2M Go Bag FAIL

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Let's take a look at how my 2M everyday carry kit failed me recently and what I think will fix it.
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27 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 103

@Liberty4Ever 4 года назад

Nobody's happier than a ham with a new project. :-) I'm not a fan of strict QRP either, but I like the idea of QRP+. There are some nice radios that output 10W or 20W, and that seems like a sweet spot for a lot of portable operations, optimizing the likelihood of completing a QSO with battery life. Once solar cycle 25 is cranking in a few years, you can always dial it back to 5W, but sometimes +3dB or +6dB is the difference between making the contact and not. If I can afford to run 10 or 20 watts, it's a courtesy to the guy with the big antenna and the 100+ watt transmitter who is doing most of the work for the QSO when he's trying to pull my puny portable signal out of the noise. The new TX-500 radio from Lab599 looks pretty sweet for a 10W QRP+ portable rig. I started a homemade lightweight backpacking 2m Yagi. I should finish that project. It's not particularly hotel room friendly, but any chance that might have helped with your northern Alabama Winlink difficulty?

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Indeed I think it would have helped. Still might not have been successful but would have given me a much better chance. I am interested in what you come up with for a backpacking Yagi.

@lancewillard 4 года назад

The FT-817 is the Swiss Army knife of ham radios. Great choice.

@steveburg5273 4 года назад

I would have told you to go with the KX3, but I am biased. ;) it’s an amazing radio and with very little effort is good for digital etc. For more $$ you can even do 2m. It’s also 15w (on external power). I had an 817 years ago, and having a KX3 I don’t see getting another... but looking at what you’re trying to do, it’s almost perfect. Having 2m/440 available, it can take the place of an HT. Having HF gives you lots of other options as well. Paired with a RPI0 you’re super light weight (other than what you’re using to access the PI). It’s a good choice.

@vironpayne3405 3 года назад

I loved my FT-817nd, however, I don't plan on going back. I have two FT-857D, one FT-897D, and one IC-706MKiig radio. All are shack in the box radios that do 5W to 100W. I'm waiting for a 5W to 100W direct conversion/SDR shack in a box radio before I upgrade. Something like the IC-705, but can be turned up to 100W. Two of my shack in the box radios, a couple of HTs and my cellphone give me digital comms via FLDIGI and DroidRTTY with acoustic coupling. My MFJ 936 loop tuner and a couple of wires let me work 20m, 30m, and 40m. A mag mount on a baking sheet and a 12Ah bioenno battery and I'm in business. Bring the charger and life is very good.

@KI4ASK 4 года назад

Ive been a 817 fan for years. Good choice. I did just buy a 705 but still love my 817. It's a great radio. When 6m is open, wow! This summer I worked Canada from down here in Atlanta on 5w and the stock rubber duck 6m whip. Have fun.

@wadepatton2433 4 года назад

I'm using an 817 for a base right now. It WILL be my "go kit" deal when I make one. Bought it second-hand with a case and accessories for really reasonable. Haven't used it digitally, only phone. But I know these are solid rigs with TONS of support and accessories and history. Plus it gives us weak signal modes on VHF and UHF, if those are of interest.

@timk7749 4 года назад

If you enjoy ssb with the 817, jump into some digital (PSK, JS8.etc) or CW and you will really see the 817 shine.

@GenXJohn70 3 года назад

Love my 817. Works great with BAP. Worked all over the world with it this year.

@timk7749 4 года назад

Lots of newer radios but the 817 is still a very very good radio 👍. Your endfed antenna kit goes great with this rig. That's where mine is attached :). 73 de KF7VUT.

@va7dgp 4 года назад

I drove Watoto Children Choir bus and I used a Icom 808 (think I got model right) D star mobile radio. I hand a Comet M 24 mag mount that I use in the hotel/motel rooms. I found HT just didn't have the get up and go because of distanc to reach Winlink Gateway because of distance and high rises in the way.

