Ham Radio Off Grid | Winter Field Day 2021 AAR

[@OH8STN]

Hello Operators. Winter Field Day was an incredible learning experience this year. Relax and let me share what I learned. 73 Julian oh8stn Share video url: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmrYkmxtfsSte7s Chapters Introduction 00:00 Don't care about the "contest" 01:00 Station Strategy 02:00 NVIS Near Vertical Incidence Skywave 05:20 Antenna Strategy 06:45 Computer & software strategy 07:40 Portable Power Strategy 10:10 - PowerFilm Lightsaver Max 10:25 - DIY LiFePO4 20ah 11:14 - Portable Power lessons :12:45 Shelter & Heating Strategy 14:14 - Mr. Heater Little Buddy 15:30 - Nortent Titanium Wood Stove 16:17 - Choosing a Communications shelter 17:20 Final Thoughts 18:33 - Antenna Lessons 18:45 - Focus on your goals 19:09 - HF Tactical bands 19:37 - Windows Mini PC 20:19 - Winlink Express & Vara HF 21:11 - Winter Field Day results 22:05 - Winter Field Day Go Kit 22:54 WFD 2021 & Icom IC-705 24:09

[@jasonmcnab1]

What do you use to access the chuwi on your tablet? Your preferred program?

[@MarcusPocus]

yes, the operational setup challenge is more interesting for me too.. also the way you explain what you have experienced (and how it may simple) is very inspiring!!

[@CanadianPrepper]

Great little setup you got there brother, really pushing your gear to the limit!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks CP. Remember back in the day that "maximize capabilities, minimize gear" mantra? Lost it along the way. Trying to get the focus back. I hope this video helps you on your project.👍

[@maxs489]

Fantastic AAR, Julian. Thanks for sharing with us! Always so much to learn, and experience is irreplaceable. Oh, and thanks for linking to that Winlink mode comparison paper - really interesting!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Max. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from ecomm and preparedness perspectives were tossing out the "contest perspective". That one thing really changed the way the event could be perceived, allowing the focus and the goals to be put in the right place. Thanks for your comment, and kindness. It's always greatly appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@maxs489]

@@OH8STN I think that was absolutely the right decision. Really putting the "field" back into the field day! I have no doubt that you've inspired many others to have a different approach or at least viewpoint for their future field days. Well done! 👍

[@tylerdurden2644]

@@OH8STN Feel the same about contesting. I quit ARRL when they came out that 146.52 is a valid contesting freq. Just beyond stupid and near sighted. Not against contesting per se but it's total domination of the bands is out of control. Net's that have gone on for decades get overrun. Sick of hearing actual emergencies on the maritime net get blindsided by some jamoke full power endlessly calling CQ contest. The ARRL just promotes the worst radio behavior for the sake of coin.

[@AD6DMDennis]

Excellent video @OH8STN. Sorry I missed the premiere. Your loadout shows refinement and practice, very cool.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Dennis. Apologies for taking so long to put this together. The lessons we're quite amazing this time around. I'll share more on that soon. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@OH8STN It was worth the wait!

[@Liberty4Ever]

There's no substitute for the education you get from freezing your butt off, but it's still great to also be able to learn from someone else freezing their butt off... at least until that wood stove produces a tropical climate inside the tent. I'm still liking a portable dipole for field use. Lightweight, packs small, inexpensive, easy to build yourself if you like, and quick & easy to deploy. A dipole works great for NVIS. I have an end fed inverted V at home and it's capable of NVIS as well as JS8 contacts across the continental US and southern Canada, although there are skip zones.

[@nevellgreenough404]

Contest operation videos are fun, but the logistics, antennas and setups are the most educational and vital. Thanks for the excellent video! --N2GX

[@tylerdurden2644]

Looking forward to your lark box setup video. I have something similar but had setup issues past the usual win 10 ones.

