Off Grid Ham Radio & Raspberry Pi Field Computer

Hello Operators.
In todays video is about off grid ham radio, and how we use our raspberry pi field computer, for off grid communications. We visit the cabin in Lapland, just above the Arctic Circle which serves as the staging area. Afterwards, we'll take the Nortent Gamme 4, raspberry pi, and Yaesu ft-817nd, heading out for some winter radio ops. This is all in preparation for winter field day.
In the previous video titled Ultimate Raspberry Pi build for ham radio, we discussed the strategy for an off grid Raspberry Pi field computer build, one we would use for portable ham radio field communications. In this video we take that Raspberry Pi to Lapland just above the Arctic Circle, to put the rpi powered ham radio station to the test.
73
Julian #oh8stn
#xdaysoffgrid
Share this video: • Off Grid Ham Radio & R...
Mentioned in the video:
OH8STN Raspberry Pi Pages
oh8stn.org/off-grid-raspberry-pi/
OH8STN Shelter systems:
oh8stn.org/shelter-system/
AmRRon Setup Scripts for Raspberry Pi
gitlab.com/amrron/setup-scripts
10 watt amplifier:
www.qrpver.com
Buck converters
- USA: amzn.to/2QRn8Tu
- UK/EU: amzn.to/34qUtZe
Raspberry Pi Enclosure
USA: amzn.to/2KVNOyC
UK/EU: amzn.to/2Ole0oy
Sabrent USB Audio adapter.
- USA: amzn.to/34oeIHc
- UK&EU: amzn.to/2KWDmXP
Ublox USB GPS.
- USA: amzn.to/35CrIJi
- UK/EU: amzn.to/2DjQm5C
Data cables for Yaesu Data port:
- USA: ebay.to/2sl34yD
- EU/UK: ebay.to/37Bytgh
If you found this post useful, entertaining, inspiring, or educational, consider becoming a channel member, joining my patreon community, dropping a buck in the tip jar, or getting yourself some Anderson Powerpole gear on eBay. It also helps if you simply share this video with someone who will appreciate it.
Become a channel member: / @oh8stn
Patreon: / oh8stn
PayPal: www.paypal.me/oh8stn/5usd/
Get your Anderson Powerpole gear from ebay: goo.gl/5dvGEa Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

[@OH8STN]

Table of contents. Introduction 00:00 - Field Computer Overview 01:06 - QRP GoKit Overview 02:42 - 20Ah LiFePO4 Sol Gen 06:45 - Realities of Off Grid Comms 08:24 - JS8Call on a Raspberry Pi 10:50 - Narrow Bandwidth Network & Data 12:22 - Life in the Field Station 14:20 - Shelter - Heat - Tools - Fresh water - Food prep - Sleeping gear

[@paulanthony873]

Could you add encryption ?

[@OH8STN]

Not legally Paul, but I am working on a method of plain text ""encryption"" in the next Grid Down Communications for preparedness video. That should be pretty interesting for you.

[@AndrzejSQ9PKW]

Hey, where have you description of your energy storage?

[@SpectreOZ]

The lack of *bloatware* on your Raspberry Pi communications solution makes complete sense... nice work Julian 👍

[@thecandyman9308]

*flawlessy rigs up mini-computer to HAM radio for use above arctic circle* @15:50 *drops lil' weenies onto ground cooking din-din*

[@OH8STN]

I was freaking out about cooking on camera 😀

[@McTroyd]

Excellent rig you have there. Everyone likes to poo-poo the Raspberry Pi as a toy. We have the RPi's Foundation's industrial customers to thank for the surprising robustness of that little machine. Anything that can withstand an industrial manufacturing/forging process should have no problem weathering the outdoors; just keep it dry and/or conformally coat it.

[@davidcullen4996]

So so much of this is way over my head but damn what an amazing setup and use for an RPi, you are awesome and sharing what you have done here is what makes the interwebs awesome!

