@USNERDOC - Very nice portable setup. I have two questions for you. How long can your radio run on the 12 Volt 7 amp battery? Is it possible to plug in the coax cable for your antenna into a handheld or must it be used with a base station type radio? My reasons are because I am working on a budget and thinking if I can get a hand held for the car and use a large antenna when I am at home...until I can afford a base station. Thanks in advance.
@leongaines - I will have to do some testing for the run time on the 7a 12v SLAB. Bottom line will depend on percentage of transmit time which uses the most power compared with receive only mode. Yes, you can run the coax to a handheld and use a 12v car battery as a power source . . . something I have done many times.
hello great set up.like the mobile antenna from base antenna. i tried 2 100 ft telephone extensions end fed. workrd great soaked by 3 days of rain. 857 is a very good radio. i use something similar a icom ic 7000. this class of radio is so full of features. guide cord is very light and very strong. about 3/32" and takes a lot less room.
@2e0hoq - no worries . . . I just throw up one of my portable antennas . . . as we speak, I am listening in and just had a QSO with South America. 73!
i have the same radio and it's awesome but it's not the best to run on a battery conservation mode since that radio idles with a lot of amps compared to a regular mobile radio or an ht .
excellent video! I have seen a few of you guys in the US doing the ham radio thing and I'm very interested. Will check Mark's channel since he's in the UK like me and might be worth checking out some video's. Thanks!
This video was extremey usefull since my wife & I are planning to go "Fulltime" RVing next year. I've been really pondering how I will operate Portable. Thanks for the great tips. 73
Nice informative video. Your charger, does it make a difference whether I switch my charger to 2, 10 or 12 amps and should I be switching it to 6 volts or 12 volts? Also, can I also use a 12 volt 10 amp battery. I like the portable antenna setup. Would like to use the same setup with an 817ND.
@USNERDOC I love it when the presenter on the videos are so well laid back like yourself making it very easy for the viewers to understand, I think you would make a very good Amateur radio tutor ;) Oh...I also think that you and mark should hook up and make a joint video with him using his RT320 so that we can hear his modulation as alot of people think that the speech from these sound metalic. keep up the good work :))
Can you provide me a link were you got the Anderson Powerpole....for the ft-857d im getting that radio in few days...and were you got that battery 4 that cheap please get back 2 me asap....thank you and 73s...
Excellent video. Well put together, and a pleasure to watch. Nice touch with the wingnut. Im new to ham, and dreaming of my soon to be 857. Love the oprtable setup. Cant wait to hit my local summit, 10,365 ft. Thanks for the video.
Could you please share the specs on the PVC modifications (size) of the T, coupling, etc. I am interested in such an antenna due to the restrictions that I face in my neighborhood.
Hello, I want to meet you I am new ham from Russia recently received a call sign, looked at your record very much wanted to ask you a few questions how to contact you?
Love the video and the idea of using the diamond as a portable antenna. I currently have the buddi pole that I use on HF but have been looking for something to use on VHF/UHF, Great idea.
Nice vid...ever thought about setting the tripod on that big red box in your backyard? That would give you an additional five feet of height or so for 2m/440.
@USNERDOC haha no problem, I was looking at the 857 videos and you popped up! I was going to get the 817 for HF use, but Hugo told me to go for the 857, 5W might not be enough for voice comms. I kind of liked the 817 for the internal battery pack, but I guess I can use an external battery with the 857 like you demonstrated.
@Tacticalgearhead - John, good advice from Hugo. I got the same advice from Wil (AI4QT) when I was considering similar purchase options. The 817 still has some backpacking appeal for me but I will wait and see how the 857 and external battery are to lug around in the trail before considering another radio. I think you will be very happy with the 857!
Excellent setup Doc! Now you need to get a 12v solar trickle charger to keep your portable battery topped off. They are pretty inexpensive I think I paid $25 for a pack of two at costco. If you have two 12v batts you can be charging one while operating on the other.
