INCREDIBLE Extreme Portable DXpedition IC-705 Mini DXpedition - Isle of Arran Scotland

[@M0RMY]

Hello everyone - Callum has done a great job condensing a week of the trip. I planned this while I was away last year on a very busy job as my "look forward to" project. I cannot describe how much fun this was - combining exercise, camping, beautiful scenery, radio and the chance to use the Expedition antenna for just that - an expedition. Antenna works brilliantly well, is light enough to carry and is versatile. The IC705 also was the perfect radio to take (yes I know there are lots of cheaper ones!)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It was a pleasure to edit it. Very enjoyable. 8 days in about 8 minutes Tom. Obviously, I cut a lot of stuff out to make it "KZbin friendly" but die-hards can watch all your episoned on your channel. Great fun. And you proved that you can do anything if you set your mind on it..

[@d3jake]

This was a delightful trip, thank you for sharing. Ham radio is what has gotten me out camping, though I haven't built up the pluck to do backpacking yet. What is the power rating on the solar panel you took with you?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

@@d3jake Last year in GOOD sunshine, we were seeing 4 amps.. Guess Tom was seeing maybe 1/2 amp.. something like that. Check his blog out. He discusses it there.

[@M0RMY]

@@d3jake It was a Powerfilm 60W rollable panel (military spec)

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

That scenery and amateur radio, what a combination. Well done Tom and well done the the DX Commander antenna,/ rig combination. A trip to remember fondly.

[@9bar7and9bar8]

Great place Arran. Makes its own beer, chocolate, cheese and a few other things, a stunning place to visit. Go there, you won't be disappointed. Well done Tom (Danny Boy😂) ! Syd MI5UTC

[@M0RMY]

Indeed - it is a lovely place - was my Mum's favourite island.

[@richardtwyning]

My dream first radio, and probably the only radio I'll ever need, getting one next year hopefully. Excellent job Tom, proves what you can achieve with a decent antenna 👍🏻 73 M7GTX

[@M0RMY]

It is a great antenna/rig combination for portable work. Combine it with an amp and there is no contest for the price, and versatility. I am contemplating putting it in my mobile with a 100W amp. So I get a waterfall, shack-in-a-box and 100W.

[@nathanw851]

Nice edit! It was Tom's walk around Arran that inspired me to ride up to Skye last year and copy the tent/radio fun, also with the expedition antenna. Great bit of kit!

[@M0RMY]

Hi Nathan - thanks for the comment - we must do a dual trip soon!

[@toby000000]

What a great trip! Outdoors and amateur radio, great combo - really enjoyed watching & has motivated me to get out more with my 705! All the best, M5TAW

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes,, Tom had a blast! Do it :)

[@MattHeere]

Absolutely awe inspiring. Loved every minute of it - although my KX2 is now calling me a loser. Gotta plan something like this myself one day.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Go for it Matt!

[@M0RMY]

Hi Matt - definitely worth the effort.

[@janiceemery2008]

Hey Tom, love the video of the Isle of Arran in Scotland. You did a great job with hiking and ham radio. Love it. Thank you for sharing.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Tom's an amazing guy. Check out HIS channel too!

[@joeblow8593]

Thanks Tom (and Callum too).

[@M0RMY]

Thank you matey

[@2m0kiescotland]

what a fantastic video really enjoyed watching that ... looks like you had a great trip Tom 👍

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Smokie! Yeah, I think he had a good time old mate!

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Amazing trip for Tom - thanks for sharing Callum. That would be an awesome journey.

[@M0RMY]

Hi John - I had a blast doing this trip - camping and "living in a bush" (as my long suffering wife would say) combined with radio. Somehow being a military bloke it just turns into relaxation!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Cal, Thanks for those clips of Tom's adventure in Arran and also the link to his channel. Will be viewing his videos shortly. When he showed the IC-705, I noticed the lack of any noise in the waterfall. Wish I had that at my home location. Happy Easter to your family and hope you all stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, - although he did mention on his last day (near civilisation) that he had some crackling..

[@DonzLockz]

Very impressive. Well done in those conditions. 👏👍🤠

[@M0RMY]

Thanks mate

[@shaunimms5156]

I'm very jealous! Well done Tom, sounds like the setup was a perfect combination! :)

[@Ardren]

What a fantastic expedition!

[@M0RMY]

Cheers

[@k9eihamradio]

Excellent! I aspire to do this kind of trek as well. Broadsword calling Danny Boy was great Cal!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes..!!!! I have always wanted to do that!

[@Gildermesh]

Deepest respect to you Tom, Awesome video.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

He seemed to have a fab time, for sure!

[@M0RMY]

Thanks for the nice comment - glad you enjoyed it.

[@jamessawyer4625]

Tom i enjoyed yout outing operating multi bands with the DX commander. impressing OP And the antenna

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, he seemed to have a great time!

[@M0RMY]

Thank you James

[@pc4ad]

What an incredible job you did there Tom. Impressed for sure

[@M0RMY]

Thanks Anton

[@45auto]

What a lovely trip and a super film.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Tnx.

[@billybiker1383]

Great video, thanks for sharing 😀

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Billy!! Thanks for watching!

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

Great video of Tom's adventure on the Isle of Arran. Looks like the DXCommander antenna did the job. 73 Joe

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Seemed to! But well done Tom for doing the hard work!

[@markramsay6399]

What a fabulous enjoyable video - loved it ! Mark, 2E0MSR.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark! It was fun to edit too!

