I've never actually shown what I take in the bag that goes into the field with me when I take my Yaesu FT-817ND ham radio transceiver. I'll correct that situation right now.
Hello Tracy , I am honored to be your first comment for this video. Your 817/818 videos are among my favorites as it is one of my favorite radios. Another job well done on this project. I hope to see more 817/818 videos in the future as they help encourage to keep my 818 active in the field
I admit to being one of those who likes the side rails, but really like the carry case also. Will find something similar that will accommodate the side rails as well. Nice pack Tracy!
Great video. I purchased the 6000 mah TalentCell and really like it. I did a current drain capacity test on mine and it tested at 5900 mah. Close enough. But, least month, after the battery was not used for five months, I brought it out to use and the battery was totally discharged. I put it on charge and we are back up and running. The point of this is, "Keep an eye on the state of charge before you go into the field to operate and expect to use your TalentCell to power your station." I like my TalentCell and would suggest this power pack to anybody who runs QRP in the field. I like operating POTA and I keep my station as simple and light as possible. Everything pertaining to the POTA station fits in one small Harbor Freight tool bag. I like to keep things in the KISS mode. Barry, KU3X
I use Portable Zero rails on my FT-818, I also use a pouch sleeve that velcros together and fits in my backpack (which I purchased from Portable Zero specifically for the FT-818) pretty well. It's a small setup but works for me. I use external molle pouches for other stuff on the small pack. Thanks for showing me your setup, I like the water proof bags.
Nice. Just jused my 817 the other day, tesing the new CW filter I put in it. I normally use a KX2 but really enjoyed using the 817 for CW and SSB. You are inspiring me to do a video on some of this. Have fun.
Hi Tracy, I'm not too keen on Chinese add-ons but have the same Windcamp Powepole adaptor and the 3000mAh internal battery pack and they have been fine. The battery pack is a real plus as it uses otherwise wasted space. I also bought the Windcamp custom carry case for my TX-500 and am also very pleased. Really nice case and the quality of the materials and cutting of the inserts that hold the radio are very high quality. So Windcamp do get a big plus from me.
I also have the same equipment with yours , I used a backpack to carry my FT 817 machine, with wire antenna, battery, power line and also 40W amplifier. everything put into pastics bag for water proof.
Smart man at 4:30. I like your style when it comes to the TalentCell. The rubber band is genius to prevent the power switch from getting accidentally toggled to the "on" position. That has happened to me. Note: Those are not regulated supplies and the voltage will drop off over time pretty linearly at least in my tests over the last 3+ years. I actually prefer the 3.5Ah and 4.5Ah LiFePO4's from Bioenno, but those TalentCells do work with the FT-817/818 (and QDX). Great video, my friend.
Thank you! If you're not too spoiled by the bells and whistles of more modern gear, you may come to love the 818 as much as many of us do. It's not without its flaws, but it is FUN!
Hi Tracy! I hear you on stuffing the pack so full it will hardly close. That can be me sometimes. I try not to carry anything I don’t expect i will use - but also have an insulated jacket, food, fire starting material, bear spray, emergency blanket and some kind of shelter. I never go into the mountains (since I’m in BC) without being ready to stay the night if something goes wrong. I’ve sometimes complained to myself about the weight but I’ve always taken all the gear along the next time I go out! Nice to hear you again! VA7SGY
Nice pack and organization.. looks like you have it all covered but did I miss the wire or antenna? Do you carry it in there? I like the zip loc bags idea.. I’ll have to do that. Nice job.. Thx for sharing. k0klb
Nice! I have way too much stuff in my pack. Those batteries look pretty cool! I have the SOTA beams speech prod and tested it looking at a scope. It does do something so I convinced myself it was worth it. Hahaha. 73 my friend! K2CJB
Hey Tracy...is that Whistle working to keep off Moskitos too? Ummm we having Wolves , Lynx and Bobcats around on and off. But gladly ain't no Grizzlys. Tnx for another neat Video. Have a good new Week & keep up your fantastic Job. 73 de Uncle Günter, DK5ONV 💯🙋♂
I have the Pterosaur guard legs that fold up under the front of my 818. It's a tight fit, but I have it in that case too, only mine doesn't have that nice red Yaesu logo like yours. 73
Hey, that's great to know, thank you for sharing! I have the carbon fiber legs and don't like them as they can scratch the surface they rest on. 73 from VE3TWM.
Nice, Tracy! Funny, I was wondering how you packed your 818 these days. My 817 fits into a _"Wynex Tactical"_ admin chest pack (designed originally to transport a sidearm with its accessories) packed with the same tuner, microphone, and WinCamp inline speech compressor and LDG tuner acessories. It has Molle attachments in front so I bought a separate Molle pouch for my batteries. It goes on first and then my backpack goes on second. All the straps lie flat so it does not interfere with how the backpack fits. I no longer have to put everything in my backpack which helps because it distributes the weight forward on my chest and leaves more room for camping gear and food. The antennas go separate into my backpack in a gallon ziplock bag (roll-up Slim-Jim and PackTenna w/ cables). Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share and for leading the way with your awesome experience! Best Always!
Hi David, always good to hear from you! If you are so inclined, do you think you could send me a photo or two of your kit to show on an upcoming livestream? You can find my email on QRZ. Take care, my friend!
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Hi Tracy, I tried your e-Mail and I'm getting everything back as undeliverable saying that "_your address does not exist_". Do you have another e-Mail?
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Ok, I'll try that one again today (although that is the one I used). My qrz info is current as it might be better to give me new info there!
Love the kit! I will say that the internal Windcamp battery is a great upgrade. No improvement over the talent cells except for convenience sake. I bought my 817 used and it didn't have an internal battery at all but part of what attracted me to the 817 was the internal battery capability.
