
Great Operating position!
I am a supporter of your channel but How can I become a silver member?
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.
Congrats to all the winners.🏆
Cool little IP rated field laptops.
We appreciate all your info Gaston. :)
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
@@TheTechPrepper wow, that's saying something for you. You work your gear to extremes.👍
What was the discounted price for the keyboard?
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.
Do you have an update on EmComm tools? Is it still in development?
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.
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!
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.
@@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.
Congrats to the winners 🎉🎉
Awesome that you were able to hit 50K subscribers #TTP!
Thanks!
Where are you finding these at those prices?
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.
what is the model number of that keyboard?
NM found it, IK-PAN-FZM1
The actual model that I use is the IK-PAN-FZM1-C1 as it has the USB port.
So great that you give back to the community!
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.
Thanks for this. I was waiting for a video of the tough pad from you 73!
Oops. I should have done a more scripted one. At least I mentioned the highlights based on my usage.
@@TheTechPrepperdo you still have any keyboards left for sale?
@@KINGSTONSPRIDE They all sold out to the members in 3 hours.
Congrats on the 50K!
Thanks for letting of your support on all the platforms.
I'm an FZ-G1 driver! They're great!
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.
@@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.
@@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
Congrats on the 50k!
I appreciate that. Thank you!
How good is the tablet outside in direct sunlight?
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.
@@TheTechPrepper thanks Gaston. Do you have a recommendation for a laptop or tablet to use in the field with a super bright display?
@@MrStanwyck Yes, but I need more experience with it. Please research the Dell 7220. I have been testing it for about 6 months.