How to Ham Radio Off Grid

Hello Operators.
Todays video is very special, since it answers many of the questions we've asked about portable ham radio off grid. Operating a ham radio station off grid and or in the field is not something to be taken lightly. We need to look at our field communication goals, how long we're going to be out there, the type of equipment we need in the field, and battery power for our ham radio, when off grid or in the field. If you're a ham radio beginner or seasoned veteran adding additional skills and capabilities to your station, you're going to love this series.
73
Julian #oh8stn
#hamradio #offgrid
Mentioned in the video:
Portable power & field communictions: oh8stn.org/blog/2020/05/14/po...
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[@moga864]

You have been incredibly instrumental to elevate the casual radio prepper, to borrow from Gil's moniker, from a thought to entertain to a practical exercise to deploy. The reasons for, and how to make those decisions, are laid out in plain language for all that are interested to benefit. Outstanding. Thank you Sir for the encouragement and ongoing education! Know that you have many supporters from Atlanta, GA USA.

[@OH8STN]

Comments like these are absolutely fuel for the fire. Sometimes it's difficult to create information which translates well, into a practical video. Based on your comment, this is going the right way. Thanks for your kindness, and feedback. It's very much appreciated.

[@BussyMcBusface]

Your information is very well thought out. Not only did you preach it, you did it. Your speaking ability is very strong and makes the video easy to watch and follow. Thank you for sharing this.

[@RadioPrepper]

Excellent Julian! We often forget to address the beginners, at least I do. Now they have all the information they need to avoid the pitfalls. Thanks for the shoutout :-)

[@OH8STN]

Gil you've been putting the work in lately, so wanted to remind everyone about your channel. Yeah we often forget about the beginners. Anything we can do to help make their Journey easier, is a good thing. Thanks for the kindness and the comment. Very much appreciated. 👍

[@rachmielbenberel]

Julian, you are a breath of fresh air in an insane world. Thanks for this great video, one of your best.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for the kindness. Whole world seems to be going crazy right now. Knowing someone enjoys these videos makes it much better 👍

[@drnv150]

One of the largest areas of a system that are power thieves are, non-resonant antennas, meaning having to use an antenna tuner, especially if using QRP, ordinarily its not an issue using 100 watts. Because if you loose 12 or 25 watts or even 50 in tuner mismatch loss, there is still at least half the power and with 50 watts, your signal would still be half decent, with 5 watts, it makes things tough if down to 2 or 3 watts, although possible, makes comms more of a challenge. Resonance keeps your power in the right direction down the coax and not in to your DC power conductors or other electronics.

[@DF-pf9be]

AWESOMENESS!!!! Julian, thank you so much for EXCELLENT instruction and detail videos. You are the BEST!!! You without a doubt know how to capture your audience and place them right there with you. Thank you for all that you do.

[@benwilliams36]

This channel is amazing. I’m not sure there’s anything quite like it on KZbin. Topics are presented extremely well (clear and concise) with excellent and necessary background information surrounding the topics.

[@jakep5121]

I'm trying to figure out how to use that PowerMini in a Go-Box I'm building. For straight portable operations it's easy. but going to a bench with power supply means i need to unplug a bunch of stuff. plus when I'm not using the box, I need to un plug the battery. It's fun stuff to figure out. Your videos help tremendously!

[@OH8STN]

00:00 Introduction 01:33 Off Grid considerations 04:48 Choosing a radio - 05:06 Defining Off Grid - 05:38 Most important Off Grid features 12:29 Understanding power for Off Grid Comms 15:05 Off Grid cabin field test 18:18 Thoughts about off grid Comms. 20:30 end screen 73 Julian oh8stn Share video url: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6eqc4ewjKakmNE

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Nice you went to the bother of breaking it up like that, if I want to go back to see a bit again you made it very easy. Thanks. EDIT: This is extremely helpful.

[@glennarrant3743]

Used your instructions to add a GPS Dongle and the instructions were perfect. The software download went off without problems. Well done!

[@2heavyb517]

thank you for taking the time to make a comprehensive and very professional video.

[@OH8STN]

And thank you for watching. 👍

[@lianalehua7424]

Thank you for always providing such detail and consideration and sharing that process out loud. I always learn something that I can use for optimizing my station for the way I deploy.

