A tour of my Red Oxx Micro Manager Discovery TX-500 field radio kit

Click here to read full details about this field kit, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com:
qrper.com/2021/10/video-a-tou...
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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL

[@k8drtqrp]

Very nice bags. I like the bigger zippers that quality manufacturers use. Carhartt uses the same zippers..

[@k.howard5927]

Great video! Was just looking at this bag for my kit but was worried about the size. Thanks for the overview. Very helpful. 73 KN6ETI

[@daveN2MXX]

Sorry, one more comment! 😊 I previously used a pelican-style box with large lifepo4 battery and HF/VHF/UHF radios for POTA activations. After several activations, and watching some other activations online, I now use this same bag with a much smaller battery and 20W xiegu HF radio...no VHF/UHF (I never used it for POTA, so it was silly to lug it around every time, and a large battery is often a waste of space/weight for almost all activations). Part of the fun is optimizing equipment, configuration, antenna options, etc. Once I reassessed my gear, I realized that this bag is the perfect size for a lower-power HF (although 20W is definitely not QRP) portable setup. I shifted from a "everything and the kitchen sink" mentality, to a more minimalist approach, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. Thanks again for your videos! 73 -Dave N2MXX

[@ThomasK4SWL]

What you said here: "Part of the fun is optimizing equipment, configuration, antenna options, etc." I couldn't agree with you more, Dave! Glad you've found the sweet spot in a more minimal approach! 73 Thomas

[@billcosgrave6232]

I bought a Red Oxx Gator bag based on your videos. Although heavy, It is definitely the best made bag I own and designed to take a beating. BTW I easily have 20+ camera bags and soft sided cases and that's not to mention the numerous other bags I have either given away of discarded.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The Gator is grate and has those expandable pockets to boot! Good choice!

[@shawnp6653]

I enjoy your 'gear' videos as much as your activations - thanks for sharing. They might be 'pricey' but you are getting a quality product that is protecting quality gear. There are some places you shouldn't skimp if you can help it and this appears to be one of those p[laces. Just my .02.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Hear, hear!

[@62chevrolet]

This is exactly the video I needed

[@Lastaii]

Love those big chunky zips. Wish they had a UK reseller though :)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I know. Things like this can be super pricey to import, too. Especially now.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Nice bags. I got my own favorites that I use. I'll have to do a more in-depth video on them one day soon.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent!

[@daveN2MXX]

I bought one of these based on your recommendation. The compact size is great, but the side compartments are useless...once the inside is packed, the outer compartment is compressed and nothing fits, even a coiled coax. Build quality is excellent!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Yes, the outer pockets are for items one might carry when traveling, like passports, documents, etc. I actually keep a coiled Powerpole patch cable in the front pocket of my v1 Micro Manager. I've also use the slip pocket for my logs in the TX-500 kit. But it's true: those exterior pockets have very limited dimension.

[@daveN2MXX]

@@ThomasK4SWL This is such a nice pack (I have the olive, I loved the color from your previous videos!), I just wish the outer side pockets extended slightly outwards. I just re-evaluated my setup, and I realized that I actually can move my logs, pens, folded pota brochures, and compass to the outer compartments.

[@QRPp_Radio]

Now I've seen everything - Grown Men talking about their favorite Bag (oh, and here's where my lotion goes!) - joking apart! - I gotta get one for my soon-arriving TX-500, LOL

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! There's a dedicated lotion pocket inside! :)

[@bradl2636]

Awesome video Thomas. Here in 2023 these Red Oxx bags are AUD$300 (US$200) landed cost in Australia. YIKES. Can you (or anyone else reading this) suggest a value priced alternative?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'm hoping someone else can jump in here. I can't think of a similar pack.

[@bradl2636]

@@ThomasK4SWL We get totally screwed down here on shipping costs, GST, and (if applicable) government Customs processing fees.

[@LoganPulley]

What length of throw line do you keep in that Weaver bag? Thinking of getting one.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Mine has the default amount. I think 150'? I never use all of that, of course, but I wouldn't feel comfortable for POTA activation unless I had 100' or so. Sometimes I launch lines 50' into trees and sometimes I like to tie off the line in a way to better position the radiator. It takes a wee bit of extra slack. For SOTA and short wires? I could get by with 75' I think.

[@LoganPulley]

@@ThomasK4SWL thanks for the reply! I have a 200' line and I'm considering chopping it in half to get a couple of 100' lines for potentially raising both ends of a dipole. I figure I won't frequently want to go above 50', and if I do, I can figure something out.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@LoganPulley I think that's a solid plan. 100' ea should serve you very well in the field--especially for a dipole.

[@brian-k3es680]

Nice go-kit, Thomas. But now my TX-500 is feeling neglected. It lives in a padded stuff bag inside a $50 backpack. It may pout for weeks... de Brian - K3ES

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha ha!! :)

[@vk3ut]

Hi Thomas Greg vk3ut Keep Up the good work like your stuff 73s Greg VK3UT

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you!

[@BoboAthanassion]

With that bag, you really don't need that Tom Bin bag or other bag accessories. All your accessories should fit good with room to spare.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Absolutely. I tend to use the Tom Bihn packs just to make it easy to move from the Micro Manager to a backpack when doing a long SOTA hike. Makes it easier to pull everything out quickly.

[@BoboAthanassion]

@@ThomasK4SWL I love your videos. Keep up the good work! I've learned a lot from your videos. Hope to talk to you one day, somewhere on the HF bands. 73's from N3NQP!