Portable HF Operation Kit - Ham Radio Q&A
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- Опубліковано 4 сер 2024
- I like to take my ham radio portable kit when we are camping. Here's what I pack for portable operation be it in a park or in a wilderness setting.
Items described are available from Amazon and other sources. Links are below:
Tactical Sling Bag: amzn.to/2KIYMYU
Domke 19 inch Protective Wrap: amzn.to/2WCM1GG
RigExpert AA-600 Antenna Analyzer: amzn.to/2WzTS7G
Yaesu FT-891A: amzn.to/2KNU8sy
MFG-945-E tuner: amzn.to/2MFHe2G
Barrel Connectors: amzn.to/31tO8LR
RG-8X Coax: amzn.to/2KJeu6C
Antenna Quick Release Mirror Mount: amzn.to/2X1cz3H
3/8x24 stud for mirror mount: amzn.to/2F4Mw1v
Wolf River Coils: www.wrcoils.com
MFJ-1979 Extendable Whip: www.mfjenterprises.com/Produc...
TC Teardrop Trailer: www.tcteardrops.com
Support Ham Radio Q&A by shopping at Amazon: amzn.to/2kO6LH7
Read my blog: www.jpole-antenna.com
Colophon:
Camera amzn.to/2GV2Og1
Lens amzn.to/2GWC5zU
Wireless Microphone: amzn.to/2qt3vDc
Microphone: amzn.to/30lJheO
Music by license: www.premiumbeats.com
#HFportable
#Gobox
#YaesuFT-891 - Наука та технологія
Getting a FT-891 and same WRC set up as my first HF rig. I like the portability of this set-up and hope to make my first DX contact soon. Video may be a few years old, but still valuable info for us new hams. Thank you for your vids. They have helped me navigate through many topics with better knowledge and bit of confidence moving forward in this hobby. 73 👍😉
You're a hero for carrying on while that clapped out car was going past.
Or totally ignorant....find the stop recording button and save us from that POS jalopy in the background!! Annoying as annoying gets. Thumbs down for no consideration.
@Mark Jordan Or totally ignorant! Find the stop recording button to spare us from that POS vehicle in the background. (I put a second comment because couldn't find first one I posted). Thumbs down!
P.O.S. Chevy! I love this country but U.S. made vehicles are designed to fail.
I came down with something witty to say about this.. but you stitched it up with a pretty bow and gave me a good chuckle
Sounds like a lawn mower.
Very nice go-kit. Thanks for letting us have a look! I love my Yaesu FT-891. It uses a bit more power, but it is nice to go from QRP to 100 watts with one very small radio to carry and it's loaded with features.
Thanks for the video, always interesting to see other peoples setup and get some tips from what they use. Anderson's on everything is the best single thing I did to my kit!!
Thanks for the video. I would compare the kit you showed to "car camping" rather than backpacking. Hopefully that analogy makes sense. I'm more of a "backpacking" portable guy. Still, I can appreciate the thought and effort you put into your definition of portable. Its all about defining the mission and then building a kit and capabilities to match that mission. Its OK if we are planning for different missions. I guess a variety of things can fall under the umbrella of portable operation. Keep up the interesting content!
To me NVIS is one of the coolest parts of the hobby and the one that could be most important for regional comms in a SHTF scenario. Thank you for the recommendation of the 40m dipole in such regards. I like your channel and find your content very informative.
Nice to see people still use CB radio!
really some nice portable equipment...also really like that travel-camper !
Enjoy your time camping! And thanks for the informative video
I follow your videos because you give me useful information and show the reality of doing remote work. Thanks.
Great video Michael. Looks like you are having a wonderful time camping. Take care. John
Now there is something new I learned today...
Anderson power poles!
Thanks so much for the links to equipment in your kit.
Nice to see the Wisconsin state bird doing so well in your video.
They are certainly big and healthy up north.
