The Smallest Manpack You'll Ever Make!

[@AZREDFERN]

Hate to break it to you… there’s an even smaller radio. The Anysecu WP-9900, if you can get Amazon to send you the right one. Plus all the controls and screen are on the speakermic.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've seen that! If you have PTT/Speaker/Mic on that front cable, you should be good to go with just one cable! I'm getting there, one project at a time.

[@AZREDFERN]

@@temporarilyoffline good luck! RTsys also makes software and cable for it too. I haven’t looked into if there’s a way to do digital yet, without splicing the cable. I’m printing an overkill mount for my motorcycle right now that uses the Signal Stuff / S&K “J-Pole”. It’s small enough to attach directly to the bottom of the antenna that weighs more than the radio. Maybe a manpak in the future, since it should all be removable.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@AZREDFERN nice, I'd like to see that

[@AZREDFERN]

@@temporarilyoffline I’ll probably do a video test of it. I have a backlog that I still need to edit 😰

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

I have one of those. Speakermic/display connects with an 8 pin aviation connector. I suspect the best way to make an interface would be to get a short male-female jumper and just splice into the audio/mic/PTT lines so you can still use the handset for for control/voice. There is an auxiliary port on the back but it is only labeled for speaker and data (serial programming).

[@garrettelrod9197]

8:00 If you have stuff sticking out a zipper compartment I recommend a tiny carabiner to latch the zippers cables together to prevent the bag from working its way open as you walk. I Had that problem before 😅.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's a great suggestion!

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Yes, I use a small carabiner for exactly that purpose.

[@rdsmith334]

Awesome tip. Thanks

[@johnm7249]

FT-90 has a continuously running fan, even when receiving. Putting it in that bag could shorten its life significantly.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea, gotta keep an eye on heat!

[@UnknownUser-pf9rk]

@@temporarilyoffline You could 3D-print some sort of shell for the radio that protects the antenna connector from breaking off as well as givinig it some space for ventilation to the top.

[@Rusted_Link]

Duct it outside. I'm working on a manifold to attach to the fan.

[@Proaman-js2qv]

Not to mention the heat sinks.

[@dananderson6992]

great build, I really think making an additional hole in the remaining unused zipper compartment for the Rpi and or digi would cleanup the cables.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good call!

[@rdsmith334]

EXACTLY what I was thinking. Just leave them in there and sealed up in a small clear knockoff pelican case, w some caulking on the hole. Plug/unplug as needed.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@rdsmith334 (This bag is smaller than the smallest pelican case). but I get what you're saying.

[@spr00sem00se]

@@temporarilyoffline the smallest pelican case I have is significantly smaller than that bag.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@spr00sem00se good to hear.

[@MikeN2MAK]

I wish there were more small mobile radios like this from Yaesu, Icom or Kenwood. There's so many possibilities!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I think we are convincing them, one video at a time.

[@Subgunman]

For 2 meter comms you could find an older Kenwood VHF LTR radio from the early 2000's. They are becoming more available on the used market at a reasonable cost. Avoid the UHF versions as they will not go into the ham bands. Make sure you purchase a low power unit since the high power has a longer heat sink and weighs a bit more. Radios program with radio software KPG- 49 as well as needing a rib box. There is info out there as to how to make the rib box.

[@MikeN2MAK]

@@Subgunman Thanks!

[@tlcgolden]

You can fit any Yaesu HT in that bag . Great job putting that man pack together.

[@TerraMagnus]

We could have some amazingly small radios if they were SDR with no screens or controls. Just good laptop / tablet / mobile apps.

[@WECB640]

Nice build T.O. I think I would get some form of permanent ID on it so it doesn't walk away. How about an Apple ID tag sewn in where it's not easy to find? 73 OM

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea

[@MegaSchmidlin]

Finally a page that lists the equipment used! Welp guess I found what I'm going to be watching at work tonight lol

[@temporarilyoffline]

Awesome. Thanks... This one is a used radio, but the project can be adapted. This is also part 3 in the series.

[@patthesoundguy]

What a fantastic setup! I have done a similar thing with my uSDX+ with a slightly wider bag. it has the battery powered ATU-100 tuner in the bag, radio powered off of a 12v dewalt drill battery. All I need is a telescopic antenna that works on an HF band and I'm good to go

[@temporarilyoffline]

Awesome. I need to do some more videos on my usdx

[@timel64]

Good luck going through TSA with that.😂

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@timel64 Before the recent mossad pager incident this wouldn't have been a problem, but now I worry.