[@mdouble100]

Excellent demo, thanks for showing the realities of real off-grid operations. Very valuable information and proof of concept.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Marvin. I'm not always comfortable showing the more personal sites of field communications but I thought it was important. Thanks for your comment and kindness. It's very much appreciated.

[@CraigPerry]

I like the modular nature, i like the idea that you can pick and choose what weight is necessary to carry for different outings. Great informative video.

[@JamesDougherty]

Dude, you are the GURU! Thank you for sharing what you know. This video touches on quite a few things that are on my to do list. I love how you mixed outdoor survival with radio ops.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for that. I've got another one of these incoming. It might be a week or two but it's on the way. 👍

[@bryanst.martin7134]

Very interesting. At first it seemed a personal exercise in "what I can do". But at the end you described a crucial function that no other amateur unit can do, nor a Professional unit for the power draw. Nice work!

[@zazouille2264]

Crystal clear! The networking part is critical for all the reasons you underlined. Awesome video!

[@seanodonnell3683]

I didn't understand much, if any of the technical explanations in this video but you sure inspired me to do more homework! Thank you so much.

[@samcollins6394]

As always another very insightful video. Thank you for giving your time to inspire us all xx

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for that Samantha. Sometimes I'm a bit afraid of presenting these abstract Concepts. As long as you all understand where we're trying to get to, it's definitely worth doing sometimes. Thanks for the kindness and the comment, it's very much appreciated

[@neubert500]

Excellent video with logical and well thought out and experienced reasons for your setup. It builds solid capabilities my son and I are working toward. I believe you have illustrated the gulf between a fun hobby and a useful tool for grid down times. As usual, Thanks for the vid.

[@OH8STN]

Your comments are always appreciated and this one is no different. I think when a useful tool is part of the fun hobby, we will be "there". Then we'll find wider acceptance of this methodology. How's your own progress coming along?

[@o2bnov0307]

I am enjoying your videos. I am getting back into ham radio (after a pause of about 20 years). This winter operation is *amazing*!! Thank you. 73 de David (in San Antonio ,TX)

[@okdoomer620]

Makes perfect sense to me, it's modular, resilient, open and extendable. If it breaks you can get a replacement for a few bucks, and that's not going to change anytime soon, because millions of these things are sold already.

[@bonniecrystal903]

A very effective video of HF portable ham radio, filmed in the Arctic with cozy wood fires, snow, and ice all around. Quite a good argument for the modular raspberry pi computer and accessories as the go bag unit. It shows how the use of weak signal HF messaging/ HF networking like JS8call is changing the realm of possibilities for operators. QRP-level text networking communication with positioning and selective calling is a powerful combination.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Hi Julien, another hit if not one of yr top 5 vids ever, the best part is your content quantifying and justifying the concepts and hardware choices, all the best n 73s A92GW AE1TP

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for that. 🙏 It's so easy for us as KZbinrs to sit in a nice warm cozy studio talking abstract concepts in amateur radio communications. The reality is, we need to get out there to prove what we're saying, is actually true. The next test will be winter field day. I'm hoping that will be the last nail in the coffin. Hopefully not my coffin though 😀 Thanks for the comment and the kindness, It's very much appreciated.

[@Pirahnaxxx]

Incredible Video Julian. As always, informative and kudos on the Personal touch of you doing, living, and enjoying while in your camp. Nicely tied together. So many good attributes to pulling it all together. Keep up the great work. Awesome Premiere!

[@Sergej_R8WB]

Excellent! All my youth i am went on tourist trips to the mountains and just to nature - in summer and winter, at any time of the year. I love it so much! Good luck, happy to meet on the bands! Glad to see you on my youtube channel. 73! R8WB (R8WB/p).

[@morpheus9869]

Man, I love your videos!! Its almost like watching a documentary on NatGeo! Great work!

[@softstart100]

Your amazing; great video and lots of valuable info. Started my go kit w/ raspberry pi4 and FT817nd. Thanks again.