@BlessedLaymanNC 3 года назад

I am looking forward to future videos. As for the radio you chose, cutting edge technology is not always the best thing for a given situation. It's the purpose and reliability for that purpose that matters most. After all, you said you saved $1,000. (You can buy an amp for $100-200 and still have $800 in your pocket.) And this is not your primary. I have the FT-818ND for fun and I'm saving up for the FT891 for base and for portable/EMCOMM. It's a little bigger, but I have the advantages of the DSP and other features, but it comes at the cost of batteries. Even there, I can roll the power back to as low as 5 watts, if that works, or raise it as needed for the given situation. For digital, you probably don't need all the bells and whistles, and might just need to only add one of the narrow band filters for Field day and other congested contest days. Digital data works when voice and cw can't even be heard. You'll probably be surprised how few signals you miss with QRP. Keep us informed by your progress and experience.

@dwightdick4090 4 года назад

I recommend building out your go-bag using a Brightline Bag. It allows you to put together your basic, lightweight kit that might include the radio, a QRP antenna, (I carry the EFT-10/20/40 Trail Friendly), your Raspberry Pi, sound card and anything else you consider essential, in one bag, and zipping on to it the rest of your kit organized in multiple, individual, zip-on bags, that may include an amplifier, (I sometimes deploy with an HFPacker), additional antenna equipment, power supplies, batteries, solar panels, tools, connectors, feed lines, clothing, etc. It allows you to organize and then take that portion of the kit that you need/want to take with you to the field and facilitates the ability for quick deployment as a minimalist or with the equipment needed to make the -817 the foundation for a great backup or secondary radio for field day.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Thanks a lot (sarcasm) You might have just cost me more money on this project. hihi. Seriously though, those are great looking bags. I like the modular approach and hadn't seen those bags before. Thanks for sharing!

@zanado11 4 года назад

I think you’re going to like it. It is challenging, especially in the solar cycle we are in. The ft817 is a tank and because you got it for a good price I think you made a good choice. Looking forward to seeing you completed project. 73 de Roger W8RLP

@hamradiotube 4 года назад

Good choice on the radio. Perfect for what you are planning to use it for. Excited to see what you come up with for your kit.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Thanks 👍

@tasheido 4 года назад

I have an 817 +pi with the digimodes. Same portable zero rails and battery case like the one you have. I can make regular winlink connections spain-switzerland not super reliable but good enough. To go portable assume 5W and just get a light wire endfed or a lighweight easy to pack vertical with balun. Its pretty much all you need to have fun without carrying a ton. Check out qrp guys antennas they have interestting stuff at a reasonable price.

@davidsradioroom9678 4 года назад

I was guessing you would have gone with an 857, but the 817 is a good QRP rig. My "QRP" rig is an IC-7100. I can turn the power down to five watts, but have 100 if I need it. Sometimes, I can hear QRP stations satisfactorily, but other times, they struggle to be heard. Looking forward to seeing you set up in the field with your new rig. 👍

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

I have said the exact thing ("i can turn down the power") so many times in the past. Part of this might just be me looking for a new challenge :-)

@CWB-RF 4 года назад

I think you made the right choice considering the bang for your buck factor is high with that smaller investment. I use an FT-818 at 5 watts, a wire, and that’s all I use at home or outdoors. I only operate phone (mostly SSB) and I haven’t worked any digital modes yet but will try someday. I know a lot of people aren’t into QRP but I think everyone should give it a try at some point in their ham radio journey as it can be a lot of fun. I didn’t intentionally set out to be a QRP’er but I’m enjoying it so much I haven’t felt the need to buy a 100 watt rig just yet. Even with current band conditions I think with a bit of patience you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what you can do with a low tech 5 watt rig. I’m not a QRP expert by any means and I’m able to make contacts every time I turn on the radio. Good luck, I hope you enjoy it.

