Icom IC-705 & JS8Call from the Arctic Circle

[@lavenderlilacproductions]

One thing that always comes through in your videos is how genuinely good natured you are. Always enjoy them.

[@OH8STN]

Hoping that it true. These says it is sometimes challenging to remain tolerant in the face of hostility. Although I missed this message earlier, reading it today made my day. Your kindness is greatly appreciated 🙏 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Jed-q2q]

What a wonderful setting to enjoy both radio and the outdoors without sacrifacing comfort.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you. The location was an absolute blast. I'm not quite sure how we found it. The level of comfort was extraordinary. Being able to jump in bed, take a quick nap before returning to the radio was epic, to say the least. Thanks for watching and thanks for the kindness. It's greatly appreciated.

[@TangoRomeo121]

That jambalaya looked pretty good to me Julian! You made it with what you could get your hands on and that's the way I always do too. It's never the same each time, but always good and seriously satisfying. So glad to bring a little Louisiana to the Arctic Circle too. Keep up the great work, the Camper Caravan is coming along nicely and I'm looking forward to your next update. Semper fi Brother, Todd KI5HNX

[@SavageAirguns]

Completely out of my wheelhouse but I can respect the knowledge you're dropping.

[@garytedlock7533]

Thank you for all you do for the preparedness community , It's over my head ,but with your videos I'm learning, Thanks again, Julian KD9WTH 73

[@Eduar-d-o]

10:22 look at you receiving my Winlink message! Fantastic! 73 Julian

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for supporting the effort 👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@kf5hcr176]

Thank you Sir. Well done. Junior loves you like none other. I'm proud of you 73

[@prephampaul]

Great to see the camper out in its natural habitat!!

[@karlrichards3054]

Thanks!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@Auharry]

Hi Julian Fantastic to see some parts of youre arctic circle expidition Nice camera shots with the drone 😊😊 73 Harry

[@EricSolomon-op8ti]

WOW. SUPER NICE RV !!! Looking forward to your Next video. You are THE BEST Sir!!!

[@TheRealBigEE]

Hello and thank you for the wonderful video. It is so very interesting to me what folks with the knowledge and the drive can do with these tools. I have really been considering the Digi rig and a smaller HF device like a VX-6R perhaps at least to get started with Js8Call. I am glad you had a great trip and thank you for including us.

[@jameskc3oxn976]

TTP and his NRC deserve some props, man. But I'm on board with what you're saying and personally run a gateway and I am NCS in a weekly Winlink net. You should give him credit for trying though. We all learn from each other, Brother. 73 de KC3OXN

[@turdferguson2863]

This is so cool I hope you're enjoying your time!

[@RESlusher]

Awwww, Julian. Where's the hex tent?! No shelter halves? 😁 You know that if "it ain't snowin'...we ain't goin'"! 😝 Good stuff as always, my friend!

[@NeilHoward]

always interesting Julian

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Neil 🙏

[@regularguy519]

Excellent video, Julian. Really appreciate the breakdown as always. Just throwing in my 2 cents.. After trying soooo many antennas, I've come to the conclusion that are no better lightweight, fully rugged antenna systems on the market better than the ones made by N9SAB (ebay seller). My comms group in Texas use his antennas for NVIS, stateside, and DX. -Hooyah!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks and agreed. My everyday antennas are from N9SAB. So far there have only been positive results using them. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@JasonFrisbie]

The Best content of this type....by far!!! Thank you for what you do. I am always inspired by your videos. Mad respect for your work. My entire philosophy in Ham has always been Portable comms and Emergency comms. I would love to get a JS8CALL contact or FT8 contact with you someday. Keep up the great work. KK7JF

[@slik560]

Great video. I’m way out of practice on WinLink. Few in my area are interested. I may have to jump back in soon. JS8 is fantastic however. My antenna is the only limit. 😎🇺🇸.