[@OH8STN]

and you are very welcome. Fortunately many have shared and inspired me during my own journey over the years. The least I can do now, is share that experience. Thanks for the comment, and the kindness. It's very much appreciated.

[@Devin82m]

A great review of the subject as usual Julian.

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

I still drag out the IC7200 for field ops knowing it's a bit heavy and not the most efficient, but it was purpose built for durability. It was inspired by ICOM marine radios and that's a tough environment for radios. There have been times when portable QRP power was unrealistic and the extra power made the contact. If they could shrink the 7200, even with less power, it would maintain what a real field radio was meant to be. This channel ROCKS !

[@moga864]

I also prefer the 7200 in spite of all else. You aren't the only one!

[@Aduhwan]

Count me in as another IC-7200 fan! I am a relatively new General licensee and purchased an IC-7200 as my first HF radio. Although I like this radio very much, I'd agree that it is a bit heavy for truly portable operation. I'd like to try my hand at QRP while out hiking and I am currently looking out for a cost-effective QRP radio that I can afford and will handle phone well. (CW is a future challenge. 😎) 73.

[@ivanromanazzi227]

Julian,your videos are always interesting and so clear! Sorry for my English,it’so difficult for me explain how I appreciate it,great hugs from south Italy,best 73 Sincerily,Ivan

[@k5wxp22]

Fantastic video! I appreciate how thorough you are. You oftentimes open my eyes to things I had never considered. 73, Brett

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness Brett. Based on your comment, this video is achieving its goal :-) 73 Julian oh8stn

[@michaelleo2671]

Excellent as always julian

[@silentProz]

This is an Excellent video; you are truly an asset to our community. Thank you

[@OH8STN]

Thx AJ. Too kind 🙏

[@silentProz]

KJ7NTX

[@CWB-RF]

Nicely done Julian. While I'm pretty happy with my current setup this does make me think about what could use improvement. Improved solar production comes to mind at the moment. This has been helpful, thanks.

[@OH8STN]

Ur very welcome CWB. 👍

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

Great video, very informative. Lots of ideas.

[@rkaag99]

GREAT video!! BTW, radio topic aside, I am envious of these trips to such purely gorgeous locations. You live in a beautiful region of our world!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks and huge thanks. OH at 65°North is amazing. The balance between nature and people is just right. It's an extreme existence. Too hot or too cold, too long winter, too short summer, ... with just enough personal freedom. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else 👍

[@robertdannenberg8304]

Julian, another great video. Thank you.

[@VampyreManor]

I look forward to all of your videos, Julian. Thanks for taking the time to educate on you experience! KT0AM

[@blackdownranger]

New to ham and new to the channel; a lot to learn! I love your ethos, practicality and ingenuity keep it up. M7UDT 73

[@KeithCPerry]

Julian, this is one your best videos on this subject matter and I'll be sharing it far and wide. Very comprehensive. I have had some of the same thoughts and considerations. I also wanted to drop a comment here in regards to your blog / website post about the FT-891 (The “Perfect” Yaesu FT-891) which I think overlaps with some of concepts in this video. I have the 817ND and the 857D. I love them both, use them both but when I look at the FT-891 which I really like, I find myself not being able to pull the trigger on it because I have the other two (and all mode / all band is a must for me). I feel similarly about the FT-991A. I would say, the all-in-one portable or mobile rig concept has to evolve power-wise to the 20 to 30W range, connectivity needs to be integrated and simplified down to 1 cable (excluding the antenna). Technology-wise, Yaesu's hybrid SDR technology should really make is possible for all future rigs to be all mode (including Fusion) / all band (HF - 70cm) in that 891 form factor. I don't think that that is asking to much if we are talking about a power section that is not going to be more than 30W max and has an RX current draw around 400ma @ 5W. For around $1000 (+/- $200 USD) I would get two of them because they would immediate become my workhorse rig- performing brilliantly in the off-grid department (which is how I always operate) but also able to excel in most other scenarios. Vehicle, base station, em-comm, backpacking, etc.. Yaesu has a huge opportunity here. 73 de N3QQZ

[@thuff3207]

Very nice and I like your flexibility with operating it makes sense to have more thank one option. I agree with getting the most efficient radio for power out you can find.

