Offgrid Mapping & Position Sharing over HF - EmComm Tools

[@tomsmall6220]

Definitely interested in all of the gear info. The radio is just one piece of a larger system, which is tied to a philosophy of use. Your systems and use cases keep us coming back for more. Thanks for sharing all of it with us.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for coming back. I just posted 2 min video on Instagram with the initial Goassamer Gear One tent deployment.

[@NickCampbellCampbeln]

I, too, would love a quickstart guide. I've been to the website and saw a list on a prior video but it doesn't seem there's a all-in-one software style quickstart guide to get someone new to your channel up and running (hopefully I just managed to miss it). Thanks for the info, and I'd love to get started.

[@AngryBoar]

Every Thursday evening I head out into the field (local park) and set up my Bioenno battery powered Yaesu 857D, EFHW 10 20 40 antenna and make contacts. Every outing is a an opportunity for a learning experience. New issues present challenges which then become learning opportunities and eventually hands on field experience. Thanks for making these videos. Keep up the great work. 🤝

[@TheTechPrepper]

I love hearing that you make it a point to go out every Thursday. That's an excellent habit that will pay dividends later. Keep up the good work. I like your choice of radio, too.

[@R3dN3cK]

Another great video. I'm very impressed with the software you're building! Get yourself back in the shape. It's a lot easier to be proactive than reactive!

[@TheTechPrepper]

You got that right. Reactive healthcare is no fun. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Radio48]

JUST GOT MY 818ND IN THE OTHER DAY , KEEP THEM VIDS COMING LOVE YOUR CONTENT . HOPE TO CATCH YOU ON THE AIR

[@TheTechPrepper]

Will do. Enjoy your 818. Hope to catch you on the air.

[@daviddurflinger3104]

I love the field work, it takes me back, you are setting up radios, I set up radars, of course everything has changed sence the 1970s, but the drive is still alive, stay the course, encam tools will be a hit, the old ham guys are only afraid of what they don't understand, I say keep pushing the edge, that is what ham radio is all about, your friend Dave KN6GZP 👍 😉

[@Biff2136]

Strong work, you keep yourself healthy, do what you do, and I'll definitely keep watching 👍

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for support. More good stuff coming.

[@TheBoris0175]

Always looking forward to the gear you have and how it is used. I know you are more than busy with your EmComms tools, and getting you new custom bag out for the FT-818. Hope perhaps at some point you might offer the same bag up sized for the FT-857D. Keep putting out the content as often as life allows. Awesome stuff!!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear it. I have an 857 and 891 that are about the same size with the TPA pack frames, so I could personally use a bag. The PRC/117G pouch works well, but it's not perfect. I'll keep you posted if I move forward on a design. 73

[@dogsareloud]

Excellent content. Keep it coming. N5ATR - your neighbor next door in New Mexico….

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it. Will do. Look me up on QRZ. We can schedule a QSO. I love NVIS. 73 de KT1RUN

[@renzoids]

YES!!! XIEGU X6100!!! My first HF and my favorite!!! Thanks for the video

[@renzoids]

My rig consist of the Xiegu X6100, a comet HFJ-350M antenna, a tripod, and 12 ft of 50 ohm wire(SO-239 to BNC). Set up works great with a bit of fine tuning.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Nice. I'm not a fan of Chinese radios, but the X6100 is packed with tons of features. Glad to hear you've had a great experience with it. It will be nice to have an ATU, 10 watts and the ability to run Linux. I plan to customize Linux an run EmComm Tools as potentially an appliance on it.

