I can't stop buying equipment! lol! Look, It's in the ARRL manual, "licensed ham radio operators are required to upgrade their equipment on a regular basis" (show this to the wife if necessary)
Your counsel is wise and I proved it last night: the antenna/radio combo that tuned 1:1 in my back yard would not tune at all in a field deployment. Coax was bad. Did not have an extra with me. Lesson learned!
I like most youtube ham channels, but I think you might be the first that has explicitly said this. Since getting into ham last year, I've noticed I was on a never ending path of buying radios, antennas, tools, cables, etc. This year it started bothering me, how much money I spent, so my goal this year is not to buy anything ham related cause I have enough to have fun and learn. Great message Michael!
@@KB9VBRAntennas I think the most important thing is to simply get on the air. That said, learning how different equipment works, especially with antennas, is just as an important part of the journey. The nice this about antennas is they’re usually relatively cheap to build, and while you’ll save so much time with a NanoVNA, they don’t take up much space, and you don’t need much else other than some wire, a few poles and a few ferrite rings to get going. While I didn’t spend too much on transceivers, I did slowly acquire a drawer full of straight keys that rarely see the light of day, save my mini BEC field key that gets used for everything
my first year i started with the 891 and the icom 2730. threw them in my car for mobile use. why cause i had a bug up my keitser for a better all mode base, i bought a used yeasu 991. still run the same wolr river 1000 as a base antenna and an sbb7 mobile for 2m and 70cm. now im upgrading my base antenna with a nelson 80-10 efhw and a true base dual band antenna. those will be installed on a 20 foot home depot 20ft mast. this hobby/ adventure never ends. see yall on qrz
Michael, where do I begin? You just keep getting better and better! I love watching your videos, they are fun and exciting, they are educational and informative. Someone should nominate you for an Emmy my friend! You absolutely deserve it! You can tell that you put a lot of time and thought into each video! This video gave me so many great ideas for streamlining my POTA/EMCOMMS Kit. Even just the way you take the time to show the various parts of your kit/gear. I get great ideas from that. Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing brother. 73
WOW ! All great information. Coax: I carry two lengths of RG 8X. 33 feet and 66 feet. This gives me three choices, 33, 66 or 100. Battery/ power out. I always tell people not to run 100 watts. 40-50 watts is a good choice since 50 watts is only 3 db down from 100 watts and on most radios, that's only a half of an S unit different. Antenna: I've been promoting for years for either new hams to get on the air or hams that operate portable. Get a dual band 20/40 meter antenna. One of the two bands is almost always active, if not both. I've since changed to a HWEF40. This was a great video and packed with a lot of good suggestions. Glad you took the time to create it and post it. Barry, KU3X/QRP
The 40/20m dipole is a great starter antenna. It's inexpensive and you can build it yourself. Plus some of my biggest pileups were with that antenna. I still carry it in my kit and will use it if the location allows for its use.
Completely agree. A lot of hams get hung up on getting POTA specific equipment when all that matters is will the rig be easy to operate in the field, operate at half the power for only 3 dB reduction in power reduction and field an efficient resonant antenna that doesn't require an antenna matcher.
Exactly! I have over 150 POTA activations, and I am always amazed at how many people think they need more gear, or agonize of getting the SWR down to 1.1. I roll with my 891, a wolf river coil and maybe the EFHW on a pole. all you need!! Bioenno battery. I would add the Rig Expert to any portable ops tool kit. using the SWR meter on the radio is pretty tedious. W1ip
I know what you mean, you are never going to get that 'perfect match' every time. Sometimes good enough is good enough. Tuning with the transceiver is tedious, but it can be done- so my point is don't let the absence of an analyzer hold you back.
Excellent video Michael. 👍🏻 I'm a bit apprehensive with logging contacts digitally so paper is still my jam. Everyone can feel free to download, use and share that PDF. I haven't embraced the over/under coax coiling method yet either. My buddy lectures me every time we go out together. Old dog syndrome I suppose. Take care. 73.