[@TyMoore95503]

Thank you Julian. That was an awesome overview of your setup. I also have a FT817, Raspberry Pi3+ setup. I also have a Z817 tuner, and a Yaesu SCU-17 computer interface for direct computer control. I am still trying to figure out how to connect it all together to get the software to fully utilize the digital modes available. I am a comparative novice to both Linux and Python but I am relentless. I know I will figure it out eventually. Keep up the great content! 73! KF6AAL, Ty Moore here.

[@markmascaro6892]

Another great video I have always considered the classroom/shop as the lab and the field as the proving grounds

[@horsetrainingresources]

Julian, extremely well done! Excellent analysis of the real-world off grid environment and eliminating the possible pitfalls of other platforms, etc. I so appreciate all the preparation and field tests you go through to prove your design requirements. My winter camping in the snow has been limited to only 41 degrees North.... You're an animal! 73, Charlie - K0CKH

[@markhall7646]

Thank you for your perspective about field operation, and for the inspiration to get into QRP and field operating! Happy holidays and 73 de KE5LIB!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Mark. The more we share the more we can Inspire others to get involved. It's a blessing being able to do so. Enjoy the holidays. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@chrisblue1515]

Very impressive, Julian!!! Thanks again for the updates.

[@VideosfromNH]

Watched for the Raspberry Pi, stayed for the camping video.

[@OH8STN]

Actually that's excellent feedback. Previously I didn't understand anyone was actually interested in the camp side of the deployments. Thank you for the feedback 👍👍👍

[@timferguson2682]

Julian, your work is amazing. I look forward to seeing how you will use the Icom IC-705.

[@WHEREISMYBOAT]

Thanks! Your vids are great ! really helping me get started w/ my FT-818 off the grid!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏 73 Julian oh8stn

[@TheDarkfighter101]

I have always been interested in Radio communication and this has convinced me to take a plunge into exploring these technologies. Me and my brother have been increasing in our adventures in both scale and seclusion. I was thinking about how this could be a practical tool for our overlanding and hiking adventures. You talking about sending a message to your wife with your location and successfully arriving at it sold me on the idea. I find your application of the raspberry pi very interesting and your decision to go with Linux makes excellent sense considering the customization, versatility and power conservation offered by the platform.

[@roykilo9642]

as always another great vid.. 73

[@jackkelley890]

I have so much to learn. Thank you for making and posting this video.

[@RicondaRacing]

Kelley...? Did you work for G4S?

[@jackkelley890]

I am afraid not. I wish I was that cool.

[@darrinlenton]

You’ve lit my imagination on fire!!! Thank you for this video!

[@steveplowman4005]

Hi count myself lucky to have stumbled across your videos when looking for info on lipo battery packs. Great info useful if only used for camping. Cheers Steve

[@dongilroy6503]

Julian , Great video . I'm just beginning to learn about the rpi but I'm looking forward to replicating what you've accomplished. Cheers ! Don.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Don. The Raspberry Pi-radio combination is pretty astonishing actually. It's really helped simplify the way we operate in the field. It's always good to hear from you Don. Thanks for the comment and kindness.

[@lpark8]

Great video. Informative, persuasive re JS8 and Raspberry Pi, and also beautifully shot 🙏😎

[@crackerwood661]

Thank you for your efforts Julian. I enjoyed this video. All the best from Wisconsin, USA!

[@philipchandler330]

Thorough and impressive as always

[@MichaelLloyd]

Nice video Julian. Showing us off grid ops was very informative

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Michael. This should have been a more in-depth video. Unfortunately, it was so difficult to capture the moments on camera, in such cold. I'm grateful if you all find it so interesting anyway. Many thanks for the comment and kindness. It is very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Devin82m]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@geraldmoritz8523]

This is my VIDEO of the YEAR 2019 !!! TNX ! Gerald, OE3GOD

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Gerald. That really means a lot. 👍👍👍

[@maxmeranda]

Took me a while to get to watch this, but boy did I enjoy that!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Max. 2-3 new vids incoming.

[@dougbas3980]

Excellent👍 your field tests are very helpful. I am trying to implement a similar system now.

[@softstart100]

just a little info; now with hampi ; this makes me excited and heighten my interest in ham radio.

