Long Range Comms - After Action Report

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Theses are not fails, it is the purpose of practice and training. Finding and resolving weak points is the purpose testing your plan. Good job

[@TheTechPrepper]

Exactly. That's how I see it too. Have a good one, Dick. Thanks for the support.

[@cidcolead1115]

Seasoned hams set up a schedule with a frequency, but often move up (or down) to the next clear frequency when 1st choice is busy. We often switch to opposite sideband for side comments during a larger group conversation. Find a clear spot and do the opposite sideband to call it out real quick, or brake in if needed and suggest to your contact "move up 10 kc" You are doing an excellent job.

[@k5wxp22]

I really appreciate that you actually show the failures. More importantly, the follow-up group conversation was great! Had you not done that, I seriously doubt you would have figured out you all were on a different time schedule. Throw in high adrenalin in an emergency situation, and you can probably multiply chances for error tenfold. Great job, Gaston! 73, Brett K5WXP

[@TheTechPrepper]

That "aha moment" was pretty clearly captured during our live debrief. You could see everyone's facial expression when it happened. Debriefs are great for catching this.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Gaston, I love how thorough you are with these after action reports. Obviously, this process becomes more and more fluid and second nature the more times you repeat them. Good on you all for being deliberate about the contacts and scope of operation. In the past, I've done afternoon and evening scheds with two friends that are between propagation footprints depending on the time of day and conditions. At times, we'd have to sort out if 80, 60, or 40 meters was the best option for all three of us (one guy in northern OH, one in SE OH, and me in WNC). We used the same meet frequencies each time always with the understanding that if someone was on frequency, we would check a frequency range (typically +/- 5 kHz SSB, +/- 2 kHz CW). This worked out really well, in fact. That variation is so minor, it's easy to tune up and down to find the adjusted meeting spot. Of course, making the CQ a bit longer makes it easier for others to discover you as they tune. Anyway, great video and great job! Cheers, Thomas

[@bbc581]

Fantastic content folks! I cherish the lessons I am learning. Don't any of you feel these shortcomings resulted in failure by any means. This an epic demonstration of real life challenges. I look forward to the ability to use these take-aways to my advantage.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear that you're finding value in the content. I try to share my entire journey along with successes, failures and how to move forward to become a better operator. Comments like this make the long days of juggling a full time job, family and KZbin worth it. 73

[@tangobayus]

One of my long range contacts using 100 watts on an NVIS antenna was with a QRP POTA station near Salt Lake City. He could hear me on his radio and I could hear him on the Half Moon Bay SDR. No idea what antenna he was using. 700 miles from San Francisco. A more recent POTA contact was with a guy using a 53 foot wire and 9:1 unun. I looked at the Xiegu when I was shopping for my first HF rig, but the Yaesu 991a is a better choice for me. HF, VHF, UHF in one box.

[@billryland6199]

I use a Nano-F VNA for making and adjusting antennas. It shows the SWR curve for the desired band. If the planned frequency is busy just move up or down to a clear frequency and call again.

[@neubert500]

This is an excellent lesson for those who think just having a radio makes you ready! Also testing alone does not improve your capacities unless you do AAR analysis to fix identified issues. Thank you!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for this comment. This is exactly the take away for this video. Cheers!

[@Swamp-Fox]

Lots of good lessons learned and food for thought in this one.....good stuff!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes indeed! I thought the plan was pretty good as we have used it for other exercises. It looks like a couple of tweaks are needed. Have a good weekend.

[@airsofteo9105]

Awesome AAR and sharing the information so we all can learn from. Looking forward to more of it.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it. More on the way. New comms templates coming soon to BMAC. Enjoy the weekend.

[@kc8owl]

The G90 has a good following with the POTA / SOTA operators and since those are usually voice, I think the g90 solves that use case reasonably well. For digital, unless you modify that connector, you just can't rely on it. That said, the G90 does make a great dedicated JS8 transceiver in the shack where it can stay stationary in a less demanding environment. Great exercise and AAR as always! 73 Mike KC8OWL

[@TheTechPrepper]

The G90 has a good following. I don't mean to knock it, but the radio selection really needs to be dependent on your particular needs and environment. As I mentioned, I really found the performance on digital and voice to be great, but the fragile construction and quality issues are problematic for my personal use.