[@renzoids]

@@TheTechPrepper don’t forget, the cameras you use, microwaves, phones, and computers all have parts coming from china. I wouldn’t care where something comes from as long as it works, reaches my expectations, or has the capability for a lot more. It being and a unlocked radio that can be modified makes it even more valuable. If you don’t trust the software, build your own or stuff other people have built or modified. I love that it can be run as a PC with just a simple memory card, and brought back without a problem.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@renzoids My only complaint about Chinese products is the build quality, but in this case the innovative features and ability to change out the OS are major reasons pushing me in this direction. I just bought one. Take care.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I have several HF radios, including a G90 (yeah, not the same radio but the same manufacturer) and I like it a lot. Great feature set, awesome antenna tuner, SWR meter, etc. The speaker is a bit harsh, but otherwise it's been an awesome radio. My FAVORITE QRP rig is my Lab599 Discovery TX-500. That thing is fantastic. No internal tuner, but I tend towards resonant antennas anyway, so that's a non issue. That being said, it's more than twice the price of the Xiegu, and unobtanium since it's from Russia.

[@larrybushman1]

Very pleased that went well. When doing tests I tend to get the misses to sit in the shack (she is a ham as well) to give me signal reports. Many thaks for the time and work you put into these videos always very informative and entertaining.

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's fantastic that you and the misses share the hobby. I've trto make the case to mine...no luck. Glad you enjoyed the video. It was a fun experiment. This success is fueling me development efforts to keep pushing on the project.

[@jmtckr]

The suspense would be killin me too....I'd run back to the house, lol. Congrats, great work. Thanks for sharing your success. Looking forward to more free-style vids.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yeah, the need to head back was intense. I completely ignored the new tent. It was nice testing the Gossamer Gear One this morning. It's glorious. The perfect balance of weight and function. Take care.

[@MhP163]

"BOOM"!!!! This expression of yours translated what was my expectation too. 😊 Gaston, thank you for sharing your experiences with us, because there are many of us here who are aware of the aspect comms on Prepping . As for me, I looked like a kid when I tested what you taught in the video about encrypted messages in baofeng, but I'll comment on that in the corresponding place. As for your health, mate, that together with your family is the main thing. I know what I'm saying because I steal time not from family or work, but from my rest. Several times I sleep 3 or 4 hours for researching various things of interest to me, and this is not necessarily good, if you accumulate tiredness. Big hug from Portugal.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Boom! Glad you like it. Sometimes my excitement gets the best of me. I try to keep things practical on the channel. In fact, I am a building out these capabilities for myself and sharing along the way. I am no expert. Sometimes there are failures along the way, but that's how you learn. We'll get more into encryption in the future. I am working on adding that symmetric key encryption to EmComm Tools.

[@insboswiz]

Hey Gaston, great vid as always! I love the freestyle format, especially if it is easier to produce. Do what you need to do for your health. I'd happily take fewer videos if that gives you the time to get Emconm tools faster to a release date. Excited for that Looking forward to the manpack (I'm iin the 70's so I'll need to wait a bit.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're very welcome. I started skipping a training day, then two, then three and now I'm 10 pounds heavier. It's time to step back. Thanks.

[@daviddurflinger3104]

You know Gaston you are on the cutting edge of ham radio, this software/data mode setup, well I don't see it anywhere else, keep up the great work, also I understand the desire to be the beast all the time, but understand you can't do it all, don't burn yourself out, moderation is the key, sometimes rest is the best thing 👍 😀.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Morning, David. That's great advice. I'll find a balance and borrow the hours I need to get back in shape by stepping away from social media a bit. Glad to see that others are seeing the value in the direction that I'm taking with regard to comms. Take care.

[@landon-kq4daa11]

Keep up the great work. Love your videos!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you like them! Will do.

[@TinyTJ04]

The freestyle videos are much appreciated. I've been doing similar tests here in the Midwest, having to set up my 857 at home and take my 818 into the field to test my ability to successfully pass digital traffic. I'm not sure that you've run into it, but the DigiRig with my CF-33 is problematic when operating with everything on body due to RF. I'm trying to find some solutions but am not there just yet.

[@rogeraguilar8618]

Great video, keep up the great work. I would like to see your gear reviews as your one a few channels who hit this specific nitch and it’s immensely helpful. Can’t wait to buy a FTT pack!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. You may enjoy my Top 10 backcountry gear picks that's coming out Friday. Chances are good that you've seen the gear many times on the channel. Cheers.

