Amateur Radio: HF portable setup

[NW7US]

Great video about a great aspect of our amateur radio hobby. I am sharing this... thanks. 73 de NW7US

[hollebKN]

I see that you are using a similar portable configuration as I do. I have also an eee pc in use for digital purposes and a 3 meters long whip for my mp1 ;-)

[VK3EGN1]

Why not use kite to lift antenna ?

[laugh155]

How did you make the antenna? How tall is it?

[Mykola40]

youtube.com/watch?v=erHwMq3Y1w­k

FUNNY VIDEO! The cat Tim a.k.a. Red steals the radio components from the home lab. Of course, for the own secret project...

Кот Тим ака Рыжий из Киева регулярно тайно крадёт радиодетали из домашней лаборатории своих хозяев. Естественно - для его собственного секретного проекта! В этот раз его застукали...

[M0JRA]

nice video there i like working portable its just great to get out there, one question what antenna were you useing

[Zzub7]

everything you need, where is your first aid kit, knife, water and food? stuff you should carry in the bush...

[KD8PIQ]

Nice, thanks for posting this.

[hubzcaps]

neat...i got a place like that around here

[lmno456]

MP, thanks for posting. This is exactly what I want to do for EQ e-com.

Can you post a list of the equipment that you used. I've already settled on the FT-857D, but am currently researching batteries and SWR meters.

Thanks.

[patoborq]

Nice video, would tell me what coax are u using when outside portable.

Thanks for your feedback.

[FosteriumJ]

@criticalzen The use of call signs throughout the conversation is a requirement of FCC regulations; and also a courtesy to those you're contacting.

The use of the ITU phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie... Whiskey, X-ray, etc.) is not a requirement, but is good radio practice when static and poor signal strength can obscure speech.

[johndeereboy508]

nice prortable HF setup and nice antenna very small but when set up it goes high. How high is that antenna with tripod at full extent?

[KJ4UNR]

nice setup one question where did you get that tripod that you are using for you antenna I have been looking for one just like that but cant find any

73's KJ4UNR

[sokotofumikomi]

well done,i only use 5watts ssb and manage to work south america,usa,middle east from the uk.have worked into asiatic russia using 400mw cw once again from the uk.perhaps a lot of usa stations use 1kw just to bully there way to dx.viva la qrp!!!!!!

[kenocon1]

hi you can get contacts as a qrp station as there bare still some good strong stations that will hear you and relay and get a bit of quiet time so you can call great video keep up the good work after all ham radio is about making friends not marching all over people because you own a Killowatt and fancy gear

[dhess41]

just wondering how much battery life on average you get out of that battery. Also do yo hvae some information on the charger and the antenna you are using

[Foehammer54]

Nice setup! Thanks for the video

[hamrite]

What is the antenna you are using? Thank you.

[GOMagicProductions]

how much did you pay for your radio equiptment cause i am looking into get my license

[2627mhz]

Its nothing better then a ham out in the great outdoors .I like you video and your radio set up its all awsome. Keep on hamming it up.

[ktmman1503]

Great Job.. I am about to set off on a trip to Murray Bridge South Australia for a holiday, 4 nights, hope to setup my IC706mkIIG and work some HF and local 2M/70cm.

Good job on your video.

Craig.Australia

vk3ncr

[RPD709]

Where did you get the tripod. I'd like to get one.

[choosea44]

lol i have deltaloop and eh antenna delta is 80mhz and eh 40

[brandabomb007]

this is a cool vid I like the landscape although the technology that u used is pretty interesting

[AI4QT]

Enjoyed the video. Wondering though, if your fan on your 857 comes on each time you transmit.? Mine does and so I'm not sure about taking it out for portable QRP work since I'm concerned my battery wouldn't last long. Not sure how much power is drawn using the fan since as I said, it comes on each time I transmit--even low power. But it seems as if you are doing some QSOs on your battery at 20 watts of output. Thanks for posting. 73 AI4QT in Huntsville AL.

[johninfl]

AI4QT's comments are the questions I have as well... I'd like to get the 817 for portable, but would like the power of the 857 if needed... I'd like to see a spec for the current draw with 20W output....what is your battery life like? - 73, John - K4NIN

[lu5ebj]

excellent. I love amateur radio. thank you very much

[20351MA]

Thanks! Would like to see more.

[tazpooh19966]

that was a neat QSO. I have talked to Raleigh before, a super nice Ham. I like your set up too.

[AirSn1per]

Nice video how much was all this equipment? for now im only a SWL but im shooting for tech. Now did you make that antenna or did you buy it??? 73's

[amstereofan]

Very good but you should have video's yourself making a QSO !! What antenna is that, does it SWR in ok on 14 Mhz ? Is it only for 14Mhz ?

[teamfab]

Hi, great set up, going walk about is another way to realy enjoy the hobby, what is the antenna and were can i get a tripod like yours??

Regards, Team Fabulous.

[teflondon91]

nice rig, thats a superantenna MP1.. how do you like it? have you tried the buddistick?