[@ronleblanc9832]

really nice video beautiful scenery a lot done on low power

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@M0RMY]

It was a good example of low power by the sea.

[@TheElrono]

Ok I love the Broadsword and Danny Boy reference. I love the movie Where Eagles Dare. My dad introduced me to all those classic WWII movies as kid. He passed in August and i binged watched all the greats after.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, I thought me calling him like was very funny! LOL

[@M0RMY]

We enjoyed the reference too!

[@chuckrann6282]

I caught that too. But Callum didn’t say “All sins forgiven”. Daammit!

[@GrootSkottel]

Great video. It has inspired me to get back on the air. Last time I was on the air was about 5 year ago as ZS8Z (Marion island). Hope to have a QSO with you guys soon. David ZS1BCE

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You should!

[@M0RMY]

Definitely go for it mate

[@adyg6ad73]

Great job Tom. Inspirational stuff!

[@M0RMY]

Thanks Ady - it was a lot of fun and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ryank5tar]

OUTSTANDING!!!!!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah. Thanks. I'm sure Tom will enjoy your comment.

[@Andy2e0ree]

Great video thanks Tom and Callum 73 brothers

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Andy, Happy Easter to your family and you all stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hey Andy! Thanks 👍

[@M0RMY]

Hi Andy - glad you enjoyed it mate.

[@upperom]

Inspirational Tom... and I mean that literally. So freaking cool. 73 de KN6VVQ in California

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah, he's amazing..!

[@M0RMY]

Thank you for saying that mate - I really enjoyed it and strangely this is how I like to "relax". 😀

[@stephenabbott904]

Great video

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks!

[@edcozart9916]

Tom is the MAN, glad you had a good time Tom it looked fun and tiring at the same time glad you made it back safe de W9US

[@M0RMY]

Hi Ed. It seems a long time ago now but I had such a great time. I am planning more of these trips soon as it is such good fun.

[@genoa1979]

Fantastic video❤

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks 🤗

[@ianxfs]

Great to see this again 👍🏻

[@DXCommanderHQ]

And you got a mention Ian! :)

[@ianxfs]

@@DXCommanderHQ yes, I’m famous 😁

[@M0RMY]

Hi Ian - hope all good.

[@ianxfs]

@@M0RMY Yes Tom! Ditto 👍🏻

[@bassangler73]

Very cool!!

[@sootycharlie]

superb.

[@peterlowrie1216]

Know that place well. Been doing IOTA contest from there for last few years based at Kildonan point overlooking Pladda.

[@M0RMY]

Hi Peter. I stayed there on my last night at the campsite with the pub. What a spectacular place.

[@peterlowrie1216]

@@M0RMY hi Tom, we use the boat house as shack but a bit stymied for antennas as it's high season when the team lands. This year we're planning on using a DX commander on the beach for one station.

[@youtubeaccount931]

Awesome

[@RW-ce8kp]

What an amazing video from a beautiful location. What battery pack are you using with the IC705? I love the background music too. 73 and cheers. AE4X

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Check out Tom's video and leave him a comment on his channel and he'll explain.

[@M0RMY]

The standard battery but augmented by solar panels

[@m7trsradio]

Fantastic work Tom outstanding efforts. Bet you had a blast. What solar panel and charger are you using? I've been looking for a small ish one to top up a 6ah lifepo4. The whole setup looked great. All the kit 😊👍🏽 Motters M7TRS 73👍🏽

[@M0RMY]

Hi mate - have a look at my website linked above and I did a YT video on the kit - camping and radio stuff - 60W Powerfilm panel with Victron controller

[@m7trsradio]

@@M0RMY Thank Tom, I will head over and have a look. Great efforts 👌 better man than me 😁 Motters M7TRS 73👍🏽

[@tobyticehurst]

ahhh....The video is at 555 likes, I wont mess with that but it's a LIKE from me. Nice Snugpak tent, I have their sleeping bag system, good stuff indeed.

[@T.M.G2014]

I was picking him up most days which is unusual as it's just 17mile away

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah!

[@lonewolfhamradio]

Great content, inspiring even.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, very..

[@sm6yec]

Amazing!

[@M0RMY]

Thanks!!

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

I wanna go!!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Do it :)

[@Perthshire]

0:47 are there forestry roads in Birmingham?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Everywhere!

[@robertabbott7770]

QRP it will never catch on !!!!! 🤣 Just goes to show you don't need kilowatts of power .

[@3dPrint_and_chill]

True that. I forgot to turn up the power on my radio the other day, made a few contacts but couldn't break through a pile up. Realized I was running 10w the whole time! Also when I do POTA I only run 20w and have made contacts into Europe (NA here) with a very compromised loaded whip. Conditions are most important, you only really need those extra whiskeys for pile ups or if conditions are really bad.

[@union310]

What make is the tent?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh.. That thing? I can't remember.. Wendy bought it for parties in the back garden.. Used it twice and I nabbed it!

[@union310]

@@DXCommanderHQ Just a quick note to say thank you for all your videos and encouragement, I passed my foundation exam this morning, so chuffed.

[@M0RMY]

My tent for the Arran trip is a Snugpack Ionosphere. I have a website about all the gear (and a lot more) here: www.walking-and-talking.uk/

[@union310]

@@M0RMY Many thanks.

[@ryanbeare580]

What a fantastic experience thanks for sharing Tom! QRP for heroes 🦸‍♂️ M7HFD

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes he was inspirational on that one!

[@M0RMY]

Thank you Ryan!