Glad you enjoyed it Tracy! Love the reaction after VK. I did 21 hours mobile (stationery), with a 7300 and little tarheel search and pounce. 767 contacts across 40-10, 7 new countries and had a blast!
Thanks Tracy, I agree that this rig is a great little rig. I have had one since December 2023 (11months). Very happy with it; bought for parks on the air (VKFF) All the best for the season, 73 Geoff vk3sq- y/r59-30
Me too, one good thing that might be helpful for folks in our physical situation is these incredible portable radios especially like Icom's 705 or Yaesu's ( yet to be released ) FTX-1F should be a boon for folks that have limited mobility ( onboard ATU, high capy.battery ) my issues is hauling the battery. 73
Yes I was in the contest! Got some of the same contacts you did. I like the same challenge as you (sort of) but not as low power as you. LOL! I operate with 50W and an end fed half wave wire antenna in an inverted-V in my small, HOA backyard. It's always fun to see how others operate. Always enjoy your content Tracy! 73! Michael-WA5AZQ
same for me, using low power QRP rig ft 818 makes so much fun. Each time that I got QSO with DX it releases so much dopamine that I do not feel low temperatures
10, 11, 12 meters are booming lately. I have been saying this over and over. 😆 Thank you for the video Tracy, now it is your turn guys. Get out there and make some contacts..!!!
Oh I'm really digging that cherry SGC SG-2020 , I've wanted one of those rigs since the early 2000s especially with the coaxial transmatch, what a nice outfit . I have a SGC smart coupler that works a treat, they made quality gear! I have to say , I bought a Yaesu FT-710 a few months back and Yowza! I'm really impressed with it. the current draw is nice and low on RX, went with the field version like yours, draws a little more than half an amp on RX w/ the fan running. lots of radio packed in that set for sure. my primary radio for in the field is my FT-818nd - I bought a FT-817 when released and I just can't seem to make due without one, believe me I've tried *LOL*, but for a camp radio I think that the FT-710 will fill that spot nicely. really stoked to try Yaesu's new QRP outfit. keep having fun and 73 to you lads! de N3TGY
Thank you for sharing your experience! Honest question...my 710 draws between 1.2 and 1.5 amps on receive. That's a long way from half an amp. Could you recheck and let me know if your initial measurement still stands? 73 from VE3TWM.
@OutdoorsOnTheAir well I bought a cheap inline amp meter and it's showing .55 to. 56 I'll use my good clamp meter and check again. I was tickled with this because my camping radio is my Icom IC-7000 ( fan mod done to keep the DSP from cooking a 4th time) but it pulls 2.3 amps on RX . Sorry if I got this wrong.
Using “5904” simplifies the exchange process during the contest, making it quicker and more efficient for operators to log contacts. The really do not care for the report as long as they can hear you . He was in zone 4. Hence 594 or 5904.
To add to what my friend Tom replied, the exchange is 59 (that's a default, there's no 5-5's, 5-7's, etc.) plus the 2 digit CQ Zone you are operating from. In my case, I was operating from CQ Zone 4. Google CQ Zones to see a map.
Tracy, that was a wonderful video to watch. Your passion and enthusiasm for ham radio is evident and contagious. I appreciated the way you introduced the viewer to each radio, followed by a few QSOs. Did I see an FT817/818 on the table? If so, did you use it during the CQWW contest? Well done on your first VK contact. The highlight of my CQWW weekend was my first contact with Argentina, using 5W from an FT-818, from the UK. Keep producing these great videos, and inspiring others to go portable and QRP.
11:17 can you share your mic gain/compression settings on the 705? I've never been able to get the ALC that low while the compression reading is so high. great videos as always!
A tip on pegging out guy lines in hard ground/ frozen ground is to use about 8" to 10" landscape spike. It is just a really big common nail. Be sure to bring a mallet to pound them in. If doing winter camping for field day, don't pound the landscape spikes all the way in. To remove them, just give the spike a small tap in to break the grip the frozen ground will have on them. They pull right out. Did you get to do the build video for your 100AH battery/solar generator? I thought you hinted at that in a previous community post.
Great tips, thank you! At this point, I'm not interested in building a solar generator. For my needs, carrying the battery around in an ammo can is enough.
the exchange is 59 (that's a default, there's no 5-5's, 5-7's, etc.) plus the 2 digit CQ Zone you are operating from. In my case, I was operating from CQ Zone 4. Google "CQ Zones" to see a map.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAirBelieve me, Tracy, I feel you: it's no easier packing for man-portable trips of this nature. Glad you were able to enjoy yourself - I know sometimes it's a struggle.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir After your contact it sounded like an "S" for me as he called for the next one. Anyway, Italy belongs to zone 14 (central europe), but not zone 15 (eastern europe). Thus, it is just weird.
