Super Antenna MP1 & Yaesu FT-817 Winter

[@OH8STN]

Here is the blog which goes along with this video. oh8stn.org/blog/2017/04/02/radar-challenge-after-action-report-april-2017/

[@CanadianPrepper]

Great to see you out there doing your thing brother, I always say that the hard way ultimately is the easy way! The lessons learned from this toil cannot be bought. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. -CP

[@OH8STN]

+Canadian Prepper N- you'll probably never understand how much you just made my day! Thanks for listening to the message.

[@mdouble100]

I admire that your focus in on creating realistic operating situations which may be faced by those who might have to operate under such conditions during real emergency. It's all fine to imagine such operating conditions and quite another actually getting out in the weather loaded with gear. Radar offers a real chance to provide proof of concept operations, but even Radar is limited in many ways. Real emergencies would require operators to develop networks, pass information as would be the case with an ARES type activation. Strategic communications operations would involve sustained field operations. Rapid deployment and mobility is more about tactical operations than developing a useful communications strategy if operators were required to do field operations. AREAS SET (Simulated Emergency Training) exercises includes actually passing simulated emergency traffic. For me a realistic evaluation of a RADAR type event should include the ability to demonstrate an effective ad hock communications network within a given set of possible scenarios. Emcomm is all about helping others in a crisis. At the end of the day it is about the information and the people who need or use that information. The gear is important only so far as it makes such communication possible.

[@ukulelebob4983]

As always, an excellent video that's also a great learning opportunity. Thank you!

[@Commsprepper]

Julian - what impact does the cold have on your batteries? Do you see degradation in operating times? My Android tablet does not do well in the cold at all. Hank

[@OH8STN]

Hi Hank. Just commenting on your video. With Lithium Polymer batteries, I've had really good luck with. The nickel metal hydride really suffer. I also never packed the tablet of a smartphone independently of my person. It's just an old habit but I try to keep my tablet in the comfort of my body heat. Thanks for commenting and watching Hank it's really appreciated

[@kytecit5653]

I've seen / heard of camerapersons using the chemical hand warmers to keep batteries warm.

[@georgeshatz2114]

Excellent Excellent Excellent and yes please more videos. All your videos are awesome. Ty

[@patm5165]

Another excellent video, thanks for doing. I'm sold on that antenna, going to have to get one.

[@OH8STN]

+Pat M thanks for the kindness Pat. I'm really enjoying the break down size vs performance of this system.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@OH8STN How great a performer is that antenna?

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Another great video! Your videos help me keep my eye focused on portable operations, You made a comment that if you included all the information that the video would be too long. Your videos are never too long! I really enjoy them!

[@timb4655]

Another great & honest video. Thank you for doing what you do & being almost my single source of portable radio comms ! Some of it even making sense now :)

[@OH8STN]

+Tim B thanks Tim. We are always learning, at least we should be! The way I see it, if I can suffer through operating up here, it should be enough to inspire other operators to try it where they are. Thanks for the kindness and please do come back and let us know about your own portable Ops.

[@tonycantrell9547]

i hear on the freezing rain. its better to be a tad colder and dry verses around freezing and wet. good work brother, stay safe.

[@OH8STN]

+tony cantrell Tony you're absolutely right. My clothing would have kept me warm for some time even in -15, but once you get wet it's a deal breaker. I could have stayed out there doing more phone contacts but my gloves were wet by that time.

[@ecdcrew]

Perfect, very good. You can shed some pounds with a battery from Bioenno, I use that plus a MP1 on all my portable treks. I also built a frame that you might find useful, from PVC that holds everything in grab and go convenience. Strong and light weight.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. I'm working on the battery from Bioenno. Tell me about that frame or perhaps share a link so we can see it. Thanks for commenting

[@kytecit5653]

That is a 'weak point' of the FT-817(nd) in that it doesn't have a detachable head. The back pack would be a nice contained unit if you could detach the head and control the rig / etc while the main parts were kept dry and warm...

[@OH8STN]

KYTec IT COMPLETELY AGREE! If you have t817 had a removable head like the ft-857 I would be the happiest camper on the planet. Having the ability to mount the radio and a backpack or perhaps a Pelican case while keeping the remote head closer to the operating position open up huge possibilities.

[@kytecit5653]

I wonder - would the Bluetooth CAT Interface for YAESU FT-857, 897, 817, 100 - TX/RX App (Android) work rather than trying to detach the face? www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-CAT-Interface-for-YAESU-FT-857-897-817-100-TX-RX-App-Android-/152519982366?hash=item2382e63d1e:g:i3QAAOSw5cNYQlSn You already have the Android Tablet for Digital modes,...

[@OH8STN]

KYTec IT kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZLFfmaOaMmnn9k

[@endlessfields5032]

Love your videos. I'd like to get out and participate in a RaDAR challenge sometime. Your videos have inspired a lot of my own radio purchases. Thanks for doing what you do and 73s.

[@nr3rful]

Very informative and professional as usual...tks...73

[@OH8STN]

+nr3rful 👍👍👍 Thanks, can only hope so.