[@WaynePatrick]

I have my Xiegu G106 in that same bag. Mini qrp pack.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@WaynePatrick nice! I like the g106

[@franciscolopez3229]

Nice light portable setup. Those Abbree tactical antenna are very useful. Have one and I've tried making contact 74 km away just using my vintage IC-02AT at only 4 watts me being almost 200 feet above sea level.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sounds like a good setup, good luck on the next contact!

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

This is what I call compact and portable! Nice build!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks, it was fun!

[@moonchild2213]

Have you had any venting issues with the radio and the lack of air for the finals while in the bag?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Operate properly for your requirements and you'll never have heat problems.

[@angelscomputers]

ohhh look, a high power handy talkie! 😂

[@temporarilyoffline]

Right!

[@hikingfish3]

Would love to see the same kind of kit, but in an HF version (with a trusdx maybe to keep it tiny?). Cheers!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't have a trusdx anymore, but I have a video planned for the uSDX and for the FT-818 in a smaller bag than my current get-up. Stay tuned!

[@RobBob555]

Something like a Xiegu X6100 would be better

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@RobBob555 here is my x6100 kit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32cmpauibiaZ8ksi=ONAYTO4_k1RKmX5o

[@MrTlogan64]

So my question on this build: how much of a difference would you see if instead of the Abbree you use a Signal Stick? I have not looked at the Abbree, is it going to do a lot better?

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's a good question and pretty hard to measure. The Abbree is an EFHW, so "more wire in the air", but there is the transformer at the bottom. The Signal Stick is a 1/4wave and no transformer. Both are "resonant". I made an assumption and now you've got me wanting to testing that out.

[@BenjaminHeyser]

​@@temporarilyofflineI was thinking of the signal stick as well. It might roll up inside the case still connected to the radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@BenjaminHeyser Wouldn't be as eye-catching though 🤣

[@TheRiskyDingo]

These man packs always look cool. My main concern is cable management and overheating the radios. Might be a good idea to make some sort of ventalation, or is that not a concern with these?

[@temporarilyoffline]

They are a good way to do short term comms - APRS RX and beaconing is fine in the bag... maybe a single winlink email TX. Long duration TX would go back to operator skill... to take it out of the bag. Honestly, the most important part of the bag is to have everything you need for your "mission" kept together.

[@spr00sem00se]

@@temporarilyoffline I think that considering the radio has a fan on it, thats a decent indicator that it wont work well in an enclosed environment. If I were making a manpack with this radio in it, at the very least, I think I would 3d print a duct so the fan can pull in cold air from outside the pack, perhaps an exhaust also. If you wanted to get really nerdy and keep everything in the pack, you could likely cut a section out of the bottom of the pack, and place a heatsink on the outside of the pack, and screw it to the heatsink on the radio, a bit of thermal paste to join the two, and you would have the heatsink doing its job again

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@spr00sem00se I'd love to see it.

[@spr00sem00se]

@@temporarilyoffline well, I have come to conclusion that manpacks etc arent something that im going to be using, I live where there arent any winlink nodes etc, no meshtastic available, so really most of what I can hear is on 14mhz and lower. I was in the process of making a portable system in a toolbox with batteries etc, but in reality i can just pop some crocodile clips onto the car battery and make do like that. Ive put extensive thought into it for a SHTF scenario, and the result of the thought is that I dont know anyone else that I care about who would be in communcation via ham radio. So handhelds for local use and an HF rig for long range info gathering are where its at. weather forecasts and news bulletins for ships are a good source of info etc. If you actually want to use that yeasu rig in a pouch, I would guess that the fan is blowing directly onto the final transistor like it is in other yeasu models I have, so you need ot be careful it wouldnt ever suck water or too much conductive dust in, I would say a duct with a dust cover, and a drain hole for incase water snuck in would work. You could likely forget the exhaust if you externalise the heatsink. to externalise the heatsink, I would file the back side of it flat, then hunt a suitable heatsink to bolt to it, and use a thermal pad instead of paste, because hand filing flat wont result in a flat enough surface for paste to be of use, a thermal pad will deform and join the two heatsinks nicely.

[@SolarDrew]

I see your heatsink is on the back of the unit. Any worry about overheating since the warmed air can't escaped as designed?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nope, if I'm going to be operating beyond the capabilities of the bag, I'd just take it out of the bag.

