Great idea. I'd change HTs and use the VX-6R but great idea, either way.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. Like you I switch between a few HT's these days too: VX-8DR, VX-6R, FT-60R and AnyTone 878.

I set up a linear amplifier fed to a home brew mag mount antenna in my truck for my TH-25AT handheld transceiver in 1988. It worked repeaters 30 miles away. It also covered 20 miles on a few packet radio QSOs when mounted on a radiator at Rochester Institute of Technology in 1999-1990.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

It looks like I am really late to the party on this one. Thanks for sharing your experience using an amplifier with HT. I mostly plan to use this for digital modes and pactet on 2m.

@tchambers807

19 күн бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Great idea. Did they ever produce the frame for the pack?

@TheTechPrepper

18 күн бұрын

@@tchambers807 Yes, but it was just a prototype for testing. In fact, it briefly made an appearance in my APRS + DigiRig Lite video last week.

@tchambers807

18 күн бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I'll have to check that out. Thanks for that. Do you believe it's possible it still makes it to market?

@TheTechPrepper

18 күн бұрын

@@tchambers807 I doubt it, but it's worth sending ARMOLOQ and email, as this is a very one-off build with almost no interest from the community. It was really handy for boosting the power on my HT when I was experimenting with the longer range VHF comms last week.

Cool demo. I have the RM Italy 10M with fans that goes with my Alinco DR-03 on my base station. It works well. There are times when you do need to make up for smaller antenna. Short bursts of APRS messages or Winlink contacts should keep the thing cool and let the battery last a little longer.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a quick point-and-shoot video with an idea that's worth exploring a bit more. I ran into this issue during APRS Thursday. My little HT can't get a usable signal out from inside the house. This setup worked like a champ for the net check-in.

Just purchased one. Great work, and yes a man pack would be great. I’m installing into the wifes car and using the Yaesu ft5d with mag mount.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

There's an idea. It's great that your wife is letting you do this. I can't even run a mag mount temporarily in my wife's car. Good luck!

Great Idea, gona make the mail and asking also for a side mount for my portable logper antenna… what a fun. Thought a long time about this amp. Doing sota from time to time and this one combined with the little logper gives me hundreds of miles reach here in the alps. Just watched Techminds Video about a repeater - that would fit as well in the pack… Thanks for your work 🤪🇨🇭

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for supporting the cause. Seth is a good friend, but he needs intel on interest to gauge whether there is even a viable market to go through the design, build and distribution effort. I'll be making this video public today to see if we can get more emails going his way. Thanks!

I never knew it til today, we both own an IC7200. This was my Third ever radio & my first HF base station rig.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I recently discovered the IC-7200 this year. I picked it up for a few reasons . It will be my dedicated ALE rig, but I also like the built-in filters, simple operation, and single interface USB cable for the sound and CAT control. If you ever sell it, let me know. Don't tell anyone, but it runs circles around my Yaesu FT-897D.

@user-zt8ri7pw6j

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Oh it's a beast for sure, just wait til you've got the PDF or spinal manual down pat, that comes with it !

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

​@@user-zt8ri7pw6j It's now my daily HF rig, so I am getting better with the operating nuances. The filters are amazing.

Thanks, Tech Prepper! Finding your videos has re-stirred my desire to get into ham and I'm moving fwd with a friend. One thing: in pursuit of getting components to build something like your manpack I've been stunned to find that the remaining used Yaesu FT-857D radios still available out there are selling for obscene prices that are typically triple what they were only months ago. Please recommend a substitute radio that you like as much as you have expressed that you like the 857D. Again, thank you!

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, there are no current options on the market for all-band, all-mode rigs cable of 100 watts in this form factor. The industry has moved away from this design. So, the secondary market is it. The other option is the discontinued Icom IC-706 MkIIG, but it is slightly higher current consumption. Welcome back!