@scottmeyers7297 2 года назад

Put a Alinco DJ-S11, Cobra WXT handheld and the Radioddity GM-30 in a go bag to listen to at work

@tookthe5th182 4 года назад

Have 2 of the orginal 817's almost 20 years old and both have been flawless! One is currently running WSPR running around 200mw into an OCF Dipole with the apex up 35ft. Being spotted all over the place on 20, 30, 40m using WSJTX and a Pi4 running build a Pi. The other one is for portable use. Both are equipped with LDG Z-11 tuners as well as Signalink's. Everything in the shack is powered from my 500w off grid solar system. and running things 24/7. 73

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Sounds like a very nice setup! 73, de KM4ACK

@tomcat1fl 4 года назад

Good choice Jason, the 817/818 line is b rugged proven stuff. It'll interface nicely with your RasPi projects and you'll be surprised how well JS8 works on just 5 watts.

@Steven_VE9SY 4 года назад

QRP gets addictive!

@TheTechPrepper 4 года назад

Yep. I love taking the FT-818ND in the field. Fun stuff indeed.

@expert244 3 года назад

QRP is the only way to size down HF. I have been sizing down my FT-891 HF kit but it's expensive and hard to do. I'm still holding out!!!!!!

@biringen 2 года назад

i had the ft817 before. regret i sold it... But a tip swap the stock mic with a Peiker TM110TF mic. it really make a differance over the stock yaesu mic.

@zeebraeend 4 года назад

Jason, is a modular system something to your liking? 1 bag containing your solar, one for the rig and antennas (whatever you'd like to use at that particular time) and one for accessories like food/drink/shelter or whatever. Molly webbing can be your friend in the field of combining the modules. That way you would have best of both worlds. And I consider the 2 meter go bag not to be a fail. It does what it's supposed to do, work 2 meters. I'm building a bag around my old Yaesu FT-470 as a kind of experiment and as always I'm curious for the outcome of your go bag kit. Keep us posted, 73's de Xander NL134.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Yep. My bags will be more modular going forward. Then just grab what you need according to the trip you are taking.

@kurtzFPV 4 года назад

Would also suggest folks looking into this to consider a Xiegu g90. Compact, small tuning panadapter, up to 20 w and a great built in ATU. You can often find them on sale for just over $400. Good reviews too.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

I have heard a lot of good things about the G90. Both GoodGameHamRadio and K8MRD seem to really like theirs. That might be a radio I consider in the future.

@kurtzFPV 4 года назад

@@KM4ACK I won't keep going on about it, but should also mention that the lead on their software team keeps close contact to both a groups.io and a Facebook group and constantly works on releasing new firmware with fixes and improvements suggested by the users. I was familiar with K8MRD, and Julian OH8STN using the radio, but will check out GoodGameHamRadio. Thanks

@dongibbskk4qam 4 года назад

I think you will be pleased with the 817. You are familiar with the menu system and you have all the bands. QRP will get the job done. Following the progress closely. 73.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Being familiar with the menu system was a big plus for purchase.

@CJburk 4 года назад

You may be able to use the 45w amp that Josh from HRCC has been working with lately. I have one for my x5105 and I like it. I've made contacts into WI, AK, and CO from western WA on normal mode and wasn't using the full 45w. Thank you for what you do for ham radio and 73! KJ7LLS

@kimbelldify 4 года назад

I run mostly Yaesu radios, specifically an ft897d, ft450d, ft8900, and I have been real happy with them, until recently. I had a real a real eye opener when I setup an sdrplay. I run a patch panel with press on pl259 plugs to my home antennas, and hot swapped the sdrplay and the ft450d, 897d, while monitoring the same transmission on each receiver. I have pretty bad hearing damage and clarity is extremely important to me. The difference between the old radios and the sdrplay was astonishing. the little 120$ receiver SMOKED the older tech. radios for clarity and noise rejection. It was like a whole new dimension of sound!!! I am now looking for the right sdr and strongly considering the 705. w7cme

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Agree. When I compare the Yaesu 891 against the Yaesu 857 there is a HUGE difference and the 891 is a clear winner. But since I am just dipping my toes into the the QRP waters I didn't want to dump a ton of money into it until I was sure that QRP was for me.