[@shandybrandy5407]

Too good information! I am a fan of QRP radios and always think of off grid operation. Just subscribed your channel. Greeting from New Delhi, India 73s

[@ericc461]

Hello, Julian. Commenting here because it is the most recent I've seen today. I found your channel while researching 'flexible solar'. Have enjoyed several episodes, partly because I can see they take some work, and partly because I like pulk sled camping here in Colorado, with snowshoes. I also have an FCC Radiotelephone License , and enjoy understanding the technical aspects. Not sure I'll be getting into HAM but will consider it for retirement. I expect to do more back country truck / tent camping and will keep that wood stove in mind. ...Arctic Shield boot covers. Best Regards.

[@glennarrant3743]

I learn some thing every time I watch. The Terminated folded dipole I installed works!!! 70 Glenn N6JAI

[@timb4655]

I'm playing catch up and binge watching ! Super job Julian. I will take a close look at the Buddipole Powermini v the Genasun

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Tim. I thought about doing a versus video of those two products. They both have interesting plus sides.

[@americancitizen2536]

@@OH8STN presently I use the genasun and the powerfilm 7200 to run off-grid, but you suggested/intimated in here that the buddipole power mini was a more efficient/quicker setup than the genasun. Is it possible that you could elaborate on that point just a bit? I seem to only be required to "hook up a single connection" also with the genasun (which i keep permanently attached to a watt's-up meter). Is that the point that you are making here? ...that there is more information generated directly from the buddipole power mini, than the genasun (as it needs an additional meter)? Sorry for the long-wind reply, but I'm interested in your opinion about the comment in the video. You perform a great service here and I appreciate the credibility of your exercises/results.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Brilliant advice.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Bob. There's more to come on this topic. 👍

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@OH8STN Excellent, if you can do it where you are it should be a lot easier for Americans as they can charge their batteries all day.

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

Great stuff!

[@j.b.708]

these are fantastic videos sir.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you👍 I often wonder if anyone even watches. Your comment and kindness are greatly appreciated.

[@perkyjerky7731]

I love your videos! You've been a big inspiration in my off the grid operating. Hope to catch you on the air sometime! 73 DE K5DXS

[@OH8STN]

You're too kind. 🙏👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@sorrow2u]

let me say that your chanel made me want to get my licence and i extreamly like ur setup it reminds me of The Division tech

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

Definitely set a goal to test for a Amatuer Radio license. The knowledge alone is worth it's weight in gold.

[@colorizedenhanced-timeless2409]

How are ya, OH8STN Ham Radio. this is a fairly pleasant video. thanks. :)

[@bernarrcoletta7419]

It’s my understanding that ICOM is the only ham radio manufacturer that also builds equipment for the military. I wish there was a more affordable option for flexible solar panels than Powerfilm

[@OH8STN]

They used to do it. Their division Vertex Standard build commercial radios for the military. They sold the Vertex Standard division to Motorola, who continued the VX series. I don't know what's going on with Yaesu

[@prillewitz]

Bernarr Coletta agreed. Really expensive.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great video! Too bad that it takes an hour and a half to watch a 20 minute video. I don't mind some ads, but there were ads every five minutes. One of the ads was 46 minutes long. YT does have its faults.

[@Pauldeva]

I'm always watching with great intrest your video's. Your very subjective guy and u take the subject in depth whit very good explanation 🤝 73' de YO2MMJ

[@AndyWragg]

Spammed, I mean shared to as many groups as I Dare. Keep well Julian.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Andy. I think people don't have any idea how much that helps. Very much appreciated my friend.

[@AndyWragg]

@@OH8STN Any time Julian, I have another 15Ah LiFePo4 Batt project on the boil for a friend. Just finishing the initial balance charge before fitting the BMS later tonight. All that came from you buddy.

[@A-_-_A]

Julian, love your vids, have you thought about shrink tubing or using Split Wire Loom Tubing to keep your cables together so you dont misplace once and to keep the tangles down?

[@OH8STN]

That's a great suggestion. I've done it in the past, but it takes a lot of space. My ft-891 is much better than my ft-817 in this video regarding the cables. I may take a look at using this method again though. Any particular brand you can recommend?

