Huntsville - Offgrid Travel Radio Kit & Exercises

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @joshua511
    @joshua511 4 місяці тому +2

    I passed my Tech test today. Because of your content I've decided to immediately pursue the General license. Keep up the great work!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  4 місяці тому +1

      Nice work, Joshua. Congratulations. General is worth the extra effort. You open yourself to worldwide communication with zero third party infrastructure. Good luck.

  • @k5wxp22
    @k5wxp22 5 місяців тому +4

    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

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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.

    • @ScottPlude
      @ScottPlude 5 місяців тому

      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).

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      @@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.

  • @Sean-AI7EQ
    @Sean-AI7EQ 5 місяців тому +2

    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

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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.

  • @prr4877actual
    @prr4877actual 5 місяців тому +2

    Happy to hear you had good experience with the trusdx. Neat little deal especially for a more urban lo vis environment.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @danielrgusa
    @danielrgusa 5 місяців тому +1

    Great content as always Gaston. Keep up the great work.

  • @AD6DMDennis
    @AD6DMDennis 5 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the rundown on your ops during Huntsville. Was great to see you in person!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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.

  • @KM4ACK
    @KM4ACK 5 місяців тому +1

    Nice report. Good to finally meet you in person.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      It was great to finally meet in person. Thanks for showing me the ropes while walking the floor. Take care, buddy.

  • @Swamp-Fox
    @Swamp-Fox 5 місяців тому +1

    Nice trip report. Glad you were able to integrate some comms training!

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @wheeler7973
    @wheeler7973 5 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the info on your kit and the community.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      You're very welcome. The (tr)uSDX worked out better than expected. Thanks for the support.

  • @pale_2111
    @pale_2111 5 місяців тому +1

    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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      The IC-706 Mk2G is another great all-band, all-mode rig. Enjoy.

    • @pale_2111
      @pale_2111 5 місяців тому

      @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.

  • @kc8owl
    @kc8owl 5 місяців тому +1

    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

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @owlcricker-k7ulm
    @owlcricker-k7ulm 5 місяців тому

    Sounds fun! This sort of training is critical for success in the future.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      It was a blast. Yes, it is absolutely critical.

  • @ChrisKD9YSW
    @ChrisKD9YSW 5 місяців тому

    Great job Gaston. Will looking forward to setting mine up

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      Thanks, Chris. It's a nice little package for travel. Good luck with your setup.

    • @ChrisKD9YSW
      @ChrisKD9YSW 5 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper thanks

  • @safety86
    @safety86 5 місяців тому

    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!"

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      You should have said, hello. I don't bite. See you next year.

  • @kf5hcr176
    @kf5hcr176 5 місяців тому

    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

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @mlhogan1
    @mlhogan1 5 місяців тому +1

    I sure do like my trusdx.
    Enjoyed the video.
    Mark N5OBC

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      This little radio surprised me. Are you running any other accessories or modifications on yours?

  • @TheGeekiestGuy
    @TheGeekiestGuy 5 місяців тому

    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
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      Thanks. I'm resisting the urge to paint everything. Be safe out there and best of luck with the weather.

  • @toddpiechowski
    @toddpiechowski 5 місяців тому

    your microkit is way cool. especially after assembling my luggable 897 kit.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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

  • @ke8mattj
    @ke8mattj 5 місяців тому +1

    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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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!

  • @HamRadio2
    @HamRadio2 5 місяців тому

    Nice work.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      Thanks, buddy. I appreciate the hospitality. I'll see you next year.

  • @68thBC
    @68thBC 5 місяців тому

    You grabbed my attention with the 705. Waiting, lol

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

    • @68thBC
      @68thBC 5 місяців тому

      @@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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      @@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.

  • @redinator9896
    @redinator9896 5 місяців тому

    No coffee? Best travel hack is coffee in the lobby 👌

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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.

    • @redinator9896
      @redinator9896 5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @LeeMcc_KI5YPR
    @LeeMcc_KI5YPR 5 місяців тому +1

    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. 😢

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      They have quite the selection. I heard that the nuts are good too.

    • @kf5hcr176
      @kf5hcr176 5 місяців тому

      Great BBQ sandwiches at buccees , clean bathrooms and nice folks. Buccees treat their employees well.

  • @N4EJM
    @N4EJM 5 місяців тому

    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.)

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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.

    • @N4EJM
      @N4EJM 5 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper That didn’t work either.

  • @TheGeekiestGuy
    @TheGeekiestGuy 5 місяців тому

    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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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?

    • @TheGeekiestGuy
      @TheGeekiestGuy 5 місяців тому

      @@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.

    • @TheGeekiestGuy
      @TheGeekiestGuy 5 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper ooh- I forgot to ask if you bought the kit version of the Trusdx and put it together or the pre-made?

  • @debestgamer4533
    @debestgamer4533 5 місяців тому +1

    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?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @az_living208
    @az_living208 5 місяців тому +3

    Hahaha, 'since everyone thinks I am a larper'

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +2

      I could not resist, but the camo paint job looks better than the safety orange.

    • @az_living208
      @az_living208 5 місяців тому +1

      @@TheTechPrepper haha. Yes. Mine is orange.

    • @iblackfeathers
      @iblackfeathers 5 місяців тому

      bright orange camo is probably next level. 🤔 defeats the purpose of camouflage and trying to be less hi-viz that plain bright orange. 🤔

  • @Will_N4WIL
    @Will_N4WIL 5 місяців тому

    I still can’t believe you actually went to a hamfest 😅

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      Yeah. It's not my normal scene, but I wanted to meet with old friends that were at the show.