@vironpayne3405

Жыл бұрын

Gaston is right, the closest item on the market to a portable all band all mode 100W radio is the FT-991 and its power hawg that is not all that robust. I've parred my rigs down to two FT-857D and one FT-897D. I keep waiting for a modern 100W shack in the box radio, but no dice. Hopefully a manufacturer sees and meets the demand. 20W radios are just over one S-unit below a 100W radio. Virtually all military HF manpack radios are 20W-30W, but with a couple of "secret weapons" to boost performance. They run ALE (Atomatic Link Establishment) and digital voice. Apart from being great performing radios, military radios SUCK at user interface because they are designed to be "soldier proof." There are not waterfall displays or VFO for surfing the bands, RF gain control for pulling out weak signals through the noise. In an analog signal environment amateur radios are more sensetive and flexible, but you need to be a reasonably competent radio operator to maximize performance. The military uses HF primarily for emergency communications in their PACE plan, but through mesh networking and ATAK software they are leverage sophisticated data by putting as much as possible on user devices so only a minimum amount of data has to go thru RF at any frequency, bandwidth or mode. The demon they seem to be fighting now is interoperability that keeps mess networks secure, universal, but flexible at lower unit levels. How does a platoon or squad run a private mesh network while part of larger networks and authentical members joining their local network in an expedient manner without compromising high networks. Managing 3-4 keys each for 4-5 layers of mesh networks sounds like a real headache when you want local control while maintaining global system security and global integration. It hurts my head to think about it briefly.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@vironpayne3405 Thank you for adding to this conversation at multiple levels, Viron. I have been debating whether to go down the Yaesu FT-991A route for a couple years, but it is large and not suited for the field unless you are doing a POTA activation at park bench and don't mind running your gear out of a Pelican case. ARMOLOQ does have TPA frames for the 991A, but you need a full backpack to house it.

I like the modularity of this idea. I guess I wish that the amp was 2m/440, or better yet and amp that covers 160 through 70cm so I don't have to have multiple amps to boost the capability of the 818.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

That is a drawback, but I think there is still enough utility for something like for 2m. I looked for a long time for an amp that would cover HF/VHF/UHF.

@TinyTJ04

Жыл бұрын

@TheTechPrepper I agree that there's still enough utility, and if given the choice, I'd go for 2m over 440. All of that is based on my use case, which probably differs significantly from others. I've looked for the holy grail of amps too. No luck yet.

@BobBob-il2ku

Жыл бұрын

Shit that’s the amp we all need

@vironpayne3405

Жыл бұрын

It is a good amp. There is no 160m-70cm amplifier and probably will not be one in the foreseeable future.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@vironpayne3405 I looked for the Holy Grail of broadband amps...no luck. This is one one of the reasons why I believe the Yaesu FT-857D is the best-in-class option when it comes to civilian manpacks. It's all-band, all-mode with just enough power and light enough to pack out with relatively low current consumption if you run it between to 20 to 40 watts.

Im sooo glad yer back! I thought i lost you forever!!!

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I never really left, I just don't have the time for a public video every week. I'll drop them when I can. In my last video, I mentioned that the plan was to release a public one every 4 to 6 weeks, so this one dropped earlier than I expected. Thanks for the support.

I've been using a BTECH amplifier with my VX-6R. Extremely compact and works great. I use it at home and great for a go bag. When traveling and staying in hotel it works great. 25 watts

OK now I'm heading out to my shack to find an old Radio Shack 2m FM 35w amp. You've given me a new idea for a project. Thanks! 73

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the food-for-thought. It's time to give those little 2m HTs a jet pack. Good luck.

That's a great setup, Gaston! That would be a great mobile to man portable setup! I hope all is well, buddy, 73!

@TheTechPrepper

11 ай бұрын

All is well, just busier than normal these days. The frames for this prototype are in flight. Take care. It's been awhile.

Great idea!

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

We'll see how it turns out in practice. Thanks.

I've looked at the Baofeng 2m linear amp with the idea of using an HT in the mini truck or 4Runner for more power and a much better antenna with the ability to take the HT when away from the vehicle. Some of the cheap HTs have the ability to program them in CHIRP as GMRS radios for short range operation, so I could carry two HTs, giving me a backup (two is one and one is none) but also have a spare to give to a non-ham for vehicle-to-vehicle comms.