Very interesting. Subject. I have to carry my radio kit up hills, mountains in the UK. Biggest issue is no trees so I use a selfie light tripod and telescopic 5 metre aerial. G90 radio and a golf trolley battery. Very basic as carry food water and stove. Happy hamming George in wet Uk
I am an equipment junkie!!! This video is a few years old, any chance an update can be posted with newer up to date equipment? Always great content, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge to the hobby! Thank you
I realized from Field Day experience that the more stuff I take with me, the more I have to unload when the event is over and I'm tired. I can always unload stuff later though. I do agree that we should take only what is necessary along with a spare antenna, coax, fuses and connectors. Another point is if I take a lot of stuff and want to try out everything, I'm using time and energy I need for operating.
Nice video!! Short, to the point and covering the basics. In my portable Ops, I use a ham stick, either with radials off a tripod or on my car with a mag mount, both very successful. This hits the mark nicely. The only thing I would change is a lighter transceiver. Right now I use an ICOM 746, wonderful radio, but a boat anchor, but it works. Again, well done video! Bill - KD0WAN
Newcomers should consider the SOTABEAMS Band Hopper. 20/30/40m which is 98% of all activations and No Tuner needed, no radials and no fiddly coil to mess with.
When my wife go RVing we would bring my Yaesu FT-757gx2, mfj tuner, about 65 feet of long wire, and some rope (counter pose, coax, etc). I have couple 40 amp hour scooter batteries, turn radio down to 5-6 watts and enjoy. Trying to keep it simple.
I got many years ago 703+ as a shortwave and 6M rig. Use it for FD and museum ships. Great rig, sips power. Low power/QRP ops critical during emergencies. Used 703 in place of the 746Pro during Uri ice storm in Houston. There is a chart for 1/4, 1/2, 5/8 lenghts for the 17' WRC/MFJ whip with the WRC base. With 17' whip, WRC whip is not needed. And 102" CB which should tune on 10 and 12m on WRC base.
Thank you for the vid! I just made a contact with you today during a pota activation in VA. (K-1318) and when I got my laptop out to use for logging I could hardly see the screen in direct sunlight, so paper logging to the rescue...then I used FLE to bang those out electronically...which is another great video of yours! 73 KN4FTT
Very nice Michael. I am from that part of the world, northern lower peninsula of Mich and I enjoy seeing the POTA series. You are rocking the pony tail dude! You have become very comfortable in front of a camera and deliver information very nicely. I like how you demonstrate the topics that you discuss. Keep it up and I will keep watching. 73
I'll add one more power option - the battery in whatever vehicle gets you to the POTA site. Even a small car battery has several times the Ah of portable SLA or Lithium batteries. It's already there, nothing additional to buy or bring. One can operate for hours and still have plenty of power to start the vehicle at the end of the activation.
I strongly recommend not using your vehicle's starter battery as a power source for your radio equipment if the vehicle is not running. It is a lot easier to deplete the battery than you think and the last place you want to be is in a remote area with spotty cell coverage and no way to jump start your car.
Appreciate the video. I've had a bunch of fun doing POTA hunting since getting HF privs late last year. Even managed to have a contact with you! I've accumulated the stuff I need to activate and all I'm waiting for now is about 20 degrees F of warmth.
I have all this equipment times three, UffDa! And I have never activated a park but I have operated portable in Colorado and Georgia which was a blast!
Good info, sir. I am stuck working in my Jeep using it's battery for now. I will look at your battery for when I have the funds. Have an Old Fashioned for me and U-rah-rah.
Hey Michael. After much experimenting with the new power supply, the unun you helped me make and my tyt9800, the tyt stopped working (mystery/likely known common failure.) I returned it and got a ft-2980R. I only really play on 2 meters so I figured get something specific to the task that is more reliable yet the same price as this other quad band transceiver. I might get one of those super inexpensive $100 all band hf's. I saw one reviewed and cannot find the model at the moment but I saw somebody making contacts up the eastern seaboard with it so yes you can do a lot with a little-I am not concerned about crystal clear sound since I am not running a net but just being functional. I am not spending money on antennas but did find the nano vna was a smart grab to tailor something for a given job (less than $50 to tune antennas forever is a bargain.) I'm thinking of radio as more like a shop than a shack. If it can be done cheaper and at home then I 100% should at least consider learning how it is done in case that is all I have to rely on. That said, I do not know how to build a radio from scratch but everything outside of the chassis I have learned online (basic cable crimping too.) If I could figure out how to salvage pl259 plugs that would be cool but at some point I have to buy and keep stock of things I burn through. I'm cheap but not that cheap.
i put my FT-891 with a 12Ah LiFePO4 battery in my small backpack along with an EFHW monoband antenna (usually 20 meter band), a short (!) length of RG58 coax and some bungy and paracord. I can also get my 7 meter long Spiderbeam telescope mast attached to the side. I still have room for some sandwiches and beer.