[@EdwardVanNatta]

I am looking for more information on this post there. Build this all together and work radio bag how do you get the radio to work on a battery pack and what kind of radio is it

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is a Yaesu FT-90. To get it to work on a battery, find a battery that is 12v output and make a connector to attach the battery to the radio. I use Anderson PowerPole connectors. Most radios operators have standardized on those for 12v operations. I have a video on making those on the channel as well. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@Subgunman]

Did this with a Kenwood 800 MHz trunking xceiver about 25 years ago. Dropped everything into a Radio Shack CD player shoulder pack, worked real good! Used a NiMh battery pack with the radio tuned to low power at about 5 watts. Very convenient for portable ops. Out preformed an 800 MHz HT. Checked the link for the antenna but it only lists the soft j-poles, nothing like the folding mail style antenna. Any other links to another site?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey, thanks for catching that! I can't believe I forgot that link: 👉 Abbree 42.5" Foldable Antenna: geni.us/T2SqnHR

[@RookieLock]

Thats cool.. Kinda funny, i was JUST looking on amazon for molle bags or pouches like this.. I also saw someone using a molle hydration pack as a manpack bag... it ended up working perfectly for his radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I got a few other bags, but this is the one I wanted for this project. Other packs to look into would be IFAK - individual first aid kit bags or some of the smaller bags from 511 or Maxpedition

[@heatherryan9820]

Also, they sell small antenna extenders (I think that’s what they are called) that go between your antenna and your radio so you could just keep the antenna in the back of the bag, like you had it when it was in storage mode. Just a thought, that would possibly make it easier for fast deployment.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'll take a look

[@digitalranger4259]

Total newbie here. Please excuse the basic nature of the question, but to what purpose is the digital aspect of the setup? Can you either through the Pi or through a separate PC or phone use this for network access? Thanks in advance. Love the rig. If you were not going to use the external pocket, wouldn't the Pi 4 fit?

[@temporarilyoffline]

You can send digital communications through the radio other radios using the raspberry pi computer and your cell phone as a "keyboard/screen/mouse" or use it "at home" with a real computer setup. In part 2, I show how some of this works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHamepl3pb55oKc Check it out!

[@digitalranger4259]

@@temporarilyoffline Thank you, it looks fascinating.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@digitalranger4259 it's fun for sure

[@UnknownUser-pf9rk]

Awsome setup! But do handheld antennas and radios like this even work together really? When I tried something simmilar with a CB radio the performance was quite sh** to be honest.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Bigger is better and just make sure the antenna is rated for the power you're trying to put out.

[@UnknownUser-pf9rk]

@@temporarilyoffline I tried a folding antenna from the same brand but for CB and a telescopic one that is even longer but I heard that those antennas only really work well on handheld devices because the person holding it gives it some sort of ground. Sorry, I'm pretty much a noob and also not a native speaker 😂

[@SirWolfCZ]

@@UnknownUser-pf9rk You are right. In case of a 1/4 wave antenna, the "wire"/"stick" is just a half of the whole antenna. The metal body of the transceiver and your body is the other half. Also a full size antenna for CB should be at least 2,5m long (=1/4 of the 11m wavelenght). Anything physically smaller is gonna be less efficient.

[@TK-Radio-Adventures]

What if you mounted the antenna on the outside of the pack and it is supported by the molly? Like make a small hole out the back of the pack. That way, you could fish the antenna up in the molly for a little protection.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That would be great!

[@nickpeterson2042]

How does the radio’s heat sink and fan cool it if jammed in a bag? Won’t the radio potentially overheat quick?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yep, if you're gonna be heat loading the radio, you take it out of the bag first. Applies to all radios in hot situations.

[@robertmoorej]

Suggestion. For that particular kind of setup... I would change the pigtail to an SAE connector, with a standard blade fuse. These SAE connectors are super common in automotive use and would be easy to scavenge in a pinch. Also... During zombie apocalypse you could go steal a handful of fuses out of a car a lot quicker than trying to find those glass fuses. Your could additionally add to your kit, a SAE alligator clip adapter. In case you just wanted to quickly clip on a car battery.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Robert - I 100% agree with all of that - I have supplemental bags as part of the greater plan. I'm still waiting for the comment about not needing a fuse in this situation from some other viewer ;-)

[@kc8omg]

​@@temporarilyofflineAnything is a fuse if you pull enough current 😁

[@backcountryxpeditions655]

I wonder if you can add either a folding solar panel or a solar power bank to allow you to charge if on foot and not near a power source

[@temporarilyoffline]

Would need a bigger backpack for that!