[@ka8rma]

I had a big plan that included 5 people. multiple antennas, a large tent and a trailer. I plowed the area for everyone to park and move around. Come Saturday no one showed up and I was left with all the work by myself. I ended up with two antennas but both had problems. I got frustrated when everyone bailed so the thrill of being out was down and I wasn't in the best mood. With poor antennas I didn't make contacts like I wanted. But what I did learn was my shelter was acquitted for cold weather. my radio and power supply works great and the time to get everything up was quick. I will plan on working on my antennas soon to make them work better.

[@OH8STN]

the social ops aspect of ham radio can be a let down. My dog always shows up, and stays until I go home. Try a less complicated deployment with gear you can to play yourself. Document your results and Inspire those others for next time.

[@polymath5119]

Good report. Thanks Julian. I hope to see a similar test but with the TX-500. 73

[@ryanjones9305]

Hope to catch you on the air for WFD this year. For me, I’m the same, I’m not a contester. However, if you consider the multipliers in the rules, and use those as benchmarks, it can be an excellent training event. This is my group’s focus, chase the multipliers as goals, contacts not withstanding. I don’t care what the score is, I’d like to get every single multiplier we can get. We’ll be operating in the 3O category with one station being QRP only. I am going to try that setup with the chameleon mpas, really smart!

[@backcountryamateurradio]

I didn’t get all the premiere but thank you for putting so much thought and valuable perspective into this winter field day synopsis. I was interested in how you heated your operating environment and in what way you would deploy the Mr Heater. I am not accustomed to heated shelters but is now a real discussion with my winter mountain partners, in part, because of your presentation on the subject.

[@bruehlt]

I see you have your PC and MAT tuner there. Now that ICOM finally added wiress access point functionality, imagine how nice it would be if you could wirelessly connect to your android tablet directly to the radio, and use Winlink, WSTJ-X, etc - All from your tablet? That's what I am waiting for. We need developers to start working on interfacing the radio to Android now!

[@bruehlt]

BTW I thought you weren't a fan of the MAT tuner?

[@alexalonso2093]

@@bruehlt they cleaned up their past mistakes came out with a more effective and robust unit.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Now that is a smooth load out.

[@52Warlock]

Outstanding as usual - Thank you, Julian.

[@hehe3301]

I've found a lot of good use out of my raspberry pi, my local EmComm group is looking to start getting winlink in all of our stations, I think the Larkbox might be how I get these oldtimers using winlink well!

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps many of the Raspberry Pi users will also switch over to a windows-based Mini PC, now that winmor has been shut down. The only Robusta options are pactor and Vara.

[@hehe3301]

@@OH8STN I myself have been using a windows field hardened laptop for winlink and a raspberry PI for everything else being able to walk around with hat laptop would be nice

[@HamRadio200]

Based on your recommendation, I purchased the Lightsaver Max. The only issue I have with it, is on digital transmit, ie Winlink, FT8, JS8Call, the voltage drops under 13.8v which causes the finals to output less than 10w. Probably not that big of a deal and I didn't have the solar panel unrolled to supplement the voltage. But it does work very well aside from that.

[@alwaysbepreparedwithjeff3245]

Thanks Again For Sharing

[@glock35ipsc]

Epic video Julian, awesome information. Thank you for all of your time to get info like this out. Bob, W0BNC

[@BobPlank_KK4DIV]

Fantastic video, Julian. I agree with the capabilities of the IC705. I have heard others complain of the price, and I agree it was expensive. But this radio is packed with features, does everything I need it to do, and does so in a small package. Enjoyed seeing your loadout, and that mini pc gives me something to think about. 73!

[@mikeym1875]

Anxiously waiting for this video!