@vironpayne3405

Жыл бұрын

Using your mobile rig as a cross band repeater definitely can have benefits. Police departments use that type equipment where their HT can act as a remote for their mobile radio. Its all about what you are trying to accomplish.

@Liberty4Ever

Жыл бұрын

@@vironpayne3405 - I've heard of hunters using a mobile rig as a cross band repeater. Park the jeep on top of the hill and 2-3 guys can be down slope and in the valleys and still communicate when they couldn't hit one of the big repeaters. I don't hunt but this seems like a good technique to coordinate search and rescue, etc.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

We use cross band repeat frequently at public service events. That's one of the reasons why I run the Kenwood D710GA in the Jeep. The challenge right now is that it is 118F in my area and the D710 will cook with no A/C running in full duty cycle. I can usually hear ok, but my signal barely gets out on 5 watts.

Nice rig, I was thinking of a similar setup except for 10 meters using an RM KL203P and Albrecht AE 2990 (AM, FM, SSB). In a pinch, it can be expanded to operate on 11. meters

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Good luck. I had to look both of those up.

Sounds like a nice option for my 818 or FT-60. Thanks.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. I have both of those. They would be perfect.

Great idea

I know you don't have time for extraneous projects, but it'd be fun to experiment with JS8 on 2m SSB. It's lame on FM but works surprisingly well hilltop to hilltop for regional comms, even at low power. That's why I wish manufacturers would give us FM and SSB on a handheld. It'd be cool to hike up a ridge, put up a backpack Slim Jim antenna and use an HT to send digital comms 40 miles station to station. If it caught on, have a 2m JS8 message server.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Timing appears to be me on my side. I have a supporter that also happens to be a local. We're testing 2m JS8Call after work tomorrow. We'll be running some FM tests at the same time. I'll keep you posted.

@Liberty4Ever

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper - That's an awesome if unexpected development. Even if you can't get to the top of a ridge, 20 watts or more from a valley can send knife edge diffraction to a distant regional station and JS8's ability to dig a signal out of the noise does the rest of the heavy lifting. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the results of your 2m FM and SSB JS8 tests. If you're feeling extra experiMENTAL, you guys might try a quick test of antenna polarization - vertical to vertical, vertical to horizontal, and horizontal to horizontal. It's great that JS8 reports dB so all you need to do is record the results. Above all... have fun!

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@Liberty4Ever Unfortunately, we are going to be using our horizontal Yagis for both SSB and FM. We both do not have an easy way to rotate our Yagis' polarization during the operation. In fact, I was just about to get on the ladder to rotate it from vertical (for FM) to horizontal (for SSB) now. I have about 1,000 ft. advantage over Phoenix, so this will be interesting. I have 99% confidence in this test as I routinely do SSB voice on 2m with 5 to 50 watts up to about 120 miles.

I have a la144, it works excellent but it gets very hot when it works, it is much smaller than the one you show here but it has the same specifications, it easily reaches 80w with 4w input. Due to the size, I think it would work better for your experiment. By the way, if you put 5w on it, it reaches 100w in my case, don't do it 😂. For safety I always use it connected to a swr meter

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip. I have no intention of running above 2.5 watts. In general, I'll be driving it with 1 watt. 40 watts out is all I need for most applications. In hindsight, I should have gone with the 144 instead of the 145. 73's

I had one of those. Boy do they get hot on FM. They also chew through battery power pretty fast. Fun option though for 2m SSB. The auto key up delay was pretty fast but a bit slower than an alc keying line. Sometimes the beginning and end of words can get clipped so I just started and ended with “ahhhh” and “back to you”

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience. This is my first amp. It's a pretty niche use case, but it solves a few problems that I run into. I never planned to use this for rag chewing. This is more to get a signal out occasionally while listening the majority of the operating time.

I’ve thought about the idea of a HT being used in a car and not paying for a Moble radio just for the car. The use of an amp is interesting. I’d support this.

I like the idea of it.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

It's worth finishing the prototype to see how this idea plays out.