[@doglegjake6788]

I would enjoy living that way

[@OH8STN]

Agreed. Would be awesome.

[@Ratchety]

While watching the overhead footage, I can't help but think that Powerfilm needs to make you a replacement awning... not that the stock vinyl one is bad or anything.

[@Hank_W6IR]

I ran mobile back in 1999 from the Arctic Circle in Alaska. Shredded a tire on the way back to civilization on the Dalton Highway which sucked.

[@user-ri4kl2kv9d]

I can only enjoy your contact. Because I'm a novice fascinating.😅

[@PauloNeuenschwander]

Hej Julian! Nice video man! I like this idea of an off-grid caravan. I'll start working in mine this fall. Man, I have a question about the radio itself. I saw you use the IC-705 but you also have this Lab599 TX-500. If you have money for only one of them, which would you pick? You got my mind with the battery consumption thing, I have a FT-891. It's a great radio but as you said it's thirsty. I'd like to invest in one of those QRP radios but it seems people have different opinions regarding this topic. 73 de SA5PEN

[@OH8STN]

Definitely the IC-705. The TX500 is beautiful, but it's not finished. There's also lots of wires when you want cst control or data modes. Yes, the IC-705 is an incredible ready to go radio.

[@PauloNeuenschwander]

@@OH8STN thanks for your opinion.

[@OH8STN]

I was half asleep when I wrote it, but I'll stick by it. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@hzilla5550]

Novice on JS8Call, (and ham radio overall) and would appreciate your opinion. If I am RECEIVING over 30 plus QSO's on 40m at night (one from Netherlands while I am on the N Carolina Coast) , but only 5 of those can hear me on Heart Beat query (as the black star notation in the right panel indicates) is it safe to say that I simply need more Tx Power? I am looking at the "nuclear option" of a 1500W amp. My current set up is Elecraft KX3 with KPA100 amplifier (both with ATU), a Buckmaster 7 band 10-80m OCFD which handles only 300 watts limit, inverted V, apex 65 feet, 90 and 45 foot legs elevation each at 20 feet, 100 ft coax sloping down to shack. SWR's around 1.2- 1.3. I do have an old discontinued MFJ 2990 aluminum 43 foot vertical telescoping pole with the balun which I am thinking about erecting in the back yard with 16 radials of 20 gauge silicone coated wire each radial being around 43 feet length. What do you think? Maybe lower angle of transmission with a vertical will give better Tx results both locally and dx? I'd like to see what the MFJ vertical does with 100 Watts first of course compared to the Buckmaster, but the MFJ can handle 1500 watts. I would like to try vertical at 100 W before considering getting a 3000W capable Buckmaster if it performs better than the MFJ vertical and it boils down to simply needing more brute Tx power. Thanks, and I enjoy your videos and the scenery and solitude at the Arctic Circle. Will be tackling Winlink when antenna issues sorted out. 73's. Karl AF5LQ

[@N0LSD]

Before you spend a bunch of money on a very expensive amplifier, I'd suggest you check your audio output to ensure you are getting the correct audio (full output power, little to no ALC) from the computer, through the audio interface, and out through the radio. Next, I'd check that antenna and make sure it doesn't have some sort of issue. Lastly, many operators leave JS8Call up and heartbeating, but may be doing other things. So there may not be any issue with your setup at all; but just a bunch of zombie stations at the time you're operating.

[@hzilla5550]

@@N0LSD Thanks for the overview . I hadn’t thought of the zombies but I forgot to mention that I have the same dilemma on SSB and CW. I can hear lots of people but no one can hear me. My KPA indicates 90-100 watts peak output when TX, but will check higher up the signal source on the computer and the KX3.

[@benwilliams36]

I think the “no random contacts” idea is more about making a differentiation from the Ham activities in which you’re excited for any new contact vs trying to contact very specific people or groups. I don’t think it’s at odds with your winlink example.

