HF Portable - Answering The Call

HF Portable - Answering The Call is a presentation I have given to ham radio clubs across North America.
While intended as an introduction to HF Portable for newcomers to this facet of the hobby, experienced portable operators may find some useful information herein.
Let me know in the comments below if you can think of anything I left out!

[@gaptastic]

I think I learned about you while watching your QSO Today March 2022 presentation and just wanted to say your "ham life" is what I like about ham radio. I'm a new ham as of last year (2021) and your presentation has ignited a love of ham, nature and community for me. Thank you!

[@adamny5e591]

I subscribed to your channel after watching this particular segment. I’ve since viewed all of your productions (and watched this on a few more times, picking up pieces I may have listened past). Your calm, practical, matter of fact approach to the topics at hand make viewing enjoyable. I have made the venerable 897D my go-to portable radio and recently activated my first park while on vacation in Georgia. It also serves as the base UHF/VHF and back up HF rig in my home. Thanks for the information packed vids! I think we all walk away heavier of knowledge. Adam, NY5E Ocala, FL

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you very much. Adam! The 897 continues to hold a special place in the world of portable HF rigs.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I really enjoyed your presentation over coffee this morning. You have a great mission statement for the channel and have been an inspiration to new operators like myself. I hope Yaesu or other Japanese manufacture announces a 20 watt all-band, all-mode rig with the footprint of the FT-817. 20 watts is the sweet spot as a portable operator. 73 de KT1RUN

[@vironpayne3405]

I've watched a number of your videos and enjoy them. I take it your FT-857D is a bit much to lug for most of your man portable ops. At 58 and a bit portly my portable ops involves a car and a walk of a few hundred feet at most mostly with my FT-897. However, I am setting up a new FT-857D that I had setting for a few years I sold my IC-706MKiig. I am not quite as rugged as you are so I opted for the Portable Zero side rails, 12Ah batter pack, and Digirig Mobile. Some of the stuff should be here today and the rest on Monday. After that I need to add VARA HF and FM to my laptop. I will probably add a good roll up solar panel as my next kit item, but I have plenty of rigid panels for car portable. Thanks for your videos. You software overlay manager looks interesting and I might have to do it.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@vironpayne3405 The FT-857D is a beast. I've lugged it up a few mountains and do not recommend it at any age. These days when I have elevation as an advantage I bring the 818 manpack. Yaesu needs an all-mode, all-band rig like this with 20 watts. I can't believe you solid your 706...that's another great radio.

[@vironpayne3405]

@@TheTechPrepper I am a sucker when its time to sell. I had the 706 because I was opened up for MARS, and it was my third 100W shack in the box and it was in an MFJ go-box. When I tried it out for the first time on a simplex exercise the VHF/UHF didn't work. One of my shack in the box rigs was a FT-857D in my car so I was effectively down to two all in one radios, my FT-897 and my mobile which was useful for portable Ecom ops. That's when I bought the FT-857D at Hamcation in 2018 planning to accessorize it when I got rid of the 706. An older legal new legally blind ham that I help test was interested in trying out HF. I thought for a used budget radio there is probably not a better more simple rig to start with than a 706. I offered to him for $150 and let him try it out for a few weeks. He informed the VHF/UHF worked but there was a small glitch in getting it to work. Something about having to cycle down to HF the cycle up to VHF using the band buttons. Going to or from memory mode to to VHF/UHF didn't work. Neil loves the radio and I was glad for him to have as both the FT-857D and 706MKiig were dust bunnies in reserves. Typically I lug my FT-897D for portable ops and it is my home station. Now I will leave it in place a take the FT-857D for portable ops. In short it was time to move on. What I am waiting for is something like a IC-705 with 100W or FTdx-10 with VHF/UHF. The IC-7100, IC-7300, and FT-991A don't quite cut it. The newer SDR 100W radios are a bit power hungry on receive, but the waterfall certianly is nice.

[@alzeNL]

You really got me into going out doing QRP operation Tracy, and as ever your videos prove, you really help us get out there and enjoy the hobby. Thanks so much for your commitment to the amateur radio community.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Very complete Tracy as usual. Lots of things chiming with me. My biggest bug bear that you mentioned is people running QRP with compromised antennas, I just won't do it. There seems to be a rush to set up in 5 minutes instead of spending half an hour to set up a no compromise antenna that could work the world.