Again the thank you. Although not big on higher power [bigger footprint...so to speak, prefer small foot], but can definitely see tremendous application potential in certain circumstances. A shame the amp does not have UHF potential. I have already messaged Armoloq.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

The lack of the 440 MHz is a bit of a let down, but there is still a lot a value in a modular system like this. For example, this would be perfect for turning my DMR HT (AnyTone 878) into a base station. For grid down and and a no-rule-of-law scenario, this would work boosting GMRS radios (not permitted by the FCC). Thanks for sending ARMOLOQ a note.

@richardkennedy815

Жыл бұрын

Agree, particularly with the grid-down or WRL scenario. Still I am also working on a handheld UHF packable yagi to help with the UHF portion...and it meets my need for lower power solution in some cases.

I think that should be RM Italy. Great idea. What about a battery Lifepo battery. Run it on power level 2 from the HT?

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

That's how I plan to drive it...on level #2 (1 watt). I don't see myself needing more than 40 watts out. This would also be better for both batteries (HT and the amp).

Being that i primarily run an HT I was just looking to the btech amps they've been putting out. Seems like the same frame would fit and extend everything for me. Good idea. I'm down to send an email. I'll get at Seth too and nudge him into making you one. If they fit a variety of amps then that's a win for the community. Thanks for the content, brother. I hope you're staying cool (or at least not in that danger zone of death heat). 😄🤙🏽

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

ARMOLOQ is pretty good about targeting multiple models when it comes to their TPA frames. Which BTech models have you considered? Yes, we are in the heat danger zone. Thanks for pinging him.

@TheGeekiestGuy

Жыл бұрын

@TheTechPrepper the btech u25d since I've been running a DMR rig. I'll have to save a little and weigh my options. I know it's basically a Retevis equivalent. These always remind of that movie "Don't mess with the Zohan" - is Sony guts bit. The name doesn't matter as long as it has the same internals. 😆 I'm guessing they're pretty much all the same amp internally. Your rig looks pretty damn nice. It's nice to see your ham desk taking form, btw. I know you usually go outside and play, but I can't knock the need for AC this time of year. If it wasn't humid here, I think I'd have died long ago. 😅

@TheGeekiestGuy

Жыл бұрын

@TheTechPrepper * I think the anytone version is the same, too.

@TheGeekiestGuy

Жыл бұрын

I'm not gonna lie, I just got a flipper zero and might prioritize a hack rf next since I can hit the clubs repeater with the stock rubber ducky. We shall see what comes first. I've been digging deep into the flipper, tho. I might stick with it for a bit and grab am SDR to go a little lightweight. Bring in Hawaii has its quirks.

I recently picked up a like new used Mirage amp with SSB and preamp built in for $50 and it works nice. No local SSB nets in Indiana that I'm aware of, but pairing this with my ICOM 705 for amplified 2m operations had allowed me to make a significant improvement over the 10W max out of the ICOM. Now i can turn the power way down on the transceiver and use another 12v source for getting up to 80W output if i need it. I'm now sure how much i can get with the 5W output of my VX6R but I'm going to try it. I think someone already addressed this, but not sure how the cooling would work in an enclosed bag/pack as I'm sure the manufacturer would poo poo on. Of course the heat build up depends on the frequency of use. Running constant digital modes probably a bad idea but certainly using it to hit a distant repeater for a short period of time or a longer SSB contact might be interesting to try between two individuals. I would love to see you make a video of No Random Contacts using this set up for a long range SSB digital mode contact!!! Hint hint hint....

