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How to pack a road bike for ham radio

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by N7KOM, Jul 20, 2022.

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  1. N7KOM

    N7KOM Ham Member QRZ Page



    Here I show how I fit / *shove* my portable station in a frame bag on my road bike. I prefer using frame bags to backpacks because it is more comfortable on hot days.

    Gear that fits in the frame bag:
    • KX2 & paddle, ect.
    • Fiberglass mast
    • FT-60r
    • MFJ Longranger
    • logbook (not pictured, fits in the other pocket on the frame bag)
    This lets me *easily* activate some of the urban SOTA summits around Portland.

    73 de Tim N7KOM

    P.S. Sorry for the shaky camera. Hard to put pack up one handed ;)
     
    KJ7YWK, KC1QGI, KC2JAV and 13 others like this.
  2. KL7KN

    KL7KN Ham Member QRZ Page

    What bag was that used for the KX-2?
     
  3. N7KOM

    N7KOM Ham Member QRZ Page

    It's a Kelty brand soft case, sadly discontinued. I got it cheap off of REI's outlet site a couple years ago. Wish they still made them! It's the perfect size for QRP rigs.
     
    KL7KN likes this.
  4. KC9YGN

    KC9YGN Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page

    That's great! :) I'm hoping to start doing something similar this summer. My equipment is a bit more bulky - an FT 818, mag loop antenna with a folding tripod, a CW key, battery, etc. plus water and other goodies. But everything will squeeze into an over the shoulder messenger bag I already use for my tools, CO2 tire inflator and other stuff.
     
    KA0USE, KI5UXW, WD4ELG and 1 other person like this.
  5. G7DAZ

    G7DAZ Ham Member QRZ Page

    As a keen cyclist and one who used an FT-290R (remember those) on a bike with a homebrew VOGAD headset many years ago, i'm always keen to see how other Hams use their kit with a bike etc. etc.

    however i'm curious to one thing...as a Ham-cyclist-combo do they get farther the more they pedal ;)
     
  6. AK5CT

    AK5CT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    With the current price of gas, we may all end up doing this.
     
    N6AMF, R4HGZ, AK5B and 2 others like this.
  7. AB1WX

    AB1WX Ham Member QRZ Page

    I use Burley Travoy for Parks on the Air activations. I can carry a lot more equipment and a few spare antennas. But I'm curious about your tiny mast. What model is it?
     
  8. KL7KN

    KL7KN Ham Member QRZ Page

    Thanks for the reply

    My 'bike portable' setup uses a set of panniers. I have pics in my page here at the Zed.
     
    N7KOM likes this.
  9. NU4R

    NU4R XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    But, that's where the engine goes! I gotta rethink this whole suggestion.:p
     
    KA0USE and N7KOM like this.
  10. N6WNG

    N6WNG Ham Member QRZ Page

  11. NU4R

    NU4R XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Hey Don! Been to JBER A BUNCH over the past 4 years. Son-in-law was in the AF. They left about 6 months ago. What a trip that was getting them back to Florida! HOLY CRAP! Thought I was gonna die! I was always wanting to set up a station there.

    73 sir and have a great week!
    Greg
     
    KL7KN likes this.
  12. NU4R

    NU4R XML Subscriber QRZ Page

  13. N7KOM

    N7KOM Ham Member QRZ Page

    It's an ali-express mast. I'd link to it, but I tried ordering a second one and even though it is the "same" it is a completely different size!
     
    AB1WX likes this.
  14. W7PLC

    W7PLC Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    I am VHF mobile on my bike, Yaesu VX-8 w/ external spkr/mic in the small bag by the handlebars with a multiband antenna mounted on the rear carrier
     

    Attached Files:

    KJ7YWK likes this.
  15. KL7AJ

    KL7AJ Ham Member QRZ Page

    I'm getting in shape for this: https://greatcyclechallenge.com/
    And I'm probably just going to have a two meter rig clamped to my handlebars.

    I wish this even was about a month earlier; we could be getting snow by then, and I've got really really really skinny, really really really hard tires.
     
    K1XS likes this.

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