[@Lync512]

Thanks for all the videos with the 705! Was waiting for more information on it before I committed to actually saving for it. I want to get rid of all the extras I have to plug into my raspberry pi (GPS, Audio, CAT) and the one wire interface is absolutely perfect. In addition I have an icom ID-51A handheld which uses the same battery type which will be amazing for interoperability. I currently have a G90 I got in the beginning of the pandemic. I consider it more portable than a base station. But not easily portable and quickly deployable. Plus it's still wall tied for me. If with one radio I can eliminate a ton of gear to carry around it's worth the price tag. Because with the weight savings you have more room for extras say more food or power you'd previously have to go without for the communication equipment. My ultimate goal with my station is to have a hyper efficient station that I can deploy in minutes and tear down in minutes easily. Both with my antenna system and radio system. Amazing video! 73, KE8GAH

[@brokespoke5424]

Excellent content. Thank you very much.

[@nilzthorbo5437]

i think i can't tell that your setup is now more lightweight and powerful than it was back in the days, when you used your ft817.

[@jeremytanzer279]

It was great trading Winlink messages with you over WFD. Thank you for your response. Based on your preview video, I got one of the mini pc's as well but can't get the Hotspot to connect to the tablet unless the mini pc has an active internet connection. It has me stumped. Like you, I'm using connectify, but I got to be missing a check box somewhere. I'm very much looking forward to a 12v PC with low power draw that I can run RMS express and VARA on in the field for fun and for ARES work. Keep up the great work and videos! Jeremy KI7BDP

[@therfdj6787]

I was really hoping to get out and get portable for WFD but battery woes kept me at home. I suppose just learning that my battery had failed was a valuable thing to take away from WFD.

[@OH8STN]

Definitely the right way to look at it. It's better that you figured it out now, then realizing it while trying to call for help. We all get there in our own time.

[@davidhicks9964]

Another excellent video. Perhaps more details on how you power the Larkbox pro? I'd like to make an extra USB-C connector without sacrificing the OEM power supply. N4DPH

[@OH8STN]

Here you go 👍 oh8stn.org/blog/2021/01/27/chuwi-larkbox-pro-off-grid-power/

[@LEXPIX]

Nicely done. Love the stove.

[@thatkajunguy8029]

More great information, truthfully most of the radio info is way over my head at this point but I'm learning, for real life use of emergency communications and use of available power. We are in a once every 10 year cold front right now, present temps in deep south La is 26 degrees F. That's serious BbbRrrrrrr around here 😳 Have a great day.

[@OH8STN]

Is this why there's a shortage of good Cajun shrimp? Seriously though, we all start somewhere and eventually this will all start making sense. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the kindness. It's greatly appreciated

[@thatkajunguy8029]

@@OH8STN As for the shrimp, we eat all we can and sell what's left, lol Stay warm and safe

[@Deano_K5MPG]

Sounds like a very successful WFD. I agree with you and the article 100% Vara HF is far superior to the other connection modes for Winlink. Vara HF connects for me 99.5% of the time compared to ardop which I can go for days without making a successful connection. Buddy heater: I believe it would be more efficient if you lined the inside of the bunker somehow with a mylar survival blanket to reflect the heat back down on you. I just purchased on amazon, almost 3 meters X 4 meters. If you want the link, let me know.

[@arcticpara7775]

Anther awesome Video Julian...thanks again 73's Mike WL7NP...

[@George-bb9yi]

I hope you might address digital modes: D-Star, DMR, and Fusion (C4FM) in the context of emergency communications. This appears to be the Betamax/VHS issue for Ham Radio in the 21st century.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the feedback. I try not to put too much Reliance on infrastructure dependent Communications. Certainly fill in repeaters are valuable assets. Unfortunately far too often repeaters are not equipped with their own off-grid power supplies. If they are, they are rarely capable of sustaining them indefinitely.

[@George-bb9yi]

@@OH8STN Got it!

[@jpb5385]

This is awesome!

[@d_a.6529]

Good luck 73!DX

[@JohnTarbox]

Julian, I would be interested in your thoughts on what sort of "field event" (notice I did not say contest) you believe would give us the best opportunity to test, compare, and improve our field operations?