@vironpayne3405

Жыл бұрын

Gaston does operate in brutal environments from time to time, so you do raise a valid point about heat. To double your range with most omni directional antennas you have to quadruple your power to gain the additional S-unit. In tactical situations large antennas can be problematic, especially in environments like where Gaston operates that has very few natural options for supporting and elevating antennas. However, its my opinion that for most portable operations problems associated with larger more efficient antennas generally are outweighed by the benefits. Most portable ops are limited in power. Antennas are essentially two-way passive amplifiers working for send and receive. They require no additional power and typical no additional cabling. Most amplifiers on the other hand require additional power, cabling, only add to transmitted power, and typically have a tiny bit of insertion loss on receive. Larger antennas typically take more time to setup and take down, and may require more support structure which can be a tactical disadvantage, especially when operating solo or manpack portable. There are very few higher gain vhf/uhf antennas for portable ops besides 2-3 element yagis. In mobile and base station antennas it is faily popular to stack a 5/8wl element on a 1/4wl element for 5-6dBi gain. I have seen homebrew rollup j-poles, but nothing commercial. The Ed Fong dual band j-pole is an exception on the 70cm portion of his 70cm/2m j-pole.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I can't speak for everyone, but I personally do not intent to rag chew on this or run as a net control with this setup. It is intended to boost my signal when I need to relay some traffic. At public service events, I typically can hear fine with the HT, but have a hard time getting a signal out depending on my deployed location. When it's time to pass traffic or give an update during our "ops normal" check-in, the TX is usually 10 to 30 seconds. I TX for about 1-2 to minutes every hour. Heat has never been a problem. I have been running manpacks for the last 2-3 years out here in the desert. Hit a commo window and limited your TX has worked well personally.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

For all field events, I will deploy the Ed Fong roll-up J-Pole at a temporary aid station. This usually works even at 5 watts. I even carry the Arrow II, 4-element Yagi (3-piece boom, backpacker model). This will be another tool to have available as a resource. Since I standardize on BNC, the connections from the SignalStick, the Ed Fong or the Arrow II are quick when I need to pass traffic and move to a fixed location. Again, my communications are focused and limited to short windows. On know that my use case is different than most.

@vironpayne3405

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Given you use case for special events an amp can make sense when deployment and TX times are limited. I do have a buddy that has solar panel on his truck topper and a second battery for his radio that he uses as a cross band repeater. It is better suited for heavier TX usage when lightwieght mobility of an HT is desired.

Imagine living in the peoples republic and in an HOA😢

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Did that for most of my life, but left Dodge 8 years ago. Arizona is the place to be if you can handle the heat. Cheers.

@lancekilkenny721

Жыл бұрын

​​@@TheTechPrepper? I left Komifornia in 1989 after they passed Roberti/Roos. Greyhound bus to Phoenix.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@lancekilkenny721 Yes. We left in 2015. I hope the politics don't change here in AZ. Good morning, neighbor.

Great idea mounting it in the pack. My 817 just died the dreaded PA death so I have an empty pack laying around now. Off the email Seth.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Ouch. That stinks. Did you have one of the PA kits on hand from the gent in the UK? Good luck with the repair.

@malenve6vid

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Do you have a name or website for him??

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@malenve6vid Will this kit help you out? www.ebay.com/itm/125901466589

I would love to get one of those fine radios !

Armload request sent. I would for sure buy at least one.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Let's keep them coming. You'd be surprised how many units would need to be sold to make this a worthwhile effort. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as this would be an excellent tool. Thanks for the support, Dan.

Gaston, just about everything is worth playing with at least once. For my first HT I bought a amp that was intergrated into an HT charger. That was about 30yrs ago and I haven't done it again, but I did enjoy it. You sort of lost me when you ruled out your two best choices of a better antenna and higher elevation. That is throwing away a passive amplifier that doesn't require more battery power that works for both send and receive. As you mention modular kit with part of the kit in a vehicle would it work using your HT as a remote to control a mobile rig in your vehicle. There are a number of mobile radios that are designed to operate as cross band repeaters. Would such a setup give you the functionality you are looking for? Even a pair of UV5-R can be setup as a cross band repeater. I don't believe the FT-857D is designed for cross band repeater operation, but it does do cross band send and receive so you could setup a HT or other radio to receive with the FT-857D in VOX to retransmit. That way you would not need to buy a radio specifically for cross band repeating. As a prepper I am sure you realize there are tactical advantages to working a repeater with a directional antenna using low power. There are more advantages when its cross band on a frequency not related to the repeater. If you are just wanting lightweight low power, what is the difference between the VX8 and the FT-857D, versus the amp, HT, and additional battery weight and powerwise. Otherwise you can look at the amp as additional redundancy that may or may not be needed. Or, you can see it as an addition potential point of failure. I am not sure there is a right, wrong, or best answer, but I am not sure you have clearly defined the mission objective based on mission requirements. Options are good. Enjoy the gear. Let us know how it works out in six months or so. I love your videos and thank you for all your hard work and knowledge that you add to the community. Thanks again, N4VEP