[@JayDoscher]

Very cool! A very thorough video too!

[@TheMchip]

awsome video! thank you! great work! AWSOME!

[@andrewhamop6665]

Good stuff, just got my pi for use in receiving info from weather satillites. Nice setup by the way, really quite cool with the rpi and custom battery!

[@TXLorenzo]

Great video. Totally agree with the "whole" station concept. My challenge has been to balance the weight of a capable radio system with the additional weight of life support and keeping it all in a man portable package. My challenge is to be able to run 72 hours without external support and be able to carry everything in a backpack.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

It's not easy. Though I don't have a lot of experience, I have had a few attempts at carrying everything I need for 24-48 hours plus radio equipment. No matter how hard I try to reduce the pack to bare essentials, it still ends up weighing 40 to 50lbs. Unless you are very fit/strong, it's not pleasant carrying a load like that. One thing that weighs a lot is water which you have to carry unless you are 100% sure of sources along the way. Camping in an cold snowy environment has many disadvantages but has some advantages - I think I spotted a sled in the video. This obviously allows a much greater weight to be hauled. Also, so long as you have heat, you can warm snow so don't have to carry water.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@Steve-GM0HUU I agree, one of the biggest challenges is water management. It is a big weight variable if you have to carry everything, hence the challenge. If you can base camp near a water source and daytrip to a hilltop, life is easier. It is an interesting problem set to solve. I am still working on it, LOL. 73s IU3JNT.

[@sanjithnair3266]

Hi, sir, I like this Video. and I am also thinking like you 100% off-grid working capability That is real Ham Radio operation. Your all videos giving more motivation on this hobby.

[@mikedmann7487]

You rock! thankz for the great video!

[@lander1591]

Amazing stuff, you should look at making a custom enclosure that houses all of those components in a small weatherproof form factor.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks, I'm working on it. I actually thought about putting together a form-fitting leather satchel like cover. Front and rear flaps for access to the cable mess in the rear, or the front control panel at the radium. You know like the old binocular cases from back in the day. I'll come up with something. Anyway, awesome idea. 👍👍👍

[@M0IAX]

First Pi then Sausages. It’s made me hungry ;-) Great vid as usual, thank you.

[@OH8STN]

You're awesome Mark.Btw, thank you for that 991 Alpha video you made the other day. That was pretty awesome as well. I plan to share the video on my blog later this week if you don't mind.

[@M0IAX]

Feel free to share, that’s why I made it. I’ll try and do some more. I should not have too much work on until the new year so will have more time. I definitely need more vid production practice :-) thanks very much for the kind words too.

[@ricsanders69]

Very nice video...thank you!

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome Richard. Thanks for watching

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Love these videos!

[@Liberty4Ever]

Another GREAT video. Super informative. Super motivational. And like all of your videos, chock full of practical real world advice. Thank you! I've enjoyed watching and learning as you and a couple of others blaze this personal EmCom trail, but I've been lazily waiting for others to provide more of a turn key solution. Maybe I'll provide that solution for lazy guys like me. A Pi 4 with all the software, GPS, realtime clock, 12V buck converter, etc., pre-configured with CAT control for different radios. Sell it on Amazon and maybe eBay for $10 more than the component cost, after selling fees, more as a service to the amateur EmCom community and to popularize this as the EmCom standard. Markets play a large role in developing standards. I'd much rather YOU sold that product, Julian, given that you did most of the development and most of the promotion. Hopefully it'd be a hobby related way to support your channel, but it's sometimes true that turning a hobby into a business ruins a perfectly good hobby by making it into work. I completely agree with the idea of using JS8Call. I'm entirely sold on it. I can understand hams who want to use all the different frequencies, SSB, CW and every digital mode. It's all fun as a hobby but a hundred competing standards is no standard at all and that's not practical for emergency communication. What's needed is ONE reliable low power mode so everyone knows how to communicate. Redundancy is good, but not in com modes. Have redundant hardware to communicate on JS8Call, 40m & 80m, NVIS or DX depending on antenna configuration, and 2m or 70cm for local communications. KISS. I was reading your JS8Call messages. There was a character glitch. Freezing your WHATS off? :-)

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

Awesome video!

