My 2020 HF Radio Portable Field Kit - Ham Radio Q&A

[@oldpreach]

Barrel connectors...that's how I knew I was into radio a lot...when there was one in my pocket for days at a time and in the middle storage door inside the car.

[@allenmcgee9379]

Ok so your videos have been very helpful to me. I appreciate your simple approach and not talking above my head. Ironically I just started putting together a to go kit tonight and this video is giving me some ideas about possibly going with back packs instead of Rubbermaid style containers. Thank you for your videos they are well done. KI5DAY up in the Tulsa area! 73 til next time!

[@W0KNI]

Thanks again for an informative video Mike. I appreciate your honest opinion on the quality of your equipment. Very helpful in purchasing. Also, a big thumbs up on the itemized shopping list. This is so helpful to quickly see the products online. And for the Zip disk ... there's a throw back, back in the day when you had 100MB Zip disk in your pocket and the envy of the neighborhood (at least you thought you were 😱 ) And let us not forget the Bernoulli. Only the "professionals" had those! 73, de W0KNI

[@Brykk]

This video has proven to me that i am not this willing to get this deep into ham radio. I now realize im just wanting to be ready for emergency situations, not really interested in casual communications. Thanks for the video.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

My portable kit also doubles as my emcomm kit. Along with the VHF/UHF radio for local stuff- I can set up an HF station and communicate on the state-wide emergency nets. Not everyone needs to carry HF gear‚ but it's good to have at least one person on your team with that ability.

[@Brykk]

KB9VBR Antennas i apologize, i wasnt being derogatory in any way. Im new to ham and just had the revelation that ill never be the go to radio guy in our group. I do want to learn the technology so i can communicate effectively, i would just rather specialize in other areas. I do appreciate that a good radio guy is essential for any group.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

02cents no need to apologize. I was in the same boat when I first started out. With time and experience you gain a whole lot of useful knowledge.

[@spr00sem00se]

I'm looking into ham for emergency use. This kit is NOT for emergency use. This is a kit made by a man who enjoys his hobby. I will eventually get a kit together. But it will be simple and compact. Admittedly I'm only going for VHF UHF. But this much gear would be better in a roller case in the back of a car. In which case I'd just have the radio in the car. I plan an antenna mast that the wheel of the car supports. And to use the natural terrain to get height. I've planned my locations according to who I want to talk to. My Bob will not contain any of this. Well I don't have a Bob. Just an emergency bag for a few days. I either stay home or leave by car. I do however think radio Comms will be a valuable skill. So I'm learning it now.

[@potaactivator]

Michael, based on one of your previous videos I purchased foam wraps for my FT-891 and MJF 939 tuner. They work great. TU and 73!

[@scottversaw3344]

Thanks, Michael. You’re one of my trusted sources.

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

The quintessential 3 bags full, thanks for the insight. 73

[@TianarTruegard]

I put together a battery box to use for powering my radios. Just used a smallish tool box and some custom cut wood to make a panel inside the box. Got a couple of re manufactured 10AH LIFEPO4 batteries and paired them together for a power source. I've got a charging port, 12v socket, and power pole connectors on my home made panel in the box. I've been able to run my ICOM 718 for easily a few days on and off with it, operating for maybe 3-4 hours a day. Plenty of power, but not terribly portable as it weighs probably 10 pounds. I have yet to determine a good antenna setup to use for my portable / POTA setup. I also have yet to find a good portable radio that I really want to use, for HF I only own an ICOM 718 and a uBITX that's in need of finishing. The yaesu FT-891 is high on my list of possible radios.