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Apologies for typos in advance. No time for edits. You're right. It never hurts to try anything once. Let me clarify. I get asked a lot of how to increase the communications range on VHF. My answer is always: 1) Improve your location (i.e. get to higher ground) 2) Add a higher gain antenna (perhaps a Yagi or roll-up J-Pole) 3) Increase power. Increasing power is rough on an HT, hence this video. Obviously, the rubber duck is not rated for this kind of RF output via the amplifier, so for this demo at the shack I switched to a roof-mounted Yagi that can handle the 40 watts to 85 watts. In this field, this could be the same Arrow II Yagi, J-Pole or any other field antenna that can handle this power. In the vehicle, most vehicle-mounted antennas will do the trick, too. In terms of cross-band repeat. I have three radios with this capability, but have only run two of them so far. In the Jeep I run the Kenwood D710GA as an x-band repeater for public service events. I also have the Yaesu FT-8900 in a manpack that I will also use for public service. Lastly, I have the AnyTone 578, but have not used it as I am holding off on DMR until the end of the year. It support sx-band repeat as well. It should be noted that x-band adds another level of complexity on both the repeater and the HT's. I have also not experimented with crossband repeat for packet or other digital modes. My goal is to be able to use my EDC radio in different scenarios. Sometimes a small footprint radio (the HT solo) is fine, but other times, more power and a larger footprint rig is required. Occasionally, the HT or QRP radio has a feature that I need, but it just lacks power. For example, I routinely use my VX-6R with the DigiRig Mobile or Mobilnkd TNC with my other tools, so this is another great way, when needed, to strap on a jet pack. I'll keep you updated. 73s

Awesome, just one question to everyone, what is the safety question with long use of that frequency of RF energy exposure. Anyone know the health effects? Post please.

You are wise to stay out of the peak input range. There are diminishing returns at the top end of the range - Gain Compression. I ran my Mirage 3016 with 25 watts max in for close to 160 watts out. Older radios had some internal adjustment, so I disabled High Power (50 watts) and adjusted Low Power from 5 to 25 watts or a little less. I have had that amp running now for 30 years. I do watch antenna SWR - reflected power on all of these amps.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for echoing my thoughts here. Also, I'd like to be resource conscious, so driving the HT at 1 watt for the amp to produce 40 watts at 9 amps seems like the sweat spot between power utilization and power output.

Nothing like adding an afterburner to get heard.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!

On my channel i show that battery bank modified to use 18650 cells and or 9 volt. Its under DYI power.

Hi , i like your concept of the manpack and want to set one up similar. would like to know where you purchased your bags for your radio and battery ? thanks

@TheTechPrepper

9 ай бұрын

These are custom manpacks that I developed. However, I'm no longer making them. Check out my manpack series on my KZread page as I talk about some options for sourcing bags commercially available. Good luck!

May I know where did you buy your hat? I do like wearing one whenever operating vhf outdoors. Thanks

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

It was given to me as a gift, but the hat is called the "Notch". They work great with wraparound sun glasses.

I wish to know more details and their diagram assemblies. Anyway, thank a lot.

@TheTechPrepper

10 ай бұрын

You're welcome. By the way, the prototype frames are being made. I was sent a picture last night. There will be a video in the future.