[@ATR_Mid-TN-WX]

How long do you think the 3ah battery will last? The reason I ask. I have a similar setup like this with a 40watt mobile that I take to the hunting camp and have it hooked up to a solar system but would love to take the hunting house. Thank you for videos and advise

[@temporarilyoffline]

As with anything in ham radio "it depends" - at a hamfest, I'd expect I wouldn't get a full day out of it with everybody beaconing APRS in range and making me re-transmit. The Pi running full stop is a factor. More testing is needed. I'm not sure how to make a video out of it though... have to find a way to force an "average use case"

[@ATR_Mid-TN-WX]

@@temporarilyoffline thank you sir. My use case would be 25% duty cycle. At most. Transmitting 25% receiving 75%. Usuing just voice fm. I have mine setup in a sar pack. I just take it with me hunting

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@ATR_Mid-TN-WX Today's video is all about this topic and how to know: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYGVp6mlZd5ja7s

[@ATR_Mid-TN-WX]

@@temporarilyoffline thank you sir I will be looking for it

[@GarthWG2G]

That's awesome, I did a similar thing with a IC-2730A and a Gigaparts Tactical Sling bag. Even built my own battery with some 32700's on that one. All with the intention of using it for sats at some point.

[@temporarilyoffline]

There's always tomorrow! I just keep telling myself that

[@unclegamer3092]

Do you have a video on getting a battery and how to setup the battery for a radio like this?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I actually just made one in battery math: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYGVp6mlZd5ja7s should help make the decision... But I've never gotten a battery and not found abuse for it. In this config I'm using a 3ah battery. It will last long enough for my use case. But maybe you'll need something bigger? The video will help with some of the math. But after that, the real world is the real test!

[@unclegamer3092]

@@temporarilyoffline I found a IC-980 Pro for like $49. After seeing your video I was like oh this would be good.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@unclegamer3092 never heard of it before, pretty cool

[@donnhussey568]

I sorta love the design, but I would be worried about heat and where the vents are venting heat to. For extended use, it may have to come out of the little pack.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I want to find a way to tame the cable mess, but yeah... I'd be watching out for heat.

[@RadioExpeditionProject]

Excellent! I made two of these kits with the Yaesu FT-818. 🤝🏆

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sweet! This bag is too small for the 818. I'd love to find a good bag for that!

[@snellejetje1922]

What does the raspberry mini do ?? Dont know whats that for i this case... The radio runs by itself not?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Looks like you got part 3 first... part 2 is where I got it working with a DigiRig, DigiPi and did some APRS (which means it will also do winlink). Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHamepl3pb55oKc

[@NovemberOneOscarGrouch]

Very cool! I didn't know ABBREE made BNC antennas. Love that. Thanks for another great video Steve.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey Paul! I've had this one for a while now. They make a lot of antennas and at first I thought they were a gimmick, but they work well.

[@NovemberOneOscarGrouch]

@@temporarilyoffline I keep one in my truck (SMA) and one in my hiking bag as you can never know when you might need a backup antenna. I'll have to grab a BNC one. One of these days I need to figure out how to find the actual effectiveness of the antenna that is woven through the molle in my armor plate carrier. Those types of tests are beyond my current skills, but should be a great learning experience.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@NovemberOneOscarGrouch hit me up on discord, I've got some ideas

[@fatcattowing8990]

Great video!!!!! Approx how long would that battery last?

[@temporarilyoffline]

On a 5/5/90 duty cycle using the 3ah battery, about 4 hours. See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYGVp6mlZd5ja7s

[@LetsTubetalk]

Quick question... I know. The radio has a heat sink in the bottom, do you think that you're gonna have an issue with overheating with the radio?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Every radio has an issue with overheating. A good operator takes that into consideration. I have some radios that I have installed fans into and Yaesu has had problems with the 817 burning out finals in "good" operating conditions. Just gotta be on your toes!

[@BryanFussell]

I was looking for a reason to buy a Vero VR-N7500. I think it serve pretty good.in this role.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't have one, so I don't know if it will fit in the bag ... But everything else is pretty good to go

[@jeffreyharville1918]

My question: How much heat would that radio put out? I noticed a internal fan and you have not made a comment on it. (Old RadioMan, from U.S. Navy) My suggestion is to turn that radio around where the fan is pointed out the back side, and then make vent holes in the bag for better airflow. Yes you will lose some bag mollie points on the back, but, if the radio can not "breathe," then the radio will cook itself to an unusable shape. (And if it is like some radios, you could be carrying around a forest fire in that bag, if it got too hot! Most Forest Rangers would not look favorably on such, if it were to catch itself on fire from poor ventalation.)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hello Jeffrey, Yeah, heat is a problem with any radio and its up to the operator to operate appropriately for the conditions at hand, even if it was your hands that made those conditions. My 818 and my G90 run hot sitting in an air conditioned shack. If I'm going to do extended high duty cycle ops, I'd take it out of the bag, add AC or a fan and complete the mission

