Still waiting on that 818 replacement Yaesu....

@WR3ND

5 ай бұрын

See if you can find one around somewhere still. They only stopped making them about a year ago. It's somewhat of a niche radio, but it hits that niche better than anything else I know of. Cheers.

@gregiep

5 ай бұрын

I’d love an FT-857D replacement.

@cwo8771

5 ай бұрын

Yes. Come on Yaesu!

@ninja5672

3 ай бұрын

@@WR3ND Xiegu G90?

What I always appreciate about your videos is you are constantly testing in the field. Thanks for sharing your work.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

It's amazing how much more difficult everything is in the field. It's a great teacher. Thanks for the support, my friend.

I like the new focus of using the tools you have. I am a gear junkie and sometimes get wrapped up in gear acquisition. This is a good reminder to optimize what I have and become proficient with it.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

I am a gear junkie, too. I told me wife this today:... Me: Honey, I haven't spent any money this year. Wife: It's only been 6 days. Me: I know. By now, I would have had at least three deliveries. It feels good to sell some surplus gear and focus on using just a couple of good tools. Cheers!

@dubiousdoublechin6363

5 ай бұрын

As the saying goes (sort of) ‘The guerrilla makes use of what he has, rather than what he wishes he had’.

Nice idea on the single serving usages of the alcohol gels. Since I always have hand sanitizer on me, I just use it and refill the bottle I have. I get it for free since I work in a healthcare field and they're "expired." I like the other parts you put into this video simply because it's realistic. If a person going out into the field all day say for example scouting for activity in the area, it's likely they should be taking a meal or two with them. How to warm it up, etc is going to be a part of it.

I did a 4' horizontal EFHW for 40M in a park with JS8CALL and reached out about 650 miles to FL from MI. Not going to happen every day, but fun when it does.

I like the inclusion of the food kit, great ideas! With the battery wiring, you may want to include an easy cut-off, like a switch if the plug is buried in the pack. I find that my 817 slowly drains my batteries, even if it's powered down.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

That's on the list. Yes, it will drain your battery over time. My original manpack design has the battery in an accessible front compartment, so it easy to disconnect the battery.

I really love this setup, man; especially the cook kit!

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Yeah. It felt like cheating carrying almost no weight today. There's something to this ultra light backpacking.

@Liberty4Ever

5 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper - My love of ultralight camping goes back to the mid 1970s, although ultralight is much lighter today. That's a good thing, because I'm much heavier. 😲 My focus lately is ultralight adventure motorcycle camping, now that I'm too old for hiking, bicycling and kayaking. I received a new Hennessy 4 Season Explorer XL Zip hammock a few days ago and I'm itching to try it. It's the new and improved all weather version of my classic bottom entry Hennessy Explorer XL. My moto camping cook set is much larger than yours (although still titanium) because I do some real cooking in it. The large pot contains the entire cook kit including the stove and fuel so it's still space efficient.

2:40 - I think it's a happy little accident that desert terrain that is too dry to support proper trees has soil that is so dry that a very low NVIS manages to work OK. I think you may have too much signal loss trying a scrub brush height NVIS antenna in the wet soil we have around here, although JS8 can pardon a lot of propagation sins. 8:00 - I've experimented with a lot of stoves (like, an obsession). I like alcohol stoves for most of what I do. I made pop can stoves that weigh 0.3 ounces that work very well and are surprisingly durable. I'm currently using a more substantial Trangia knock off that's more powerful, has an adjustable burn rate down to a very low simmer, and I can store alcohol in the stove for short trips like your day trip without needing to carry a fuel bottle. Unlike the old Esbit stove, I can use as much fuel as I need and save the rest for later. One of the big advantages for me is the fuel. It's readily available in the form of HEET fuel additive in the yellow bottle which is methanol. It's cheap and I can buy it at most convenience stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, truck stops, big retail stores, auto parts stores, etc. The small yellow plastic bottle is easy to carry and weighs very little. Alcohol stoves don't work well at low temperatures but I seldom do any winter camping these days. The isobutane stoves are convenient but I hate buying and carrying a disposable steel fuel canister. Looking forward to seeing what you develop in 2024.

Very cool to see you making regional comms with that NVIS antenna draped over the bushes. I use 20m and 40m SSB for SOTA activations and always lug a telescoping pole and guying gear. Definitely adds bulk to the setup that perhaps I don't need. Lately I've been trying out a whip antenna with ground radials, but I think it might have too low of a takeoff angle for regional comms. BTW, those solid fuel blocks can often be lit with a ferrocerium rod if you shave off a little with a knife to form tinder. Good backup to the lighter.