Email sent, love the idea :)

Interesting idea Gaston, and within the spirit of amateur radio to try different things. However, I don't think this makes much sense. You are wanting to put the amplifier in a manpack that is the exact same size as your mobile VHF/UHF rig. I don't see the point of going with the amp over the mobile radio. They are the exact same footprint, both require a battery, and have similiar power outputs. If you took your mobile you would have a second radio in adition to your HT (2 is 1 - 1 is none). Even then the mobile has the increased power output on VHF and UHF, where the amplifier only has the increased power output on VHF. Not to mention the recievers in most mobile radios are significantly better than the recievers in our HTs - even the good ones. Try listening to a station on your mobile with an external antenna, then hook the antenna up to your HT. There will be a noticable difference in the quality of the recieved signal. I don't want to be that guy but I certainly wouldn't try ampliying the signal out of my baofengs. The harmonics on them are not what they should be, and you would be amplifying the harmonics as well. What harmonics may not have been a problem before may become one after you amplify them. Accidentally interfering with public service frequencies would be pretty dumb. All that to say I hope your project is insightful and I'll be here for your videos on it. 73

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. I am reposting a comment on my particular reason for why. "I actually have a very specific need for this application at public service events where I need to have the ability to boost my power when needed, but can otherwise walk around and receive on an HT. Crossband repeat has been a problem out here with the high duty cycle and heat. [It] all depends on what "your" communications goals are. Also, in the house, I do not have a radio other than my HT that will do APRS, so I need to give that radio more power. At 118F is not feasible to stay outside to run APRS."

The half amp idle current of that amp is a bit disappointing but the concept is awesome.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Everything is a compromise, but there is enough utility here to see how this works in practice.

In both types of comms ie digi and voice which is the best program for logging

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, I still use pencil and paper. I am sure a quick Google search will point you at what the "cool" kids are using for logging.

So I have to ask, what was your hold up on max power? Since this was a testing scenario and not normal operation?

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I tested off camera and it puts out the fully 85 watts. I would prefer not to burn through that much power on both the HT and battery that is driving the amp. I operate man portable usually so I would prefer not to carry a larger battery than needed (12-15Ah battery) or have to use more power than is needed to establish the contact as I need recharge in the field.

Is there such an AMP for GMRS radios? Do you have a link to the pack that you use?

@TheTechPrepper

10 ай бұрын

I'm not sure, as I'm not a GMRS user. However, there are very likely amps available if you do a search online. This is a custom bag that I designed. I've shown it on the channel with various mobile rigs from Yaesu. However, I'm no longer making them.

How's your receive with the amplifier in line?

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

More testing is needed, but it seems to work well enough. I did not have my antenna switch connected to perform A/B testing.

What city/state are you in? This sounds like a very simple project that wouldn't cost much.

@TheTechPrepper

8 ай бұрын

I already have a working prototype. Thanks.

Every ebay, amazon, and Facebook marketplace seller is going to see a sharp spike in their sales of this amp in the next 8-10 hours. It shall be called a TTP spike.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, you may be right. This happened with the Panasonic machines (CF-20 and FZ-M1) as well as the VX-6R when I released a few videos on that gear. Also, I did not give ARMOLOQ the heads up that I was going to mention them. I am curious to see when they will contact me. ARMOLOQ: "What the heck did you do?". Me: "I'm just trying to bring practical innovation to the hobby while supporting American businesses". Cheers.

Did he make a set? I am interested in seeing this tested

@TheTechPrepper

9 ай бұрын

He did. It just arrived this week. It will make an appearance this year.

Love the concept but would rather set up the pack frames for the more common and inexpensive BTech amps

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Do the BTech amps support SSB?

@HunterSkiff

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper FM only but most HTs don't do SSB, so for that use case

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@HunterSkiff True, but the FT-817/8 do. We have a vibrant SSB community out here.

does any one know if armaloq are still doing business as ive try buying the tpa 817 of them but no luk

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Yes, they are still in business. I spoke to them last week; they have a large supply of TPA pack frames for the FT-817/818.

Does that HT actually TX over 4W on High?

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

It transmits a full 5 watts on high.

Imagine going this hard against just having a HT and a Mobile. I dig the modularity sometimes my man but at some point it starts to break down logically. HF rigs are spendy so this manpack in/out car thing makes more sense budget wise. 2M stuff...unless you have 6 cars yer gonna spend more on amps,packs,batteries,cables,etc. Than a couple basic 2M mobiles that will get it done better than the Feng half the guys copying yer idea are gonna use.