[@walteredwards544]

Thank You. This is a nice set-up. I'm still carrying my little mfj QRP tuner. I'm going to carry a SOTA Beams Travel Mast and my mfj EFHW low power 10m-80m antenna for Dxing. I have a Wolf River Coils Tia and the modification that makes it the YAFI but I'm looking now at trying to use the Comet HFJ-350 M 6m-80 meter whip antenna. I'm going to add a Bioenno battery with a solar panel and appropriate charge controllers. I also have a Wonder Wand Wonder Loop antenna also, which works fairly well but I'm going to need some type of rotatable table to rotate my radio to orient it easily in the best direction. I'm also looking at the Wonder Wand Wide Bander and also the Chameleon F-Loop Antenna also. You've given me some great ideas so now I have to decide and pare down my equipment to the right level for travel by bicycle and aircraft.

[@nazmi3126]

Great setup! I have the FT-891 as well and you provide a great go-by to designing my own pack.

[@lyfandeth]

I was always a backpacks person, but will be fitting out the radios, battery, and power supplies in a Pelican this year. With Covid, I can't count on operating IN a dry shelter any more. Might need one with wheels and a handle to lug it. Hoping for a very light storm season, our county is very conflicted about what they might be doing.

[@KX4UL]

Very nice field kit Michael. Looks like everything is well organized....good job! Thanks for letting us see your gear. 73 my friend!

[@larrybomber83]

Another great video Michael. I put together a go kit, but I know I did not put any fuses in the kit. I will fix that in the next few days. Haven't found a bag for my solar panels yet, but I did find a new setup for my fiberglass mast for putting up my antenna. Keep up the great work, and thanks again for saving me some anguish on my next trip out.

[@larrybomber83]

@Jason Bowman Yes, a blown fuse will tell you which circuit, and then you will need a new one to complete the repair.

[@larrybomber83]

@Jason Bowman I always carry an old, small tackle box that has connectors, short coax, soldering iron, solder, and a few components in case I have to repair something in the field. I just forgot the fuses. Even if I change out a solder run, then what? Put a penny where the fuse was? Hate to go thru all that and then realize I forgot a fuse.

[@larrybomber83]

@Jason Bowman Hey, I didn't mean to sound rude, just wanted to explain. Thanks for caring enough to comment.

[@tinachavez8712]

The GMRS antenna I purchased form KB9VBR is working perfectly..Very happy with it..

[@txfotog]

Yet another great video. Thanks for all the hard work. 73!

[@chrisc9702]

Overkill for most but I like to bring a foldable 260w solar panel and solar charger+50ah lifepo4 batt. Gives enough power on cloudy days/weeks and I just fold up a few panels to reduce input power if it's sunny out.

[@daveycrockett9447]

yea... I wouldn't call it overkill at all - yea... you could argue that 50W/100W may be overkill - but for those of us chasers trying to make contact with you guys that barely are breaking the noise floor - a setup like this will allow the SOTA dude to bump up the 100W and have many more activations then not having the extra power... so yea.. guess overkill is subjective. I can't tell you how aggravating it is as a chaser when you want to help with activations and you can barely hear that SOTA dude with his 5W QRP radio. - just saying

[@gregvinci5201]

Good setup. I would add a shorter power cable for the rig. I think you would be surprised how much voltage is lost in that long cable as well as rf getting into the power cable. 73

[@BadHorsie2]

Great video. I have a few things I need to add to my bag!!! LOL, I have one of those iomega zip drives sitting on my desk.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The bag had a longer life than the Zip drive that came with it.

[@mikesmith2175]

Great video thanks. Now I’m purchasing the FT-891.

[@joshuaames9352]

Great video... I prefer using a Gerber for my barrel connectors instead of a wrench. they're a little more versatile.

[@alardon1126]

Thanks for the review of your go-kit.

[@k2rcb]

Love the Iomega bag! Just transferred a zip disk for a customer last week!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Those drives are sooo old. I'm surprised the data was still good. I hope your's doesn't develop the 'click of death'

[@k2rcb]

@@KB9VBRAntennas ha! I remember the click of death. Surprisingly my original serial port drive is still working great. I remember being on a waiting list for a couple months in 1995 before they shipped it. Have picked up a few more 100mb & 250mb USB versions over the years. We mainly do videotape conversions but about once a month will have someone bring in zip disks and/or 3.5" floppies.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

nice setup and good equipment. Alot to haul around but hey its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[@TheFossilChannel]

Thanks for the video! very cool! Great to see other kits and ideas!