[@vironpayne3405]

Another great video, Gaston. I can't wait until your Ecom software is available. If you get rid of the Atas-25, I might be interested. Today, I took the FT-857D to Kelley Park East on Merritt Island, FL for a monthly QRP outting running the Cha Emcom III Portable. 40m didn't show much love, but 20m & 17m did well. 40m was open, just no love from antenna. To pickup 17m DX to France, England, and Wales I turned up to 50W. I was the only radio operator. Average antenna height was about 7ft as an inverted-L, but I was only 30ft from brackish water and a mile from the Atlantic. Only the counterpoise end was vertical for 7ft before hitting the ground. I probably could have pulled in one DX station at 10W. Overall 17m was great. The DX stations in Europe were working the west coast, mostly California. Overall, it was a good day. I had to improvise, weather was chamber of commerce 72F sunshine with some clouds, and bands were open. I arrived but forgot fishing weights to use with slingshot to get antenna into palm trees. I used my only ferrite bread which I lost on my first slingshot shot. I used my water bottle and mason line next and managed to snag tree bark that supported the distant end of the antenna wire at about 12ft-15ft. Trying get up the other end the water bottle popped open losing cap and water. I ended up tying off the antenna to the small pavillion. Otherwise I would have been throwing sticks as my throw weight. Poor planning on my part, but fun with some "random" success! The disappointment was 40m as a couple of stations I was hearing should have been perfect NVIS contacts for "non-random" contacts at about 25mi & 150mi given antenna setup. Also, I talked to two people about the hobby and one seemed definitely interested. With that hiking, I might have to call you goat-man. Keep up the good work!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Not every outing goes your way, but it looks like you made the best of it and improvised. Well done! I'll let you know about the ATAS-25 if I decide to sell it. It was my first antenna, so I'll likely hang onto it for sentimental reasons. I still hear the hillbilly pronunciation of your name every time you pop in to the comments. It makes me chuckle. Take care!

[@jamescopeland5358]

Good video

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, James.

[@HazMatMedic911]

Awesome video!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks!

[@MhP163]

Ahhhh... and I've already clicked on all the links. 💪

[@nickcountycomm]

I like this concept ..I have built several iterations of manpacks over the years..Here is the problem with modern radios is the vampire power switch that bleeds the radio if you do not unplug from the battery ...We need a small main power disconnect between to Anderson power poles and the radio .....N6VOA ... I am not a 3D print guy as this might be a good option ...Any thoughts?

[@rpestess]

Wow! you have a lot more patience than I do. I avoid ground radials like the plague. I just carry resonant antennas which I'm sure you do too as a general practice. You should try the MFJ 223 analyzer for field work as it is very small and has lots of features. I love mine. Great video, I am just starting to dip my toe into the fldigi world after getting Winlink up and running. Keep em coming!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Ground radials drive me nuts. I don't have more patience than you...this antenna has been in storage for 2 years partly due to the long setup time. I need to look that model up. I hope your referring to the VNA with the nice case. I broke my first two NanoVNA's backpacking. I need something more chunky.

[@vironpayne3405]

If you start playing with shortened vertical or other endfed antennas you will find that ground radials and elevated counterpoise wires become the secret sauce of success versus mediocre performance. Often a single tuned elevated counterpoise wire can make a huge difference on a loaded vertical as you create a tuned dipole. Multiple counterpoise wires give frequency agility, but the wires become additive in frequency. Two 20m counterpoises will work as well as a single 80m counterpoise. 17m and 12m counterpoise wires can be optimized for 30m. That is wire manufactured counterpoise wire sets have 4-5 wires tied together but none are the length of the antenna's lowest frequency. Someone models it the fine tunes it. It often worthwhile to buy on manufacturer counterpoise set and then build your own to match.

[@timreasoner3744]

Another good one! Your doing great content which I totally enjoy but don't ruin your health!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Tim.