[@WR3ND]

Looking forward to watching this later. Cheers.

[@johnk23705]

Very good after action report. One other thing you might consider on the band plan for voice is to go up 5 or 10 if no contact can be made due to the frequency being in use. Something like at the 5 minute mark after the window starts. This would be especially good if phone was the only mode of contact. 73

[@TheTechPrepper]

We've been using that very technique for our local nets. Thanks for sharing.

[@turdferguson2863]

After Action Reports, most excellent. ☕

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes, they are. Cheers.

[@N0LSD]

3:58 - On the Xeigu G90 - You're correct: inferior build quality compared to the Icom/Kenwood/Yaesu brands - which is why they're half the price of those other rigs. I actually had to have my original G90 replaced by Radioddity because it would randomly shut down for no reason. It is completely counter-intuitive when it comes to ALC, for instance: it wants an ALC reading between 75 and 85 to produce a clean signal; while most radios want an ALC value that's *lower* in order to produce a clean signal. I've never really been able to get a DigiRig to work with the G90 consistently. What I *have* been able to get to work with the G90 is the ZLP MiniPro SC soundcard interface. I reserve the DigiRig for my 817ND and, more often, the Tr(u)SDX.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I found the ALC non intuitive on the G90 as well. However, the G90 worked incredibly well for digital until the CAT control failed. There were already too many issues out of the box that bothered me, so a hardware failure on the head unit after 8 weeks of use is enough for me to say, it's not for me. It's probably fine for those who want to tinker. I'm in this game for tools, not toys.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Love that you included the garmin inreach I feel like it would work in 90-99% of scenarios & most hams are allergic to satcomms

[@TheTechPrepper]

Fully agreed. I have it with me all the time along with my Yaesu VX-6R, but HF radios only come for very specific trips. Like you said, it will work 90+% of the time.

[@Floyd-KQ4EUV]

Great video, Gaston. Love the no random series.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Hey, buddy. It's good to see you. We need to connect soon. Shoot me an email.

[@pale_2111]

IC-706 radios aren't too bad on the used market. Anywhere from $400-$600 on average. 100w radio on HF and 10w on VHF. Later models have changed, but are on the higher end of the price range or more. I've ordered some side rails from Armaloq or whoever it's spelled. Next step is to find an external sound card for working data modes, tuner and last is probably more than likely another laptop. Anyways, all of us have experienced failures and problems at one time or another. I've had them this past weekend on Ships Weekend. I was running FT8 for the USS Tennessee Museum under the club callsign W4BSF. At the museum, I've had quite a bit of trouble with my station. Didn't get many contacts in the log because of it. On a final note, take some notes from hard lessons learned and try again. We all can get it 100% right the first time.

[@DonzLockz]

Great stuff Gaston!. "What we have here is a failure to communicate!"😂👍

[@TheTechPrepper]

I know what movie I'm watching this weekend. Greatest line ever. Cheers!

[@N4EJM]

Great info. Thanks for that video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Any time!

[@shanemccray4050]

As always very informative, and helpful.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad it was helpful! I'll share the new template for the next revision of the plan with you and the members as soon as I can.

[@EmJayArr]

I think you hinted at this, but although USB vs LSB is merely a convention, the digital vs voice segments are codified in §97.305(c). However, an actual emergency still allows a station "any means at its disposal" under §97.405, so that doesn't entirely preclude an "if all else fails" voice channel being in the digital segment in an emergency plan to be used in an actual emergency. The point I'm trying to make (terribly) is that although perhaps the merits of such a plan can be debated, there's no ear covering necessary 😆 Anyway, nice job all with the exercise and the debrief, everyone

[@TheTechPrepper]

I appreciate the clarification. That's what I meant when I stated that my personal emergency communications plan in a real emergency would attempt digital if needed. However, we will be experimenting with breaking USB/LSB convention as part of future training.

[@wheeler7973]

Great information. It sounds like you guys had a few bugs to work out but that's how we learn. I've been setting my watches off WWV for a long time but I never realized that it also gave the SFI. I will be definitely be putting it in my notes for future use.