[cpilking]

Nice setup. I always found portable operation more rewarding. I use an Icom 718, which is a bit on the heavy side and power hungry, but it is nice to have some power if needed.

How is the performance with the vertical? I usually just string up a wire antenna, but the region I usually operate portable in (Adirondack Mountains) has many trees for supports.

How is the weight and power draw with the 857?

[2e0ijk]

Great video to watch! Love the idea of a tripod with the antenna on top. 73'S Dave 2e0ijk

[KC2CNA]

Excellent job of the video. You look like a BYU grad of sorts and remind me of an old friend that encouraged me to get my ticket. Know what I mean? I think I've watched your video 10-15 times now and am putting in offers on some of the gear you mentioned. I now live on the east coast (about 2 miles from W1AW) and perhaps when I get setup I could catch you on the air - or on W1AW if you'd like.

73s,

Shawn - KC2CNA

[mcaffari]

Very nice video, and good setup along with a nice quiet location. Thanks for posting.

Michael

[anglitoestebancito]

Great set up!

Any link on the web for that tripod?

73s

[max2950]

Thanks ! :)

[max2950]

Hi,

Great video ! You have a nice portable setup ! :)

One question regarding the 857 : when using the separation cable can you plug the microphone on the front panel or does it have to stick on the main unit ?

73

[mpvids]

max2950,

When using the separation cables with the FT857, you have two cables plugged into the base. One cable is for the faceplate and the other is for the microphone. You can make your own cables, just make sure you use the correct pinout.

[W2WXSteve]

Great and informative video. I purchased the Watts up meter and have a question on connections. Do you connect the source side to the gel cell battery? What do you connect the Load side to in this set up? Thanks, Steve, W2WXD

[mpvids]

W2WXSteve,

With the wattmeter the "source" is the battery and the "load" is the radio. Connect the "load" to the power cable on your radio. I use Anderson Powerpoles to connect all my cables.

73

[WA5MUF]

Good location you picked!

73, WA5MUF

[kc9mav]

WB7WNF worked him in several times

14.275 chuckle hm ha HA HA RADIO CANADA VE7KFM!

[la5ama]

Great video!

[bruceybusdriver]

cool setup did you build that antenna ...?

thanks for sharing 73 s from vk2mbd bruce

[miguest66]

Very informative. BTW, what tripod are you using, and where did you buy/get it? Thanks for sharing. -M

[mpvids]

Miguest66, the tripod is a "Sony VCT-1500L". You can buy it online. google it.

This is the only tripod that I've used that will not get blown over in the wind.

You can extend the legs all the way out and lower the tripod about 7 inches off the ground.  In my video, the height is set in the middle.

[sig374]

Hey, pretty cool. I got an 817ND in January and have been putting together a backpacking package for it. I backpack up on Mt. Rainier a lot and wanted to combine my three hobbies, backpacking, photography and amateur radio. Thanks for sharing. NZ7B

[inrharmony]

I thought I recognized that guy, WA7WNF...I worked him some time back. Anyway, nice setup, and you have me dreaming about a backpack setup for my 857D...

73!!! de W4PTS

[sv2evs]

Excelent om..good work.

73 de sv2evs

[halfmumi]

Hey Mate!

How much is the distance between the you and the talker?

Also do,do i have any option to connect a handheld to this antenna?where did you buy it,how much does it cost?

My case is,i want to carry the lightweightest system,which can transmit more than 300kms and also can carry in back pack in case of emergency.(I'm planning to pass a desert myself)

I'm about to start A.Radioing.

Nice video.

[W6OWH]

Great video. I like the way you put it together like a story from start to finish. I use to operate nearby on Grizzly Peak on a wooden water tank about 20 feet off the ground back in the early '60. I would carry my gear up on a Lambretta motor scooter and camp over night operating 2 meter simplex.

[k3hw]

great video OM - I am not familiar with the small voltage/monitor with the lcd display... who makes it and how can i find/buy/steal/build one?

de Howard K3HW

[dwalker2020]

The meter is made by LDG and the one with the blue backlight typically costs around $45. It is an analog meter that plugs into an analog output jack on the bottom of the ft 897, 857, and 817. Depending on how you set up the meter, it can display all sorts of stuff, like power output (watts), standing-wave ratio (SWR), and many other things. It would be out of most people's leaugue to build one of these. I recommend buying one from HRO (ham radio outlet).

73

[dwalker2020]

I'm not actually sure if it works with the 817. Oops.

[k3hw]

Thanks for the info on the LDG meter!!!

de Howard K3HW

[technogearhead]

Its not a LDG. Its a simple amp meter. ITs placed inline with the battery. That one he has is nice in thats its very small. But you can byuy a handheld one at radioshack.