[@vironpayne3405]

I have actually done quite well with compromised antennas... when the bands are open. One of my favorite QRP contacts was using an MFJ Wonder Whip attached to a fire hydrant. I work Belgium with my FT-817nd from Manatee Cove Park, Merritt Island, FL. I probably would have worked India at the same location with same setup but I had damaged my rig by letting it fall off an arm of a chair which resulted in distorted audio from a damaged Collins filter. I have also done well with magloops. For the past few years my go to antenna has been an EFHW 80m-10m that is grounded and choked at the feedpoint that is high unless I am running NVIS. I've done well with OCFD and doublets also.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Wow great video! I wish I had such a complete guid to setting up about a year ago when I got into the hobby. Kudos Tracy.

[@potaactivator]

Tracy, thank you for another good and informative video. I activate more parks than the average POTA activator, so I have encountered many of the challenges you highlighted in your video. Trial and error is one of the best teachers. If I may offer one point of encouragement it is to be open to trying different modes. Our great hobby has a big tent when it comes to modes during potable ops.

[@mikestone9129]

I look forward to your videos. You are very inspiring and have given me confidence to get out there. I am a disabled Vet and have just discovered amateur radio, it has given me a way to occupy my time and talk to people around the globe. Thank you.

[@thequarantinecatholic]

Thank you for your service Mr. Stone!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you and welcome to the hobby!

[@w8natshenanigans705]

A great presentation, and inspiring for those of us with tons of QRM at home. Thank you!

[@ernestkincaid61]

Excellent excellent video Tracy. I'm almost 70 and I'm really looking forward to getting out and working a portable station.

[@edgalvan6064]

Thank you for this inspiring video Tracy. I'm always looking forward to your next video and finding you on the air! 73

[@davidvaughn7752]

Thank you Tracy, yet another great installment surmising Amateur philosophy when operating portable. I'm still able to pack my gear to a summit and operate in a pristine radio environment with my 817 at 60- Yrs.- old... (in December!) I've been following you now for several years and have integrated a lot of your ideas into my Ops ( especially when you were operating the great 817). I'm still a total natureboy and yes it's all about getting folks out into our beautiful wildlands and all the better if you're an amateur operator to integrate the love of nature with a love of amateur radio. I've experienced a tremendous Advantage operating qrp at elevation, not to mention that it's a ton of fun making great contacts with a rig that many would consider ineffectual. Last field day I made it into Slovakia at 2.5 Watts from my camp on Green Mountain deep in the North Cascades... what a hoot! Anyhow, thanks for your mentoring and this installment is no exception... great review and synopsis... 73 - K7GYB

[@DK5ONV]

A very happy 1st of May, Tracy! Thx for another great documentary video. 73 de YFUG from southwest Germany 💯🍻🙋‍♂

[@BryanWicks]

Great presentation! I’ve been a ham since 2019, but am finally ready to take things to the next level. Much appreciation for the encouragement. I will be looking for a FT-897d pronto! 👍🏾

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@Jim_2E0HKM]

Brilliant video Tracey, a great guide.. Really hope to get you in the log one day when your on camping weekend. Till then 73 - Jim 2E0HKM

[@alainbroekema5000]

Thank you for this great video with good tips, also you have a nice and calm voice.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Cheers Tracy,.. Worked a few VE3 stations, from my portable Bahrain station last few days, hoping to hear that elusive TWM 😀😀 73 !! Take Care Tracy, u inspire us all!!!

[@wedge7j7]

I love operating HF portable!!! Yaesu FT 897D W6PXL

[@glenntruesdell8732]

Thanks for the effort of a nice video Tracy. Just upgraded to General class and will be operating portable and POTA in Southwest Florida. I am feverishly preparing for the hurricane season. Picked up a lot a great tips from you. Thank You. 73 Glenn KN4UKV.

[@vironpayne3405]

Hurricane season and ECOM is one of the reasons I do QRP on a regular basis here on the Space Coast. I've started doing more NVIS setups. In the past when I was running mostly magloops I had both NVIS and low takeoff angle radiation. With the EFHW 80m-10m I have to plan a little for NVIS.

[@ve3cwq457]

Excellent video, thanks Tracy.

[@Powerstrokemods]

Very good video, thank you for putting it together! I think the main reason why more younger people don't get into ham radio is because of the availability of the internet. In very many places, if you have a wireless signal, you have access to unlimited resources, and it's much more convenient than radio. Also, I got licensed, but became discouraged in the hobby, was away from ham radio for years, because the people I ran into in this hobby were class A a$$holes, and not the genuine helping people that one might expect. I hope that situation has changed now.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I appreciate your thoughts on this matter. There is hope out there; my local club has done an excellent job encouraging new hams. 73 from VE3TWM!