[@donaldsmith3048]

You talked about the cables coming out the side. I saw something that may or maybe not help you. "Argon One". It has a broad that plugs in the side and moves the ports to the back. The downside is that it make it wider, so may not work for you. I have been watching your videos and must thank you for all the information I have gotten from them. When I saw this I thought about your problem. I also thought that because of the room in the box that you could put a buck convertor in to make it better to power. There are a lot of boards that can be add that the convertor but add things that are not doing good. 73. W4DES

[@Bravo-qh4ym]

Love your videos and was wondering what the meter is that your using in between the radio and power pack?

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness. I'm not sure we can meter you mean. It could be the charge controller from @buddipole or a voltage and amperage meter from turnigy. Timestamp?

[@joshlucy9420]

Love your videos. They're very informative and have inspired me to create a similar setup for mobile and off-grid comms around my Yaesu FT-587D. I was wondering if you could tell me what the power consumption you're seeing on your setups are as they're idling. I'm drawing about 1A and was curious what you see with your rigs to get an idea of how my setup compares and how I might be able to run for days at a time without power.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness. For the ft-891 it's about 0.95-1A. Xiegu G90, 600ma. FT817/8 300-400ma. Those numbers aren't really a bother since I'm always throwing out the solar panel to cover the receive current. Glad you got inspired, and I hope to see what you come up with. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@survivalcomms]

Great video ! What kind of current is your laptop / device consuming ? My CF-19 toughbook is a power hog . Thanks for sharing !

[@OH8STN]

Hi Brett. It's actually a usb-powered Android tablet with its own internal battery. It consumes 1.3A 5v when charging, but it only needs to be topped up once a day at most. The screen is off when not in a QSO. CPU is never used since processing is done on the Raspberry Pi. It's actually very efficient. I took a pic of the measurement for you. instagram.com/p/CBTZXWWjC8_/?igshid=fo2ofgk3bcab

[@djnikx1]

Mate that's Ol' Skool! SDR is the answer.

[@Nimbus495]

Awesome vid. What do you think of that lab 599 transceiver. Can you do a comparison between the 599 & the IC-705 when you get a chance. Bravo Zulu.

[@OH8STN]

I think the Lab599 is going to raise our expectations of what we expect from the Japanese and American manufacturers. It's not the radio Sith gge best feature set, but it is an innovative radio, with rugged design, built for the true radio operator. You can read my thoughts on my website. oh8stn.org/blog/2020/08/23/discovery-tx-500-by-lab599/

[@Lync512]

I currently have a pi 3 b+ setup for a field computer. However, my big issue with it is instability. On this one I've had major stability issues as overtime it will become unbootable and I would have to set it up again. At this point I'd either consider using my laptop and factoring it in. Or getting another board. Since I don't want to get into a situation where I need the field computer and its unusable, and I lack the ability to setup a new system since I cannot access the internet. For radio until the IC-705 comes out my G90 works well. However on antenna, while I have a magloop antenna [motivated by indoor ops mostly] tuning it is a pain so something new would have to be used to add much needed versatility and ease of use . It works great on the higher bands, but lower bands tuning becomes next to impossible and swr is way too high to safely use the radio. Thanks for making this video! 73, KE8GAH

[@Marmot689]

Awesome video with valuable info. Great go to source for planning an emergency/portable station. N0SKT

[@agplay2290]

Good off grid radio CTX-10.!!!

[@aramb]

It'll be interesting to see what the new Xiegu (she-eh gu, not zygu) just announced. It might need an am as it's advertised to only be 10W.

[@douglassharafanowich8605]

Hi Julian, I see that you used POWERmini as a charge controller. It is a very cool piece of kit that is classified as a PWM charge controller. Curious minds (both of mine LOL!) want to know: Given a choice, would we not want to go with a MPPT charge controller to maximize the output of the solar panel? Thank you.

[@OH8STN]

This is an excellent question. Normally I would use mppt charge controllers from Genasun. Especially when trying to squeeze every bit of juice out of the panel. There is an argument to be made having a charge controller with integrated battery management, and power distribution, but I certainly do wish the power mini was an mppt controller. This is especially true when using it in anything but direct sunlight. Perhaps we need a comparison on the channel.

[@polymath5119]

@@OH8STN I came here to ask if you would do just such a comparison.