Great, now that my go kit is nearly complete and in two toolboxes, I see that lots of folks like yourself are going with backpacks. 😆 Much lighter, that's for sure, but I do like the protection from the elements in a hard case. Thanks for giving me fresh ideas, and thanks for leaving in the La Bomba Chevy in the video. Really cracked me up that you stayed on topic through all that racket! 73, Brett
It's all personal preference. Joe‚ who often appears in the videos with me‚ likes hard cases for their protection‚ but I like the soft bags as they take up less space. I use the velcro covered wraps to give the pieces an extra level of protection.
Just bought the WRC and 891 myself. Great combination for a beginner like myself. Slowly getting used to the functions of the radio along with setting up the antenna for different bands. I'm looking to get a bag for my gear now. Enjoy your videos. 73 😉
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge, have watched a lot your videos and learned from all of them !!!!!
You did good not to miss a beat with the clunky noise. I was like " what the f is that noise " then see the chevy creep by. Got a good laugh anyway. I have started converting my stuff to powerpoles. I just rewired everything in the shack with a power pole distribution block. I have yet to get serious about portable work, but do have the interest.
I could have cut that out, but that POS SUV was kind of funny. If you are interested in working portable, you could get active with ARRL Field Day. Its like ham radio's gateway drug.
Looks great! Thank you for your videos, I learn a lot from you. A suggestion if your interested: I have some laptop sleeves that I picked up at a dollar store to protect my coiled up dipole antennas. it cuts down on the amount that my antennas are tangled up / broken and it makes it easier to find the part if something does break.
Excellent Video! Lots of VERY USEFULL information, well explained. I also am thinking strongly on purchasing an FT-891.
Nice video. In my kit I have a small lantern for operations at night. My portable kit is also my go bag.
Greta video. That bag is on my Christmas list and I am pretty sure I will be getting it. Thanks for the recommendation and inspiration for a field bag.
Good deal. Two years later I'm still using the same bag, so it is working out well for me.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I'm glad to hear that it holds up well.
Nice setup! I haven't made it to HF yet even though I have my General. Thanks for sharing. I am surpised you don't have a 2M radio and one of your famous KB9BVR J-Pole antenna along with you.
Very good. These little HF rigs are so much fun. I’m headed for St John USVI and will,be operating an 817 from an elevation of 900’ on Bordeaux Mountain. With a simple 20 M dipole, I can reach Europe, Africa, and even the Middle East on just 4 watts. KB1VXP.
I have a portable kit that includes a 30 amp hour LiFePo battery, charge controller and 100 Watt packable solar panel. I use a repurposed, watertight plastic ammo box for the battery folded solar panel and charge controller. I also use a Cameleon antenna kit which has a mini transformer can be used with a wire or whip, and I have both. My rig, like yours is the Yaesu FT-891. The power use for that rig is simple to reduce by simply changing it in the menu to as little as 10 watts. That's not technically QRP but will extend battery life considerably.
Thanks for sharing your setup. Running portable, I usually turn the power down to 50 watts or less to conserve battery life.
Great video, and thanks.
I really like the choices you've made, and may adjust my own portable rig accordingly.
It really looks like you could fit all of that in the backpack. If not, go up from the 20L (24hr) bag which you have now, to a 30L (72hr) or 42L (3Day) bag.
Thank you sir. You are amazing!♡♡♡
Love your kit. I also have the 891.I would love see a portable battery box for Field Day or Portable Operations.
Thanks, I'll be talking about portable power in a future video.
Great video! How do you power that kit? Could you do a video on how to set it all up?
I wish you'd do a full walk through of your PotA station. Please include setting up the battery system as well.
Nice to video. Bad noise from Chevy pickup
In background. Video of setting it up would be nice to see the power and grounds
Great video. I see you’re a Badger fan. My dad and I were out at Camp Randall last fall for the BYU game. Madison is beautiful! Take care.
University of Wisconsin graduate GO BADGERS! I loved the time spent down there while in school. I'm glad you enjoyed the city and hospitality.
Thank you for the good video! 73,s from 5B4ER.
