Emergency Communications, Field Testing, and Wilderness Fun

[@RedSummitRF]

So true that we need to build people up and not tear them down. Great message for us all. Be part of the solution rather than part of the problem 👍. Thanks for having me along.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the adventure and company, Charlie.

[@jeremytanzer279]

The two rules amongst us in my ARES group is 1. Your mileage may vary and 2. You'll never know if the antenna works until you put it up and try it. There's too many variables involved. There's no reason why NVIS can't work in the deployment you have. Is it textbook or ideal? Maybe not. But I've heard stories of antennas physically on the ground working...

[@TheTechPrepper]

Sounds like your ARES group has a set of great axioms. The proof is in the pudding. I had a couple of hams on SSB tell me that this deployment is not possible even after I mentioned that we don't have suitable trees in the Sonoran Desert. I know it's not ideal, but I get a kick out of the simplicity and reasonably successful results I've had personally. Thanks for the comment and support. 73, KT1RUN

[@r188ops8]

Hi Jeremy, I can attest to that, I’ve done it with wire laid flat on the ground, with a ‘source of water’ sprinkled over it 🤣 👍🏻.....Paul 2E0OPV

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@r188ops8 Very nice!

[@rpestess]

I have watched this video several times and still enjoy it. Thanks.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoy it! It's one of my favorites, too. I didn't plan on making this video for public consumption, but decided to let the GoPro run anyhow.

[@drivingsouthwest6895]

Great job, great message. That little NVIS antenna of your changed the direction I went with mine. Low elevation NVIS works well. We had a local NVIS net the other night, a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Nice activation good to see you and Charlie out there. I have the same stove works great, but just picked up another off Amazon that is smaller and lighter and it also works great. There a lot of things that aren't supposed to work that do, just keep experimenting that's what ham radio is all about! 73 Chuck

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for chiming in, Chuck. I found that the stove technology has changed a bit in 30 years. That little stove brings water to boil much faster than my trusty old stove. It was nice to see something at this price point give good results. It will need more testing, but it's great to hear that the same stove works for you. Plenty of experiments in the pipeline. 73, Gaston

[@scottchapman4025]

So glad you're enjoying regional HF via NVIS! Sure beats scratching out a few random DX QSOs on 20-meters, doesn't it? I think so, anyway. Thanks for another great video! Great views, too; you really found a scenic location. -Scott, K4KDR

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm with you, Scott. DX and random contents are fun, but regional contacts without infrastructure and/or line-of-site is what I really want out of this hobby. Take care, bud.

[@chattphotos]

Well done! :) I can confirm that the new generation of Ham needs a whole lot less gatekeeping from the analog era and much more sharing of knowledge or willingness to try something new.

[@neubert500]

Critics don't count as they RARELY accomplish anything, but try to tear down others to make themselves feel better. I really like your videos and am learning a lot. Thank you for these videos. You are outside DOING instead of talking!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I appreciate the kind note. It’s time to build a thicker skin, but I’m more concerned about the new hams entering the hobby as I’m already in it for the long run. This is a fantastic hobby. Glad to see you enjoy the outdoor experiments. It’s a good way to learn and validate skills. Take care!

[@jimpiper5297]

I have an engineer acquaintance to whom many have told "you can't do that ..." After two companies, the first of which he and his old college roomie ran a virtual machine on a PDP Vax network at a Calif University in order to get thew school onto the Internet. Second company he and same roomie built a hardware encryption box that had 98% throughput. The latter was about 15 years ago. Today, over 15 years retired he owns and flies a Cessna Citation, Robinson R44, and another aircraft. Anyone who says "that can't be done" is simply a fool. Yes, the preferred heights for NVIS arrays is 0.15-0.25 wavelengths above ground. Some configuration will work better than others (e.g., an inverted V over a straight horizontal config -- been there, done that) However, as you have experienced, that doesn't mean NVIS won't work if the antenna is lower. Hams have loaded up gutters, bed springs, end-to-end Buicks, and fences and made contacts. Giardia: since you published your video about 2 years ago I'm guessing you found you didn't get a dose of Giardia. Had to look it up myself. USDA says a temp of 130-145degF destroy the cysts. So bioling water, even at the altitude you were at, likely destroyed 'em. Ref: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5261208.pdf Great video! 73 -- Jim n6med, RN (ret)

[@davidsradioroom9678]

You can't argue with what works! Great activation!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, David. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it :-)

[@KI4ASK]

Excellent video. You and Charlie make a great team.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. Charlie was great company and always a good hiking buddy. The poor guy had listen to my whacky ideas about my future ham radio experiments. 73!