@nvrumi

5 ай бұрын

I encourage you to experiment with your antenna deployments. I did a SOTA activation using a 29ft EFRW affixed to a SOTAbeams Carbon 6 mast. I didn't have a place to mount the mast, so I laid it across some brush. I made my quota easily with 10w CW. I've often taken that antenna and draped it across the top of whatever sagebrush is available so I could play a little radio. I call it the Sagebrush Antenna for that reason. ;) There are other lengths that will work too. I just picked one from the Elecraft manual that Wayne recommends for portable ops. 73 de AG7TX

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

I used to carry a Carbon 6 mast from SOTABEAMS and a guy kit. It's light, but still too much bulk when limited to a small pack.

I'm learning all the time from you. I'm also learning how meshnet can fill a different need.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Good luck with your journey.

I never got an email for the first 75 manpack bags. I'm still wanting one and hope you do a second run of them. My FT-818ND is coming along nicely. Just got my 2 Comet BNC-24 antennas along with 2 90° BNC connectors today.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

They all sold out mid last year. The emails all went out multiple times. Sorry you missed the run. I can no longer produce them. Only 136 were made.

Great setup! I love the linked dipole, just bought one. Thanks

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

Good choice!

Great video and setup! My next project is to become proficient with JS8Call and my FX-4CR. I love your linked dipole and may build one for myself!

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

How do you the FC-4CR? I have been tempted several times.

COOL mod to the Digi-Rig. Sweet

I came to the same conclusion a few years back - QRP digital (Winlink, JS8 Call, VARAC) rocks and cuts way down on station power. I went to the ICOM-705 (< 300 ma on Rx) and with a little USB-C 12V cable I can run it full power (10W transmit) off a cheap cell phone power bank. Add the AH-705 tuner and a Surface Go and the entire station (computer and radio) draws 11W on Rx. Two usb-c cell battery packs (20,000 mAh) will run almost 12 hours before you have to go to internal batteries (5W Tx) for another 4 hours. Add a small solar panel (USB-C, and some power banks do pass-through) will run for days. Plus it has all band coverage, waterfall, GPS time sync, wireless to the laptop.

Nice vid as always👍. Ever thought about using VarAC instead of JS8🤔. It has a lot more functions especially for directed comms.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Yes, but I will not run VARA unless it's ported to Linux. I am not a fan of Windows emulation under Linux.

Honey butter is amazing stuff. Up there with bacon, if you ask me. Cheers.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Oh, man. It's glorious. Where was this all my life? Cheers!

Nice setup. Thanks for the video.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

No problem 👍

That’s awesome. I’m excited to learn more. Quick note at 10:16 you were going to put in a link to a video.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

I am not sure why KZread will not display it. The video is called: "Offgrid Regional Communication - No Random Contacts Series". KZread hates when you put links in comments.

You gotta try a DIY Fancy Feast Alcohol stove. Weighs much least than the Ebit stove. You can also make a simmer ring for it.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

I have a couple of alcohol stoves. I rarely used it as i don't care for carrying Heet.

Awesome stuff sir. Total non sequitur. I know of those fuel tabs. Can they be snuffed and reused? The alcohol pad trick is pretty cool. Doesn't change any meter anywhere. Heres to 2024.

You’ll be waiting awhile. Let the ft857 lead by example. That means they aren’t making a replacement

Great video!

Loved the field video, Gaston!

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Really like the EMMCOM project. There is a great battery replacement for the 818. Windcamp 3000mAH liPo. When I can find a 818, first upgrade. You might not need to bring a battery in manpack.

Love the videos. I have a good question for you l. I work in Alaska, what would be a good set-up to keep in contact with the lower 48 on my way back if everything falls apart

great adventure !! i looking into getting my 817 set with the armoloq/battery module combo. did you look into running the digi rig inside of the armoloq cage ? nice little mess kit too👍

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Yes I did. This was the first pass of this build. I literally built its few hours before heading out. There's room for tweaks.

You had me at Breakfast 👍🏻 Awesome channel, I subscribed tonight also and I’m definitely going to get some HotLips

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the sub! I did a lot of field videos in my earlier videos. Enjoy.