I use an FT-891 for the radio. I built a battery supply with an 18 AH LiFePO4 battery. It is carried in a small plastic ammo can. I have two Anderson Powerpole ports on it. I also carry a G5RV jr antenna that works well. I am wanting to go with a ham stick antenna setup. I also carry an auto tuner to make the antenna match up. I can shove it all into a backpack. My favorite thing to do is activate Summits on the Air. I also have a 5X7 enclosed trailer that I am making into a portable ham shack. I like that for events. Usually ARES or other public service events. I also have visions of using it as a winter camper, for things like Winter Field Day or winter camping where I do not have to drag out my 5th wheel camper. On that setup I have FM VHF/UHF permanently mounted and a bracket to mount the FT-891. It has ports with PolerPole connectors and T connectors wired directly to the battery system. It also has a solar charger to keep the batteries happy.
Great info
Thanks for the video. Iam looking for some protection like that Domke one you show so I can bring the radio with me in a rucksack.
Great video, just purchased the 891, can you help me please, i cant seem / to get the swr meter on the screen in replace of the po, how do you do that
Excellent audio!
Can hear the flies 😂
I have noticed a tripod you used to demo the Antenna Quick Release Mirror mount. My question is; what is that tripod you used.
Nice kit, I would be interested in your power source and at what power output you typically operate the 891?
Agreed! I'm looking at getting the FT-891 for shack and camper use. How do you usually power it while you're camping?
came here solely for the power components.....
I carry in a small backpack like yours 4 things: a Yaesu FT-891, a LiFePO4 12Ah battery, some coax, some cordage and an EFHW monoband wire antenna for the 20 meter band from the German company Lamdahalbe. (www.lambdahalbe.de). The antenna has an adjustable tuning stub and great bandwidth. No tuner required. It is light weight and goes up in a tree, or I sometimes have a 12 meter long (fiberglass!) telescope mast that I lash to some object or lean it against a tree. Life is too short to "just throw a wire up into a tree." I tape the wire along the mast with masking tape (light weight, easily removable, yet holds). The mast easily holds the antenna's siblings for 10 and 15 meters. Sometimes I take my Rigexpert AA-54 along to check the antenna tuning, but otherwise I use the rig's own SWR meter. Good enough. I also have a 5-band end fed wire antenna from the Dutch company Hyendfed (www.hyendfed.nl). It is 23 meters long, but I often don't have adequate space to hang it. Also in this case, no tuner is necessary. I still have room in the pack for a sandwich and a cold beer or two. Cheers! David DM3BC/SV0SGS
Could you talk a little more about the connectors you added to the antenna mount that clamps on tables. I assume it just comes with the hole and you have to add connectors. What type do you use and did you have to modify the clamp to accept them. Maybe you have a more detailed review in another video??? I love watching your videos. I always learn something new. Thanks very much.
I'd like to ask you about grounding the rig, etc. when you don't have an AC outlet around. For portable operation, do you connect the equipment ground studs to a stake electrode into the ground, or do you let the equipment grounds float? Thanks, John
I run the Alpha Moto antenna, good as portable, fixed or mobile.
I NEED A PORTABLE POWER SUPPLY FOR MY MIDLAND AND LEXEN BACK PACK RADIOS. DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO FOR THAT ?
Wish I could see you set it up and use it
When you use the claw with the SB 1000, what do you connect the counter poise(s) too? Nice vid.
I stick the end of the counterpoise into the jaw as I clamp everything down.
Nice video, would have been nice to see you pull a 44 magnum out of your bag and shoot the engine of that noisy car and continue on. (But we don't live in a Dirty Harry movie) lol great job
Hickok demonstrates his Gobag and HF Radio kit.
What battery are you using? I have 3 6 AH LiFePo4 batteries in parallel for my FT-891. That should be enough for portable ops.
I run the 891 with the fc50 in my van.
Nice setup. What's the name of the clamp you're using to secure your antenna to the tripod or surface? I use the same antenna in a semi-portable apartment but would really like to find a good tripod clamp for it for outside. Thanks!
It's called a mirror-mount jaw clamp. You can find them on online, hamfests, truck stops, or you ham radio dealer.
only things i would change are useing an MFJ-939 tunner and a bioennopower LiFe 12v, 20ah
That vertcal antenna is nice and i want to try one like that.. i use a 40m windom antenna with mine.