[@TheTechPrepper]

WWV is a gold mine. I am working on the WWV field sheet for you and the members. I am still tweaking the design. Glad to see someone else using the time code in practice.

[@brickerhaus]

That is a good idea for the field cards. I can't wait to see what you have.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. I just need to make them into a digital version. The design is all hand-written. Coming soon.

[@ke8mattj]

Excellent job on the AAR!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks! Wait until I share with you and the community the next rev of the long range and mid range HF comms plan. 73

[@Disastercommunications]

Great job!!! Love the AAR.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it. The plan will be updated soon. Have a good weekend.

[@gm743633]

some digital modes do not work when going thru two audio circuits (A/D). I'm not sure if it's a double sampling problem or speaker to mic distortion (phase) issue.

[@KC3WHJ]

Because I have taken precautions regarding all the connection points on my G90, I'm still willing to trust it though I have multiple backups. (P.A.C.E. covers more than methods.) I'd still like to see an EmComm Tools setup for it, if you're willing to release it. Great after action report btw.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Don't worry. The work has been done already. It's been in the commercial build for two months and will be in the next community release.

[@michaelaudet3419]

I bought a g90 because of price constraints, still have not successfully used it to make a contact. I unfortunately only have a technicians license so the next step is to get my next license. I keep trying to snag an 857d or a 706mkiig but im also leary about buying used equipment.

[@haxwithaxe]

The space weather on HF is a great tip!

[@TheTechPrepper]

That was a new find. It's funny considering that I have been using the WWV broadcast for the last 6 months for syncing my time manually, but only now discovered the SWPC alerts. I must have never listened on the 18 or 45 minute mark.

[@theamericansilverback]

Good information.... I purchased the G90 prior to finding you a few years back .. hopefully it'll survive as it'll be a fixed station and not hauled around in the field. Fingers crossed

[@TheTechPrepper]

I think you'll be fine. I heard that the early runs had better manufacturing quality, so you might be fine. Also, I am tough on my gear, so shack use is likely a safe bet for the G90.

[@vironpayne3405]

Long distance communications - dial 01 followed by country code and full phone number. Simple. Safe. Effective. Reliable. Easy to use. Of course, you can do what you want. YOU FT-8XX ADDICT!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

We're starting a support group in the Phoenix area to help addicts like myself.

[@PowderMill]

Hi TP.. I wanted to thank you for a great collection of videos and have 2 quick items for ‘ya. 1. I was wondering where you’re physically located. I’m guessing you are a “DMR” Guy, but I have 2 Motorola Quantar repeaters I have left over from before was forced to retire. (Ankylosing Spondylitis ugh.) They are “gold chassis” UHF R3 100w P25/Analog mixed-mode with every option /\/\ offered, (including advanced wireline option). They are 2015 vintage, but still unused. You are welcome to them if you are near the Northwest NJ area. My way of saying “thanks”. I have taken most of my Hytera & Motorola DMR gear and am setting up an EMComm “system” for family and your videos have been helpful.

[@PowderMill]

#2 - In one of your videos (I forgot which one and can’t locate it for some reason 🙄 definitely a “me” problem LOL), I noticed an oversight. I used to LOVE Hytera equipment, mainly because of the outstanding “FPP” functionality. I still am a fan, but wish they had much more support and a stable future in the US. When I first started in the public safety world, it was in the 1980’s w/channel elements and crystals. Post 9/11, “interoperability” became the buzzword and much of the /\/\otorola gear we were using (JT1000 and the XTS Astros - 2500 and 5000 etc) permitted pretty functional “FPP”. With P25 (phase 2), it’s just not possible to do much without CPS. For personal use and family business use, I jumped into DMR. The XPR-7550e looked great, but impossible to do much w/o CPS. The “FPP” option board out there is miserable and pricey. So, I used Hytera. Virtually everything can be modified in the field and it was just as rugged as /\/\. The came the lawsuits and “new” firmware removing features etc., but I’m still happy with the radios we have. Sorry for the novel length post, but here goes: The Hyteras, IF they have a display and keypad, (AND each function is enabled w/CPS) - They CAN do control signaling: not only “stun/kill” stuff, disable/enable “radio check” and query GPS coordinates from individual units. BUT.. they also have “remote monitoring” (common ?) and “RENT”. If “renting” to a customer (or other similar uses), you can program (CPS only), you can have individual radios “time out” at the end of a period of time, a specific date/time, amount of “on” time, etc. While I never had a use for this, it might be useful in cache type radios.? The radios can be re-enabled via CPS or code entry. Sorry for the