@paulcecil1712 4 года назад

Why not look at getting a portable 2m/70cm beam? Many will break down into a less then a 3 foot length, and several inches in diameter. 73

@billgarand2136 4 года назад

The tape measure yagi does work great. I keep one in my truck for reaching the far off repeaters here in the high desert. The boost it gives to a 5 Watt HT is amazing, let alone putting the mobile rig behind it. True story, from the second floor of my house in Gardnerville, NV to Susanville, CA!!! A little pvc and a few feet of one inch carpenter tape measure 😎

@brianmatthews232 3 года назад

I'd forget the VHF ability and use a digital handy, then buy a 20 to 30W HF rig for max bang per battery watt

@ki4uaa 4 года назад

I've had an 817 and regret selling it. I tried qrp but as the sole hf comms it wasn't for me. Here lately I have been wanting to pick-up another, as well as a small qrp amp. Moving from a house with a full shack and full time antenna space to a townhouse with restrictions has been a challenge. I feel like a kit like you are trying to build would work for me as well!

@duanehendrickson4023 4 года назад

I've been doing FT8 QRP with a Xiegu X5105. I've found that QRP is very reliant on having a very efficient antenna. I'm thinking about taking my FT-857D that is setting on the shelf and selling it to get a 817 or 818 (if the price is right) for a multipurpose Go Bag. I've already have an Yaesu FT-891 and FT-897D along with a Xiegu x5105 and G90 so I really don't need the 857D. I love the x5105 due to it having an internal battery and mic, but it lacks the 2m/70cm capabilities.

@w4mkh 3 года назад

Good choices. May I suggest the Xiegu G90. SDR with 20 Watts for around $400.

@KM4ACK 3 года назад

From everything I have heard, the G90 is a great radio :-)

@lpark8 3 года назад

“Silly human malware”! 👊😎great video - like to follow the thought process

@BlessedLaymanNC 3 года назад

If someone really wants to know, QRP really only means "less power" and QRO means "more power" The question mark or period makes it a question or statement. In the early days, when referring to power, QRO was for more than 100 watts, and QRP was 100 watts or less. After WWII, radiomen understood how well they could operate with only 5 watts. Contests started designating QRP to be 5 watts CW and 10 watts SSB. The exact numbers vary by the contest. This leaves two designations for contestants (in most contests): QRP, under 10 watts, and the rest. Meaning that if you push just 5 more watts, you are in competition with stations running 100 times the power you run. 15 vs 1500 watts. I did notice that the rules of this last CQ WW SSB Contest designated QRP to be 5 watts SSB, low power to be under 101 watts and the rest is high power. That's much more reasonable, but I would have given QRP the full 10 watts.

@rttakezo2000 4 года назад

Lightweight, all band, battery powered....hmmmm sounds like....

@TheTechPrepper 4 года назад

As someone who started HF/VHF/UHF with QRP--Yaesu FT-818ND, I'd like to share some thoughts. I love it for the sport, but I would never count on it for an emergency. It sounds like you need the Yaesu FT-857D. More power, relatively light weight and all band. If you find one, let me know. In terms of 818/817 accessories, I highly recommend the "FT-817 FT-817ND FT-818 Anderson PowerPole Adapter Power Connector ". Check on eBay. Great stuff as always.

@TheTechPrepper 4 года назад

If you add an amp to your 817, let us know. I've seen a few people using them. It adds weight and cost, but it might be worth a look?

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Already did the power pole mod for the 817. I have a couple of 857s that I am very fond of. The 817 won out here just on the basis of weight savings and I wanted to finally try my hand at QRP. I doubt I will add an amp. At that point I would grab either the 891 or 857 and have a QRO rig. This setup is more of a "toy" to play with. Like you, if I have to count on radio to save the day I would want a QRO radio.