[@gregorysmith3097]

Another great video. Question for you, what's that handle setup that you have on your 705? It's rocking.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Oh No Julian you went to the dark side with a icom. Wow be interested in your comparison to the 891😉😉😜 KC3ONO hope you had a fun time regardless of the rig ☺️

[@Liberty4Ever]

Nah. Julian went to the Dark Side with a Windows PC. 🤣

[@tylerdurden2644]

@@Liberty4Ever I tried the 705 and didn't like its audio out and controls. Stuck with the 891 but I cannot begrudge backpackers enjoying it. As far as windows goes I understand his choice. I went with a similar platform as its far more reliable over the PI. I tried putting linux on the micro computer but had far to many issues getting it to work. Installing Vara is a plus too.

[@Nospecificplan]

Hello, Can you explain why you chose the IC-705 rather than the TX500 for your "only one" survival radio ? Great job on the video mate. 73

[@Meatwad650]

What is the radio at 7:42?

[@OH8STN]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWa8XnygeKp_b7c

[@K8BAR]

Have you made a powerpole for the lightsaver Max? I was thinking clipping the 12v cigarette lighter plug off and just putting one on there but was also wondering if you had found another way and not ruin anything that came with the Lightsaver. Thanks K8BAR

[@OH8STN]

Almost the very first thing I did was cut the end off of that cigarette lighter plug and change it to power pole 😂 I need to see if I can find a source for those plugs

[@K8BAR]

@@OH8STN I guess thats what I will need to do. I see on the website you can buy a new one if needed. I also need to figure out if the Surface charging cable will work with the 7 pro. I never had an earlier model of the pro so i am not sure if the charger changed. Thanks OH8STN love your stuff I have emulated a few of you projects. Hope to work you on the Ham waves one day.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Chad. Before you spend any extra money on the surface charging, I've got a video in coming on the surface for data comms. There's a charger solution which works with a lightsaver Max. In fact I think I've already shared it on my Instagram.

[@billjames3148]

Wow again, neat and compact portable, The power bank gives you 3days of power to run, that's impressive. The bunker and heat combo works. Q: can you recharge your bike to keep it ready? sure you can but to have the depth to do that outside is well thought out. I have a safety concern. Fire, in hot tents is all your gear inside or do you keep a bag in the pulk to keep you warm if the tent is gone. What a cool set up, a master at work . Thanks for sharing. Last Q: does the Aurora effect radio comms ? your my Elmer on this . Thanks again.

[@phildurall7466]

Thanks Julian! I love that you focused on NVIS communications and the reliability needed to be practiced during emergency events. 73 phil KF6IF

[@sldsnk3]

Julian, have you tried to do NVIS with the MPAS Lite by setting up the antenna in an approximately 45 degree angle?

[@OH8STN]

Not specifically. A vertical antenna is never really a good solution for NVIS, but it can work. Take a look at the MPAS 2.0 NVIS field test video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmTXaWWabd6Nock

[@butchdingle1000]

How did the larkbox pro cope with wsjt-x operation ? And was it better than the RPI ?. Keep up the good work sir.

[@jeffmarden576]

Thanks for the video - what SW was running on the Win Tablet, and what signal were we hearing behind the narration?

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. There were two modes used. JS8Call and Winlink Express with Vara HF modem.

[@MoseYoutube]

I've noted that the Powerfilm Lightsaver Max is rated at 18000mAh on their site. When you run the battery down, does that capacity prove accurate, or is it more like the SLA batteries of old that can actually utilize only a fraction of the actual "rating?" Thanks for all your great content!

[@OH8STN]

Check your numbers again. Their capacity rating is actually quite accurate. Since it's a Lithium-Ion based battery, it doesn't have the 50% capacity as with lead acid. In my experience, we can use almost all of the available capacity. Thanks for the comment question and kindness. Very much appreciated.