[@survivalcomms]

This was an awesome video Julian ! So much covered I am sorry I missed the event. The counterpoise wires on the super antenna can be a charlie foxtrot. I Got some 20ga 6 conductor ribbon cable and cut them to band lengths and keep it spooled on a cuban yoyo fishing reel. I stopper knot the 40m wire and keep it through a hole in the yoyo reel and the yoyo reel keeps the counterpoise "array" laid out well. Tripod toppling drives me nuts too. I picked up a microphone stand base and so far it works great but isnt very light. The weight and low center of gravity really help. Thanks for sharing !

[@OH8STN]

+SurvivalComms thanks Bret! The RaDAR Challenge is definitely a learning experience no matter from where one participates. It's that thing I mentioned once before, about putting the gun to your head, telling you to operate in whatever conditions you happen to be in.the next opportunity comes in July. Hey do you think you might make a video on your counterpoise setup? Sounds like it would be a popular one for any collapsible whip. Or I can do it, and you can laugh at me 😀. I just received a new tripod for the super antenna. It's going to hook underneath which allows you to hang a counterweight or counterbalance. I have to make a separate video or perhaps of blog post about it, if it works out. For the MPAS, I heard there is their new ground spike antenna mount on the way. Manufacturers are paying attention to the way we operate in the field. As always brother thanks for the kindness. You are definitely one of the crew, and your comments help guide the direction I take the channel. Julian

[@survivalcomms]

Thanks Julian - I will make a video of it over the next few days. Like the super antenna's counterpoise it is universal and works for all kinds of fun designs. I have a video to upload of a similar DIY multpurpose mast I made last week. I have used a surveyor tripod before that uses the free hanging weight. With a good durable bag for ballast you can get a good 12-15 foot before the mast leverage vs base weight becomes unbalanced. Do you know of a good app to time sync and android device ? Thanks again !

[@larrynathanson9892]

Julian, I read the blog. Thank you.

[@OH8STN]

I hope it was helpful. 73

[@larrynathanson9892]

Very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@WA8QFE]

I have found that I must make my own marks on the ruler for my coil, by first setting it up at home and using my MFJ-259c analyzer.

[@OH8STN]

That's excellent feedback! I think I'll try that. 73 de oh8stn

[@groundzero.]

great video, I need to upgrade to a better portable HF. rig. seeing your setup ideas helps alot

[@OH8STN]

+Chad Steiner thanks. What kind of setup are you hoping for?

[@groundzero.]

a small 80m-10m qrp rig. been using a icom 706mkiig but have it set up permanent now in the shack. kind of thinking the 817 or smaller so I can pack it into my motorcycle. have a chameleon mpas. antenna for portable.

[@OH8STN]

Chad Steiner Chad I rode for years with the 817 in my top box on my Honda Varadero. It's definitely a tough rugged little bugger, but at the moment I'm considering the Elecraft KX2 as a second option. The KX2 is certainly not as rugged, but it's smaller size makes it more deployable. It's hard to beat the 817 on cost versus ruggedness though. I also like the MPAS. It's so easy to set up, no fiddling, push-button to tune it, and work away.

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

great job

[@M6EastCoastGirl]

Rock 'n' Roll! Great video! Crikey that looked very, very cold! Brrrrr! Nice job Julian I like the sled, really useful on snow and ice. The tipee looks a more cosy option for fixed portable. I like what you said about what the Finns call 'seeswee' (sp.) that doing something the hard way is sometimes a good way to learn how to do it even better, but sometimes the easier option can work out best of all! Tipee ... Baby log burner, JD in hip flask and chocolate... WTG! ;)

[@OH8STN]

Lucy Lu M6ECG 😀 it sounds like you're describing a date Lucy. Chocolate, JD, soft glow of a baby wood stove, tipi, ... 😉 Yes the pulk works very well. I also have a more traditional one which is lighter to pull, but much larger. I think winter field day will be my first chance to show the community the "Winter field station" configuration. It's all coming together well. :) It's very nice to have you active again Lucy Lu!

[@Aporqpyn]

Great video! I enjoyed this format.

[@DanielWiley]

Excellent video Julian. really enjoyed.

[@OH8STN]

+Daniel Wiley Thanks Daniel 👍

[@DanielWiley]

OH8STN Julian, check out www.oztent.com pricey but my hold up very well.

[@OH8STN]

Daniel Wiley Thanks Daniel. I've got my heart set on the Scandinavian TentipiTents​. I've tried all sorts of other tents, Expedition style, base camp, prospector tents, ... The tipi seems like a right choice for 65°N.

[@DanielWiley]

Wow those are nice. have to take a better look.

[@buzzingadventures1980]

Great video 👍👍

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

Do you have a review video somewhere with more info about the 45 watt amp you use? Thanks

[@OH8STN]

+The Johnny O Show thanks that was a Homebrew amp. Other than this video I don't think I've ever mentioned it before. I have a small 10w amplifier that I use for the 817 now. I realize there was no point to operating QRO, that's powering up such a device is impractical in the field. I'll keep it under 20 watts

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

ok thanks good to know :-)

[@WI9LL]

Really enjoyed this video. I like your style.