[barranness]

most exelent instructional and easy set up video. nice job. 73. de kg6nwv

[revadan]

Nice! Cool video...de dw9hgf

[rnr04jul79]

Good video,that cellphone camera works great.Nice portable setup,very compact,thats the great part about microelectronics,if this was 30years ago,your rig would been about 50pounds at least,antennas no problem,a roll of wire and coax,plus insulators,battery on the other hand would been heavy,but guys done it!.This is a very good example of how quickly in an emergency hams can put together radio equipt.Excellent video,73,VO1XH.

[rocketman50]

I would Like to See More. I am Very Interested In Ham Radio. I Was Studing For My Tec Class But Have Had To Put It On The Back Burner for Now Due To Personal Problems.

[Rare00hd]

Have you ever had leakage problems with your battery? Is it a gel cell or lead acid. Youll have to excuse my battery ignorance.. Great video

[ei2ip]

Good job

Robbie

EI2IP

[dcu77]

I'm picking up my own 857 D today for portable operation as well. Looks like fun.

I'll be taking it to the Rockies this summer (only an hour from here).

[ballores]

nice vid just got an 817 for qrp my ts430 is a bit lumpy for /p!

[rasputinsdog]

2500 feet!?!?!?! How I hate you! ;-) Looks like you had a blast! 72, AA8GK

[py1aes]

im in brasil py1aes congratulations very nice video i will bild one expedition in island here in rio thank have look in my video as well just tape my call all the best 73/dx  tony

[mcapilot]

Great video. I just passed the General and Extra elements the past couple of weeks. I am new to the HF stuff. I only have Yaesu HT's. What does an out fit like this cost, radio, antennas, battery, etc. I am interested in this and the FT 897d. I like the extra power the 897d has (100 watts), but do I need it? I live in the Mid West (Ohio) so I don't have the hill tops you do. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks 73 Mike KC8JGO

[spaok]

The 857 and 897 are the same radio, both are 100w capable and both will run at lower power on battery. The main difference is one has internal batteries and TXCO installed, and the other doesn't.

From what I have read, the batteries for the 897 aren't that great anyways, so a 857 with a motorcycle batter would be a better option and can be a lighter setup to carry.

[fezuk2006]

nice vid

Whats that thing called that measures the battery amps and make sure you dont drain it?

[mpvids]

The wattmeter was made by "RC-Electronics- Watt's Up". It has many features on it. All I really need it for is to see how many amps I'm drawing from the battery.

I typically run about 20 watts off of a 12volt, 8amp battery. Sometimes I turn up the power just to finish a contact if needed. This is when I watch to see how many amps are being drawn from the battery.

I need to be careful since my battery is small and the radio can go up to 100 watts.

[VU2ZZA]

I really liked your video! I have tried something like this, but used a simple wire dipole for an antenna. I wonder which antenna is that in the video?

[mpvids]

VU2ZZA,

Your wire dipole antenna should outperform my vertical antenna. The vertical antenna is much easier to setup since it only needs a tripod for a base. I'm guessing you used a few trees to setup your dipole.

My antenna is MP-1 by Super Antennas.

[DU3TDJ]

nice video...yah ur ryt, amateur radio is a lot of fun...

73's

[thateldoo]

Thanks...great video! My TS-520 will operate on 12 VDC but it's just too heavy for a back-pack...LOL...! I need a light weight HF for portable work.

N2RDO

[pspalletta]

wow thanks for the vid KI6LEA Phil

[YOUTOFORME]

Great movie clip. Waiting for Part 2

[aguilaba]

Nice. This is the same setup I use minus the gel cell battery. I have an 857D and also use the Super Antenna MP1.

[K7AGE]

Nice going. I'm looking forward to part II with you operating! Cell video looks very good. Better than most. Keep up the good work. Randy

[amv92037]

Hi mpvids. Great video. Enjoyed learning about how you set up your radio system.

[j21793]

Great Video, especially from a cell phone! Beautiful scenery...how far did you hike to reach your destination?

[mpvids]

This location is a 1 mile or a 3 mile hike depending on which parking area I use.

It's a great spot to setup my radio because of the 360 degree view. You can see the ocean and the whole Bay Area.

[MrJoshuaUK]

Great video, I love going portable, but I have to go in the car as I wouldn't fancy lugging my TS-440S up a hill HI.

[erayboul]

Great video. I'm planning to add a 2nd HF rig to my station and was looking at the FT857D, but I think I'm going to get the 897D. I've already got my FT-Meter, and I think I'm going to get the Whattmeter from West Mountain Radio. What are you using for your antenna?  BTW, remarkably good video from a cellphone.

[mpvids]

Thanks for the comment on my video.

The antenna I'm using is the MP-1 by Super Antennas. I have great success with it, although I have nothing to compare it with. This is currently my only antenna.

As for the Wattmeter, I recommend "RC-Electronics Watt's Up" because it's a little smaller in size. That's the one used in this video.

[k2gwn]

I didn't see an ATU in the video. Do you have one or do you manually tune the antenna?

[mpvids]

To keep my gear as light as possible, I manually tune my antenna.

Manually tuning an antenna is easy once you get used to it. I do have an antenna tuner, but I dont use it very often.