[@MoseYoutube]

@@OH8STN Thanks for catching the typo! (1800 vs 18000) And thank you for the insight into the longevity of the battery

[@RockyMTHirvi]

Hyvaa hyvaa. Kiitos paljon. I'm just getting into amateur radio now. Plan to take Technician license exam next Tuesday. The ICOM 705 seems like a very capable mobile radio. I appreciate your attention to detail, easy going manner and willing to try new configurations to support minimal weight, components and prove this to be a good solution for this field scenario. I can imagine doing something like this on a mountain ridge in NW Wyoming some day when I get my general. Thank you sir. Peace be with you.

[@IntensityOfAction]

Hi Julian. Awesome video as usual. I have a similar setup. Larkbox, IC-705 with the Peovi cage, PF Lightsaver with 2 13W PF rollup panels for faster charging, and I use a Dell 6" Windows 10 tablet. I'm using a Maxpedition Lunada sling pack instead of the bottle holder only because that is what I already had. It lacks the padding so I'm looking for something else. Does the 705 fit into the bottle holder with the Peovi cage installed? And what are the pouches you have attached to the sides? Thanks, Scott KB3YOT

[@OH8STN]

I really love the sound of your setup. 705 fits in the large Maxpedition bottle pouch with cage. You could almost think it was made for it.. Side pouches are miltec but I don't remember the name. I'll do a video on this set up pretty soon.

[@IntensityOfAction]

@@OH8STN I'm also working on trying to get everything connected via WIFI with the latest update. I'll let you know how that goes. If I can get it to work that would mean no wires at all to the PC. Just power to everything and away you go.

[@lenbaddeley957]

Hi I have looked at you KZbin videos on mag loops, have you ever measured the value of the variable caps used in the loops? I have made a couple of QRP mag loops with a loop diameter of about 100/ 100 cm, but have been unable to get the loops to cover the frequency quoted by the manufacturers of the two loops you tested. I can either get one too work on 40 meters and a little above, or 20 to 10 meters but never from 40 to 10 meters, even using a switch to add or reduce the capacity of the tuning cap. On the loops I have made I use a double 6.1 reduction coupled to the cap with an insulated shaft. Len G8LXI

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Hi Julian Is Vara available for the Pi ? Please can you demonstrate the automatic matching unit. Chud M1PUP QTH London 👍

[@OH8STN]

No vara for linux/pi unfortunately. I'll soon go a video on the tuners. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@RechargeableLithium]

Hey Brother, "bottom balancing" isn't really a thing. It was invented by some DIY electric car converters that didn't want to buy and integrate a proper BMS. Cells age and change every day whether they're used or not - nothing is static about cell chemistry, including internal resistance. You nailed it when you decided to stick with proper management. I love your vids and envy your time in the great white north! 73, KG5xxx

[@donbarker6783]

Great video Julian! Very well thought out load out. FYI, did you hear the wolfphi link has been discontinued? Don KM4SON

[@trevorbradleewest76]

Are you using more or less power with this set up, compared to the 817ND/Rpi setup?

[@bradhansen4312]

Hey Julian, maybe I missed it, but how did you power the larkbox?

[@OH8STN]

oh8stn.org/blog/2021/01/27/chuwi-larkbox-pro-off-grid-power/

[@kenthufford743]

Appears you are using the Samsung S5E as a screen/keyboard for the Chuwi Larkbox Pro? How are you connecting the two

[@OH8STN]

Watch this video and skip over to 14m12 secs in the timeline. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTLp2Zom51okMU

[@willgilliam9053]

greetings Julian, have you done anything with virtualization and amateur radio? Ive been curious about the performance of Windows ham radio software inside a VM.

[@mikeatthebeach]

Have you tried just the PC and IC-705 in direct connection for AP mode rather than Network mode, say if you wanted to carry less items in the Field without a Network to simplify things for say simple SOTA/POTA work Have you connected the Lark Box Pro and IC-705 in Access AP mode rather than Network Mode Mike WB6DJI

[@Deano_K5MPG]

What gauge wire did you use on the antenna? I attempted to replicate today with 18 awg (0.75mm2) and, it bends the antenna like a bow.

[@OH8STN]

Hi Dean. This was unpackaged junk box wire. Probably close to 24-25aug.