[@philipchandler330]

Loved the 9 volt battery idea will use

[@davewhite7679]

I didn't see a convetional DC power supply (to use when shore power is availabe) and no laptop (for logging and digital modes). I do carry both and have condensed everything into a single padded carry-on suitcase. It weighs about 23 pounds and I love watching it on the TSA x-ray monitors at the airport. Surprisingly it's never been pulled for inspection. 😀

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I typically use battery power in the field so a DC power supply isn't part of my regular kit. Otherwise I have a small 25 amp switching supply I'll use if I'm set up in some place with electricity. As for logging‚ I'll use paper unless I'm in situation when I need to track duplicates (like Field Day) or want to run digital. In that case I use a cheap Windows 10 computer I found online for about $160

[@davescrivens8991]

Wow.. Certainly not a grab and run emergency kit for emergency SHTF situations. Personally, I use the bare minimum and easy to carry, which includes essentials like food and water. I also prefer basic wire antennas or even the Wonder Wand antenna... A fantastic field antenna.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The intention of this bag isn't for grab and go or SHTF, but instead everyday use. If my portable HF gear is in two convenient bags, I can quickly pack the vehicle and take off for a portable operation. If I am concerned about an emcomm deployment, then a separate with those essentials would be added. I don't think it makes sense to carry everything for every contingency with you, but to use a modular approach to deployment and communications.

[@expert244]

lol at the truck flashback! That was ridiculous.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You knew if I was gonna reuse a clip from that video‚ it would be the truck

[@LikeTheRain100]

KB9VBR Antennas Yes!!

[@vc79]

Nice setup. Looking to go portable vice homebound. Wondering if there are any grounding considerations.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Most people ground for lightning protection and certain styles of antennas do benefit from good grounding. I tend to stay away from those types of antennas while portable and will disassemble my station in the event of bad weather. That being said‚ I don't ground when operating portable with one exception. When our club sets up our Field Day station we ground everything- but this is because we're using a generator and we may not be able to take down the portable tower in the event of a storm.

[@daveycrockett9447]

Could you put a link to where you got the Norazza wrap for your tuner. I have the same tuner and it would be good to get a protective wrap for that as well. I didn't see it in your list in the description. Thanks so much

[@k8ktoamateurradio671]

Great video! Well organized gear is a must if you're doing portable.

[@zrdcorp]

Excellent. One may want to add a portable lightweight stool (chair).

[@Sidetracker2024]

Great video!Thanks to you and K8MRD, I just ordered a 891 and a WRC Silver Bullet TIA. What size Domke wrap is that you use for your radio? Is it the 19" x 19" that your link takes us to? Thanks so much for the informative videos.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm using the 19 inch Domke wrap. It fits the FT-891 perfectly.

[@АндрейДенисюк-ш7п]

Nice stuff, thanks! But for a car only actually. Do you have really portable kit for a hike? That would be interesting. 73 RA0UFF

[@gregorysmith3097]

You should make this a yearly video to show how your field kit changes.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's a great idea. MY HF bag hasn't changed, but I did refine my antenna kit.

[@sklise1]

would like to see you compare the nanovna as well.. great video

[@lyfandeth]

Drop a line to Cameleon with some pictures of your bag. I'd be surprised if the didn't send you a new one!

[@lousadventures2111]

Yup well equipped I myself carry a portable soldering kit. with my Jackery 240. i Also carry a portable stove with roman noodles in case I get hungry. Have to upload a video this summer of my go bag. 73s DE n3LOU

[@MrButterpantz]

I want to see you set it up on the clock please. Time from roll up to first successful transmission.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Depending on the antenna I use, I can be set up in 15 minutes or less. It's all about packing efficiently and knowing your equipment.