[@benpoff7759]

Awesome stuff! I definitely want more info on the gear and setups, and the philosophy about choices. Very informative stuff! 73 KN4VIF

[@TheTechPrepper]

Excellent. Glad to hear it. The gear has evolved over the last 3-5 years based on heavy use. Stay tuned. I'm looking forward to sharing.

[@wjf213]

I can see where this will be VERY handy to have, especially mapping certain locations on a large ranch. How accurate are those pinned locations, I mean to the nearest meter? Keep up the great work.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It uses the on-board GPS in the Toughbook. In general, consumer GPS modules are accurate within a few meters.

[@markt.3454]

Another great video. Got me thinking how I can get a second HF station to use as a portable without loading down the retirement budget.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. I am a sucker for the older Yaesu radios and the FT-817/818. If you can handle QRP, the FT-817 on the secondary market is a very budget friendly option. I assume that you could pick up a good condition unit for $400 USD. Happy hunting, Mark. What are you thinking for a portable setup?

[@markt.3454]

@@TheTechPrepper - If I had my druthers, I'd probably snag a FT-891 (HF+6m) for portable HF use. I have separate VHF/UHF portable radios, that could be hosted in the came small box or crate. I'm, unfortunately, mostly past the point of backpacking equipment so being very lightweight us less of a consideration for me. That being said, having portable, relatively independent, Regional/Long Range and local comms, both able to operate in data mode from the same computer, is appealing to me. I'm still clarifying my use case, and your efforts are helping me to do that.

[@willian.direction6740]

Great video admire your spirit and going it alone with the comms. You can work fldigi as well bonus.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. It was interesting playing radio solo, but it worked. I would have gone farther, but wanted to make sure I could head back to the house and back out again if needed. Either way, it was a nice morning. Thanks for stopping by.

[@530eman]

How can we get in the que for one of your bags…?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Visit my Buy Me a Coffee page. I post the details there. The link is in the description. Checkout the posts over there. I appreciate the interest. I'm sold out for the year.

[@pixel2182]

as a lower budget option, would an SDR dongle work as a home receiving station? I'm really eager to get a chance to try this software you're working on, it looks like an amazing tool!

[@DominicMazoch]

I would be interested in those small bags mentioned at the end of the vid. Now, members of the Harris County ham community suggest using zipper type lunch and freezer bag of various sizes for your jump bag/manpack/rollerpack (*). Those type of clear plastic bags permits one to put stuff in it, and throw it into the go bag, and see what is in it Put a wire/cable in a zipper lunch bag, and you will not have a crow's nest of wires. These zipper bags do not have to be a name brand. The in house Walmart ones are great. And come from sandwich to gallon/document size.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Very good. I sold out for the year and there's a healthy backlog of people on the standby list. Check out the buy me a coffee link in the description. I make all the updates there. Cheers.

[@vironpayne3405]

I generally find the premium ziplock bags a better value than the Walmart bags when reusing the bags, unless you are using one's with a actual moving zipper and not just a zipper type seal that presses together and pulls apart.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

When I was in the 101st Airborne Division, everyone used gallon ziplock bags for organizing everything in our rucks. The new ones are for clothing and leaky ones are still useful for anything that can get wet.

[@Siskiyous6]

What OS are you running Emmcom Tools in? I have the equipment you use, 818, digirig, but not the same computer. I am interested in Linux computers, your website mentions the Pi, which I love and use, but the Pi is not robust enough in my experience. I run an APRS iGate/DigiPeater using my IC-7100 and Direwolf at home, but HF APRS is my goal.

[@jjrobiso]

If contestia 4250 is faster why not use GPS for that since it’s just numbers?

[@jjrobiso]

Wait…please note I’m completely a noob before you reply

[@Frisky0563]

Gaston which antenna is that? 73s

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's the ATAS-25.