[@PowderMill]

“EMERGENCY ERASE” & “Over the Air Auth” FUNCTIONS !! I COMPLETELY FORGOT. One of the more recent features added to the Hytera FW includes one of the coolest functions I’ve seen for the “prepper” or personal/family comms. A friend told me about it a few months ago and I thought he was kidding. I checked the CPS and it is there. He said it was initially released with their “restricted / military” radios, but is now included in most of the PD, MD and HP series radios. (approx 90% of their models) You can enable this function to ERASE the encryption keys alone or the keys plus the entire code plug. It can be activated in one of two ways (either / or… selected in CPS when programming). Method 1: It can be activated locally by the radio user by pressing a series of buttons (SK1 and PTT) in a special sequence. Method 2: It can be activated remotely by an authorized control radio by using the remote “disable/kill” function. OTA AUTHENTICATION: Each radio can be programmed to require a hex key for OTAP (over the air programming- of freq/cc/slot/etc) and/or for control features (“stun/kill” / “radio check” / “remote monitor” / etc) Prior to the auth function, it was a fairly common occurrence for local police/fire/etc radios to be remotely “killed” or have mysterious “open mic” (really remote monitor being enabled by another radio). Just random folk with DMR radios could wreak havoc. Many functions can be restricted to only work when the proper key is received by the remote radio controller station or radio. I’m not sure if the xpr7550e can do the same, but I know the AnyTone can’t.

[@nvrumi]

I love AARs! I do them all the time with my POTA/SOTA outings. While I watched Isaac's video, it occurred to me that your comms plan might have included an option for the frequency being in use of Up 5 or Down 5. I'd put the alternate frequency on VFO B and if QRL then hit the A/B button. A second option would be to hit split and tune the receiver Up or Down as required. The WWV output is absolutely critical to field operations. Not only will be able to set your computer's clock, but you'll get instant feedback on propagation from which frequency you can hear. Furthermore, the solar information is perfect. Well done, sir! 73 de AG7TX

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's an excellent habit. Keep it up. Personally, I have been doing these since the beginning to help refine my gear and approach in the field. In fact, this how the manpacks came into existence. I hit the wall in the backcountry while trying to execute on field expedient comms when I was running a 3L dry bag with components scattered in my bag.

[@ricksargent8754]

I agreed with your comments regarding garmin. Don’t listen to the haters.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Every device has its place with its strengths and weaknesses. It's hard to ignore the ease of use, reliability, ruggedness, and ability to use the Garmin globally. It's essential backcountry gear. Have a good one.

[@WRJK988]

Sounds like lack of SOP. Not lack of skills at all. These guys are great at what they do.

[@MikeHammonds804]

Will you still include the G90 in future releases of EnComm Tools?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes. The work has been done. It's in the next release.

[@MikeHammonds804]

@@TheTechPrepper thank you

[@Deano_K5MPG]

Geo alerts? Awesome!

[@FooBar89]

what was the problem with Digirig?

[@Q12_]

Does your FZ-M1 Lag after a bit of using JS8 Call? Not sure what's going on with mine but it is really infuriating

[@JebBrilliant]

Thanks for all the really good info over the years. I’ve recently gotten into ham and got my technician license because of your videos. I’m going to start studying for general later this summer. Where can I go to make a small 1 time donation? I’m between jobs so I don’t want to commit to anything.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're very welcome. I really do enjoy sharing the process as I make my way through disaster comms. Good luck with your General ticket. It really opens up short, mid and long range communication. No need for the donation, but I do appreciate it. The comment and your views are enough. When you get back on your feet, consider checking out my Buy Me a Coffee page in the video description. You can do a one-time donation there and just buy a single cup. The memberships are month over month. Thanks and good luck with your journey.