[@jeffreyharville1918]

@@temporarilyoffline So, you would have to sacrifice some portability for an extended use of this radio. (No objections, just observations.) As an old Radioman (U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army Reserves commo.) I can understand this, and have had the same problems with larger, (MUCH LARGER!) backpack radios. I am well out of that job, but, and as a suggestion for your concideration, why not remove the fan, and replace with a plenum box. Then have a separate cooling box to attach to the bottom of the pack? With it's own power supply, and tubing for cooled air to the radio? A little bit more to pack, but, when not using the radio, could be used as a personal cooling pack for you. Note: With a plenum box, you could direct cooled air to the hottest parts of the insides of your radio, and, maybe, extend the life of the radio.

[@jeffreyharville1918]

Oh, BTW, this would be for an emergency situation. I wouldn't think that for short use (of a few minutes) of the radio it would be a problem. But, in an emergency, where the radio would be in constant use, a dedicated cooling fixture would be nice.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@jeffreyharville1918 I have other boxes for other purposes - as you know, there is no 1 perfect go-box. Nobody could carry it!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@jeffreyharville1918 Yeah, for constant use you'd need something else for sure. Bigger battery, better cooling, better operation position/conditions maybe some snacks... this was primarily for walking around a park or hamfest with friends and playing radio. All those "little guys" with their "little HTs" and me with my 50 watter showin' 'em up!

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

Hey Steve! This is an awesome how to video and I'm glad I came across it! I'm going to build a similar pack for GMRS users and make a video about it also. There are a ton of new GMRS users getting involved and I haven't seen any packs built like this, and I would like to share your knowledge!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad you found it! Subbed

[@mattburke3095]

You make the video I’m interested in a gmrs one

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@mattburke3095 I have not yet. We are still helping with disaster relief in GA and SC from Hurricane Helene. I will be headed back home soon, and it will be done in December. I've gotten a lot if ideas on videos since I've been here, so it will be an active couple months coming up!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@FirstUnitedTactical but me up and let me know how I can help

[@FirstUnitedTactical]

@temporarilyoffline I absolutely will! Your channel and this video will definately be mentioned and linked. Once I get back home and start, I may reach out to you for a couple ideas I have on the kit. Thank you sir!

[@KirkRagland]

Melting the bag it could still fray, you might use a grommet like the ones used on the belt for a safety harness.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea, thanks!

[@KS0JD]

Interesting that you didn't have any RFI issues with the digipi. Nice build! 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

None... yet!

[@tulrich2]

Nice build! I could see something like this working as a way to carry around something like a Radioddity DB25-D (their little mini DMR mobile), so you could get both analog and digital voice in the pack (as well as packet). Question: What's the power rating on that Abbree? Or in other words, were you running 50 watts thru that thing right next to your body?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Its rated at 20w and I live on the edge... I was TXing very briefly close to my personage. - I've got a DB25 inbound and a full on kit with a hotspot would be pretty doable. I'll know soon.

[@tulrich2]

@@temporarilyoffline He's a madman, people....

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@tulrich2 that I am.

[@ChrisSchroth]

Thanks for the video, Steve. You could improve the safety of plugs, attachments and the antenna by adding some self-designed, 3d printed side rails, this would also allow for the antenna to be tied to the radio, if needed and protect the front dials from damage if the bag should fall. 73.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great idea!

[@chrisgullett4332]

Got a better suggestion. Get a car jumper pack. They are small power banks that you can jump start your car with, but they also have USB charging ports, lights, and some even have wireless charging. What makes them great is most use an EC5 connector for the jumper cables. So all you have to do is get an EC5 to cigarette lighter adapter, and you can power up mobile radios with the jumper pack.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great idea, thanks!

[@GalloPazzesco]

Ummmmmm .... you refer-to a car jumper battery pack as "small" in comparison to this set-up?

[@chrisgullett4332]

@@GalloPazzesco You should probably pay attention and work o your reading comprehension. I never compared it to anything. I literally was just giving a suggestion. Yes they are small, but they have way more function. As I said, they have lights, charging ports, can run mobile radios etc. Maybe pay attention before posting. Also, work on your emotions. No grown adult should ever be bothered by the thought of somebody comparing the sizes of anything.

[@GalloPazzesco]

@@chrisgullett4332 lulz ... wut? I've got a better suggestion chris. Take the peen, that's gagging you, outta your gullet thin-skinned sissy boy. Get out of your Momma's basement and grow some thicker skin. The entire purpose of thr video was going-for "macro," not .... well, auto jumper pack size. Regards

[@chrisgullett4332]

@@temporarilyoffline Just remembered another kinda similar idea. Crony makes a jumper pack that is actually a walkie talkie. So it can do the same as most other jumper packs, jump start, charge phones etc, but it is literally a handheld radio also. It is called the Crony P30.