[@prillewitz]

No yellow snow Gaston. Very nice outdoor video!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks 👍

[@charlesstephens3660]

Good video! TNX for not having obnoxious heavy metal guitar noise or techno-racket. I like the subtle music. For a new ham you do VERY well. I've been a ham for 50 years and I have learned from your vids. TNX WB6FQZ

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you, Charles. I'm glad you appreciate the subtle intro music. We all have to start somewhere. Very impressive--50 years. Congrats!

[@davidg5308]

Well done and great "request" at the end! Looking fwd to the dipole build. I just built a small antenna for my KX1 and used the same BNC post but added a trick. Got a bag of 4mm banana jacks and soldered the wire into a ball of solder in the male end only. Reinforce with heat shrink and its a more sturdy connection (rather than wrapping the wire) into the end of the post. Easy peasy.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for supporting my PSA at the end. I was not sure how it was going to be received. This is a great hobby and it would be great to make ham radio a safe space for new hams. I like your modification with the banana jacks. Great idea. How's your antenna working out?

[@davidg5308]

@@TheTechPrepper It's super solid and could be a better connection than wrapping the wire to the post but I'm not an engineer. I will search for your email and try to send you a few pics. I also am experimenting with a NVIS but I am on a small lot with HOA and for 80m it's a challenge...going to try something this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@davidg5308 Your idea/design is pure gold! Let me know how the HOA stealth NVIS antenna goes. If you go with 26 AWG black wire, chances are no one will notice.

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Great activation, and nice cup of snow coffee! Nice to see that NVIS in action. I will be making one for myself soon.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm looking forward to hearing about your NVIS experience. Good luck with your build.

[@darrinpearce9780]

Great video and very chilled activation. 73's from VK land.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. It was nice and relaxing at 7711ft/2350m of elevation. I’m glad I could share with you. 73

[@ericsolomon9522]

GREAT Video.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DK5ONV]

Very awsome video! Nice sunny weather with beautiful panorama and lots of radio fun. 73's de Uncle Günter

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed the scenery. It was a nice change compared to my typical desert scapes.

[@michaelsanderson7328]

I have the stove and use it for all my camping trips. Its nice and cheap. Get video again

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks for the confirmation. It seems to boil water faster than my trusty, 3-decade old stove. Good luck with your training!

[@eduardopower5254]

Great Job man! Of course it works! And rocks 😊 I would add a 1:1 balun but it works like that. Congrats!

[@TheTechPrepper]

The 1:1 balun is a great idea. I have an RF choke from PackTenna, would that do the trick? I assume both are good for preventing keeping common current?

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Excellent! It looks like fun out there. You probably ended up using all the snow for your coffee! Given the view I expected more snow where you were. I know it's a bit less emergency gear, but in winter I carry a GSI kettle for melting snow. It's actually saved me a good deal of fuel. Just a thought. I really appreciate your comments to veteran hams - and I love that antenna. I need to attempt that whole configuration. Nice work. What a beautiful place.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Eric. My uncle used to have a great Swiss kettle for just that purpose when I was growing up. Do you have a link you can shoot me? It would be nice to conserve some fuel. I failed to show the aluminum wind shield I use, but oh well. Try this antenna build. I just posted the some of the contacts on a map on Twiiter. It should reinforce the NIVS use case. You and I would be in reach of each other. Take it easy!

[@backcountryamateurradio]

@@TheTechPrepper ok! Sold! Right now I’ll have to use my end fed but I’m intrigued about nvis. I’ll have to get back to you on the kettle but I will - they seem to be very much a Swiss kettle. Catch you soon! Thanks again for the video.

[@k2rcb]

Great video! Scenery we don't have Delaware! LOL

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks. In fairness, we drove 300 miles to get there. ;-)

[@chrishopkins8214]

Dude awesome video! Congratulations keep it up!!! Awesome

[@TheTechPrepper]

I really appreciate it. It comments like this that keep the channel going. This channel is all about sharing experiences. I’m no expert, but it’s fun trying things out in the field.

[@chrishopkins8214]

Well all I can say is your putting in all the HARD work for everyone to enjoy,! If it wasn’t for people like you nobody could or would enjoy what you put out for US! I’m not a ham yet but trying!