[@thebnbaldwin]

When the SHTF, all convention goes out the window.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Bingo. MARS mod your radios now, folks! ;-)

[@k9bob]

You may want to something other than JB Weld to secure that data jack. It may not be an appropriate choice.

[@limanowski1234]

I think your skills are more than average for the average hamster. I am really enjoying this series with Jason. Keep up the good work! John N9DNB PS I use the Stick antenna analyzer and its great for field work. The NanoVNA is too fragile for field activity.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. There is still a lot to learn and share. This is the second time that Jason and I have done this. Agreed about the use both analyzers. I use the NanoVNA only at home.

[@CrazyChekov]

maybe of interest. I have a video on my channel where I calculated the best bands for 5 different grids based on 1 year wspr data. you can download the files there. was about 6month of work. 😬

[@jamesmoore6424]

I grew my beard out during the pandemic and I will say my mustache would absolutely be well coffee flavored by 10am. However, my good lady let me know during the week that she missed the smoothness. Shaved on Tuesday! 😂

[@TheTechPrepper]

Did you wear any white dress shirts? I did when I had an office to go to. Big mistake. Nothing but stains. The beard is a lifestyle. Have a good one.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

Low inverted vee may not have been the best choice for long haul.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You have to work with what you have. I do primarily NVIS, so my antennas are low to the ground. 23' is as high as I go with my gear. In the end, QRP with digital did the trick.

[@aa777888]

TLDR version: lack of experience as HF radio operators leads to comm's failure 😉

[@jamespurser357]

JB weld is conductive.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Good thing it's still in the package. Thank you for the catch. How about your typical hot glue gun glue? Any other suggestions?

[@Aramalas]

@@TheTechPrepper Electronics potting compound perhaps? I'm sure there is a version that sets like hard epoxy out there.

[@DonzLockz]

A slow-set epoxy is the best. Non-conductive and stronger than the fast set/cure type. :)

[@jamespurser357]

That would probably work good

[@TerminalElement]

I liked my G90... up until the magic smoke that it runs on came out of it.

[@bruehlt]

No reason to believe you are a gear snob. There's a reason why Baofeng's suck. Buy once cry once. People in the firearm community brag about their expensive rifles and gear then skimp out on radio gear. Good radio gear isn't cheap! You have to pony up if you want to have gear that will last and you can depend on.

[@bruehlt]

TREX should experiment with NVIS with Jason. That is where the money is for local comms vs 2m/70cm.

[@tangobayus]

Both Icom and Yaesu HT's have sensitive receivers. Much much better than Baofeng.

[@TheTechPrepper]

100% agreed. We're on 40m every day for both voice and digital out here in the southwest.

[@tangobayus]

@@TheTechPrepper 40 is the most active band. Usually clean compared to 20 and 80.

[@toast803]

I disagree with you regarding the G90. I've had exactly the same failure on both Yaesu and Icom radios. I continue mistreating my G90 with my Digirig and it keeps pounding forward.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Respectfully, there is a considerable difference in the build quality between these radios. It's great that you have had a positive experience with the G90, but I don't think anyone can honestly say the G90 is quality. It performs better than it should for a radio in that price range with a nice set of features, but quality and dependability should never be in the same sentence as G90. Personally, that radio is for tinkering. The FT-817 has been around for over 20 years. Let's see if there is still a following for the G90 15+ years from now.

[@toast803]

@@TheTechPrepper Didn't make that statement, just that your failure of the G90 happens on Yaesu/Icom radios as well. Yes, there is a different level of quality, but it is a Swiss army tool that will meet the challenges and needs of 80-90% of the users and is still in production. Even you have chosen not to use certain Japanese radios because they couldn't handle the abuse you throw at them. Why judge this radio so harshly? It is what it is... I can choose to put 2 radios into service or one. Shoot, if I were only focused on digital I'd consider the Xiegu G106. I can put 3-4 of those into service for the cost of getting old Japanese radios working. My goal is to get people moving and using these tools, not panic because they don' have the ideal tool because that does NOT exist. Must be nice to be picky.

[@JohnTarbox]

Great de-brief! DE WA1KKLI

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. It was a great exercise that could have gone better, but that would have benefited no one. As always, I am happy to share the successes and failures. 73.