Getting Started In Amateur Radio Field Communications

Hello operators
Today we are talking about amateur radio field communications.
I'm constantly receiving excellent questions about getting a start in Amateur Radio field communications. Although I'm happy to keep answering those questions, I don't always have the time to give personalised answers. So, I decided to put out this video, giving newcomers a few ideas which might help them get their start in amateur field communications.
We all need to remember there are many kinds of portable operations. One might hike in, drive In, operate from a camper, out of the top box of a moyorcycle, or even get dropped off by helicopter in a remote location. Whichever way you'd like to operate, these tips will definitely help you get started in ham radio in the field.

The video covers, what gear to take/don't take, how to choose a location, portable power options, and questions you should try to answer, to help you plan your gear.

There are no episode notes this time, but there is useful information in the video description.

73
Julian oh8stn

 

It is true. Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries are nearly 1/4 the weight of an equivalent Sealed Lead Acid AGM battery. It is also 4 times the $ cost. Always a flip side to the coin.

I like both types. Another good video for field radio operation tips.

Thank you, sir.

Jesse Castillo
KK6PKN

 

Hi Jesse
Thanks for the feedback and the kindness. I was wondering if they really are four times the price. Considering the lithium iron phosphate batteries can get ~2k Cycles out of them, it could be more accurate to say AGM & SLAB batteries are cheaper at the cash register. The flup side being LiFePO4 are a better value in total cost of ownership, over their useable lifetime.
I'm also no Bioenno fanboy, but their protected packs are very reasonably priced, if I consider I don't have to do any soldering.
I do hope the prices come down though.
73
Julian oh8stn

 

Julian

I operate my KX3/PX3 off a 5000mah LiPo battery for digital I use a Samsung Tablet or Alienware MX500
Antenna LNR Trail and if nned Steppir Crank IR.

PS I have been using LiPo for well over a decade and am extremely familiar with properly operating them and there risks. They are also run in my racing vehicles.

I like your power distribution block with volt or amp built in did you make this?

Thanks
Ian
KM4CQG

 

That's an excellent setup Ian!
The pp distribution center comes from k9jeb. I'm currently waiting on a 3D printer so I can start to encapsulate it into an enclosure. This would allow the powerpoles to exit off of the sides for pirtable work, taking the strain off of the solder joints and connectors. He sells the kits, and the only complaint I've had in the past was the enclosure.

73
Julian oh8stn

 

Excellent Information relevant to off grid communications & Amateur Field Communications.
Thank you.73

 

I think I should've wrote--nearly 4 times the $ cost. I did think of that but I already hit the Post Reply button. A U1 size SLA 12V 10Ah battery is $25 to $34 (+ shipping) on eBay/Amazon.

Jesse C.
KK6PKN

 

Operating times clearly vary with many variables > temperature, terminal voltage at battery, Ah ratings, load, etc. Many rigs begin to exhibit issues ie: VCO unlock, distorted TX audio, CPU reboot/fail, ALC / PA output, etc. in field operations using off shelf labeled 12 volt packs. I have found building packs with a higher terminal voltage around 15 volt (headroom) allows for extended operation time. Best to check you rig on the bench (variable power supply) to see what a real world operating conditions exist with your set-up. Boost-buck converters could help and may be just something else to haul around.

Shoot and scoot, RTO
CAM WA6VVC

 

You can just buy cheap (up to 10$) DIY Empty Mobile Power Bank Enclosure for 18650 elements (for example from an old laptop battery) and make switchable 5/12v battery for QRP radio



http://uarl.info/forum/index.php?topic=15.msg530#msg530

 

Although the title of Julian's latest superb video is targeted at noob portable ops, it also covers portable operating strategy.
One excellent section of the video is on "Questions to ask yourself".

1. What kind of operating?
2. How long will I operate?
3. Operating QRP or QRO?
4. How will I get there?
5. Do I need to recharge in the field?
​

That is the kind of critical thinking process that even the most experienced operators need when preparing for portable HF (or VHF/UHF) activity.
Top notch presentation and jam-packed video content.

 

You are right, but until you go out on the field, you usually do not know how to answer these questions. Vicious circle.

 

nice video my friend 73

 

Thanks for the Video... I am setting comms for overlanding with my Jeep and Teapdrop trailer. Recently purchase the antenna system Chameleon MPAS, this system works great with the end fed slope config.

I am now working on Solar and battery solution (weight of battery not a big issue) for the Teardrop trailer to support Comms, LED lights, fan, and frig..... The HF rig will be a Flex 1500 with a low power laptop.

Look forward to more videos...

 

You're Killin' me!
Overlanding with a Jeep and a teardrop trailer, there are very few "better" dreams I could imagine. Many of us would enjoy seeing/reading about your journey.
Actually this is the direction the channel is heading. Extended field comms from a hot tent and skipulk, rather than a Jeep and Teardrop, but I'm pretty sure we'll both be having a blast. I don't care why we go, or how we "get there", it's being "out there" which is where the amazing stories begin.
Thanks for the kindness, and for telling us about your project.
73
Julian oh8stn