[@kentmulter]

"Pretty slick," indeed! I'm just a little concerned about that heat sink on the bottom of the radio. Can it get hot enough to melt the fabric, or cause other problems in that tight space with all the plastic components? MOLLE pouches come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. If you do some shopping, you should be able to find one with a bit more space. Or you can attach a smaller one to the font using the MOLLE webbing on this one. Having a separate removable pouch for the digital gear is a great idea.

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you're really choochin on the radio, you should take it out of the bag - would save both the radio and the bag.

[@mdouble100]

Ultra cool, thanks for sharing. This would also be ideal if you were supporting a public event such as a race. Being free of a vehicle would allow you to position anywhere along the route even where it would not be possible to locate with a vehicle.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's a good idea!

[@patrickdurney4170]

what you using the pi for

[@temporarilyoffline]

APRS mostly, but you can also do winlink email, see this video for setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHamepl3pb55oKc

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

Ventilation for heat dissapation on the radio? Pi?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Solid operator skills

[@ki6rvo]

Great work. I have had great luck with the Digirig Lite in similar configurations (and micro USB to usbc adapters can be had on amazon). Might clean up the spaghetti a bit. :)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah, spaghetti management is next on the list!

[@billseward2274]

Very cool. My creative juices are beginning to flow. 😎

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nice! I saw someone at the gas station today with the bag on her belt. I smiled.

[@victorcharlie7491]

When traveling light is a must, this bag you could probably trust, tnx Man!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I dig it.

[@HamRadioDX]

That's a super tiny manpack TO! Like the FT-90 too, nice!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks! I dig it!

[@ManuelPinner]

you can use a handheld hole punch the kind that looks like pliers,

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you can get it past all the fabric, sure that's another way to do it.

[@ChrisRobinsonKF6NFW]

I know I have asked a couple times, but would you please share again, what the mini screwdriver and the soldering iron is that you are using. I know you didnt use the mini electric screwdriver this time, but you and Jim tend to love that little electric thing, and I cant recall what it is.

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

That looks like a "Pinecil" soldering iron. Uses readily available TS100 tips. If you take the tip out it packs down tiny and plugs into USB PD or barrel jack. Great for home bench or field use. Lots of settings and controls on board.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Screwdriver: amzn.to/3TD5HFB Pinecil soldering iron: amzn.to/3N45WG0

[@ChrisRobinsonKF6NFW]

@@TestSpaceMonkey Thanks. Now to find a source for them.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@chrisrobinsonkf6nfw KZbin might not have sent you the notification, but I dropped some links in this thread for you. Let me know if you don't see them.

[@ChrisRobinsonKF6NFW]

@@temporarilyoffline at the time I commented, I hadnt been notified or seen the links. Now they are populating for me. Thanks YT, you're "Special"!

[@ramstang]

solar charge in a backpack when hiking?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not enough room in the pack, but I can see a bigger pack with a good panel. 🤔🤔🤔

[@akiddoo8113]

Might try to add clip on counterpoise wire to improve range.

[@temporarilyoffline]

ooh a Tiger Tail!

[@SpyroGyroplane]

No issue with heat buildup?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Operate based on operating conditions and you'll never have to worry.

[@kelley64]

🤔 High power Sat work in a shoulder bag? Great video, got me thinking on repurposing one of mine.

[@temporarilyoffline]

2 rigs for that! Guess I need another one

[@pastork1963]

What do you do to mitigate heat?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Operated intelligently.

[@aehink143]

Question from a complete newbie: What's the use case for something like this? KZbin chose to recommend this to me and I watched it going 'Cool...no idea what this is for'. Fun video regardless and I liked your dedication for getting everything to fit in a nice pack!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad you enjoyed the video. This radio is capable of person to person communication in a ~7mi radius. It can work through repeaters up to about ~30mi, and with the right conditions can pass traffic via APRS or Winlink all around the world (relay), even through the international space station (direct)

[@t.j.speakman7723]

Pretty cool little set up. Thanks for sharing.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for watching!

[@denieegert7324]

What about keeping from overheating?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Smart operations! Even outside of the bag you have to keep an eye on heating and duty cycle.

[@mcdonald1743]

What radio is that? I didn't hear if said and I can't read it

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeasu ft-90

[@mcdonald1743]

@@temporarilyoffline thanks. Never heard of that radio before.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@mcdonald1743 I have a couple of videos on it, its a discontinued model, but you can find them on ebay (geni.us/CUhbZ) or at a hamfest like I have.