[@DominicMazoch]

BTW, did have the Y TFM6000, Digirig, Evoke III at meeting. Passed around the Digirig. Had rest out by rollpack bag Told them it is great with Winlink. Question:. How many of you use WL? Almost no hands raised. Due to that, and time constraints, I am going to have to teach them about WL first, and intergrade the station into that

[@peterkunka2694]

I'm glad your experiment worked and you're making progress! I'm more of a camping/traveling guy using resources available on 2m/70cm, D-Star, and Garmin inReach. I'd like to add an APRS radio to my collection (I'm just using the iPhone app now). I'm in a HOA gated community, so upgrading to General would have it's limitations in radio use at home. If you need a Technician comms buddy, I'm local to Phoenix (we've talked on the radio, and I got your QSL card in the mail) and we'll see if we can meet for lunch and then plan something to test simplex distance, Repeater distance, APRS, and Garmin inReach comms? Happy Thanksgiving this week, and Cheers! Pete - KI7LIL

[@TheTechPrepper]

Morning, Pete. Those services work well in our neck of the woods. I typically pop on the Metrolink repeater system. 73's

[@ryangraves7558]

Great asset to Arizona. I need to block out time for my General License.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. You'll never regret the time and investment you put into getting your general. I struggled with my upgrade.

[@tshirley05015]

I like the idea of the station to get intel. I wonder if it could be done with a SDR. It would be an economic way to get into it. Thanks for the Video!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes, it can. I'm building an SDR/RPi station specifically for this purpose. Stay tuned.

[@Realmikeguyver]

I don't mean to be a downer here but, taking radio gear that fills up almost an entire backpack doesn't make it a good backpack portable radio. You don't have any room for food or shelter or any other survival gear that you're going to need more than your radio. A radio system like this would be used by a radioman in the military but he is supported by a platoon, a company, or a battalion level amount of supply and support. I would call this Jeep or car portable. While I agree with you that the ft-818 is a fantastic radio, for portable ops especially long-term survival portable ops, I don't believe that's the best radio. I would easily sacrifice VHF and UHF SSB for a much greater amount of portability. I think a better radio for your needs would be an elacraft kx-2 or perhaps a Xiegu X-5105 we're Superior battery life than the x-6100. Both of these radios are digital compatible though the x-6100 is nearly plug and Play. The large system that you have touted as the best system is a very large communication system and is far from a realistic portable communication system for a prepper with a backpack or bug out bag.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You are right about it competing for space. I picked up an X6100 and will be loading EmComm Tools directly on to it. I'll just use my phone to manage the radio remotely. That will be a pretty light weight, powerful platform for the field.

[@Realmikeguyver]

If you need a commo buddy, I'm in Denver until the end of the month and then I'm at Padre Island TX. When in TX I am available 24/7 until March. Let me know.

[@viaoutdoors]

Great video. How did you cap the PVC tubing that holds the radials?

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@viaoutdoors Did you ever watch MacGyver? Duct tape and electrical tape.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@Realmikeguyver Thanks for the offer. My Xiegu X6100 is arriving today and I plan to try it later this week. Would you mind shooting me an email? I am on QRZ or you can find it under my KZbin "About" page. 73 de KT1RUN

[@tonycantrell9547]

Have you tried atak?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Briefly. I may try my hand at developing a few plugins for ATAK in the future. There are some similarities between what I am setting out to do and ATAK. EmComm Tools is more than just mapping.

[@tonycantrell9547]

@@TheTechPrepper i like the concept of atak because it can be used over the internet by pc's and cellphones and using hammer over the air. along with the ability to send text and images

[@Andy-M938]

Try the same please with the mode MT63. It has a lot of more forward error correction. Let me know how it works for you!

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's our fall back on VHF FM. If you have time, search mu channel page for "NBEMS". I've made a few videos on using MT63-2KL and 8PSK-1000F.

[@john3kbs]

Need that software. Seriously.

[@michaelditurno4372]

Great video dude - as always. Ans I do enjoy the freestyle format. Maybe that is one area you can save some production time in trade for some extra time for the PT, or anything else too. 73 kc8owl

[@TheTechPrepper]

Morning, Mike. These point and shoot videos are much easier to get out the door.