[@ernestlindsay1038]

Great video to wet the appetite! did portable operations many years ago, your video has got me planning a trip. This is a great hobby, Thanks.

[@mattb7406]

Wow! Some of the best vids i have heard on what i am trying to learn!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@Roddy1965]

Great video Tracy. I never see anyone grounding the portable/camp stations. When I've run portable I haven't grounded and so far that's worked OK, but it seems off that you need great grounding at home (obviously a lot of electrical stuff in a home), and nothing in the field. I must be missing something and I'm keen to be told!

[@vironpayne3405]

I have an EFHW 80m-10m that performs better when grounded at choked at the feedpoint. I watched several of Steve Ellington's antenna test video and you get about a 3dB improvement by grounding and choking at the feedpoint with the balum near the ground. Following this practice has turned my EFHW antenna from an okay antenna to my go to antenna for portable ops.

[@Roddy1965]

@@vironpayne3405 Thanks for this reply. Will investigate.

[@vironpayne3405]

@@Roddy1965 This is Steve summarizing several tests EFHW installations. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6vJgqyYjrKfi8U

[@darylw-m9549]

An excellent video Tracy. I appreciate you sharing your experience of operating portable. Your QRP comments are illuminating.

[@barrykery1175]

This has to be the best video I have even seen on setting up portable. I could not find one thing that you missed. One of the best areas you addressed is battery power consumption against wattage out of the radio and DB's. Like you, I now have a serious noise issue that is being address by the power company. Having this same problem some 30 years ago, I know it's going to be some time before it's corrected. Where I set up in the park the noise level is S zero from 40 meters up. I had an FT897D, FT817ND and an IC 703, all great radios for portable. The only reason I changed to the FT991A and the IC705 is the spectral display. For me, every RF connector I use for portable are BNC's. .....and.....I would never ever think of using a non resonant antenna. Again, "A spectacular video !" Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@eddthirty4065]

Just came across your channel. I like your mission statement and presentation style. The only thing I'd add to your antenna recommendations is that quarter wave verticals and loaded verticals work very well in the right circumstance, that is by the sea. If you are within a quarter wave of the sea, your ground losses are very low due to the high conductivity of your ground. The helps your signal get out and in. I have had very good success operating BOTA at QRP levels crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the USA on SSB.

[@timg5tm941]

Excellent presentation Tracy

[@kc8opv]

Well done and very informative. Thanks.

[@on4mgy_radioamateur]

HF portable is for me the way to go. I don't even have a shack. All my HF operation is /P. Mostly while activating Fauna Flora, Lighthouses, Castle's and so on. 95% of the operations are QRP. It just brings a lot of joy and nice contacts. Best 73 de ON4MGY Nic

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Nic! We think alike. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@R2DXU]

Hi brother-in-portable. Also 100% portable work.

[@Frisky0563]

I haven't been able to go out this year. I hope to soon, I appreciate your videos and find them inspiring. Thank you and 73's Tracy

[@martinryan5069]

I'm a swl in Ireland enjoyed the video very much thanks

[@mountainsunsets]

Thanks for your video Tracy, I really enjoyed it.

[@DK5ONV]

[@scumminguk]

The 'Ham radio dream'. love it.... excellent video well produced. 73

[@357supermag11]

I finnaly got my license and will start POTA this weekend at Lake Whitney State Park in Texas both with QRP and 100 watts. I have really enjoyed your videos and look forward to them. keep up the great work. Thanks for encouragement. 73's. KI5OZK

[@hammathguy3995]

My unofficial motto is "Redundancy is good. Redundancy is good."

[@vironpayne3405]

Another excellent video. I am basically 100% onboard, except I almost never camp. Today I was out on a monthly QRP group outting at a local county park, Manatee Cove, Merritt Island, FL. Today I had my FT-897 and EFHW 80m-10m antenna, my favorite portable the past couple of years. I choke and ground at the feedpoint and get good results. Today a buddy brought his IC-7300. No surprise to you are I the FT-897 had just as good of receive audio as the IC-7300 in the low RF noise environment. Sometimes I operate from my car using my FT-857D. Sometimes I do go low with my antenna to do NVIS, which is important for ECOM. As bands a better I am thinking about building a 20m and up doublet. The last one I had was a blast. I actually tore it apart at the same park a number of years back. I was trying to pull it down so I could putchase a higher branch with my slingshot. It was the only antenna I had that day. Instead of accepting the charity of a hamstick from a fellow QRPer I scrounged house wiring and C-clamps for woodworking from my car and hooked one wire to the rain gutter of the pavillion and one to a cast iron BBQ grill next to the pavillion. Once on the air I made a 40m contact across the state to Clearwater and 20m contact to Oklahoma City.