[@pcramil]

5:43 since it's an EFHW, wouldn't it need a 49:1 unun to match the high impedance of an endfed?

[@temporarilyoffline]

It's in the bottom of the antenna, built in and streamlined

[@pcramil]

@@temporarilyoffline ahhhh, okay. Thanks for explaining...that threw me a bit 😅

[@MarkBravo-u3s]

Reminds me of the scene in Steven Spielberg' 1941 . When the crew of the U- Boat Kidnap Slim Pickens And his radio . One Japanese Sailor, While trying to get the radio through the hatch of the Submarine. Makes the comment " We have to think of a way to make these Smaller"

[@temporarilyoffline]

We sure do!

[@KazMcGown]

You're already storing the antenna on the back of the bag when not in use. Turn your 90deg antenna connector towards the bottom of the radio. With a hole punched out the back of the pack you don't have to take off the antenna every time.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea!

[@jmsmorley]

Any issues with overheating?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not in my use case, but as with any radio, you have to operate properly.

[@quarto-h7i]

Where can you buy a cat assault backpack like this?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Check the links in the description, I got you covered!

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

that's pretty dope! tis could be a great setup for compact mobile emergency comms

[@temporarilyoffline]

I agree!

[@Kingyayaa]

Cheaper radio will accomplish the same goal.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@Kingyayaa TIMTOWTDI

[@scottytherambler6919]

Why not make a mini mobile SDR? you could even link it to your phone via usb cable and control the radio from the phone, excluding the manual on off switch of course.

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you're talking about the RTL-SDR I have a video on that connected to the android and mapping planes overhead. Good stuff. But in this case I wanted to TX and do data work.

[@pbsfix269]

Overheat issues insulated heat sink,blocked c/f. It's OK for storage

[@temporarilyoffline]

Or... you know... Be a good operator and take it out of the bag if operating conditions dictate.

[@chrisscott1547]

Like most similar radios, it's less than optimum for energy efficiency (battery life) It's rated at 350 milliamps receive when fully squelched. The FT-60 uses less than 50 ma squelched. They can do better.

[@temporarilyoffline]

yeah, its "mobile" vs "portable" - in the mobile env, the maker is expecting an alternator and a BA battery.

[@aaroncoats7264]

Couple suggestion: 1 run the power cable and fuse into the battery compartment, making battery swaps easier. 1 get an rj45 right angle pigtail. I think the link I shared got my comment deleted but the brand name is Togcon Cat 6 Ethernet Extension Cable 5 Pack，Multiple Angles

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good ideas, thanks! Yeah, KZbin doesn't allow links in comments

[@Maker_Mikey]

Rumor is there will, one day, be a transceiver which allows voice/analog which will include a a built in battery and transmit on both 2M and 70CM. Marketing department wants to call it a Handheld Transceiver, but R&D has already started nicknaming it HT, and after 5pm on Friday they started calling them Handy Talkies. All kidding aside, I like your videos.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I would dig a 50w HT! Would need a speaker mic though, and I bet it would get hot, so I'd want a fan and some kind of bag to put it in too. I can't wait for this thing to come out!

[@Maker_Mikey]

@@temporarilyoffline Yeah, the 50w feature is the current blocker in the sprint backlog. R&D test engineers have been taking an unjustified number of sick days alleging RF burns during testing. The execs know the engineers are just trying to cover up their lunch time fork-in-the-outlet competition injuries when the betting gets out of hand.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@Maker_Mikey next they'll want to work from home and have unlimited PTO

[@Maker_Mikey]

@@temporarilyoffline It is unlimited, but you'll never enjoy a minute of it. You'll never know whether you've 'abused the PTO' until after HR schedules a meeting and when you show up, Security takes your badge and walks you out. Also, did you do a runtime till dead test yet?

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@Maker_Mikey I've been fired by better over worse... my HR record is long and distinguished. No run dead test yet, trying to think of an actual use case... in the mean time I did some maths thing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYGVp6mlZd5ja7ssi=E32aV68f3_iNIRbg

[@newFaction64]

Is the FT-90 even available?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Used on eBay

[@newFaction64]

@@temporarilyoffline currently none on eBay

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@newFaction64 Yeah, they come and go. I got 2 from different ham fests, but a few other viewers have said they got one off ebay.

[@mediocreman2]

That's cool. Too bad none of them are available for sale right now.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah. It's a discontinued model I found at a hamfest. I'm looking for a modern radio that will fit that bag and I'll update the video when I find one.

