Building a Super Compact HF Go Kit

I built a compact QRP HF amateur radio go kit for portable radio operating when even my FT-817 gear is too much to carry. Based around a (tr)uSDX transceiver and a end-fed half-wave antenna, the kit has everything needed to get on the air while weighing less than three pounds. Perfect for POTA, SOTA, WWFF or just playing some ham radio while on the road.
Items purchased (no affiliation or sponsorships):
Etsy - www.etsy.com Search for name strip
KM4ACK - km4ack.square.site/s/shop
(tr)uSDX - newdiytech.com
Pouch - amazon.com/dp/B0CH9Y922P
Wire - amazon.com/dp/B072829WN7
Charger & batteries - amazon.com/dp/B0B21FX773
Power plug - amazon.com/dp/B081TYG48P
K6ARK EFHW - amazon.com/dp/B0CLMC159B
$25 paddle eBay - www.ebay.com/itm/314906448625
Tent peg - Wal-Mart camping section

[@KM4ACK]

Nice kit! Thanks for sharing

[@aa3konthego]

Thank you! And I bet you know where the comms patch came from!

[@lonewolfhamradio]

Nice little go bag.

[@nivid01]

You need to centralise those patches buddy!!!

[@jameskrzewinski9383]

Thanks for the nice QSO on the DVRA repeater on 5/11/24. I passed and got the extra now. Hope your POTA presentation went well. Talk to you on the air again! 73 de KC2ISZ

[@aa3konthego]

Showed several members of Warminster ARC, the public and some Boy Scouts who were camping at the park for the weekend how we do POTA and amateur radio in general. Park staff were checking our slow progress. Bands were in bad shape. Congratulations on your upgrade!

[@larspregge6420]

Nice setup. The "tactical mini" is heavier and little bit bigger but stronger.

[@aa3konthego]

Thank you! And I just heard about the new mast from Gigaparts. Appears to have a tip similar to my Jackite, really thick.

[@MrStanwyck]

Great video…. I’m considering building a similar HF go kit. I want to use the FX-4CR radio with either an endfed half wave or off center fed dipole. Bill, KC2KNA

[@aa3konthego]

Thank you! The FX-4CR looks like a really capable radio though it does lack a built-in CW memory keyer. I've used my share of dipoles in the field and found maneuvering two legs around branches a challenge. The EFHW isn't as bad Just and FYI.

[@4X4-RADIO]

I think a 5M length of RG-174 with SMA to BNC would give you more flexibility, and would fit in your pouch..??

[@aa3konthego]

I bought a short length at the Hamvention the other week. SMA (radio connecter) to BNC female. This should help with strain relief. I have added few other things to the kit and should probably do a video to highlight them. Winder for the antenna wires and a padding board to feed audio to and from my phone for FT8. Plus the adapter I just mentioned. I haven't weighed the kit in its current version. But an ounce here and there and I'll be at 3 pounds!

[@4X4-RADIO]

@@aa3konthego It's about optimum and reliable kit... Not just a challenge for the lightest.

[@aa3konthego]

@@4X4-RADIO At least in terms of reliability, the only backup this kit has is pen AND pencil. My biggest concern is the antenna wire breaking.

[@TheTdub]

You should get some RG-316 coax for your pack. 50ft would only add a few ounces plus it would fit in your existing pouch

[@aa3konthego]

I actually have 50 feet of RG-174 in my larger QRP bag. While it is light in weight, when wound up to for this ultra compact kit I doubt the coax would fit. I'll have to try though. I finally took the cord out of its package and put it in the accessory pouch. Overall the pack is getting tight.

[@JasonTurnage]

@@aa3konthego I have a similar trusdx kit (and a qmx kit). I like a length of coax - I like 10' of RG-174, it's enough to do something without going overboard, 50' is too much imo. 10' with an efhw requires a counterpoise where 50' serves as its own cp, but you're using one anyway since you're not using coax. Adds almost no weight and winds up in a shape that fits into the large pocket. Jason KO4NDP

[@aa3konthego]

@@JasonTurnage 10 feet (roughly 3 meters for those new fangled folk 😀) sounds like a good compromise. I do worry about the antenna pulling the radio down. First time I used the kit I blocked the radio with a heavy water bottle.

[@fredhulesii1435]

Where did you get the got Batteries patch?

[@aa3konthego]

Off of Etsy but I cannot find the emails of the exact vendor. I'll continue to dig.

[@aa3konthego]

Found it. I got the Velcro backed version. www.etsy.com/listing/889934594/custom-military-name-tape-with-hook?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=velcro+name+tag&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&pop=1&content_source=b0007cdb4b9d3d0d4daf31963cb29a3a50585838%253A889934594&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1&variation0=3367731721&variation1=3353185088

[@fredhulesii1435]

@@aa3konthego Thank you and 73!