[@jonthebru]

You didn't talk about food! Very complete and enjoyable.

[@ai5dd]

Thanks for the inspiration, I have the same issues with sleep you do.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Sorry to hear that, my friend. Hope you can get that figured out one day.

[@porkyfedwell]

S9 noise level! I'm really glad I live in the country. S1 here.

[@davemaier7]

Thank you Tracy. I always learn so much from watching your videos. Best, Dave K7CI

[@mikemcdonald5147]

I love m y 897d its still a good radio and i still use it even though i have newer radios now.

[@aschlack8889]

I really enjoy your videos. ! 73s

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM.

[@francescosilvi654]

Nicely video ... Tanks Tracy ! Franz as ik0rks... '73

[@victorbell1378]

Great stuff in this tutorial....thanks and 72s

[@budiwaluyo6895]

i agreed that sir, ft897 is favorite too in Indonesia and, thank you very much sir you give a lot of explanation also experience and make me more enjoy HF communication, sorry my English sir

[@budiwaluyo6895]

😀

[@K1ZEK]

Nice video, I enjoyed it very much. 73 Leo.

[@ryanroberts4671]

Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@brianfields4479]

Hi Tracy, nice presentation, and great to see your outdoor set up. I am lucky to have the beach on my doorstep, and of course the sea is a great amplifier, my favorite setup is a 20m vertical and 4 radials on the beach, a miniature morse key or mic. I take as little as possible, as my radio station will be bicycle portable and everything goes on my ebike, and the lack of band noise makes qrp from zl to eu easy. Take care my friend, 73 zl3xdj.

[@johncorby9170]

I always enjoy your videos Tracy but I have to tell you that my experience with antennas is a little different. Perhaps because I am a CW op I have found "compromise" antennas work well for me. Also, because my main outdoor activity is POTA, I am not chasing DX or competing with monster stations in a contest. While camping in Ontario parks I use either a coil-shortened 80m EFHW (resonant on 20m, 40m and 80m) or a home made coil-shortened vertical. I transmit at 35W and nearly always exceed the 10 QSOs required for a valid POTA activation. I have found Ontario Parks campgrounds can often be electrically noisy but fortunately the FT891's excellent filtering can take care of that. I endorse your recommendation for operating outdoors - especially while camping. Ontario's long winters are a challenge but I built a "radio sled" out of old skis and still got out with a sled mounted vertical antenna! Keep up the good work Tracy, I always look forward to your videos. John VA3KOT

[@dandaniel8745]

Great video. Contains some really helpful information. Thanks. 73 K4LIF

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you and you are welcome! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

Thank you Terry.

[@timaustin577]

2023 Thank you from Tasmania. :-)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Love to hear from my friends down under! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@davidh5645]

I really enjoy your videos! They are great encouragement for me. I also love your style of videos! Have you ever thought about putting your camping/operating skills in the south west desert? We don't have much for forest in here southern Nevada. :-)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I've only been to the desert once...on a business trip to Vegas I was able to get a few hours to rent a car and go to a National Park. I was enthralled. Would love to get out there again.

[@vk4foo]

Well done mate.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@nr3rful]

Really good info. You have my radios. I do disagree on the wire antennas tho....to hard to get up...I always use vertical antennas and get great results and set up is easy.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Excellent

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@nimroddiaries_]

Great presentation sir! Thanks for sharing. 73 and God Bless N8AAE

[@kbjerke]

A very comprehensive video! Thanks, Tracy! 73 de Karl VE3GUN

[@SeekAStrak]

Gonna share this with my fellow hams ! Thank you. 73 DE VA2XMX

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

I just started HF CW. Hopefully I'm keying it out correctly.

[@ncphotos]

Great video de W2CSI

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Great presentation! 73 de Jeff K3JRZ

[@richlovin2173]

You provide some very good info about QRP and rural location lack of noise. You initially showed an ICOM 703. Which works better the ICOM or the Yeasu's?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Not a cop out answer: I like them both. The 817 wins on compact size and internal battery capability; the 703 wins on internal tuner and larger display. Would not hesitate to use either one as a portable radio on the basis of performance.