Love your channel ! Always something pertinent and no bells and whistles ! Please don't start collaborating with ALL THE OTHER RU-vid Ham Radio Zoo Crew ! It's almost like they are trying to out buy each other with new expensive unnecessary gadgets !
Thanks for the comments. I just like to do fun stuff without all the attitude. This channel has never been about 'gear acquisition.' Reviews are pretty sporadic and when it happens, it usually is with a product I believe in.
Antenna is the keystone - agreed. But, need a way to tune it. I use the budget minded Nano VNA. I also noticed in the video you have an auto tuner with your radios (me too!)
Great video sir. It was pretty cool to get a famous RU-vidr in my log...lol. I've got 173 activations now and my kit keeps getting smaller and smaller. I am running the Yeasu FT-891 and using homemade center fed dipoles that are resonant, so no tuner required. I have one on hand if needed, but my antennas all tune up less than 1.2:1 across the voice portion of the bands I activate. I use an MFJ 1917 portable mast. When I first started activating, I used a BuddiStck antenna with great results. The battery is a Dakota Lithium 10ah or a 23ah for longer activations as well. KO4TKS
I've shrunk my kit down and refined things over the years also. I'm to the point where I keep the antenna box in the car all the time and just throw in the radio and battery when I want to go out.
Look also at an end-fed half-rhombic and inverted-V. Both are similar in only requiring a single support in the middle. The half-rhombic can be convenient as you feed it from the end, not from the middle; running a ground counterpoise with one helps. Used these in the military for rapid HF antenna erection. Think about radiation pattern desired for the distances and ionospheric propagation needed to support that. Takeoff angle can be high for shorter distances, while low angle radiation is better for trans-global. Working 15m, 20m or 80m? Day or night? Summer or Winter? What distances are reasonable to expect for all those factors? Best wishes & 73's.
Very nice vid Michael. Definitely motivating. I have a small Icom installed in our Drop and it needs to get out MORE. Incidentally, I love seeing shots of WI. Did my residency at the U (Mad town) and miss it at times. Go Badgers !
Thanks. I'm also a UW graduate (BA'92), we're making plans for the summer season and have a couple trip ideas that will take in and around the Madcity. Stay tuned.
How are we going to keep all youtubers in business if we don’t purchase the latest and the greatest only reviewed once then forgotten radio products? 😀
I really like my 891. Once I figured out the menus, I certainly do not regret buying one for portable ops. Would even make a good shack radio for the budget minded.
My FT-101EE is still alive and it made it out on a few camping trips many years ago. But I'm too old to lug that beast out of the shack, and it would suck my LifePo4 batteries dry in a matter of minutes...🤣 KZ9V
Very inspiring video Michael. Meanwhile, just wanted to know if there is any appropriate antenna which takes very little space and works 20 and 40 meters like charm? The reason for asking such a query is mainly from city living perspective. I live at New Delhi and hosting HF antenna at my terrace is a pain due to objections from neighbours as well as housing society. Under such situations Ham community should put extra effort to come up with an innovative as well as effective portable antenna which can be just put in the window or balcony. Always appreciate your efforts, have learnt so much from your videos as well as responding to my queries. 73 New Delhi
@@Steve-GM0HUU Thank you for your feedback Steve. Can this STL/Magloop be home brewed? And if affirmative can you pls share link with diagram. Thanks again friend and have a great day ahead. 73
Thanks for they good info Michael. I’ll be getting out into the parks as soon as warms up a bit. I too have all of your recommended equipment and the two optional pieces you’ve recommended. Look forward to someday making contacts with you P2P. Jim KD2WPA
With you on the RG-8X, I have a Comet 80-6M vertical I can pop on a MFJ tripod so I'm good there, but I'm torn on whether I should buy a LiFePo 20 amp hour battery or a power station like the Jackery. I don't intend to camp overnight while doing POTA, so what's the better option for running a Yaesu FT-710 and an Alinco 7735-T?