[@gregmach8230]

Great video

[@TangoFoxtrotWhiskey]

Cool use of the Pi. One suggestion, carry a spare Pi, and especially a spare of that SSD card. You can easily create the spare SD by using dd to make an exact copy of the card. Also, it would be really good to create a GitHub repo of a shell script, parts list, and whatever else is needed to prepare the Pi. I would be glad to help if this is outside of your expertise.

[@howardbernier2289]

Outstanding video!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Howard. Very much appreciated 👍

[@AP268]

Another cracking vid Julian! Our cadet radio room should be fully installed by the end of Feb. Would be great to hook up on air and try out the new toys!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks and for sure! I'm always available to help Inspire the young people. 👍👍👍

[@aidenstech1285]

You could also use Peltier modules on your furnace to charge the battery pack over night.

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Another great video!! I have to get something like this setup here for my portable use!! Thanks again for posting these videos. Juddie - WD8WV

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

👍Good video, thank you. RPi is the way to go and certainly agree on the advantages of JS8CALL - a mode that has been around for a while and I am a little surprised that is not more popular, in EU at least. Though, I wouldn't perhaps totally write off other digital modes, especially Olivia, which may offer some advantages such as higher transmission rate while still having S/N performance close to JS8CALL.

[@DanielWiley]

Awesome Video Julian!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Daniel. It's always good to see you here 👍

[@codeforsteamchannel1761]

New knowledge to me thank you

[@rogerpetrey5591]

Julian you videos are always inspiring and full if new ideas for me to try. Continue producing great content. Best 73 de Roger W8RLP

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

Great video. Thank You.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 👍

[@robertdannenberg8304]

Great video to see how this is all coming together. I am about to start a similar journey and the research is very helpful. I also really enjoyed the lessons learned from last winter field day hope you do the same this time. My set up is going to look similar while independently choosing some of the same equipment hopefully a good sign I am on the right track.

[@relikvija]

great idea!

[@southerngentatl]

Awesome video! I’m just getting back on the air after a 10 year break and I’m very interested in field communications

[@OH8STN]

10 years is a long time. I've been away. Still there's lots of new things, and some things have remained the same. How we communicate and how we power our gear are probably the biggest changes.

[@SLLabsKamilion]

Just a tip for the other operators out there: The raspberry pi is not the only dog in the show. Take a look at some of the Orange Pi models as well. The Zero Plus doused with spray on conformal coating is another contender. JS8Call's rasbian stretch package installs fine on armbian buster. As a side note, has anyone looked at porting Jordan Sherer's 8-FSK modulation to one of the small wifi controllers like the 240Mhz Espressif ESP32-WROVER? It's got a fine audio grade ADC and DAC, due to it's bluetooth features, and it's about the physical size of that USB audio dongle you're using the DC-11F with. Alternatively, the 500Mhz NXP RT1010 might be a good choice if you don't need 2.4ghz wifi/bt, just USB2.0 (and one of the examples is a pair of USB audio endpoints.) It's the little brother of the Teensy 4.0 board, which has the 600Mhz NXP RT1062 on it, a little faster, but it costs about as much as a raspberry pi does, and doesn't run linux. The ESP32's about $3, the RT1010's supposed to be a dollar. I'd be tickled to see this slimmed down to fit on a $7 TTGO T8 module with a 6-Pin Mini Din soldered directly to it! Edit: This video demonstrates a USB host controller that could probably drive the Yaesu's control cluster. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqCWd3WajpV6iZY The microcontroller is fast enough to "bitbang" NTSC composite baseband video by abusing the DMA facilities. Slight modification to the PCB to swap those to either a mini-din or a pair of 3.5mm minijacks. Plug a logitech USB keyboard receiver into the other USB port. Continue to use the samsung as a display. Even without the samsung, can still blind-type on the keyboard, or pin a little ST7789 SPI display in.