Great video. One thing you didn't cover was insect repellent :) You can hear them buzzing around first half of the video.
I have a love/hate relationship with repellant. I didn't put any on that morning as we were packing up and leaving as soon as I finished shooting the video.
I couldn't understand what you called the red-striped wire for counterpoise. Also please tell us what that clamp device is called.
I'd like to build a system like yours, since I travel a lot in my RV, don't want a permanent set up, and can avoid having to run a power supply to the back of theRV. This way I could set up inside, or under the awning, whichever I prefer at the time.
Can your base station type vary for your kit?
Hello , i am a beginner , what do you recommend to be communicated , talking about hf ( miltiband radio)
What are you using for power?
I have been using a homebrew inverted "V" for 40m and 20m (two sets of wires) and an 8m telescope pole. I removed the top section because it is too flimsy. Where I live there is not much activity on other bands. Since the wires are resonant, I don't have to lug a matching unit along with me. I lash the telescope pole to my motor scooter securely. Pegging it out is near to impossible since I live essentially on a rock (aka island). I have only my Yaesu FT-891 and a 12Ah LiFePo4 battery and power cable, some RG-58 coax and some cordage. I have plenty of room in my pack for beer and sandwiches.
If I get fancy, I will take my headless Raspi 4, a 12000 mah power bank and USB cable, a cable to connect the rig to the Pi soundcard, and a GPS dongle (for accurate time) and an old Android tablet for doing some digital work. Less is more. I have never experienced blowing a fuse in my radios. Of course, there is always the first time. I use my iPhone for looking up call signs on QRZ.com, if there is service available. Less is more. One of these days I will learn CW, and then I can cut back even more on weight and things to lug around.
I like the Domke wrap. Till now I have been using bubble wrap to pad my radio and battery. I see I can order one here in Europe. I use a cheap 20 dollar student back pack to carry everything. I am just very careful about handling it and not dropping it.
I have a military poncho in my scooter to protect me and my equipment from rain if necessary. Or I can make a simple lean-to for some sun protection. I sometimes pack on my scooter a little three legged foldable camping stool. Being on the high side of sixty, I don't always like to sit on the ground or stand.
I also own a couple of mono-band end fed half wave antennas that I sometimes take with me. Right now, the 20m band has the most activity during the day (when I am portable anyway). It is easy to hang from a tree branch or from my telescope pole as a sloper. If I am really ambitious, I take my 12 Spiderbeam telescope pole. it is a little risky to tie to my scooter, bus as long as the wind is calm I feel confident about it. I can hang the EFHW 20m antenna vertically. There are some resonant multi-band EFHW antennas on the market. They are rather long, and you need a lot of space for them, even configuring them as inverted "V" antennas.
I just can't see spending hundreds of dollars on manufactured antennas, some rather complex to set up with lots of little parts to lose in the great outdoors. I got burned by an antenna manufacturer when I was an amateur newbie and bought one of his over-priced multi-band "base station" antennas. It never worked right. My homebrew random wire antenna worked better (non-resonant length of military surplus field radio wire) a couple of radials and autotuner at the base of the antenna.
Vy 73! SV0SGS
Very cool video! Could you tell more about battery you use please? Thank you. Damien from France
I'm planning a video on portable power in which I'll go into detail. But the battery I used was a 16ah portable power pack.
Newbie question
Im able to hear a repeater that is 30miles away with my baofeng and a dipole antenna. Would I be able to hear a repeater that is further away with a device like the retevis rt95?
Possibly. The RT95 has a bit greater sensitivity and better adjacent channel isolation so it would do a better job than a handheld at picking up weaker signals.
What are you using to power your rig??
KC9SXI
I'm a technician class and I'm still learning, I'm wondering what kind of good portable antenna I could use for a radio that's attached to the inside of a go box? Right now, all I have is a 2 m / 70cm rig, but I'll go to HF as soon as I'm able to.