[@OH8STN]

Just trying to get people to think. Newcomers often take things too literally. If we tell them to focus on a specific operating practice, very often they ignore everything else. Hopefully, the way it was explained as in this video, shows the benefit of a flexible and adaptable operating strategy.

[@ecmo2007]

Julian, Can you tell us about the TF20-CF mast? I would like to know what the actual weight of it is. The info is not available. Thank you in advance. Also... Very smart what you did with the handle of the Peovi cage. I am currently using a Manfroto pocket MP3-BK, but may switch to your method.

[@boboo1054]

Hello Buddy 😀, seems that i should visit You there to cook some good food 😅 A small hint: the colours in the video are a bit "over saturated". Stay healthy, Julian

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

Loving the camper. I had no idea Finland was so beautiful. How did you end up there?

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Finland is an amazing place! My wife is from Finland. She wanted us to raise our child in a less divisive environment than back home. It was a great decision.

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

Roger that! Thanks for sharing a bit of your QTH

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

@@OH8STNso true about the divisiveness , unfortunately, especially now.

[@Kd4jwf2024]

Great videos as always....I would like to set up a PACE plan for me to be able to communicate with you specially weekends....safety and health check

[@JCO-13]

So ... when are you going to paint your camper OD green? 😁

[@gregrush6570]

I'm curious if email is being shared across the air via Winlink, is it vulnerable to being looked at by anyone hearing the exchange? Also, just my $0.02 but by avoiding "random contacts" it may be difficult to exchange scenario conditions across regions that could be helpful and useful information. Of course, there is obvious risk associated with that as nefarious actors (e.g. enemies on your national soil) could mislead with false information. I think in a worst case scenario, I would take may chances and try to find valuable information to share with the locals. Unfortunately that would mean calling CQ and taking some things at face value. Could be dangerous. Keep up your valuable and inspiring content sir!

[@OH8STN]

Good question. Winlink emails can be monitored. In a very bad situation, an email can carry a "special payload" as an attachment. About random contacts, agreed. I believe we should remain flexible and adaptable in our operating approach.

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

Do you use that high contrast to make it easier to read, or do you just like the way it looks?

[@OH8STN]

Great question. It's easier on the eyes during long sessions.

[@RONALDEANES-u7i]

Howdy Julian. I have a question about the Microsoft Surface that you use. You have mentioned in the past that you have some vision problems. I too have vision problems in that I am Legally Blind. Are JS8Call and Winlink able to use any kind of visual scaling "UP" on the Microsoft Surface, in order to make the text big enough for me to read? NOTE: I have not tried either of these modes yet, so I am asking this question as someone who knows virtually nothing about them ....yet.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

Almost looks like red rice. Try stewed fresh tomatoes over white rice. Do you find that high contrast on the tablet saves battery?

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

What was the word that you said when you gave junior his food?

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Sounds like gato.

[@Corpsvett]

As I view this KZbin reports this video as 2 hours old. That's plenty of time upload Ver 3... Thank Julian - Rick KU5MC

[@joemichaels6735]

Send more beer.

[@ricktompson9453]

Also if your stove doesn't work. The dog 🐕 can get by on kibles.

[@neubert500]

We disagree BUT we are looking at the issue of "No Random Contacts" from 2 different angles. My PRIMARY GOAL in grid down situations is to maintain comms with family and friends, as a result my contacts WILL be directed. An analogy would be a military unit in the field maintaining comms with base or higher command. If unable to establish DIRECTED COMMS then yes I will use what is available, as you suggest. I do not BELIEVE that "No Random Contacts" is anything other that a statement of KT7RUNs intention for HIS usage (and mine) of our gear. Not a DX expedition but actual Health and Welfare of our family and those that depend on us. I am not attempting to in anyway invalidate YOUR radio journey, as I have learned a TREMENDOUS amount of vital and valuable information from you both. I do understand your point to be open to changing situations and agree in that regard. Again, no insult is intended or implied, but I personally do agree with the "No Random Contacts" as it fits my needs as they exist.