[@rbe3908]

Hi Julian, just found your channel...great content and quality. Wondering if you have video on your raspberry pi 12v power mod, watched several, may have missed it. Saw a brief mention, was hoping for some detail. Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@ukrainehamradio]

Cool tent and stove!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Vlad. Have you seen my pages about the shelters I use? oh8stn.org/shelter-system/

[@ausbinpippin5411]

Really did enjoy your video and it gave me a lot to think about. I'm looking for a good QRP rig that will cover all bands as now I only have one that I built from a kit for 40 meters. Keep the videos coming and 73.

[@bud03038]

Great video, in the process of setting up a raspberry PI 4 to control my uBITZ transceiver. Hope to on the air soon. de WQ1I 73'S

[@OH8STN]

Now that sounds like an awesome project Bud. They would definitely be great interest in your project if you could share it. Thanks for the comment and the kindness. It is very much appreciated.

[@Matt-bg6kf]

Suggestions ... refer to “raspberry pi field computer” as RPFC to make listening easier

[@OH8STN]

RR. KZbin algorithm requires these spoken word to understand what the video is about. I'll try to find a balance in future videos.

[@mawortz]

Americans do like their acronyms haha

[@iamsemjaza]

You are quite kickass.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. It's all teamwork. I'm lucky to have such a good teacher for winter deployment in Arctic. This Desert Rat would be a frozen popsicle without his teachings and patience. kzbin.info

[@SCIFIaction]

Wicked cool! Inspiring me to build one! I would build a better 3D printed "server rack" to manage RF, Battery, and Computation

[@OH8STN]

Actually that sounds pretty cool. If you actually do that, hook up with me so I can sharealike it.

[@jameswalker199]

I saw a 6" rack on Thingiverse that you could take inspiration from, and also the Eurorack standard that is normally used for music equipment (synthesisers and that) could be useful if you're only after something small.

[@alzeNL]

Got the link from QRZ.com - very good video - thank you so much for your great work, really enjoyed it and made me think about how I could setup, maybe not such extreme conditions, but utilize low power output and a RPI away from home.

[@OnnieKoski]

this is so cool.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks 👍👍👍

[@emmetthohensee2413]

Great presentation as usual. I greatly enjoy your common sense field worthy configurations. If you ever need anything, let us know. RadioWavz

[@BlackRabbitVW]

I love your view on emergency communications! I am working on building my raspberry pi system to work with my ft-450d. I am having some trouble getting the USB cat control to work but once I get it going I hope to be able to get a radio contact with you sometime. 73's KN4AWW.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for this message. In kind of bu.med lately with the some of the feedback. Yours is very welcome 👍👍👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@BlackRabbitVW]

You're so welcome! I have been enjoying your videos for almost 2 years now. You have great way of explaining how you set things up.

[@russellking6490]

Hi just had a qso with you on ft8call MW7AHI name Russell,love your Chanel and my pi 4 is just like your one so please keep up the good work and keep shearing

[@VoyivodaFTW1]

I like how coffee and tea were before food lol

[@ouijim]

Like the Pi for a remote control computer but then it would need Internet access in my vision of remote access. I prefer a laptop for "portable" use as it seems necessary for remote control of the Pi since the Pi does not have a screen, mouse or keyboard. I know you can add these things to the Pi but that brings "me" back to a laptop instead. Thank You for the videos keeps me thinking and "aware" of other ways to do things. . . ; )

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I may be misunderstanding you, but the Raspberry Pi is perfect for this application, and there's no 'need' for Internet access, as that could be self-defeating if you need a quickly-deployable, highly-capable portable field ops. station that's deployable *anywhere.* Get a tablet, have software that supports your digital modes, install a VNC client, and you're ready to go. Obviously, a laptop works great also, especially if that's what you prefer.

[@stromgewehr]

A big advantage of the Pi is the fact that the "tether" to the rig is wireless. You can operate from anywhere within wifi range of the radio. You don't have to sit right in front of it.