Hey, Doc, another great vid! To lighten-up your load, you might look into a motorcycle "Trickle Charger" for charging that battery. Battery Tender is a common brand, but Yuasa and Opti-Mate make nicer ones with more sophisticated charging programs and desulfation modes. 50-60 bucks would get you a great charger the size and weight of a "Wall Wart" power supply, and can be safely left unattended. Take care!
@gazedrop - good advice . . . I will be checking that out. I am also looking into a lighter weight lithium nanophosphate battery pack and charger from the guys at Buddipole. Thanks for the support!
As per usual top notch video, I really like the mount you've fabricated for your dual band colinear, I think its a one off, i've never seen one made as perfect and easy to use as that.
I look forward to working you on HF and a big thanks for the shout out :)
There are a few dipole calculators online that are based on this Math
468 / freq in mhz = total length in feet, so half this and it will give you the length of each leg of your halfwave dipole.
Doc...I am not a ham but really good stuff. I admire your commitment to doing what you love right. I am an Eagle Scout and had a Scout Master of the same acumen. He was a fine man as I am sure you are too. Keep it up. Make no mistake, you are appreciated.
Very interesting Vid, Doc. A lot of good information in this video. I think I'm going to go down to my local library and check out a couple of books on HAM radio operation. Thanks for the inspiration. Keep up the good work and keep sharing the knowledge!!!
so how am I suppose to get started ? Do I self study and then take the exam or do you take a class on amateur radio.....what did you do or what study materials did you use????
@scablematic - I studied some online resources and took a weekend class that culminated in the technician exam. Look in the notes below the YouTube player and your will find a link to download a HAM radio primer in PDF format with clickable links. I think that document will answer a lot of questions and get you aimed in the right direction.
This video is one that should be ‘required‘ viewing for anyone wanting to set up a portable rig. From the antenna set-up tips, to the radio set up, to the antenna/tripod arrangement, to the battery connections, it really is one excellent tip/idea after the other. Good job and keep those ideas coming.
BTW, I appreciate the link to my channel in the video.
@johnrob281 - always good to hear from you John! As you know I am a fan of your channel and I find your videos very inspirational. I think of you and your brother as my adopted 'Cyber Elmers"!
I was inspired by some of your last videos and just passed my TECH class test. looking forward to seeing my call sign soon and start my first CQs. thanks love the vids in the TNP network!
Doc, tell ya what. You need to move out to a little acreage. Once you get your General class license you will need to start farming.......ANTENNA farming. I would love to be out of town a little ways and put up a small farm. Take care.
Your doing wonders promoting the hobby. I too am new to having a license, although have had the interest since I was a kid. That code requirement kept me from ever getting a license. Since I started hanging out on You Tube 2 months ago, I renewed the interest and drive thanks to you and Dave (dsarti1) I took the test for Technician 2 weeks ago and now Im official after some 45 odd years later. Folks, it is never too late to get into Amateur Radio. 73s Ron KB3VEW
How long do you think you can use your battery and another thing to think about is a portable solar cell to use while out in the woods with a backup battery
Thanks for another great video. My wife and I will be testing for our Tech. level towards the end of Nov. in Lake O. My wife has wanted to get our Ham tickets for some time. I must say I wasn't very interested in getting it done until I came across your videos. Very inspirational. How did you decide on your transceivers? They certainly don't seem to "beginner" models.
Check out the TYT TH-F5 These are VERY inexpensive HT (HandiTalkie) radios made in China. But the reviews were all very good and I am absolutely ecstatic with mine. For much less then $100 I am on the air with a VERY small portable. The only thing is I will agree with some reviews, a bit tricky to program. I was lucky and the package I got had computer software and USB program cable. Made it a breeze. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Good luck on Test!!
That's a pretty smart way you have your antenna setup. I was going to leave you a comment about making your own antenna so it can be more portable but it looks like your on your way with that already.
I was looking at the FT-897D for easier portability since it can have an internal battery but I think I like your setup better. Those batteries go bad eventually and your ways seems to be the least expensive. Plus I think your radio is better and has a bigger display.
Can't wait to see the future videos on the Anderson power poles, my two big things to think about for future use is how to power the radio and what antenna to use. Keep up the good work, and 73 to you.
