Winter Field Day AAR

Another good one, Do you have anything coming forward on the windows install. Been having a bit of a time with my microcomputer. I skipped the one you have because I wanted direct 12v power supply. I had issues with the install looking good on paper but even after adjusting sound settings both WSJTX and JS8 were deaf. Added a small usb sound card and waiting for a cable now. Hopefully that will fix it. Using 891.

 

Don't tell that to the ARRL or contesters.

 

I would say everyday an amateur is operating is a practice day... collective we are at the ready to assist in an emergency. Human nature and the tools we possess. I the meantime it's QSO's and technology fun 365. BE ready.

Standing by for the call. WA6VVC / WA6CAM

 

Another excellent video Julian. I really appreciate your hard work and enthusiasm in making these very informative videos. You're an example of the best in ham radio.

 

Hi Julian,

Hi heard your remark about using bottom-balanced LiFePO4 batteries and you questioning if that would be a good solution in an emergency situation, as opposed to using a battery pack with all the "safety measures" added.

Try look at it this way: all the "safety measures added" assumingly means a pack with a BMS/balancing system. All this extra electronics can get defective in an emergency situation, leaving you with a battery pack in an unknown state.
On the other hand, a bottom-balanced pack doesn't have and need a balancing system. You only need a voltmeter to keep track of your battery. So no electronics breaking down could jeopardize your battery pack, unless of course, you run out of voltmeters But the only thing you need to know is when the pack is full (you've assesed that voltage when charging the first time after bottom balancing) and the voltage when the pack is empty. And even that voltage has a safety range of 10V (absolute minimum) to 11.2V ("empty"). In short: the bottom knee in the voltage curve is always well known and the top knee is established at the first charge. And without a balancer you always know where the knees are. Of course, to assess the current battery charge, you always need a coulomb-counter.

That reminds me of the convenience of having 2 batteries inside the FT-897: when one battery is empty, you know that you're half way your battery capacity

73, Meindert - PA0MHS

 

Julian, you are a HARDCORE HAM, my friend!!!! Always great videos and projects! How did you end up in OH land??? I'm jealous! I visite0d Helsinki in the 80's. BEAUTIFUL country!

73, Pete

 

I'm struggling with the audio as well since I have experience with the raspberry Pi but when I lowered the volume on output I was able to receive.
Also as an FYI, after you buy the connectify MAX hotspot software; you need to install TightVNC as a service and have no UI then his screenshot. Afterwards just IPCONFIG, find your native network adapter IP4 address as the ip you connect to.
Have to work on moderating the audio level and eventually it will be ready to go.
73 de KC1MIJ

 

Well I added the sabrent sound card and it works but but not enough audio out to drive the radio past 5 watts. Trying another soundcard and should be here today but still curious what Julians setup is.

 

Nice work on your Portable EMCOMM kit, question do you daisychain your Lightsaver Max to a larger Solar panel or use it by itself?