[@imhidingintheshop8889]

165 up votes, 0 down votes another classic, thank you!

[@jmriello]

Julian. Excellent video Where did you get those plastic rails for the 817. There’s a company that makes them out of aluminum but I think they’re a little pricey for what you’re getting. I think the plastic would work well and be a better value

[@AD6DMDennis]

Very cool compact portable setup! Why not use the tablet for the power control app, instead of needing a phone? Also, was it difficult to extricate the soundcard & GPS hardware internals from their plastic casings to allow plugging them in close to each other into the Pi USB ports? Thoroughly fascinated by the culmination of your many many months of experimentation and research. 73

[@michaelblosser1990]

Seriously cool video! Way too advanced for me but nice to know what is possible if I had PhD in EE. Lol

[@OH8STN]

Just like the start of a Grand Prix, we all start at different places on the grid. Cool thing is our only barrier to learning, is our own free will. Next video should be out later this week. It's less abstract, and more pragmatic.

[@spaceshipdev]

Thoroughly enjoy your content, many thanks for your uploads. Just a question, do you use a handheld at all and if so which? I like the idea of the pi paired with an 817nd.

[@OH8STN]

Excellect question. I do on occasion use a Kenwood thd74, and a Yaesu VX5R. The thing is, I don't like relying on repeaters or infrastructure at all. So my primary focus is on HF. I do have some other handheld radios, but they're mostly for testing and toys.

[@spaceshipdev]

@@OH8STN Oh good, I hoped it would be something with a TNC. I just picked up the D74 to explore packet, winlink etc. I'm still yet to commit to an all mode all bander and I think the 705 may just be out of my hobby budget range at the moment. I'm hoping to beacon APRS to ARIS on the ISS later today (handheld 4el beam) as I wonder if space is a way to mitigate the repeater dependency; in the event of an emergency. Wondering if it's feasible and motivated by your videos. Thanks again, really great work.

[@originaldylanbaxter]

You bastard! I'd just resolved to spend my next few paychecks wisely, but now I gotta pimp out my 817 instead! Have you made any major discoveries RE: measuring battery voltage from the pi, maybe using Python? I have an off-grid RasPi radio project of my own and had resigned to including an ADS1115 in the recipe and using Python w/ GPIO library to programmatically read and respond to power conditions. My off-grid deployment project will work in concert with a weather station to implement a rudimentary ATIS/AWOS and lights activation at a remote private air strip. The ADC is on the board, but It's not wired up yet because I have to research a necessary voltage divider to bring the ADC measurement into the 12v range, as well as fit a different radio with a smaller footprint -- but I'll post an update some day when I can afford to put all these projects back together :P

[@thepr0m3th3an]

Knoxville, TN! =D

[@matthewsarahplyler7304]

I am currently setting up a raspberry pi very similarly to yours... I also opted for the Sabrent sound card interface with a CAT cable. I have not been able to connect to the radio and control it using flrig on the pi. Was there something special you had to do to get it to connect properly with your radio? I'm on a Yaesu 857D, so I assume its similar to yours. Thank you for your channel! Your expertise and experience been exactly the help I needed for getting my portable station up and running!

[@OH8STN]

Hi Matthew, Sarah. All I had to do was select the correct cat control port for the rig. You can use the command "lsusb" to list all of the usb devices connected to your raspberry pi. Once you find it then the list, it's easy to select the correct one in flrig. I don't use any type of serial to USB converters or anything like that so I can't help if that's what you're using. Also make sure that you're using an ftdi chipset for your cat control interface. I hope this helps

[@matthewsarahplyler7304]

@@OH8STN Thank you so much! I will give that a try. 73 Julian! de K8KNX

[@christopherlouw8325]

Came across this video and very interesting, always been interested in prepping and communication has been something to think of. Being new to this: wouldn't a Raspberry Pi zero w be better? Takes up less space and draws less power, unless you want the extra processing power but how much multi process applications are you running? The Zero W can up run off of a power bank if need be and the W version has built in WiFi card

[@OH8STN]