Did you ever figure out a good antenna? I think I’m where you were when you made the comment. I am also looking for a portable antenna
Thank you for the informative video--looks like a great setup! Ran through the links--my Minister of Finance will not be authorizing this purchase! Do you have a budget build? Thanks!
You're biggest expense is going to be the transceiver. I'm not sure where you will find something much cheaper than the FT-891‚ unless you shop used. The Xiegu is an option but power wise you are limited to 20 watts.
I will have to add that Suburban in the background had a real noise issue at about 5:49 sounded like it had a bearing out in the accessory drive belt system or was just married and dragging some cans behind him or her. Wow!
I think the bearing in that vehicle were the least of its problems.
I thought for sure they were going to break down at your campsite. Holy cow.
Solar charger for Li-ion battery pack would be a nice addition
de W4CEC
I like the simple antenna set up but would like more bands on it. If there is a similar model with more bands and anyone has a reference to it, will love to check it. Thanks 73
I'm studying for my General exam, right now. I am seriously looking at the FT-891 as my HF radio, but do you have any suggested options I should look at that are comparable? I'd like something that's good with power, but don't want to miss out on any features. I've seen some ICOM I think and others. Is the 891 the best, or are these other comparable and I should take whichever I can find for the best price that's comparable with 100 watts?
There aren't many choices at that price point. The FT-891 is a very capable rig with a wealth of features. Moving up you have either the Icom IC-7300 or Yaesu FT-991a. Both aren't as portable as FT-891, but offer things the 891 doesn't have (like built in tuner, built in digital modes, etc).
AAAHHH. SIR!!! Get some velcro cable management!!
;-)
Funny my Chevy does that same cracking noise comes from lose emergency brake shoes annoying as hell lol 😂
What guage wire are the power cables?
Very cool that radio can go up to a hundred watts
Nice setup very well thought out Michael.
73
Mike N2MWL
Was that a tank going by behind the camera?
I have a Condor bag that is pretty similar to that one. Nice setup Michael. 73 N4EJM
The Condor bags are pretty nice too.
How do you power it?
5:50
Ah....the peaceful silence of being in the wilderness
Do you think the Xiegu g90 would be good for a new General?
The G90 isn’t a bad rig, but I usually don’t recommend QRP for your first HF transceiver. Here’s a video that explains more: ua-cam.com/video/RXPSIE21_PI/v-deo.html
I always carry a set of car jumper cables. Not only are they handy for your car safety kit, they work well to quick connect to a battery for power or to a handy ground as needed, They also make for a great set of strong clamps even if the electrical connection is not needed. They are easy to find at garage sales or inexpensively online. 73,
Jumper cables are a great idea. I always carry a pair in the car. I think I've helped more people that had dead batteries and no cables than I needed to jump start my own vehicle.
You are missing Bug spray! :))
Got a link for the power pole checker?
Unfortunately the tester I have was a gift and I couldn't find that model available online. I found the Powerwerx sells a similar one: powerwerx.com/testbuddy-powerpole-led-polarity-tester. I also found some plans on how to build your own, so I may put together a project video on that.
Theres a guy on Ebay that sells them made in the USA. Search for the word "polarity checker" and rigrunner. Just got one a couple weeks ago.
@@Chungustav Thanks! Just ordered a couple. Cheap insurance.
Are you still using the 891 in July 2021? or have you moved on to something else??
Yep, I'm still using the FT-891. You can see it in action in my latest video.
Appreciate the video. For me this isn’t portable enough. The above solution would be called car camping, “glamping” or “Barbie camping” relative to what I do. I section hike/thru-hike using ultralight equipment. I’ve been looking for a solution for bringing a radio along. I still haven’t found a solution. It needs to be all-band, digital modes, and the total kit can’t be more than 2-1/2 pounds.
I’m open to all suggestions.
Your request is kind of the holy grail of backpack radio. I've done a fair amount of hiking in my day and recognize the need for lightweight equipment. For your purposes you are going to have to look at QRP equipment. Then you can take advantage of lighter gear. The only all-mode transceiver that meets your need is either the Yaesu FT-818 or Elecraft KX3. But I think those may be too heavy once you add a battery. Maybe go with a uBitx kit? But durability may be an issue.