@timk7749 4 года назад

@@TheTechPrepper I'm running the 817 and also have a small amp. It's nice to grab and have if needed. I also have and love an 857 , (which I can't believe is no longer being made!). The amp adds a nice balance to the 817. The 817 has a very low current draw (compared to the 857) but if more power is needed the amp is there. I dont believe weight of the two together is much different than a solo 857. Im always trying to find the perfect combo but I'm rolling with the 817 and amp for portable now. 73 de KF7VUT

@TheTechPrepper 4 года назад

@@timk7749 Let me know if you ever want to sell your 857. I'm on QRZ. Are you using the MX-P50M amp? 73 de KT1RUN

@timk7749 4 года назад

@@TheTechPrepper yup running that amp. As for the 857 I will keep you in mind but doubt I ever get rid of it. It's my mobile rig now. I was upset I didn't get another before they discontinued. I don't understand how they discontinue such a great rig with no replacement. 73 de KF7VUT

@joesch1955 2 года назад

I love the FT-817 - in fact, I often used it as a mobile on 2 Meters and 440, connected to a Mag Mount. Question: how will the addition of the FT-817 solve the issue you mentioned trying to access Winlink? The FT-817 has no more power than your h/t?

@KM4ACK 2 года назад

It is true that the 817 doesn't have more power but it is capable of HF. HF will allow me to reach out to a much greater distances than 2M packet.

@chrissewell1608 4 года назад

All bands, Mobile rig w/ battery?! Looks good to me. Although I though it had at least 50 watts....so 5 watts? My HT does 5 watts!

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Yes. the 817 is a QRP rig that outputs 5W. If you want a similar radio that puts out 100W, take a look at the Yaesu 857

@johnzarubajr 3 года назад

Due to the low cost, if your FT-817 gets damaged/lost/stolen out in the field, it's not the end of the world. The same reason I like using Raspberry Pis and cheap Android tablets for outdoor. Never bring anything to outdoor ham radio that you're not prepared to lose.

@sfcmac336 3 года назад

Where did the phrase "Play Radio" come from?

@oldpreach 4 года назад

Nice video. The ft-891 is about the same price, slightly bigger, has a much better receiver, and has the option of 100 watts. Its heavier, but the pros far outweigh the Cons.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

I own the 891 and it is indeed a great rig.

@oldpreach 4 года назад

@@KM4ACK I'm sorry, I'm not sure why I didn't remember that I've seen you work that rig before parks on the air. Forget me your way out of me right now!

@timgarrity3985 4 года назад

I would love to see a video on using winlink using the ft3dr!

@kb9mtd-aaronwebb 4 года назад

Good job on trying something new!

@hamradio1017 4 года назад

I've been thinking I want something more portable than my FT991 (yeah, I know it's pretty portable) and have been thinking G90 or FT891. I know you love your 891. It's something I want to take camping and in general on the go. Thoughts? I want a flexible system that I can do digital and voice on. I don't do CW (yet).

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

The 891 is a GREAT portable rig that will output a full 100W. I wanted to try QRP. Time will tell whether I like it or not.

@gjacob3412 4 года назад

You will be quite surprised what you can accomplish with QRP - and the FT-817. If you haven't taken a look at his channel, I suggest Julian, OH8STN who does an extensive amount of QRP and QRP Portable. He has excellent resources and insights you may find quite useful.

@oh2hqe 4 года назад

Success do found between failures.

@charlieb.4273 4 года назад

Although I’ve made thousands of SSB QSOs with the 817, CW at 5w is like 100w SSB. Take a look at my 817 go bag on my QRZ page. Have fun. Charlie KM4ZZ

@Littrell1966 3 года назад

It might be older, but it's proven tech that's not likely to fail in the field.