[@paulhastings3109]

Thanks Been working on link diapole 20 17 and 40. The mast is 10 meters. Keeping the ends 6 to 8 feet. Have not been yet I guess call it Mike shay. Yes get out side and play radio. Being veteran Vietnam 65-68. I still have problems. Thank you for your content 73 gd dx KQ4CD

[@va7dgp]

It takes me 30-45 minutes to put up my Chinese Portable Vertical HF Antenna. I carry a heavy Canadian Tire battery boost device plus my Toughbook plus all of these carried on my walker. I prefer my mobile as I just run off my 20,40 & 80 m Hamstick

[@walteredwards544]

Thank you. That was well said.

[@Trancifiedx]

Have you tried sleeping in a hammock? Been in one for over 3 years, and it has made a massive difference in sleep quality.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Not yet, but I've nearly pulled the trigger on one several times. What do you use as a sleeping pad, and what part of the world are you in?

[@twobikesandadrone]

I just ordered my first HF rig, an FT-891, along with the necessities to get on the air. I'm very excited about making my first contacts and look forward to all the portable ops that I plan to do in the future. I've googled "dx wire 50 foot mast" but I'm not sure I've found what you have. Do you have a make and model number for your mast setup by chance? I'm sure that almost anything similar will work but I lean toward products that have proven themself and I'm assuming yours has done just that.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

DX-Wire is a company out of Germany. Sadly, they don't appear to be making the 50 foot (15m) mast any more. I would strongly recommend the 12m Spiderbeam mast as a solid alternate.

[@twobikesandadrone]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir thanks!

[@edframbes5296]

Good job on video! I have a FT897 (it's a workhorse!) and a KX2. I enjoy going to the park and setup too. Maybe we'll hook-up sometime on the air. 73 de Ed K8EAF God Bless!

[@CoveiraoPS3]

There's one tool that would help to bring youth to ham radio but, for some reason, ham radio operators don't use: twitch. It's such an easy platform to use, in any device, and full of young people. I think Ham radio operators should explorer this platform to advertise the hobby.

[@billryland6199]

You did not show any solar panels. That would extend your operating time if the sun is shining. I use 2 100 watt panels on a portable PVC frame to a MPPT controller for my LiFePo4 battery. 1 is enough on a sunny day but both are needed if cloudy. My FT-891 is great for portable ops. I just talked to a ham in Italy using 50 watts to an EFHw wire over a 20' fishing pole support in the front yard on 20.

[@fluffyzafar]

👍👍

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

One question Whats Rain ? kg6mn

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Liquid Sunshine.

[@imahamjim]

Where did u get that 24 hour clock. Tks jim

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

IKEA.

[@kishascape]

Call of the answering

[@jens_voigt]

Danke!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Danke and 73 from VE3TWM!

[@jens_voigt]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir you're very welcome 73s

[@gregl2402]

What telescoping poles do you use for your antenna ?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

40 foot Spiderbeam and 50 foot DX-Wire.

[@erving-n1ecc230]

Interesting Video, This works very well for you but, with people like myself who do not drive. I have to look at Bicycle Mobile. Using small vertical antennas like the Buddi-Stick and others do work well when set-up correctly. Doing Ham Radio Portable is not restricted to just your style of operation and should not be outlines as such!!!!! I do enjoy your watching your videos but think that you went over the line when only suggesting your style of operation. Anyone can have fun and make contacts by experimenting with all types of antenna systems. I myself find up hear in New England that the local parks are too congested with too many tall trees closely together, which make it very difficult to get a wire antenna into the trees to work correctly. Also I had to laugh about high noise on 80-meters as I to have the same problem. Finding nothing much on 80 meters I have solved the problem by just taking 80-meters out of the equation when operating. As you have stated " Get out of the shack, get on the air" 73.

[@ericwilliams952]

73’s w7emw

[@superblondeDotOrg]

28:00 try a hammock ?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I've nearly pulled the trigger on a hammock so many times, but not yet.

[@superblondeDotOrg]

go small? HT..

[@AVTfotovideo]

73 🙏

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Gracias! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@geckoproductions4128]

FB 73 de N5RXP

[@Photoeye65]

Great video / tips ! N1JWW

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@lousadventures2111]

thank you Tracy I'm always learning for more options. never hurt to get a jackery solar panel with a jackery power pack . 73s thank you hope to catch you on the air someday. de n3lou

[@kd5inm]

Good video, I would recommend this for 'must see' viewing for anyone looking to do portable or POTA activity. De KD5INM

[@yv6eda]

Great video Tracy! Thanks!

[@criscross6591]

👍👍