[@chrishopkins8214]

BIG dogs don’t run deep they run TRUE

[@TheTechPrepper]

It’s a fun, practical hobby with so many areas to explore. Good luck with your license.

[@chrishopkins8214]

One day I’ll get my ham license but for now I’m playing with gmrs!!

[@walshgeo]

Thanks for the video. I like the antenna. 73 George KB3WAQ

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, George. I'm really surprised how well this little antenna is serving me given the money, size, ease of deployment and performance. And, yes, it could be deployed in a more optimal configuration, but I don't want to mess with a good thing and deal with re-trimming and tuning.

[@AI6XG]

Good to see that your NVIS worked well and the silicone wire is working for you. Low antennas work just fine on a summit, elevation of the summit is a good equalizer. GL es 73 de AI6XG

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Dan. The silicone wire is quite nice. I’ve been deploying this antenna daily to check Winlink email. It’s priced well, doesn’t kink, appears to hold up well under tension, and seems to be enough to get on the air with 5 watts. It’s too bad my shack can’t be permanently on a summit. 73

[@AI6XG]

@@TheTechPrepper I have been using that wire for a year of activations w/my EFHW. I like the bright red so I (an others) can see it 😬😀

[@go2douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I find it frustrating when people say can’t. I find it more of a limiting factor for them. I try pointing them to information to help them learn how to do it a little better.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Encouragement and support will go a long way. Well, an try things for yourself. Thanks for the comment, Doug.

[@SJ-EOR]

Great vid! But was there a reason for boiling the water 20 min? Seems like a min should be good.

[@zanado11]

Another great video, from two of my favorite content providers. Love your enthusiasm Keep it up. 73 de Roger, W8RLP

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you, Roger. I appreciate the support. As a new ham, It's a blast sharing these experiences with you and the awesome viewers of this little channel. 73

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

Nice Spyderco.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks! I still have it. It's a workhorse.

[@r188ops8]

Hi mate, good video. Never let anyone tell you that something won’t work, get it up and try it, invariably it will! Also, little tip with snow, put a little bit of water in the bottom first, it helps the heat conduct better 👍🏻.......Paul 2E0OPV

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you, Paul! Well, it looks like I proved a few you hams wrong. It's not the most efficient antenna, but it worked. Great tip on adding a bit of water. 73

[@malenve6vid]

I will trade you snow for a "hot lip". HAHAHA. NVIS seems to work very well at 4', oh wait, it will never work. Send it to me and I will dispose of it for you pal. :) 15 minutes of boiling, you should be OK. Great stuff, don't stop sharing and experimenting.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It took me some time to setup gear, so 20 minutes ended being the boiling time. Next time, I’ll conserve a bit more fuel while still playing it safe.

[@intotheforge3954]

Would a antenna like that work for the 2m/70cm bands?

[@kevingoshe4371]

Nice video sir. What Spyderco knife is that? Para 3? Looking forward to your Winlink videos.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. Yes, this the Para 3. Spyderco makes great knives. I've been everyday carrying this the Para 3 for about a year. Love it. Winlink videos coming. ;-)

[@Stevenfclark]

Dude, as a relatively new ham myself who has jumped into the hobby pretty aggressively as well, the one thing I have learned is be thick skinned, unfortunately there is no shortage of opinions, great video 73 de N1AD

[@TheTechPrepper]

Steven, glad to see another relatively new ham on the channel. Thanks for joining the conversation. It's clear that a thick skin would certainly help, but that's exactly my point. 99% of the experiences are great on air experiences, but I had a couple of poor encounters when I first started on VHF/UHF that almost pushed me out of the hobby. My skin is calloused over now, so I can take the occasional salty ham. It's a great skill to have and a lot of fun. There are plenty of new hams that may get on the air call it quits if they run into that rare bad apple. At any rate, thanks for the comment. I hope you stick around for the Winlink videos.