[@Tom_2E1FUE]

Nice Video again:) I wonder if you can help me, I just put up a Sigma SE HF X-80 for HF, I have check both PL259s both OK, no shorts but when I put it back in the antenna and go back to the radio and check the PL259 it beeps, saying a shot I'm confused, a bit any help would be brilliant Thanks 2E1FUE. ? It's RX brilliant had the USA and Emirates and so on sounded good 👍

[@OH8STN]

check for continuity between the coax ends with a multimeter for both center conductor and shield.

[@davidmerchant8245]

This would be a great video to share at a club meeting. Do we need your permission to do this? Great videos, well thought out.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

You should ask as it is copyright. You should also give a link to his KZbin channel and give him credit.

[@OH8STN]

Hi David. Just saw this question. Are you talkin about offline sharing or simply streaming from the net during your club meeting?

[@criscross6591]

👍👍

[@martykitson3442]

Nice setup and will listen for you on the air Kl4gu

[@OH8STN]

RR, Much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Soildus]

What would be a good ham radio that has a low draw when receiving? I'm very much a beginner btw.

[@225fabry]

Love your videos 73 IU5OFY

[@davidbondy8340]

Hu Julian. I have a question for you ... It is sort of peripheral to many of your excellent off-grid videos. I want to know if I can combine two solution into one. I already bought (based on your review) the Powerfilm Lightsaver Max (I am looking to use this off-grid when I an at my alternative QTH in Zimbabwe where there is oodles of sun!). I also have a 8900mAh LiFePO4 battery and various bits and pieces to connect and charge it at home. If I bought say, the Buddipole Power Mini, could I use the 12v output from the Lightsaver Max as the input to charge and top-up the LiFePO4 battery? It seems a useful solution and I don't have to shell out over GBP500 for a folding solar panel from Lightfilm Solar. What are your thoughts? Thanks! David G4NRT/Z21NRT

[@OH8STN]

Unfortunately I already know the answer, and it is a no-go. The solar panel on the Lightsaver Max is designed to recharge its own internal power pack. There's also no solar bypass built in to pass power directly from the solar panel, into another solar charge controller. It would be a brilliant idea though. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@davidbondy8340]

@@OH8STN - Thank you for the very swift reply! What a shame! It would have been so useful! I'll just have to save my pennies and buy a folding or roll-up panel. I'm planning on using this just for off-grid ham radio (KX2 and/or IC-705). What would you suggest as the minimum size / capacity for the solar panel. Also, does this mean that the 12v output from the Lightsaver Max is just from the Powerbank and that is between the panel and the 12v output socket?

[@OH8STN]

If you're in Zimbabwe, I would go for 30 watt panel. Zimbabwe is so close to the equator that you're going to get an amazing amount of sun. As for your other question, the solar panel on the lightsaver Max goes to a charge controller which is built in. The charge controller feeds the battery management system, which charges the cells. On the output side there is boost/buck to regulate the output voltage. So it would be like trying to charge a giant battery, with a smaller battery, rather than from a solar panel directly.

[@davidbondy8340]

@@OH8STN Got it! Thanks! I will look for a 30w minimum panel ... although I may opt for a larger one that I can use in the cloudy old UK as well! Thanks Julian and very 73 David G4NRT/Z21NRT

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome David. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Oscaro9928]

Why not use the buddipole power charger all the time instead of the gensun?

[@mctscott123]

What power supply for the RPi is that?

[@tompodgorski3598]

👍SQ6PNT

[@caffrey9]

North bra

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Hey you might work low power like I do. Just rember get the best antenna. And ground. System you can get. It all works out on you ROI WISE. IE 5 WATTS WILL DO JUST AS GOOD AS TEN ANY DAY . I THROW OUT THE INVERTER AS HE IS A HUNGRY MIDDLE MAN. GIVE THE INVETER ThE BUMS RUSH. HI HI DE KV4LI.

[@daveschwarz5279]

All this kit is insanely heavy to carry when hiking ....

[@OH8STN]

We carry the kit which fits our own requirements Dave. Everything seen in the cabin field test, was carried in a camelbak daypack.

[@OH8STN]

Well said Kevin, thank you 👍👍👍

[@oh2hqe]

Kevin Hansen. I agree. Julian has show’n one model of uncounted ways have opportunity for have contact and most of all have experienced that joy of it.

[@nlo114]

Common Stragety...