[@OH8STN]

+KD9EAS thanks for the kindness! I don't know if it's "Style" or if it's more like my wife says "he's too stupid to give up". What I do know, is getting outdoors with my gear is a learning experience each and every time.

[@robertzingery8888]

Hello Julian hope all is good in the north. I need some clarification on the RaDAR time schedual. Is it now 24hrs or a 4hr op in the 24 hr period. Thanks and 73 Robert K6NFY

[@wickensonline]

That first contact goes a long way to compensate for all the frustrations on the build up. I like the idea that the Finnish have a specific word for this scenario - I can't think of anything off hand from the British vernacular that fits - maybe just removing yourself from the comfort zone, but in a controlled measured way. SOTA has provided me with the vehicle to to exactly this, and given that I live in the Lake District in the UK it is a natural pursuit for me. Keep up the excellent videos! If you don't mind me asking what software do you use in their production? I'm a bit out of the game when it comes to video editing...

[@OH8STN]

Hi Mark. First off thanks for the kindness. Yeah totally! I know if I can get my station set up and ready to go within 10 minutes no matter how much trouble I'm having it's probably going to be a good day . The Finns have lots of interesting words to describe the darker aspects of life's experiences. Sometimes they take quite a long time to understand from a Foreigner's perspective. I also enjoy SOTA, but I need to go to Lapland or Eastern Finland to activate. It's a shame because it fits my operating style very much. The software I'm using is called KineMaster Pro. I'm taking it very far beyond its recommended limits, but if I want to edit with an Android device, it's the only solution in the game. I often criticize *****​​​ lead dev, but compared to all the other Solutions out there, this one gets the job done. Thanks again for the kindness and for watching. 73 de oh8stn

[@petemilsom7054]

Hi Julian You mention an Android version of JT65 but I cannot find it. The last one disappeared from the Playstore. Are you using a beta version ? Or perhaps I am looking in the wrong place. Can you help. 73 de Pete. G4GSA.

[@OH8STN]

Hi Paul It's the same one. It's still in my Play store. It doesn't decode very well, but is better than nothing.

[@RadioPrepper]

FB Julian. That sled is the key here it seems...

[@OH8STN]

+Radio Prepper Agreed. The ability to carry the equipment that I need to sustain myself in these conditions is dependent upon a ski pulk or hiking trailer. If we look back at the winter War skis and pulk sled, were critical elements in c&c and mobility. As they say "When in Rome". Thanks for stopping by. Btw, look here www.oh8stn.org/links

[@stevecook7279]

great video, Julian, thanks. Since this was posted 2 years ago, have you found a table and chair you like? I love my Kelty Linger low-back chair and side table - wouldn't go anywhere without them. KJ4LAB

[@HugDeeznueces]

Nicely done Julian. Just curious what Pelican case are you using?

[@OH8STN]

+Rob Fern thanks Rob much appreciated. I'll take a look at the model number when I go out to the shack later today. Then post it here.

[@OH8STN]

Rob Fern hi Rob. it was a 1400.

[@larrynathanson9892]

Great video. I am interested in the amp you are using. Can you give more details on the amp and it's cost and where to purchase? Thank you for your continuing great advice. I have learned so much from you and you have opened the world of QRP portable operations to me. I really appreciate your effort and wisdom.

[@OH8STN]

You are too kind Larry. The amp was Homebrew from a friend of mine, but there is one that I would consider recommending for others. First of all we should consider a couple of things. Firstly do you want an amp for a qrp radio or should you invest in a more powerful radio and dial it down to qrp level!? For example I'm considering for emergency communications the Yaesu ft 857 but limiting the output power to 20 watts. The other option is keeping the qrp radio that you might already have and adding an amp. Just remember though if you increase your output power you're also going to reduce your operating time. So you may have to consider upgrading your solar panel or off-grid power for longer operating duration. I'll reply again shortly with the links to the amp I should have invested in and built.

[@OH8STN]

+Larry Nathanson oh8stn.org/blog/2017/06/07/amplifiers-for-low-power-field-communications/

[@TheMountainRN]

Love it

[@OH8STN]

Thanks D- didn't want you guys to think I'm just sitting on my butt getting lazy 👍

[@TheMountainRN]

OH8STN i do that for both of us lol

[@joeblow8593]

Thanks

[@larrynathanson9892]

Julian, Would you consider a Yaesu 891 rather than the 857?

[@OH8STN]

Hey Larry I'm almost finished with the blog post that I've written to answer your question. The answer to that question will be there as well I need another hour to hour and a half to complete it then you'll find it on oh8stn.org

[@zanado11]

Another great video, entertaining and instructive. 73 de W8RLP

[@OH8STN]

Thank you. You're entirely too kind. 73 de oh8stn

[@al-ug3qb]

is the mp1 tough?

[@mikemiles3068]

👍KV5P