@kd8ocz 4 года назад

I love my 817 in fact i have your build a pi just for it. Qrp is great practice you get good with limited power then when you jump to your 100w rig its like shooting fish in a barrel. and i have a kit ive been working on for years . massage me if you want to hear about my kit of ideas for yours. 73

@Dr-T 4 года назад

Hi Jason. I'm a QRP operator. Have been for 40+ years. The FT817ND is a capable QRP rig (although not up to Elecraft KX2 or KX3 standards.) It's not got many bells and whistles but with a CW filter fitted, I had great fun with mine until I sold it to buy my KX3, which is my present portable rig. O8HSTN is about to publish a new smaller battery pack -- that should be great for the 817 and the like. I'm hoping to buy the TX500 from Lab599 for Christmas as my next portable rig :-) 73 Bruce G4ABX

@kimbelldify 4 года назад

I have looked at the tx500 bruce and it is on my short list for my next upgrade. No uhf or vhf is a bit offputting, but I love the rugged design! w7cme

@Dr-T 4 года назад

@@kimbelldify Agreed the lack of VHF/UHF is a bit of an issue. I use my Kenwood TH-D74. No CW or SSB but it does have APRS and all of the other features. What swung me towards the TX500 is its rugged build and the fact that 90% of my Portable operating is HF CW (and Data) -- and its £500 less expensive than the new Icom!

@stewartrv 4 года назад

Check out this thing, if you got the wonga! Literality built like a tank! lab599.com/ plus a handie your good to go. No issue with the 817/818 at all though I think it's a good option for now, you can sell it later for not much different I think. Besides according to what Josh says plenty of people who have ordered the IC-705 have no idea what it's actually like to run 10 watts at home. If you wait 6-12 months I 'm expecting there will be a few only a few months old on the 2nd hand market! I'm also looking for an a mint FT-818 just waiting for the right moment. :) I also already have the 857d so its keeping it in the family!

@KO4AFL 4 года назад

Me personally I would rather save the money.

@mikemcdonald5147 3 года назад

u should save your money

@markg6jvy135 4 года назад

👌👏👏

@rkaag99 4 года назад

Considering the 80/20 rule, I'd have to go with 'save the money' approach. If the equipment will be sitting in a bag unused for 80% (or more) of it's life, I simply can't justify rolling with a $1000 rig. I earn a reasonable living but still have to watch the coin as I'm sure most folks do. This is the same reason I try to home-brew my field antennae. I've seen $50+ dipole kits... I mean really? It's 65ft of wire! For comparison, I can get a 100ft role of 18/2 speaker wire for less than $20 and that will make 2 full length resonant dipoles... 1 for 80M & 1 for 40M... not to mention the bands in the harmonics. The answer would be completely different for a daily-use home station with a 65ft tower. Ya have to go with philosophy of use.

@bruhzooka 4 года назад

Fun times. I just sold my 817! IC-705 on the way.

@andrewhamop6665 4 года назад

I've got 0 experience with QRP, and have only had my license for 9 months but I can guestimate. I think going with the old, and likely much cheaper QRP radio was a good choice, so you can dip your toe into QRP before you invest in a KX2 or 3, or an IC-705. Myself, I totally agree with your reasoning. If you're gonna lug a big heavy backpack or pelican case out into the field, you might as well bring a 100w rig. I got the FT-891 for my 1st HF rig, and am very happy with "my" purchase. (Birthday gift) I feel once solar cycle 25 starts going, maybe in a few years I'll get a 705 or whatever is new and shiny. But for right now 100w or bust for me, the frustration of 5w or even 10w just isn't worth it. Now QRP+ is the sweet spot for me. The Xigeu G90 is VERY appealing to me, but for some it's not an option since it doesn't have 2m or 70cm. Personally if I REALLY want to do 2m portable I'd lug out a pie pan, my magnount, my 50w 2m rig, and a battery. I don't even have a battery yet lol. So for me, power and function over form. With my 891, a Bioenno LiFepo4, and my WRC Silver Bullet 1000 I can work the world in a few years... There's my 2¢, hope it helps. Love the videos as always, having a great time with my Build-a-Pi! 73 de W8IJC

@toddbu-WK7L 2 года назад

You know what they say about QRP - twice the fun for half the weight and size

@ozone385 4 года назад

Great idea sound advice. This is what amateur radio is about, experiment and learning.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

Exactly!