Great results! JP and AU! Wow! I turned on the radio Saturday morning at the QTH and had 2 quick EU contacts with my FT-818 at 5W. I decided to give it a try. Over 9h I made 45 contacts, 25 countries, 3 bands, 4 continents, NA, SA, EU and AF for 106 points and 49 multipliers = 5194! Did you keep score?
Incredible. You had a better copy on the VK than we did at VE3MIS! Nice video Tracy! 73 VE3GKT Edit to add: you were off frequency for a lot of the QSOs. Speaking from my experience running a frequency at MIS, It makes you very difficult to copy. Perhaps being dialed in on frequency would work better for you.
Glad you enjoyed it Tracy! Love the reaction after VK. I did 21 hours mobile (stationery), with a 7300 and little tarheel search and pounce. 767 contacts across 40-10, 7 new countries and had a blast!
And you got Japan too, VE6KBI Dana
Hi Tim! Yours was an incredible performance, just outstanding. That Tarheel is doing a great job for you.
Thanks Tracy, I agree that this rig is a great little rig. I have had one since December 2023 (11months). Very happy with it; bought for parks on the air (VKFF)
All the best for the season,
73 Geoff vk3sq- y/r59-30
Thanks for the video Tracy! I was one of the contest refugees hanging out on 12m. I also have never seen 10m so packed. You had some great contacts!
Thank you, Stuart! I'll bet 12m presented some impressive DX.
Always enjoying watching you videos Tracy! Australia and Japan…that was freaking awesome! 73
Thank you! 73 from VE3TWM.
Another great video. Because of disability I can't get out, but thanks for your videos I can experience outdoors on the air. 73 tracy.
Me too, one good thing that might be helpful for folks in our physical situation is these incredible portable radios especially like Icom's 705 or Yaesu's ( yet to be released ) FTX-1F should be a boon for folks that have limited mobility ( onboard ATU, high capy.battery ) my issues is hauling the battery. 73
Your comment means a lot to me! Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM.
Congrats on your 1st SSB with Australia! That was fun to see.
I just added a reminder to my calendar to plan a camping trip for next year's contest.
Thanks, Shane! You'll have a blast.
Great video. Thank you for having me there for the afternoon. I even made it to the final cut 🙂 The FT-710 with its waterfall is fantastic.
I really appreciated having you there,Tom! Thanks for coming out.
Yes I was in the contest! Got some of the same contacts you did.
I like the same challenge as you (sort of) but not as low power as you. LOL! I operate with 50W and an end fed half wave wire antenna in an inverted-V in my small, HOA backyard.
It's always fun to see how others operate.
Always enjoy your content Tracy!
73! Michael-WA5AZQ
Sounds like you had a great time, Michael! 73 from VE3TWM.
same for me, using low power QRP rig ft 818 makes so much fun. Each time that I got QSO with DX it releases so much dopamine that I do not feel low temperatures
We are brothers!
Great video. Thanks for sharing your setup and your passion for getting out. 73 W1UTE
Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM!
10, 11, 12 meters are booming lately. I have been saying this over and over. 😆 Thank you for the video Tracy, now it is your turn guys. Get out there and make some contacts..!!!
Hi Nek, you're absolutely right!
Oh I'm really digging that cherry SGC SG-2020 , I've wanted one of those rigs since the early 2000s especially with the coaxial transmatch, what a nice outfit . I have a SGC smart coupler that works a treat, they made quality gear!
I have to say , I bought a Yaesu FT-710 a few months back and Yowza! I'm really impressed with it. the current draw is nice and low on RX, went with the field version like yours, draws a little more than half an amp on RX w/ the fan running. lots of radio packed in that set for sure. my primary radio for in the field is my FT-818nd - I bought a FT-817 when released and I just can't seem to make due without one, believe me I've tried *LOL*, but for a camp radio I think that the FT-710 will fill that spot nicely. really stoked to try Yaesu's new QRP outfit. keep having fun and 73 to you lads! de N3TGY
Thank you for sharing your experience! Honest question...my 710 draws between 1.2 and 1.5 amps on receive.
That's a long way from half an amp. Could you recheck and let me know if your initial measurement still stands? 73 from VE3TWM.
@OutdoorsOnTheAir well I bought a cheap inline amp meter and it's showing .55 to. 56 I'll use my good clamp meter and check again. I was tickled with this because my camping radio is my Icom IC-7000 ( fan mod done to keep the DSP from cooking a 4th time) but it pulls 2.3 amps on RX . Sorry if I got this wrong.
Enjoyed the video. Contemplating a 705.
Just got a 705. Nice rig❤️
Noob here - great video. CQ - seek you. 😊
How come you always give the report 59 04 or 59 & 4?
Using “5904” simplifies the exchange process during the contest, making it quicker and more efficient for operators to log contacts. The really do not care for the report as long as they can hear you . He was in zone 4. Hence 594 or 5904.