I’d go with the 20ah LIFePO4 battery. The Jackery may be a bit more convenient but the down side is that the DC accessory port is limited to 10 amps output. You won’t be able to transmit at 100 watts if you so desired.
Great video, thanks for the info! I don't know if my RU-vid is just messed up or what, but I don't see the description with links for the items you showed. Just me?
I know RU-vid hides the description if you are watching on the mobile app. There should be a little 'down arrow' chevron icon you can press to expand the description.
That's the Husky Professional Waterproof Storage Container. They are available at Home Depot in a 5, 11, and 27 gallon size. I've standardized on these containers for my radio and camping gear because of how well they pack into the vehicle. Here's a video with more: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-B4CEXNo8NJ8.html
Hello there. I plan on buying one of your antennas. What would you recommend. Im Just starting out and really love this Hobby. I only currently have 2 scanners and 2 handheld Hams. I soon will be progressing towards getting license but until then I am learning lots and getting all the fundamentals down. Would appreciate if you could recomend one of your antennas. Thanks a Bunch
For those just starting out, I recommend the classic 2 meter J-Pole antenna. It is tuned to transmit on the 2 meter band and will give you good coverage on the 70cm band. It also has broad band receive capabilities so you can use it as a general purpose VHF/UHF scanner antenna. www.jpole-antenna.com/shop/2-meter-amateur-radio-j-pole-antenna/
I have a Schumacher SC1280 that has modes for a standard, AGM, and gel batteries. Could it be used to safely and effectively charge a 12v 12 amp or 20 amp LiPo4 battery? If not, do you have a recommendation for a charger? Update: I contacted Schumacher and they said no on using the SC1280 on a LiPo4 battery.
I've got a similar charger and it won't work with a LiFePO4 battery. The issue is that lead acid and AGM batteries are charged to a voltage of 13.8, but LiFePO4 batteries need to be brought up to 14.4 volts to realize a full charge. Plus the charging curve is different, as lithium batteries don't require an absorption phase during the charger cycle. Here is the charger I use for my LiFePO4 batteries: amzn.to/3AmaoJh
My business partner and I fix very expensive electronics gear for a US government lab. He sometimes walks in there to fix a problem and just carries a pocket multimeter and a couple of screwdrivers. When they ask him where all his tools are he just points at his head. He has a Master's degree in EE, a PhD in High Energy Physics, and is a state licensed PE, Professional Engineer. All that stuff upstairs is really all you need in order to be a good ham, and learning it is what the hobby is all about. Hams aren't CBers. I don't bother to log my contacts. It takes the fun out of playing with radio. Also, I disagree with this guy on antenna analyzers. A cheap NanoVNA is so much more capable and useful than an expensive antenna analyzer. I use one for virtually everything, from tuning antennas to identifying the location of bad connections in coax, to winding toroids, to building xtal filters. The list goes on and on. An antenna analyzer? Why in the world would you pay so much more for a device that does so much less? BTW, a Wolf River Coil is just a coil. It's wire wrapped around a core. That's it. Get a pool noodle and wind your own. (I did.) Then you can check it with your NanoVNA. And if it melts, you're running way too much power. Figure out how to do things better, (hint: antenna.) Don't just throw more power at it. You can't learn anything that way.
thanks, Mike. You can use an inexpensive little radio with a simple efhw, too. here's an activation with a used (inexpensive) SW-3B qrp rig. hope you enjoy it and stay active. 73 Ron ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r42H-Z3JJ1Y.html
Dude, stop reading a script - you're not good at it. Just talk to us. Tell us what you know in your own extemporaneous way. You come across as clumsy and nervous when you try to make a written script sound natural. just saying . . .
SOTA activations are done with 2 meters all the time. The key is to select a location that will most likely garner contacts. That would be on a summit or peak with a good vantage point to a populated area. All you need is 10 contacts, so look for areas that would give you that possibility. On a side note, I talked to a ham a couple of weeks ago that was on a lookout near a busy highway. I was 2 meter mobile and he had a handheld and Yagi. I'm not sure if he was activating a SOTA entity, but I heard him making quite a few contacts on 146.52 while I drove through the area.