@KOAOutdoors 4 года назад

Do you think you may have had luck with a tape measure 3 element Yagi ?

@jeffhenderson402 4 года назад

My son built one and we were tracking satellites with it and a handie talkie.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

That would have certainly improved my odds.

@3oo3tube2020 4 года назад

I have an FT-818, nice radio, and yes it is cheaper then the Icom 705, but for what you get with the 705, it is a much better radio. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not tossing my 818, but I am saving for the 705. I would add, the Yaesu 857 might be the radio you are looking for, it is 100 watts, and also has VHF UHF, and I also own one of those, but if you are looking to take your radio addiction to the next level, then QRP is a good way to go! ;) Thanks for the video, hope you enjoy your 817. KG5WXU 73

@wa8khp-468 4 года назад

U should have bought the LAB599 TX--500 for $790. Check out OH8STN review, only 100ma on rx. I believe he has a IC-705 (400ma on rx) on order also.

@WadeAbout 4 года назад

If you haven’t got an interface yet - ignore the signal link. Check out xgg Comms. He will make short cables for you. My go to always

@brianhall137 2 года назад

It’s hard to beat the value of the FT-817ND (or FT-818) right now...especially if you use digital modes that don’t need pwr to get the signal in and out successfully. I just spent the last three days at the Orlando Hamcation playing with my new to me FT818ND from my hotel room. I dangled an end-fed halfwave from my 3rd floor balcony and made a bunch of CW contacts (one in Bosnia!) on 2.5 W using the lame internal battery pack. Interfaced with a RPi, the digital possibilities are endless.

@KM4ACK 2 года назад

The 2M kit worked well in Orlando but I now pack my 817 for every road trip as well. Unfortunately, I didn't have much opportunity to break out the 817 and play radio at Hamcation. Using the 2M kit, I was able to grab my Winlink messages. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Iec45dF0-RY.html

@cappaculla 4 года назад

Qrp for sota means not carrying a car battery up a hill.

@brianogram5194 4 года назад

Would love to see the pack you put together for the 817.

@markdoyle8713 3 года назад

The correct number of radios is N+1.

@KM4ACK 3 года назад

I'll have to remember that equation. Now if I can only explain it to my wife! lol

@spearsjg 4 года назад

I love my IC-705. It is very functional and lightweight.

@rollandmason5596 4 года назад

I think it was a great choice. It really comes down to what you want or need. IC-705 is a little expensive for QRP, but so isn't the KX3. Having fun and getting the job done at whatever your willing to pay is where it's at. I use a 7300 myself. Good points in video.

@spokekey39 4 года назад

Only recently got into the data's modes after getting an SDR last Christmas. So treated myself to an FT-818 after doing a bit of research. My other rigs are old HT's. Best contact so far was nearly 8000 miles UK to Falkland Isles. Using a Raspberry Pi and your Pi-Build. 5 watts and half size G5RV. Its got me hooked, thanks Jason.

@janhenkins 4 года назад

Jason, the 817 will see you proud even if it is far from perfect. The 160m to 70cm capability unmatched at the price (even if you go for the new 818 model with no discount), plus the tech is fully tried and tested. There is a thriving "sub-culture" of accessories for the rig, and it sets the benchmark for all things QRP. Peter Parker VK3YE does DX with his old 817 (mk.1, not the newer "ND") with his homebrew antennas in a way that puts some kilowatt stations to shame. Not a perfect rig (it's old tech after all), it will challenge you in many ways. I love my 817, and for as long as I can keep it going with parts I will still use it. I will never sell it.

@KM4ACK 4 года назад

I follow VK3YE and am always amazed at what he can do with 5W.