To add to what my friend Tom replied, the exchange is 59 (that's a default, there's no 5-5's, 5-7's, etc.) plus the 2 digit CQ Zone you are operating from. In my case, I was operating from CQ Zone 4. Google CQ Zones to see a map.
Tracy, that was a wonderful video to watch. Your passion and enthusiasm for ham radio is evident and contagious. I appreciated the way you introduced the viewer to each radio, followed by a few QSOs.
Did I see an FT817/818 on the table? If so, did you use it during the CQWW contest?
Well done on your first VK contact. The highlight of my CQWW weekend was my first contact with Argentina, using 5W from an FT-818, from the UK.
Keep producing these great videos, and inspiring others to go portable and QRP.
Thank you very much! I did fire up the 817 but sadly forgot to record while I made a few contacts with it. Still love that rig.
11:17 can you share your mic gain/compression settings on the 705? I've never been able to get the ALC that low while the compression reading is so high.
great videos as always!
Compression is set to 10. Mic Gain is 91. Mod Input / Data Off Mod is Mic. Hope that helps!
The last takeaway is the low noise floor being out in a rural location on battery power.
A tip on pegging out guy lines in hard ground/ frozen ground is to use about 8" to 10" landscape spike. It is just a really big common nail. Be sure to bring a mallet to pound them in. If doing winter camping for field day, don't pound the landscape spikes all the way in. To remove them, just give the spike a small tap in to break the grip the frozen ground will have on them. They pull right out. Did you get to do the build video for your 100AH battery/solar generator? I thought you hinted at that in a previous community post.
Great tips, thank you! At this point, I'm not interested in building a solar generator. For my needs, carrying the battery around in an ammo can is enough.
great video the speaker issue you had talked about would be interesting
What make and model cases are you using in this video?
MAXIMUM tool boxes, made in Italy, sold at Canadian Tire here in Canada. Nowhere near as expensive as Pelican and I like them a lot.
What do the numbers 5905, etc mean and where do they come from?
the exchange is 59 (that's a default, there's no 5-5's, 5-7's, etc.) plus the 2 digit CQ Zone you are operating from. In my case, I was operating from CQ Zone 4. Google "CQ Zones" to see a map.
Awesome to snag DX contacts on low power and portable as well. Enjoyed your video. KE5URE.
0:19 -- Oh, my. That's.....a *lot* of stuff. 😮
No wonder packing is my least favourite part of the trip 😀
@@OutdoorsOnTheAirBelieve me, Tracy, I feel you: it's no easier packing for man-portable trips of this nature. Glad you were able to enjoy yourself - I know sometimes it's a struggle.
....and I've run into so many hams that say OCF's are junk. Really? They should watch this video and learn.
As always, great video. Barry, KU3X
Thank you, Barry!
Great performance, and a fantastic video. May I ask one question? Wasn't the call sign of IO6P with zone 15 more likely SO6P from Poland?
Hmmm. I went back and listened a few times after reading your comment, and am still hearing"I", not "S".
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir After your contact it sounded like an "S" for me as he called for the next one. Anyway, Italy belongs to zone 14 (central europe), but not zone 15 (eastern europe). Thus, it is just weird.
Great results! JP and AU! Wow! I turned on the radio Saturday morning at the QTH and had 2 quick EU contacts with my FT-818 at 5W. I decided to give it a try. Over 9h I made 45 contacts, 25 countries, 3 bands, 4 continents, NA, SA, EU and AF for 106 points and 49 multipliers = 5194! Did you keep score?
Hi Rod, you did very well! No, I did not tabulate my score.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir You mentioned that you were camped out 30 minutes or from your QTH. Christie CA or somewhere else?
Valens Lake.
How hungry is the 710?
very, so I bring a 100 Ah buffet
Tim still sells that aerial.
Great, thanks Philip!
How were you able to film the future? 2025 CQ WW SSB? 2025?
Good catch, thank you! Fixed.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAirno problem. I always enjoy your videos. I have an FT-710, and I think I should be using it more. - It needs more love.
like the hat.
Battle injuries!
Friendly fire 😀
The train horns. Ya you just have to stop and listen
The difference between 5W vs 10W is measurable by 3db increase.
Half an S-unit, i.e. no practical change at the receiving end.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Half an S-unit is half of an S-unit. It's the difference between making a QSO or not when running QRP.
Not in my experience.
Wow Tracy you rich buy another rig congratulations 73 from kb2uew
Hi Alvaro, always nice to hear from you! I'm not rich, I just like my radios. 73 from VE3TWM.
🙂👍
Love your videos but sorry cannot stand contests hi watch your next one.
I get that!
Nice!! PA3CRL
Incredible. You had a better copy on the VK than we did at VE3MIS! Nice video Tracy! 73 VE3GKT
Edit to add: you were off frequency for a lot of the QSOs. Speaking from my experience running a frequency at MIS, It makes you very difficult to copy. Perhaps being dialed in on frequency would work better for you.
Thank you, Joseph! Great tip.