The zero is awesome for a lots of projects, but it lacks the processing power for decoding data communications, plys running the UI, vnc server, access point, ... I was hoping for a more powerful 0 which could do these things but the 3 B+ and the 4B where our only options. Awesome comment. We will eventually get to the zero on this channel :-)

[@christopherlouw8325]

@@OH8STN that would be awesome to see. The more processes it has to do the power it draws, what if you could share the load with the Zero? Also i was wondering in a setup like yours, what about a radio signal tracker? Like the way they track endangered animals. Just a way to get a heads up if someone else is close by

[@billjames3148]

WOW, now I get it, sort of, so tech stuff, weights? # of boxes, did you pulk, ski in to cabin? it seems its always about the power and draw of amps. If you get back to Oslo please check out the Resistance Museum . In side you will find a steam turbine to generate power for recharging batteries. The WW2 Norwegian radio operators were impressive.

[@Chiefarndt]

Great videos, just subscribed. Trying to solve the power plug out of the 891 with a 90deg Anderson style plug like you have here. Scanned around and could not find reference? Thank you! 73

[@OH8STN]

Hey thanks for the feedback in question. Did you see those plugs in my video? Tell me the time stamp so I know what you're referring to. Then I can give you a good answer.

[@Chiefarndt]

Thank you Sir, ~2:58-3:12

[@maxprepper9126]

Excellent content as always. Got the VNC set up working, but the image (of the pi screen) on the android needs size adjustment. The image is oversized and cutoff on the sides, while the image on a hdmi connected monitor is perfect. Is this a function of the pi or my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10? Also been trying to buy the power amp but not available and no reply from customer service? Any ideas? Mike

[@OH8STN]

The resolution problem could be on the Raspberry Pi side. It could also be your VNC client settings on the Samsung. I would do a simple Google search "how to adjust VNC resolution on a Raspberry Pi". QRPVer it's a small company. Infected might be just one guy I'm not sure. He is slow to answer, but many of us have received our amplifiers.

[@ReadySetGoPictures]

Could you look at the GoTenna Pro and let us know your thoughts, like you did the original? Even if it’s just a comment here. Just discovered your channel and am loving it!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks and yes, I'll take a look. I've had my eye on the mesh, but let's see if I can get the FCC to release the pro documentation.

[@kareneighth6045]

I recently found your channel, and appreciate your well considered concepts. I’ve got some catching up to do now. Have you done a field station with the ft-891?

[@OH8STN]

Hi Karen. Thanks for the comment question and kindness. I didn't mention it in the video but the point of the field test in Lapland, was preparation for winter field day. For Winter Field Day 2020, I'll deploy with the ft-891. The 891 is my default system for critical Communications. The 817nd is simply my prototyping platform. Anyway thanks for reminding me. I'll have to write a blog post about that tomorrow. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@kareneighth6045]

OH8STN OK thanks. I found your digital setup video for the ft-891 video. I believe you were using a digimaster miniprosc and Windows. But I read that this interface does not play well with Linux. What interface do you use with raspberry pi and ft-891?

[@OH8STN]

@@kareneighth6045 the miniprosc plays extremely well with linux. I only removed it from field work, for added portability. I think I'll do a video setting up that interface with the Raspberry Pi. Others have already asked for that, and it's already in the works. Would that help?

[@kareneighth6045]

OH8STN Absolutely. Thank you.

[@kareneighth6045]

OH8STN please include benefits over the 2 cords, usb + 6pin din to Sabrent. Thanks

[@aurorahauntedhobbies968]

Trees and green grass above the arctic circle? Man, I moved to the wrong side of the arctic! Greetings from the tundra of Nunavut

[@OH8STN]

Winter really didn't arrive up here until last month. There wasn't any snow at all until a couple of weeks before I shot that video. Still, it's beautiful country. Wait a few weeks and it'll be the Frozen Wasteland we expect 👍

[@aurorahauntedhobbies968]

@@OH8STN that's what it's like over here now. Lol constant -40 with the wind. Thanks for the very enjoyable video