[@joeddejohn]

Nice setup. Very helpful suggestions. Thank you.

[@wild-radio7373]

What a cool set up! I am working on my call sign right now!! Thank you for this video! :) 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@wild-radio7373]

I have never seen that analyzer before. Cool♡♡♡

[@pratwurschtgulasch6662]

@ 6:24, i'm studying for my ham license and i already see the first violation about your cigarette lighter plug: Why is it best NOT to draw the DC power for a 100 watt HF transceiver from a vehicle's auxiliary power socket? B. The socket's wiring may be inadequate for the current drawn by the transceiver. Maybe I have a talent for spotting violations, i should become one of the voluntary monitors haha.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You are correct, automotive wiring won't support using the cigarette plug for long periods of time. In those situations I turn my transmit power down to 50 watts. In my vehicle I do have a properly sized and fused cable running direct from the battery, so the accessory adapter is just a backup.

[@pratwurschtgulasch6662]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I know you got this covered, i was just pulling your buttons :D i really enjoy your fox hunt videos btw!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Thanks very much terrific video from kb2uew

[@n8tuwstevenewland933]

Nice setup Michael. Haven't heard you in awhile on MidCars

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

It's been a while. I usually check in when I'm testing something. I'll have to be more frequent when we are traveling.

[@MrC-Hacking]

That MPAS looks nice.

[@daveg2545]

Iomega zip drive. 😂 Haven't seen one of those cases in years.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

I thought those were the bomb when they came out I had bunches of Zip drives back in the day. LOL. Glad we got rid of those now :)

[@darrylthehorntoadpiper]

Thanks great video like the way you have things put togeather👍

[@RichardArnold151]

How about a link to the foam equipment wraps? I like those, great idea!

[@RichardArnold151]

Never mind. It just now dawned on me to expand your video description. LOL.

[@patdougherty8183]

Hi Michael I am more interested in your trailer I’m curious how that works out for you and how that would work for me with the QRP also the biggest problem I have is I have no portable housing to go . so let me know how you came about the trailer and I will look and see if I can find something like that it looks interesting thank you very much Pat

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The trailer is a 5x8 foot camper from TC Teardrops: www.tcteardrops.com. I think it makes an awesome platform for portable operations‚ especially now that we've added the awning. There's a queen sized bed inside and a galley kitchen in the back. It's light enough that my Subaru Outback pulls it without any issues. This is our third season camping with the trailer. After spending 25+ years tenting‚ we were ready for the upgrade.

[@donausmus4281]

Trying to put a portable field setup together. Your videos have been very helpful, me being a newbie. Have a FT 891 and Wolf River Silver Bullet and Chameleon ordered in addition to your recommended analyzer and tuner. Regarding the power cables, did you assemble those yourself? KG5NYB

[@CaptainK007]

Does the wife ever go? If so do you need another trailer for all the extra gear? 😂⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@EuropaChronicles]

Which size padded sleeve did you buy for the tuner? 11” or 14”? My guess is 11” but I figure I’ll just ask the boss!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

It's a 12 inch sleeve. A little small, so if I was to get another, I'd go slightly larger. amzn.to/3iTlKdz

[@EuropaChronicles]

KB9VBR Antennas I’ll go with 14” thanks!

[@expert244]

I use a laptop sleeve for my 891

[@walteredwards544]

OBTW, I have the xeigu G-90 but I'm looking at the Icom 705

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The IC-705 is in demand right now so it's priced accordingly. I'm really interested in that rig too but I think I'll wait until the initial surge is over and see how it drops in price.

[@slkgeothermal]

Only one battery? I have noticed you are typically near your camper so I assume you get power from that?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I neglected to mention the camper's battery. There's a 50ah LiFePO4 battery in the back of the camper that I will connect to so I can run full power with the transceiver

[@AppalachianFreedom]

Great setup Sir!