[@DominicMazoch]

Health first

[@K6SUD]

Hey Gaston, really love the video. Looking fwd to emcomm tools. Hey what coax is that you are using with the ATAS 25? Thanks! 73 K6SUD

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. The project is delayed, but I have momentum again. It's RG-316...I picked it up on Amazon a few years back. I recall search for "rg-316 bnc pl-259", but it's been awhile.

[@K6SUD]

@@TheTechPrepper Thanks!

[@climbhigh3094]

interested in all gear, keep your fitness up.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Excellent. Thanks for jumping into the comments. I have few pieces of gear that have worked really well over the years. I'll integrate they topics into the videos where I can.

[@billypoe3703]

I'm from Michigan. You call that a forest. In Michigan, that's a rock garden.

[@945-b2m]

Great stuff. I have a FT-891 and a HF 10 watt portable unit that I want to start some testing with. I have a digital setup with the CF-20 Tough Book and another laptop for my base station. I am limited on contacts to do testing with. Just one friend but he doesn’t have any digital equipment. I would love to help you test if you need a contact. I have a di-pole and some NVIS antennas I want to try out. I also need to spool up on the digital software. I have only done FT-8 so far. I have downloaded everything needed along with Digirig hardware but still need to configure and test. I’m running Ubuntu on the Tough book. Love that laptop! Let me know if I could help out. N8TMM.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Your setup resembles mine. I am evaluating a few different versions of Ubuntu (21.10, 22.04 and 22.10) right now. These each have their own issues. 22.10 looks promising even though it's not an LTS release. I will definitely need testers early next year, especially those with the same hardware. Look me up on QRZ and shoot me an email if you have time.

[@530eman]

Cha EMCOMM lllP, totally kick ass and WAY easier to set up…💥💥💥

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's what I hear. It's time to bug Carl at Chameleon. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@vironpayne3405]

I like my Cha Emcom III P, but I haven't gotten great performance yet on 80m & 40m, especially operating NVIS which is my primary Ecom setup on 80m. What is your success on 80m & 40m, especially NVIS using your Cha Emcom III P? If good, what is your configuration, choking, counterpoises, etc?

[@vironpayne3405]

@@TheTechPrepper I think it is just pure physics of a shortened antenna, but as a military operator I would have significant concerns as NVIS 60m and lower is bread and butter to SOCOM, Special Forces, and Navy Seals.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@vironpayne3405 Roger. Honestly, I prefer simple, hand-built, monoband dipoles. I am a sucker for the cobrahead binding posts and silicone wire. It's fast to deploy, inexpensive to build, easy to fix in the field, and they perform remarkably well in my limited experience.

[@530eman]

@@vironpayne3405 I have it in a sloper configuration; high point 25’ then down to ground level with a 25’ counterpoise. I am near Mt St Helen’s and am able to consistently hit the southeast and southern states 5:9

[@DominicMazoch]

114!?!?!?That would cause Willie E Coyote's jaw to drop. But you do NOT have something H-Town had: HUMIDITY! Here, there is so much water in the air that sweat does not evaporate, hence less body cooling. And 108 plus is heat stroke territory.

[@TheTechPrepper]

We were in Oklahoma visiting family and the humidity is a killer. The dry heat in the desert can be managed with proper sun protection and hydration...you can't say the same thing for humid environments.

[@ericwalker3368]

I enjoy your videos. But, definitely take your of well being first.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the kind note. Will do.

[@ericm0612]

Crappy nanoVNA??? are you nuts? Lol they work great!

[@TheTechPrepper]

They are very fragile. I've broken two backpacking. I love the function and price. It's just a matter of me finding a ruggedized version.

[@devinchimera7947]

Hi

[@u2fanforever1]

Take care of your health. The videos are nice, but not at that cost. Greetings from Canada.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Will do. Thanks. It's time to start logging trail miles again. Greetings from the US.

[@JohnTarbox]

I, for one, appreciate learning about all your gear. DE WA1KLI

[@TheTechPrepper]

Fantastic. I'll sprinkle some gear topics into the field videos when appropriate. 73's