[@Stevenfclark]

@@TheTechPrepper I just set up my vhf unit with the Kantronics kpc3+ and the Yaesu 8800, next is HF option 73 de N1AD

[@marvinsmith4]

20 minutes of boiling is probably more than sufficient, if not overkill. Having said that, I definitely wouldn't want to flirt with giardia or other nasties, but I'd imagine 1-5 minutes probably gets the job done while preserving your fuel as a resource. Digging your SOTA vids and your methodical approach with concrete objectives when you go out. SOTA is probably the main reason I'd like to upgrade to general.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you’re enjoying the SOTA videos. You can absolutely do SOTA with your Technician license. I typically activate 2m every time I’m on a summit. Go for your General, it’s the best gift you can give yourself in this hobby. 73

[@Whiskey6Radio]

Great video dude. Do you have a link to that antenna build? I would like to try it. Do you post your cheat sheet cards online somewhere?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks a lot. The NVIS dipole is covered in this video (parts in the description): kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4q7h36qqpihrc0 and the cheat sheets are in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnOrY4GtgN9moaM. If you want to skip the cheat sheet video, here's the direct link to the Google Template, just make a copy and adjust for your needs: docs.google.com/document/d/1J8Qa0ndLznv91KJQWepFoiVbsq72ze5St9juSTBW_Qc/edit?usp=sharing

[@Whiskey6Radio]

@@TheTechPrepper great thanks keep up the great work

[@KM4ACK]

Don’t listen to the naysayers. Experiment and have fun. You’ll figure out what works for YOU.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I appreciate that, Jason. I used this same antenna to send you a Winlink email during our recent power outage. I’ll stick to what works.

[@nativetexan9776]

Where did you get all of this money? Bad ass home and property, awesome jeep, buying ham gear like crazy, expensive hiking gear and clothes? Dang man!

[@TheTechPrepper]

I fell into the high tech space in the late 90's/2000's and I'm fortune to have a good consulting/software engineering job. Honestly, outside of the Jeep which I've had for 6 years now (it will be my last vehicle if it keeps running), all the radio gear is pretty modest. The Yaesu FT-818 (HF radio) and FT-60R (hand held) are two of the most inexpensive, yet rugged radios, compared to what's available on the market. For example, that full radio setup along with the battery and antenna are under $800. I know that sounds like a lot, and it is, but compared to the equipment in amateur radio it's really on the lower end of the spectrum. Also, I did not buy all this gear at once, I have been hiking for 30 years and use my equipment until it fails and then take a good look at replacement or upgrade with a modest budget. In the last couple of years I have been rounding out my gear with less expensive items from Amazon. For example, the folding table was picked up on Amazon for $30 compared over $100 if you go the REI. As for REI, I wait to buy my gear during their garage sales. It's a special event were you can buy returned items for a deep discount. I bought those trekking poles 2 years ago at 70% off. It was not my intention to pain this picture of having all of these things. I am blessed and fortune for what I have, but I do try find the deals and use my equipment until it dies. Have a great day and thanks for the comment.

[@Neil_Morris]

You've learnt something useful - the best antenna is the one that does what you need when you need it :-) 73 de G0TVJ

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Neil. This hobby is all about learning and gaining experience. I appreciate the comment. This little antenna is great. 73, KT1RUN

[@mikemcdonald5147]

dont use the yellow snow for the coffee

[@TheTechPrepper]

Shoot, I thought someone left me some lime Gatorade.

[@ericsolomon9522]

Personally, I like seeing the videos that show things fail and how to correct or overcome those problems not wishing you any bad luck, but those inconsistencies and set up swim things just don’t know right are typically what happens in an emergency, especially when you’re more prone to making mistakes, forgetting something not having something just well it is called SHTF for a reason

[@TheTechPrepper]

I share your same point of view. I try to share the honest experience with the good and the bad. Failure is a great teacher. Happy Sunday.

[@chesty1369]

You're loosing me at "Cheap Chinese"....will pay more for something that isn't Chinese or make it myself.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Well, thanks for sticking around for the beginning. My Primus stove that I’ve had for 30 years is what I use, but I thought a budget option would help some of the viewers concerned with price. I guess I could have built a soda can alcohol stove. Take care.

[@NMETSGChan]

I don't who was the first idiot to say "One is None, and Two is One"? Because when he is going to experience two failure he is going to start Saying "One is None, Two is also None and Three is One". One is One and Two is Two. Learn to improvise if need be!

[@TheTechPrepper]

You make a good point. It’s a cliche that should probably be killed. If it came to it, I carry duct tape and electrical tape and the repair would of held up for the activation. Take it easy.

[@NMETSGChan]

@@TheTechPrepper Don't take me wrong ! I'm not saying we should not have backup! Redundancy is essential! But saying that "One is None, and Two is One" is ridiculous. Do we have two of everything? No! I rather have redundancy that have multi-purpose. And duct tape is actually one! :)

[@NMETSGChan]

@@TheTechPrepper But I also say thing that sometimes make no sense. That's why we have freedom of speech. Or at least a resemblance of free speech.