  • @CraigLandschoot
    @CraigLandschoot 4 місяці тому

    Make sure your JS8 configuration is set to NOT autorespond to SNR? and HB ACK if you have a station selected. That will cut the interruptions. I also make sure that if my station has hard wire power, and I'm not trying to conserve energy that it is set to relay any traffic and autorespond even when idle. That allows me to provide a relay service to a station in a less-than-ideal situation. 73, de KM4PVB

  • @MagicRoosterBluesBand
    @MagicRoosterBluesBand 4 місяці тому +1

    Is there a "plan B" for digital modes that don't require a time sync?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  4 місяці тому +1

      Manual time sync using a GPS watch or WWV broadcast are options. I do this all the time. JS8CALL can also sync based on heard signals using the time drift tools. You can also visually see on the waterfall how far off your time is based on received signals. You can also connect an external USB GPS unit to sync your time. That's plan B, C, D and E.

    • @MagicRoosterBluesBand
      @MagicRoosterBluesBand 4 місяці тому

      @TheTechPrepper Thanks. I'm just getting into digital modes. Appreciate it.

  • @drright71
    @drright71 5 місяців тому

    Need to trim that TruSDX knob.

  • @ScottPlude
    @ScottPlude 5 місяців тому

    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".

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      Agreed. Come in and join the party TX, OK and KS. Help us fill in the gap.

  • @CivilDefenseEngineer
    @CivilDefenseEngineer 5 місяців тому

    Aw man, you were in Huntsville? I'm in Huntsville, too! Why didn't I go to hamfest??

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      I was there for a total of 4 days. I plan to go next year. Why didn't you?

    • @CivilDefenseEngineer
      @CivilDefenseEngineer 5 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper I had a conflict :( I'll try to make it next year.

  • @fs2740
    @fs2740 5 місяців тому

    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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      I have not tried any of this, so you will likely need to experiment and see what works. Good luck.

  • @mlhogan1
    @mlhogan1 5 місяців тому

    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.

  • @mikegibson1321
    @mikegibson1321 5 місяців тому

    I guess the uSDX cables work with that one too for your digirig?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      Yes. These are actually the uSDX cables from the DigiRig site.

    • @mikegibson1321
      @mikegibson1321 5 місяців тому

      @@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.

  • @MBrewah04
    @MBrewah04 Місяць тому

    When did you get into Motorola gear? I’ve been loving my APX 8000 and its ecosystem of accessories. It’s has kept me from wanting to buy more HAM radios.

  • @chrisd8715
    @chrisd8715 4 місяці тому

    Wouldn't the Toughpad FZ-G1 match up with the size of the iKey keyboard better than the FZ-M1 when folded closed?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  4 місяці тому

      Negative. The integrated keyboard and mouse are critical for using most of the amateur radio applications. The touch experience and virtual keyboard are not as effective. I have an FZ-G1 and do not like it for this application.

  • @Qwiv
    @Qwiv 5 місяців тому

    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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.

  • @randomzeldafan
    @randomzeldafan 5 місяців тому

    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.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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.

  • @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938
    @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 5 місяців тому

    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…

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  4 місяці тому +1

      Video and photos is rough over radio given the bandwidth limitations. However, basic text messaging as shown here is fairly bullet proof. We use it everyday with our group in the Southwest. You sound sound like you have a prepper soul.

    • @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938
      @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 4 місяці тому

      @@TheTechPrepper all medical professionals are preppers in that sense…especially when it comes to emergency medical professionals, because we drill for disasters constantly…and we have to be jacks of all trades…so yes…do I believe in the apocalypse coming…nah, I don’t…for reasons mentioned above…but I do believe in being ready for the next storm or wildfire…because they happen often around here…I’m a healer and a warrior…🤷‍♂️ your channel is definitely full of useful information…😊

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  4 місяці тому +1

      @@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 Keep fighting the good fight.

    • @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938
      @marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 4 місяці тому +1

      @@TheTechPrepper I should create a disaster medicine channel…🤔

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  4 місяці тому

      @@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 Yes! This is a great time to do this.

  • @micwell2247
    @micwell2247 5 місяців тому

    How did you get by the security with comms with you ?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      I had TSA Pre and zipped right through security. No questions, not even an eye roll. I was expecting to be stopped.

    • @Aramalas
      @Aramalas 5 місяців тому

      TSA doesn’t really care about radios. They might take a look if you have batteries and lots of cables with the radio.

  • @robert8342-w7x
    @robert8342-w7x 5 місяців тому

    I tried to join your membership but had some trouble. I hope I only bought 1 membership.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      Please send me a message on Buy Me a Coffee or shoot me an email (it's on my UA-cam "About" page) and I'll take a look. Thanks for the support.

  • @jameslee522
    @jameslee522 5 місяців тому

    What resolution do you run on the fz?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      I run mine at 1280x800 (16:10).

    • @vestale4
      @vestale4 5 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper In JS8Call you can change Hz/pixels in order to have the hole audio band displayed on waterfall.

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      @@vestale4 Excellent. I did not know this. It's on my todo list. Thank you!

    • @vestale4
      @vestale4 5 місяців тому

      @@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.

  • @comm-on-call
    @comm-on-call 5 місяців тому

    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?

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому +1

      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.

    • @comm-on-call
      @comm-on-call 5 місяців тому

      @@TheTechPrepper Dang, I was hoping for some P25 content but I understand the desire to role with DMR for your use case.

  • @genemcphee8053
    @genemcphee8053 5 місяців тому

    Great video. It was nice to see you with my other favorite UA-cam peeps. You keep it simple and real. PREPARE DAILY!
    73
    Gene N3XUS/WRZT77

    • @TheTechPrepper
      @TheTechPrepper  5 місяців тому

      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.