[@Chris_KI4WCO]

I'd find someone to 3d print you a bracket to attach the antenna to the body of the antenna so there is less sway and cause stress on the antenna connectors.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea

[@Chris_KI4WCO]

@@temporarilyoffline also you could arrange the data stuff in the mesh pocket to keep it more organized

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@Chris_KI4WCO pocket's too small, I tried

[@casperthefriendlyprepper]

My concern is that even if the bag is unzipped, it might overheat.

[@temporarilyoffline]

There is always a concern with heat disapation, for sure.

[@Nytestealer0831]

aint it gonna heat up in the bag after you stuffed everything?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Only if you don't know how to take care of stuff.

[@user-mn8lz7gf6d]

won't it get hot with the fan obstructed?

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you abuse it, sure will.

[@wattsandhertz]

FIRST! I could only find these way over what you paid for yours. Cool little radio!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Gotta have a head on a swivel at a hamfest.

[@dfurtman]

You could get a radio strap that's meant to hold a lapel mic on your chest if you're on the go..

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea!

[@jeromeGrzelak]

Wbt a uv5r bag ?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I have one coming up, stay tuned!

[@Majestic12.111]

You should do a water proofing treatment to the material first! I would suggest micro crystalline wax and tung oil mix.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'm always looking for ways to improve my builds.

[@88Spint]

I have no idea of what this is but a man with an antenna told me it was cool and I agree :D

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!

[@kentuckyshiner]

Whats the total cost? Or did i miss that?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I didn't include it, but I'm going to guess around $200. Depends on how much you can find the FT-90 for.

[@TheBrideandTheBanquet]

What’s the distance on this little guy?

[@temporarilyoffline]

"depends", but I could see 30 miles in good conditions - clear line of sight and height. Its more about "punch" then about distance. Distance is limited by curvature of the earth and obstacles.

[@chrispoulos9662]

Where did you get your morale patch made?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I got it on Amazon: amzn.to/47HOPUb

[@6483hmless]

Which radio is this

[@temporarilyoffline]

The Yaesu FT-90

[@SpectrumIntruder]

How many watts are you running?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Depends on how I'm operating. "As Many As Prudent"

[@SpectrumIntruder]

So 50 watt handheld basically 🤣

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@SpectrumIntruder I wasn't trying to be obtuse - you have to manage heat, duty cycle and proximity to your body - so close in to the body is low power, out of the bag in a cool area is highest power. No specific number, just "don't burn yourself or your radio"

[@itrstt66]

which radio is it?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yaesu FT90

[@stauffer20]

Look for a decent economic radio like this one that will handle both HAM and GMRS? Recommendations?

[@temporarilyoffline]

You won't find one that is "legal" - radios for non-ham US services need to be "type accepted" and one of the rules is "can't change it to run on other frequencies." You'll find plenty of radios that can do "either" but nothing can legally do "both". Some type of config change/lockout. All that out of the way, If you see a website that has a GMRS radio and a HAM radio that looks the same physically, its probably "that" kind. Take a look at Radioddity DB25-G or DB25 Pro and check youtube for "unlock" or "mars mod" videos. Let me know what you land on.

[@stauffer20]

@@temporarilyoffline Thank you!

[@TheWildGonzo]

Very interested in learning about operating a ham radio

[@temporarilyoffline]

You've come to the right place! Do you have any radios currently?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Nice build TO , I might have to try one for my 8800

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't think the 8800 will fit the bag, but it will likely work with the digirig and cable I've got.

[@bikerush1]

What radio is that....hf???

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yaesu FT-90 dual bander

[@carlosroig5315]

Now I need an FT-90R!

[@temporarilyoffline]

N+1

[@WorldMoneyWins]

Really cool setup!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Mate!

[@nivid01]

The right angle UHF SO239 adapters and the UHF SO239 connector at the back of the radio does not allow an exact 90 degree connection. All radios with the UHF SO239 connector seem to have the same problem. They have all been machined incorrectly! I have never seen a UHF SO239 connector or adapter which permits an exact 90 degree connection so the antenna is at 90 degrees to the radio, which is obvious with yours as well. The 90 degree connector will ALWAYS be about 1 degree out at the connector which means any antenna will be obviously crooked by a considerable amount at the tip, as is yours!

[@temporarilyoffline]

We've reached Peak Humanity!

[@nivid01]

Internally route your excess cabling into the small pouch at the top!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good idea

[@timsoyars1652]

My biggest concern is with heat dispassion

[@temporarilyoffline]

It should be.

[@HamRadioN0CKL]

Enjoy your videos 😎

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!