I just got a replacement multijog for my 817 i got used. The thing didnt like searching the bands much. They dont make the actual part amymore. I hope i got a suitable replacement. Ive just found out about some amazing new radio feature that i plan to exploit to make a vhf bbs service ......... Looking forward to trying to make it. The goal being all the hardware needed is on amazon or ali Vhf however is a bit limited. But thats the only range i tuink would be of true use in shtf

Thanks for all your work. You do a good job and I appreciate it very much. Much of what I’d like to learn and develop is quite similar to you I’m in Minnesota with kids scattered that should SHTF I’d like to be able to contact My Bug Out plan includes horses a lining quarters trailer I recently passed my general test and I bought a 897 - nothing else yet. We have better trees We have no cholla I’m not sure how many people up here do POTA SOTA activation in the winter but our club does do the radio support for the Beargrease sled dog race (which is canceled this year-no snow) You don’t cary a tuner right., you go with an assortment of resonant antennas?

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

I don't even own a tuner anymore. I either run monoband wire antennas. The one I used here is a custom design with links to cover: 20/40/60/75/80m

If you want to slim down the pack even more, you might consider the Windcamp 3amp battery that replaces the Yaseu battery. Robert KD4YDC

This is a really cool setup - the TTP Lite! The 3Ah Talentcell would work well in this too. In fact, I did use the 3Ah Talent cell with my 818 when I was in Leeds, UT. Less is more! #5WattsandAwire

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

This call sign is familiar. Funny, I used to use the TalentCell with the FT-818ND when I first go started, (2019) but I completely forgot about running for this application. That would have save me some cuts on the frame. Thanks for the contact today.

What radios do you plan for the Community Edition to support? 7300?

What is the battery for this set up?

Great vid. I missed out on the 818's.😢 relying on a g90. Quick question on your antenna. Which way is it running? North south or east west? Does it matter?

@kg4gav

5 ай бұрын

Someone smarter than me may know different, but with NVIS, orientation does not matter.

Community thoughts on the Xeigu G90 as an 818 substitute/replacement? More watts, built in tuner, waterfall display... but no VHF/UHF all mode.

@ke8mattj

5 ай бұрын

It's what I use for my portable HF comms mainly since I'm poor, and the x6100 isn't that great for voice even at 10watts. Digital modes are a major pain to get working on the G90 and I had trouble with it when I was away on a trip in November (it's back working though.) However the 20 watts is good to get SSB phone contacts if that is your goal. I have gotten phone contacts in central US (I'm close to the east coast US) on a random wire, but it was a struggle. The built-in tuner is kind of my buying point since if I'm on the go, I may need to improvise without being able to measure. I can just string a really long wire along and use the tuner to help match. As Walt on Coastal Waves and Wires would say: it can tune a wet noodle. One of the concerns though is that it does run hot. I have the radioddity bracket holder for it, but it does add more bulk if that is a concern. For VHF/UHF, I'll very likely have my HT on me anyway so it's a moot point.

I've been mostly doing Winlink, but JS8 is just keyboard-to-keyboard, right?

I always like 1 is none two is one and three is better

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Four is the best.

Do you have a video of your antenna build

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Here's the inexpensive build that I discussed. This is different from my TTP EmComm Linked Dipole that I showed here. kzread.info/dash/bejne/q42MuK2tpZbUp84.html

Do you know anywhere to get the iKey keyboard for the FZ-M1? I’ve been watching eBay for a while but haven’t had any luck catching one. Love your videos!

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

This link is in the description. Just go direct to iKey. They are $380 USD. Most eBay sellers will charge close to $300, if you can find them. This keyboard completely transforms the FZ-M1 tablet.

Where did you get your iKey keyboard and how much did it cost? The only ones I've been able to find cost like $600-800 which is just nuts. Also I've been having a hard time finding a good, precise stylus for my FZ-M1 so if you have any recommendations there they would be appreciated. Thanks!

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

The link is in the description. Go direct with iKey. They are $380 USD. You will need to call them to order.

Good demonstration, thanks. Any tips on getting the FT-817/818 to play nicely with Winlink on Windows machines? (CF-20 with Windows 10) I can achieve CAT control but the radio immediately transmits and won't stop.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Unfortunately, no. I haven't really used Windows since Windows 95. Good luck.

@prayingmedic

5 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Problem solved. You must select the same enhanced com port for both CAT control and PTT. Sounds weird, but it works.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

@@prayingmedic Glad you figured it out. I use Linux and hamlib rigctl personally. COM ports on Windows drive me nuts.

HF antennas in AZ are hard. I see you’re using JS8Call. That mode seems to be oblivion every time I try it. Have you considered VarAC?

@TheTechPrepper

2 ай бұрын

I've had good luck in AZ with HF. I don't run Windows and refuse to run emulation, so VARA is out for me. JS8 has been a great work horse for our daily needs by our group in the Southwest.