What bag do you use for your manpack?

@TheTechPrepper

11 ай бұрын

Great question. This is a custom manpack that I designed. However, I'm no longer producing them.

Manpack?

It lets you use all 5 watts

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

The specs state 500mW to 4 watts. In general, 1 watt out on the HT and 40 watts on the amp will solve my problems. I did a test TX off camera at 50 watts and it pegs the meter 85 watts. I would prefer not to burn through that much power on both the HT and battery that is driving the amp. I operate man portable usually so I would prefer not to carry a larger battery than needed (12-15Ah battery) or have to use more power than is needed to establish the contact as I need recharge in the field.

@LiveFree-pk8ej

Жыл бұрын

@TheTechPrepper then it gives longer life, faster recharging, and in a huge disaster, almost all power tools have batteries in them to salvage in an emergency. All smoke detectors have 9 volt back up. When nature blows the house away in the debris is all you need to get back on the air. I love you videos thanks for making them. 73 de VA6CQB

No ID? On 2m calling freq too? ugh

ham radio - solutions looking for problems

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I actually have a very specific need for this application at public service events where I need to have the ability to boost my power when needed, but can otherwise walk around and receive on an HT. Crossband repeat has been a problem out here with the high duty cycle and heat. I all depends on what "your" communications goals are. Also, in the house, I do not have a radio other than my HT that will do APRS, so I need to give that radio more power. At 118F is not feasible to stay outside to run APRS.

…Dearrrr Seth!,….🤔 …..Dearest Seth!😌…

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Nice. ;-)

You lost nearly 5k of your followers with your previous video that has since been taken down and no comment?

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

People took that video the wrong way and I lost hundreds of people per day, so I pulled it. I am still here, I just can't release a video every week. I will have a video released as often as I can publically with a video coming out no later than every 4 to 6 weeks. This particular video came out about 2+ weeks after the last video.

@Stevenfclark

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I like your channel and content and I understand the challenges of time, but I’m pretty sure I took it the same way as the others in that you’re selling out to platforms that will compensate you better for your time. I get it, I’ve considered a KZread channel as well but the demands of my job and being a volunteer firefighter take priority. Something to consider is this platform feeds the others in many ways and to isolate the people that have grown with you is as you may now know not the best approach. I hope you continue to provide content for your channel and are successful in whatever your long term goals are! I feel a follow up video may be helpful 73 de N1AD

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@Stevenfclark It was not my intention to alienate anyone or sell out. My motivation was more to put myself in position to hopefully transition out of my day job so that I can spend more time making more frequent content while also having time to build tools catered towards making offgrid communications easy to use. I really need another 50 hours per week of time to get the radio software completed within the next 6 months. A 50-hour/wk consulting gig is hard to replace with a $300/month ad model with KZread. It's a bit of a chicken and the egg situation. At the moment, I am about a third of the way to my goal to making an exit mostly due to the member support and some occasional niche products that I produce in small quantities. Thanks and be safe out there.

Why don't you just relocate them yourself..

APRS is pretty much useless

@vironpayne3405

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't go that far, but it is limited in text message size. It does however interface with the Internet and can send and receive very short text and emails. The receive is only in reply and the reply generally has to occur within 15-20 min. For local off-grid text messaging it could be useful with or without an APRS local repeater. I have never gotten too excited about APRS but I have tried the features and it can be useful.

How are these LM Italy Amplifiers different that the Baojies BJ-200 and 300? O_o

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I have no experience with those amplifiers, but those appear to be for HF (3 through 30 MHz), not VHF.

@tulrich2

Жыл бұрын

I *almost* went this route in my car - HT + amplifier instead of a mobile radio. The footprint was attractive. In the end I went with a mobile ‘cause I didn’t want to be plugging and unplugging cables all the time. But that’s just me. That being said, I could totally see manpacking an amp for camping trips; I’m usually lugging an HT whenever I go into the woods anyway! Great idea and video!