KB9VBR Antennas thanks for he reply. I have to agree that QRP is what I’ll have to look at. I love the thought of QRP anyway... fun challenge on low power. I thought about the FT-818 but my mind keeps drifting to the Xiegu 5105. Again... thanks!
73s
How much did all the cost you roughly?
Missing the basics in the video, how do you power your kit?
Thanks for watching, I'll be doing a separate video on portable power.
@@KB9VBRAntennas looking forward to it, I'm operating only mobile and been using my car's battery for a while but that ain't so good especially when it runs out and you can't start your car :(
5:50 what is going on with the guys truck?
thought i heard the Minnesota state bird flying around.. 73
05:54 - thats professionalisim for you :)
Pretty much like everyone else in the comments... I'd be interested to see what power source you are using and how long batteries last ?
Thanks for watching, I'll be doing a separate video on portable power.
well if your fuse get out ther is something wrong and you just mont replace it easy and continue!
Soy Radioaficionado Salvadoreño mi nombre es Rafael Enrique Rodriguez y mi distintivo de llamada es YS1KR , me gustaría información de equipos Multibanda HF bandas corridas
Tengo un YAESU FT 747 GX pero el problema es que el transmite pero no se escucha nada y aquí en El Salvador no hay nadie que los repare , envíame algún enlace o información
Te lo agradezco mucho Saludos
I don't want to be picky but you don't have any digital equipment or CW equipment. Those might be a value add to your portable kit. Good video as always. 73 See you in the next one.
I'll probably add a key. My code is rusty, but it's an item that should be in my kit. I'm not sure about data yet, I haven't decided if I want to carry a computer and an interface out into the wild. But good ideas none the less.
The link to MFJ-1979 Extendable Whip gives a "404" error.
I believe that MFJ has redesigned their website since this video was produced. That may have resulted in broken links. I'll check it.
I think the FT-891 is a great radio and the noise reduction is much better than the IC-7300.
I use it with the Super Antenna MP1 and I make loads of contacts, I also use a resonant EFHW from hyendcompany.nl , the 4 band mini 100 watt, very compact and works very well, no tuner needed for 40-20-15-10 m.
For batteries, I just use a good old Cheap Lead Acid car battery, 45 AH, why ? because it works and works well even if it's old tech and heavy, I don't carry it far from the car so it's perfect, lead acid is also easier keep and store, Lithium does not like to be stored fully charged and has to be/should be charged fully , charge to around 50% for storage and charge only when it's needed. Lead acid can be left on an intelligent mains charger 24x7 ready for use any time. The Lead acid 45 Ah can keep me going for a day or two and is very cheap for the amount of Ah you get. A 20 Ah Lead Acid battery should work as good.
If wanting a Lithium battery for light weight backpack, LiFePo4 is a good choice, 4S for 3.6 volts fully charged for 14.4 volts hot off the charger, 3 S LiPO would be @4.2 V per cell =12.6 volts off the charger so LiFeP04 would be better and have a higher average voltage and it's a safer chemistry.
Does that truck have a lawnmower engine in it?
a lawnmower engine would be an improvement.
Instead of 3 different cables, why not just carry 1 and use the power pole adapters to make quick-change adapters for whatever you need?
Nice video, but that's a lot of heavy gear, not "Backpack" hiking portable...I believe it's only "portable" because you have a trailer to haul all that gear. When I hear "Portable," I think more along the lines of POTA, SOTA setups, super light, super portable. But hey, you have relocated it from one place to another, thus "portable". Thanks for showing us your setup.
I agree, this is way too much stuff if I was backpacking. If I had to carry the gear, I'd shed about 75% of it.
@@KB9VBRAntennas are you going to do one of those videos? SOTA NPOTA BOTA? that would be cool
Kenny Green that looks much lighter than the PRC I toted in the Army
Set it up and make it work on the next video
Don't worry, operation of this setup will be featured in future videos.
where is the whole system set up and radio check ? lol
Nice, short and very informative! 73 de sm5zeh