Jason of Ham Radio 2.0 has a new channel. Pack Man. All about bags and packs. You might want to work with him aboit that. I think the two did a vid a few months ago.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Jason was one of the first people to buy my limited run of the manpacks. I am not sure how I missed his new channel.

What model is the keyboard for your FZ-M1? Trying to find one….

@derekkolakowski7083

5 ай бұрын

I believe it’s the ik-pan-fzm1 (at least that’s what I my research indicated)

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

It's in the description.

Where did you get your dual time watch with UTC time?

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

This is the original Garmin Instinct. This thing is a tank and never comes off my wrist. They have been 60% off during Amazon Deal day.

Do you think there would be any benefit to a 3d printed chassis that had knob/connector protection but also integrated digirig pcb compartment and 3amp battery compartment?

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Yes. If I had a 3D printer, the and the skill, I would have designed an all-in-one enclosure.

@Robbbbooo

5 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I don't have an 818 yet, but when I find one I'll whip up a design and print it.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

@@Robbbbooo Woot!

it is possible to work the JS8Call on 27mhz with FM or AM mod. ?

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

Yes, but you lose the weak signal benefits. Use SSB.

How many miles was the contact?

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

220 miles.

What are your thoughts on the Icom IC 705 compared to the Yeasu?

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

Search for my FT-818 manpack video. I talk about it there. I think it is part 4 of the manpack series.

I've decided that my ft-891 is my shack radio and im now focused on the smallest radio for the field.... so...why not the QDX or other tiny transceiver? why a large voice capable radio if you dont plan on voice? or, why not the tr usdx tiny thing?

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Watch my videos on the QDX. I explain why.

So, did you serve in the Armed Forces? Self-reliance, accountability, & versatility seem to be strong in your bag of tools. More folks need these skills.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Unfortunately, no. I am kicking myself for [not] enlisting. I went to college and jumped right into corporate America. If WWW3, I hope that the US armed forces will take me.

@oliverw.douglas285

5 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Don't sweat it. I went same route, while most of my family was military. Whether or not you served, I think it's safe to say your heart & mind are in the right place, you're making the world a better place. Thanks for the videos. You're a good teacher!

Where is the battery on Amazon?

@nvrumi

5 ай бұрын

That looks like a Bioenno battery to me. He didn't say which one, or I didn't catch it. But, it *looks* like a 6Ah unit. Please check. I have bought all my Bioenno batteries direct from the manufacturer.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

It's a 3Ah model. Go to the Bioenno site.

Hi how long is your coax?

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

12 feet. RG-316.

@chrisherd991

5 ай бұрын

Thanks

So you’re the reason I couldn’t find a new 818 when the announcement was made 😂

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

In all fairness, HRO had 8 units...and I only bought one.

@pa1863

5 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I just wasn’t quick enough! Maybe they will come out with a new one. Awesome videos, keep up the great content!

For only digital stuff QDX si smaller, but no VHF/UHF.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

I've done a few videos on the QDX and even ran them in the field. I had high hopes, but the finals blow too easily. It's a great inexpensive device, but it's not suited for emcomm due the reliability issues. My group and I tried to make it work for us.

@vestale4

5 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I had the same problem with the finals of QDX, but I have also a VNA in the backpack after those issues. I rember those videos.

lol @1:05

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

I cut a lot of stuff that may have crossed the line. ;-)

Did you lose a bet with that random patch left on your face? 🤣

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Something like that. ;-)

Sell it to me... please!

New manpack names: Fat Man and Little Boy.

Armorloq doesn't have anything in stock. Literally, everything is out of stock. You may want to stop pumping their products.

@TheTechPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Absolutely not. AMOLOQ is a small US, family-run company. I believe in their products and support American business. These are niche products and can take time if you want quality gear.

@apage32137

3 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper My apologies if my comment came off too strong. I felt the demand had outrun supply and the popularity of your videos was compounding the problem. You have a relationship with them and I trust you know more than I do regarding the status of the company and I'll take your word for it. I'll be patient and watch for their supply to return. By the way, I really like your content and look forward to whatever you have planned for future videos.

@TheTechPrepper

3 ай бұрын

@@apage32137 Shoot them an email. solutions [at] armoloq [dot] com. They are very responsive. Their inventory comes and goes. I am pretty sure that the recent AT&T and Internet outages are causing a spike in demand. I noticed a major uptick in my aggregate views since then.

Tried to qso with you on intertie last week or so. But you had recieve issues. But have struck QSOs with Mike ( kc8owl) on several occasions since then .

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

The RX issues have been resolved. I monitor M-F from 1500Z to 1600Z. I'll try and catch you this week.