[@ryanhuggins]

I also like the "No Random Contacts." I look at it like this. If I was in a "SHTF" situation in the middle of nowhere and my ham radio is the only means of getting help... you bet I'm not sitting there and calling CQ! I'm hoping on whatever gateway I can hit and sending a directed winlink message to a group of 10 or 15 people who I know would know how to use the data I'd provide to get assistance sent to me. When S hits the Fan, you need people who are trained and capable and who you know will drop what they're doing and respond at a certain level. That to me is the essence of "No Random Contacts", it's not about never going out and making random contacts when conditions are normal.

[@robertjordan4755]

S/F

[@zoolkhan]

are you not getting along with the natives buddy? you never mention any activities with finns in finland, your heart and mind seem to be with people in north america despite your finnish callsign?

[@OH8STN]

Though I'm not a big fan of club politics in any country, KZbin and real-life are different things. My KZbin has a western facing focus. My local ham radio interests and activities are personal.

[@OH8STN]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqqkhmSbmMZ9prc kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmTXaWWabd6Nock

[@zoolkhan]

@@OH8STN fair enough, i would love to see you on the annual summer camp one day. for entirely personal reasons of course :) In finland there is a club, sure - but whether youre member or not doesnt matter with those events. no one asks - there is no "politics" involved. These camps always are somewhere in nature, where you can set up your tent or caravan, as i do set up in my old "overlander" pajero and field station. some commercials will sell stuff there , a fleamarket with a lot of junk is also present, clubstation - which you can use whether youre member or not - no one gives a sht abt that... It would be down your alley.

[@oherrala]

You've not paid attention to his videos. I've been mentioned multiple times over the years! As a finn yourself you probably know we mostly want to stay in background and not get unnecessary publicity :) 73 de OH8HUB. ps. I've seen you on VarAC, but no QSO yet!

[@zoolkhan]

@@oherrala yeah i am mostly on 20m that's not a good band for domestic qso... but let's try make contact via relay maybe? true i did not pay attention to every word and mention, i did not see all videos and not every vid in is entirety - mea culpa ;-) i am glad he is socially not on his own up there. And if course i respect privacy concerns. i am not forcing his social security number out at gunpoint, am i ?

[@sk8crk]

no random contacts is snobby

[@OH8STN]

Agreed

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

Julian, it looks like you misunderstand "No random contacts". Couple things. 1. The schedule means you do not have to pound on the radio continuously to contact people close to you, saving limited power. 2. Making random QSOs has limited value in EMCOMM, during an emergency. Being able to network has value. I find random contacts to be fun, and tests my gear some, so "no random contacts" is not for me. However, you denigrating the notion is not helpful.

[@OH8STN]

I understand perfectly 😉. The schedule is the weak link. Data networks like JS8Call, Winlink, VarAC allow operators to store a message on the network for later retrieval. The message can get retrieved even if the station who sent it isn't on-air. This networking functionality removes the weak link in "scheduled" contacts. By random contacts, I am referring to alternate RMS gateways, relaying through "random" JS8Call or VarAC stations. I'm not referring to the random contact when one's CQ is answered, or when one responds to a CQ. Thanks for commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@OH8STN]

Ahh I see, you've edited your message. My video promotes staying flexible and adaptable, being ready to connect to any station in the network, rather than the few one was scheduled to contact.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

@@OH8STN I guess it depends on what you are trying to do and if you are trying to limit steps, or who can see your message at any given time. I try to schedule contacts to test equipment for specific reasons, trying to get farther out, adjustment of height or a new antenna so I know how far I can reach with a certain setup. After I reach that goal, I will call cq to see where else I can get. Unfortunately, my paying job does take me away from the radio equipment more often than not.

[@wordless1111]

Jambalaya for dinner tonite! thx for the idea. 73 kk7ezn