[@Deano_K5MPG]

@@OH8STN Thank you and, have a great day!!

[@OH8STN]

Did you see my winlink email about lasers?

[@Deano_K5MPG]

@@OH8STN not yet, it’s been busy day and, winlink connects better for me in NC on 80m at night so, I’ll check it tonight after work.. thanks again!!

[@Dr-T]

Julian. What applications do you use to communicate between your tablet (Android?) and the Windows PC? Have you set a 'hotspot' on the Windows PC from the 'Mobile' Wifi tab or are you using Bluetooth for comms? Thanks. Bruce G4ABX

[@RAToellner]

Excellent video and post winter field day assessment. 73s Richard KG7LN

[@kurtzFPV]

What is the weight difference between the 705 with tuner compared to the G90?

[@OH8STN]

Excellent question. Remember however the g90 requires an external battery . Nevertheless here are the answers to your question. IC-705 1.1kg + mat-705+ 330g, 1.4kg/3.08lb. G90 1kg (without battery). There are still times I would rather take the g90 than the 705. The g90 is more of a comparison versus the ft-891 rather than the qrp 705. After owning the g90, there's no chance I will ever take the ft-891 man-portable, to the field again.

[@kurtzFPV]

@@OH8STN Appreciate the info. Guess that would make things pretty even weight-wise if you limit the g90 battery to about the same size as the 705's (though I know the 705 covers a larger frequency range). Then I guess power consumption would come into play. I know you listed the 705s power use in this video and I know you have done the same for the g90 in past videos, so I''ll look back for the answer to that. One more question if you have the time- Will the 705 put out full power still when the power supply drops to 10 volts? Thanks for all that you do. Love the care you put into your videos.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness and the feedback. I'll need to do some testing with a 7:05 to see if it actually puts out full power at less than 10 volts. Sounds like a long shot, but I'll give it a try. It'll probably be a blog post once I do the test. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@kurtzFPV]

@@OH8STN Thanks. Just to let you know, the G90 will still put out 20w @ 10v. I use 3s lipos in the field to power mine and that is when I pull them to recharge. Granted I am going by the G90s internal meter but I have seen others on Facebook say they have gotten full power even below 10 volts. I wish the G90 firmware would include automatic shutdown at a certain voltage.

[@JohnTarbox]

Julian, have you applied the software upgrade to your 705 yet? How do you feel about radios that are software upgradable? Do you have any security concerns that a malicious hacker might introduce a virus via an update? What about if a software bug or vulnerability is discovered down the line and the manufacturer is either unable or unwilling to fix the software in a timely manner?

[@OH8STN]

I have and it's added incredible new functionality to the radio. Same with my Xiegu G90, X5105 and Lab599 TX500. With each of those rigs, I always keep a stable working firmware, regardless of "current version". The threat is real, but benefits are also very strong. Double edged sword.

[@JohnTarbox]

@@OH8STN Absolutely a double-edged sword! Hopefully, those whose focus is emergency communication keep at least one "old fashioned" radio around "just in case".

[@OH8STN]

Vertex Standard VX1210

[@DavidLindes]

It's always hard to know whether and how to say such things in public comments, especially to folks one doesn't know personally... so it is with some trepidation that I share this. However, my impression is that you, Julian, are someone who would appreciate such feedback, so here goes: A minor nitpick about the title that comes up at 1:44: I believe the phrase you're looking for is "one *_and_* the same", rather than "one _in_ the same". It's a little thing, and... language evolves, so if you feel like sticking with the latter, that's certainly your prerogative. I just find that it's a more impactful phrase when said with "and" instead of "in", so... I thought I'd share. 73's! And thanks for what's looking like it'll be a very interesting video (which I will now proceed to finish watching).

[@NotGonnaSayFO]

I am dropping you. Not because of you, but because I will not support KZbin and its fascist policies. Thank you for your content I have enjoyed.

[@oh2hqe]

Heya

[@d_a.6529]

Good luck 73 DX!