Thanks for the video on the simple setup. I'm just getting back into working POTA with my FT-857D after taking several years off, and I enjoy watching how other people set up. I'm looking forward to going through your videos. W5JDT
Thanks for the kind words Janice; we are glad you enjoyed. I am working on a longer video with more in-depth explanations of each part of the system - stay tuned!
They came off eBay as a package deal with the bag that I use to hold the radio. Do a eBay search for FT-817 side rails and it will pop up. About $70 for both the rails and the bag.
Nice to find some local fellas on here! I'm from the Chesnee/Gaffney area about 1 mile from Cowpens Battlefield! If I heard you correctly when you said your camera man's name he was actually one of the VEs when I got Licensed...LOL! Hope to meet you guys sometime! 73! -KQ4JOC
It is a 200W unit called the 200X. I happened to have it at home and carried it with me that day since I wouldn't be hiking to the activation site like we normally do. I have considered getting a stand-alone lipo battery like you mentioned, but so far the upgraded internal battery for the FT-818 has served me well.
"HF style connector"? You mean SO-239/PL-259? This connector is used on VHF and UHF radios as well, although it's not ideal for higher frequencies like UHF.
Thanks for the feedback. Although you are correct in the specfic name for that style connector, it is also not uncommon to refer to that male/female pair as HF style connectors. My struggle is I can never remember which one is which (is the 239 male or female) so I just call them HF connectors. Isn't it interesting that we don't use different general numbers when we describe BNCs, SMAs or N-Types (obviously they have different part numbers) but we do when we descirbe what I call HF connectors.
Km4oia here, just has a QSO on 2M with ya on field day.73, good to meet ya. Edit: our qrp setups are quite similar. Shoot me a message sometime if you ever want to collaborat
You may be right ... I am a Yaesu guy and liked the tried and true units ... if the FT-817/818 had an internal tuner, I think it would be hard to beat.
Do a search on eBay for "Brown bag + Side plate Rails Bracket Stand yaesu FT-817ND yaesu ft-818nd ft818" and it it will pop up ... Only $69 and it comes with the side rails which I forgot to mention in the video.
Okay, answered my own questions: I’m 3 years late to this party. I was just astonished at its compact size. This sogen uses the older Lithium Ion battery chemistry. Made by Goal Zero (not Yeti the cooler maker) . 120W inverter and as the name suggests, it’s a 200W system.
Thanks for the video on the simple setup. I'm just getting back into working POTA with my FT-857D after taking several years off, and I enjoy watching how other people set up. I'm looking forward to going through your videos. W5JDT
Thanks John … glad you enjoyed it … plenty of SOTA/POTA episodes you may enjoy!
N9SAB antennas for the win! I have his 20/40m linked dipole and have had many successful outings with it and an 817. 73 de K2CJB
Tim is a great guy ... builds quality stuff and willing to answer questions.
I just received two of his antennas and excited to try them out. Your carry bags are cool!!!
@thequarantinecatholic thanks … i can guarantee Tim’s antennas won’t disappoint
Outstanding presentation. Giving me a lot of ideas.
Thanks Gene. It is amazing what you can do with 5 watts and the right antenna. I ended up making 37 contacts that day from all over the country.
@@twooldmeninthewoods Thanks. I have the 817nd model. I hope I can report the same.
@@genemcphee8053 I know there are newer QRP rigs with much fancier options, but you can't beat an 817/818 for shear ruggedness and capability.
@@twooldmeninthewoods Thanks for the support.
Nice setup 👍
Thanks … trying to get as much as I can out of 5W!
great setup terrific thanks 73 from kb2uew
Thanks ... modifying and improving the 818 has been a lot of fun.
Excellent video and great explanation. Love it and keep them coming. KO4UWU
Thanks for the kind words Janice; we are glad you enjoyed. I am working on a longer video with more in-depth explanations of each part of the system - stay tuned!
Great video. Love seeing the detail steps in your set up. I was wondering what stand you used to prop up the FT-818nd. Thank you
They came off eBay as a package deal with the bag that I use to hold the radio. Do a eBay search for FT-817 side rails and it will pop up. About $70 for both the rails and the bag.
Nice to find some local fellas on here! I'm from the Chesnee/Gaffney area about 1 mile from Cowpens Battlefield! If I heard you correctly when you said your camera man's name he was actually one of the VEs when I got Licensed...LOL! Hope to meet you guys sometime! 73! -KQ4JOC
Although Stokes was not the cameraman, he was instrumental in setting up the whole event. He is a great ambassador for our hobby and the park service.
@@twooldmeninthewoods couldn’t agree more. He’s a great guy.
What's the wattage of that Yeti power bank you are using? That is a different setup using a powerbank. Most use a LiFePO4 battery.
It is a 200W unit called the 200X. I happened to have it at home and carried it with me that day since I wouldn't be hiking to the activation site like we normally do. I have considered getting a stand-alone lipo battery like you mentioned, but so far the upgraded internal battery for the FT-818 has served me well.
"HF style connector"? You mean SO-239/PL-259? This connector is used on VHF and UHF radios as well, although it's not ideal for higher frequencies like UHF.
Thanks for the feedback. Although you are correct in the specfic name for that style connector, it is also not uncommon to refer to that male/female pair as HF style connectors. My struggle is I can never remember which one is which (is the 239 male or female) so I just call them HF connectors. Isn't it interesting that we don't use different general numbers when we describe BNCs, SMAs or N-Types (obviously they have different part numbers) but we do when we descirbe what I call HF connectors.
Km4oia here, just has a QSO on 2M with ya on field day.73, good to meet ya.
Edit: our qrp setups are quite similar. Shoot me a message sometime if you ever want to collaborat
Great to talk to you as well … definitely on a future collaboration!
Nice radio and setup, I would think at some point I would be better off with a icom 705 or kx2/3 for about the same $$ and smaller form factor
You may be right ... I am a Yaesu guy and liked the tried and true units ... if the FT-817/818 had an internal tuner, I think it would be hard to beat.
The pack looks great. Where do you source it?
Do a search on eBay for "Brown bag + Side plate Rails Bracket Stand yaesu FT-817ND yaesu ft-818nd ft818" and it it will pop up ... Only $69 and it comes with the side rails which I forgot to mention in the video.
What is your call sign. I do POTA in the Lowcountry and I'd like to hunt for you. KD4YXM
I will look you up on QRZ and shoot you an email.
Wait- Yeti makes a battery bank?!! I must check this out…
Okay, answered my own questions: I’m 3 years late to this party. I was just astonished at its compact size.
This sogen uses the older Lithium Ion battery chemistry. Made by Goal Zero (not Yeti the cooler maker) . 120W inverter and as the name suggests, it’s a 200W system.
Yeah … I think “Yeti” is the name of that line of power stations by Goal Zero … nice little unit.
How would I be able to get a pack like you carry?
I got the pack off ebay ... if you search ebay for ft-817 side-rails ... there is one seller who sells the side-rails with the bag for about $70