[@mikesmith5139]

Terrific ideas! Thank you. 73, Mike M0MTJ

[@user-mt2qn4yp8w]

Thank you for sharing. It is always good to see what other Ham's pack up. Gear,type of bags......ect. 73 Clark KG7LOI

[@dennisg4196]

Have you ever used the Budipole or Budistick antennas?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Years ago I built a buddipole. When W3FF first introduced the antenna‚ he had the plans available so you could build your own. It's an excellent antenna and I had great luck with it. But with all things homebrew‚ it fell into disrepair and I moved on. I may go back and build or buy another one. I've had a little experience with the buddistick- because it's coil is smaller than most loaded vertical antennas‚ it can be a bear to tune. But once you get the hang of it it works well.

[@dennisg4196]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Than you for the input. I'm looking to go lightweight portable, probably QRP, My goal is to load the whole thing into one large military back pack with solar cell and LiFePO4 battery. I have no use for digital modes.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I think the Buddipole is a worthy solution; there are a lot of options if you are going QRP- like Packtenna and SOTAbeams. I'm thinking of doing more QRP also as we slowly crawl out of the bottom of the solar cycle and we will once again be able to take advantage of the higher bands.

[@dennisg4196]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Here in NY, the propagation is dead. No sense in trying to brute force a signal out if you can't hear it. The kindest thing you can say about it is it's sporadic. Looking at the Xiegu G90 for QRP. Been brawling with an on-line group about Icom 705. No one really wants to talk about issues with it. Think they're mostly fanboys. Have a good one.

[@davidwilliamson2115]

How did the zippeers on your Antenna bag break? What is wrong with them?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The zipper pull snapped off.

[@rush_in_the_village]

Настоящий ценитель радио связи, уважение из России!)

[@oldpreach]

First ! Cant say great video because I have looked at the whole thing...but I know it will be. Looking forward to it.

[@wild-radio7373]

Well played! ;) I think I was around fourth! Haha! ♡♡♡

[@daveN2MXX]

Someone please explain to me...why would anyone buy a rig expert or other "antenna analyzer" for $300-$600 when a nano vna is < $50 and has a much greater frequency range???

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Portability: the Rigexpert is self contained, you don't need to bring a laptop with you. Reliability: the Rigexpert is rugged and doesn't require constant calibration. Simplicity: The Rigexpert is easy to use and easy to understand. These are all features that make a tool like this invaluable in the field.

[@daveN2MXX]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I love your videos, and respect your opinion about many things related to amateur radio! From your response, I am guessing that you have never used a nanovna device. I have never connected it to a laptop, and it has a built in rechargeable battery so I consider it to be a portable device. Per the nanovna website, calibration is only necessary when a new frequency range is selected, and calibration for that range is not already saved to one of several calibration memories. Please keep making great content and sharing your experiences!

[@cesardelta1]

I'm not a Ham and i curious about that antenna throwing 30, 50W behind your head, it not fry your brain or something?

[@leeharrell67]

I think Chameleon owes you a new backpack!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You'd think . . .

[@d.b.cooper]

Really appreciate your videos sir. I hope you and your family are safe and doing well. I understand there’s been some pretty extreme peaceful protesting going on in your state. Not sure how close to you it is but please be careful.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you for your concern. Fortunately for us the protests in north central Wisconsin have been peaceful. Most of the extreme activity is in Madison‚ Milwaukee‚ and Kenosha which is in the southern and southeastern part of the state.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Very interesting video. Thanks.

[@JARyding]

Very cool. I’m jealous!

[@blueoutside3394]

Do.youhave anything other than you camper/vehicle to charge your battery ?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

At home I charge the batteries with a 5ah LiFePO4 charger. While on the road I use a Renogy 100 watt solar suitcase to keep the batteries charged.

[@blueoutside3394]

@@KB9VBRAntennas okay thanks

[@corgily]

Great video thanks

[@BRHood]

LOVE IT !

[@tincanblower]

Blimey... I thought I carried a lot! This looks more like when I moved house and packed everything away than a kit for /P. Very comprehensive kit, but I’m guessing this isn’t for SOTA operations??

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

It's amazing how much you have when you empty all the pockets. But good heavens‚ I'd never carry this much for a SOTA. This is what I bring car camping and for Parks on the Air.

[@tincanblower]

KB9VBR Antennas I guessed that was the case! Thanks for the reply :)

[@expert244]

How's the app with the stick? Buggy? Good interface?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I haven't tried the app yet. I heard there were bugs in the Android version but I have an iPhone‚ so I'll see if that makes a difference.

[@burtonjohnson2037]

Can you use a solar panel for power

[@N4EJM]

Very nice

[@cchalfantusa]

Iomega Logo? Zip drive or Jazz drive!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You've got a keen eye, it's an old Zip drive bag.

[@ai5dd]

What is the size of the Domke wrap you use for the FT891?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm using the large 19 inch wrap for the transceiver: amzn.to/3K8lDJ9

[@gfinnstrom]

great video cheers KB7PPW

[@NG-ly8xx]

👍👍 thank you sir

[@michaelmartin5995]

Killer vid!!!

[@tukanli9449]

Весь ваш комплект расчитан не для портативного применения, а для транспортировки его на автомобиле. Портативный комплект должен быть легким и умещаться в одном рюкзаке! R3TU 73!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

"Your entire kit is not designed for portable use, but for transportation by car. A portable kit should be lightweight and fit in one backpack! R3TU 73!" You are correct. If you watch my other videos‚ my portable operation is based around car camping. If I was going to hike with this equipment‚ I would take just the essentials.

[@donnymazon8516]

What size solar panels do u use?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I use a Renogy Eclipse 100 watt panel with the Voyager 20amp charge controller. I've had it for about a year and like it so far. The panel is very efficient‚ I can get about 5.5-6 amps out of it in full sun. The controller is PWM but it doesn't seem to create any appreciable noise on the HF bands. It also comes with a really nice case for travel. amzn.to/320B01G

[@bericmorse664]

All that's missing is a folding solar panel to keep the battery charged.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've got a 100 watt solar suitcase that travels with the camper‚ you'll often see it in my Parks on the Air videos

[@JimmyShot]

La police gear has a decent backpack. Check it out

[@andrewhamop6665]

Hahaha, I wonder if iomega knew that their bags would be used for radio gear lol.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The bag has a longer life than the Zip drive that came with it.

[@andrewhamop6665]

@@KB9VBRAntennas hahaha

[@MAWazaLLC]

His wife is talented too! Enjoyed the video. KC3HUL

[@kiprobards8522]

Thanks for all the great ideas. K9KIP

[@BRHood]

2 things I didn't see your can of Beanie Weenies and then we use the child's stopper pistol to shoot our lineup about 30 feet and go over the tree limbs didn't know if you'd ever tried that or not

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Beanie weenie is a little low brow for me‚ but I do have a can of SPAM in the trailer. Joe and I tried a sling-shot one year for winter field day. The rubber broke in the sub-zero temperature.

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for about your product place lace me a message. When I post this,I am looking for more information no this .

[@Radionut]

Bag full of high priced equipment. I don’t know about the other operators out there I cannot afford equipment of that caliber. This is the problem with amateur radio today everything is so expensive just locking out the people that can’t afford it

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I don't understand why this complaint keeps coming up as amateur gear is cheaper than it ever has been. Unfortunately wages have not kept up with the cost of living and I can point to a long list of economic policies enacted over the last 30 years that have increased this wealth gap.

[@carllavoie3804]

We've a BRAND new bags that are larger and better quality!!!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Carl Lavoie that’s great to hear. I did work the bag pretty hard so I wasn’t surprised the zipper broke.

[@vaq130]

great video! thanks