I like using one of those battery jump starters as a portable battery for the CB or 2m. It lasts a long time and can jump start a car, recharge cell phone, run LED lights if necessary and I can recharge it via 115v or 12v solar. It's not as compact, but has multiple uses.
most preppers dont focus enough on the importance of good solid communications. Try going through Katrina and keeping security without good radios. We had the whole street on 70 cm and our security pickets were very tight. You couldnt fart on that street without everyone knowing.
@USNERDOC - Very nice portable setup. I have two questions for you. How long can your radio run on the 12 Volt 7 amp battery? Is it possible to plug in the coax cable for your antenna into a handheld or must it be used with a base station type radio? My reasons are because I am working on a budget and thinking if I can get a hand held for the car and use a large antenna when I am at home...until I can afford a base station. Thanks in advance.
leongaines 4 days ago
@leongaines - I will have to do some testing for the run time on the 7a 12v SLAB. Bottom line will depend on percentage of transmit time which uses the most power compared with receive only mode. Yes, you can run the coax to a handheld and use a 12v car battery as a power source . . . something I have done many times.
USNERDOC 4 days ago
hello. great video. are you planning a solar recharge setup?
danpass12 3 weeks ago
@danpass12 Yes . . . working on that as we speak ;-)
USNERDOC 3 weeks ago 2
hello great set up.like the mobile antenna from base antenna. i tried 2 100 ft telephone extensions end fed. workrd great soaked by 3 days of rain. 857 is a very good radio. i use something similar a icom ic 7000. this class of radio is so full of features. guide cord is very light and very strong. about 3/32" and takes a lot less room.
congrats, keep on having fun. 73 VE6LCK
badphobar 4 weeks ago
Brill I am thinking about doing the same thing with my 817 I think i will need a 6 amp or less what are your suggestions
2e0hoq 4 weeks ago
That is discusting that you can't put up an antenna what happens if there was an emergancy in your area that you need to help with
2e0hoq 4 weeks ago
@2e0hoq - no worries . . . I just throw up one of my portable antennas . . . as we speak, I am listening in and just had a QSO with South America. 73!
USNERDOC 4 weeks ago
nice video , Well explained . cheers GW6 TTK
TheSeasonman1 1 month ago
vy FB!
DE JH4MGA
poisanjp 1 month ago
i have the same radio and it's awesome but it's not the best to run on a battery conservation mode since that radio idles with a lot of amps compared to a regular mobile radio or an ht .
good luck.
sweetgyy 1 month ago
excellent video! I have seen a few of you guys in the US doing the ham radio thing and I'm very interested. Will check Mark's channel since he's in the UK like me and might be worth checking out some video's. Thanks!
remixnick 2 months ago
nice vid!
joukebmw 3 months ago
This video was extremey usefull since my wife & I are planning to go "Fulltime" RVing next year. I've been really pondering how I will operate Portable. Thanks for the great tips. 73
torch39 3 months ago
Really great job! awesome stuff man. I love that Yaesu Radio.
How long that battery will operate with that radio?
terzolilu 3 months ago
Nice informative video. Your charger, does it make a difference whether I switch my charger to 2, 10 or 12 amps and should I be switching it to 6 volts or 12 volts? Also, can I also use a 12 volt 10 amp battery. I like the portable antenna setup. Would like to use the same setup with an 817ND.
cigarjohn42 4 months ago
hi can you upload again the Download "Introduction to Amateur Radio" PDF , thanks
Norton425 4 months ago
@Norton425 - link has been updated. 73!
USNERDOC 4 months ago
Any chance can you make me that connection for my radio i pay you...im getting that radio in a week...im really not good in making stuff like that...
kc2vso 4 months ago
@kc2vso - well that is a great radio for sure and you will not be disappointed!
I would be open to helping with the power connection . . . just not sure how we would arrange that . . .
USNERDOC 4 months ago
@USNERDOC I love it when the presenter on the videos are so well laid back like yourself making it very easy for the viewers to understand, I think you would make a very good Amateur radio tutor ;) Oh...I also think that you and mark should hook up and make a joint video with him using his RT320 so that we can hear his modulation as alot of people think that the speech from these sound metalic. keep up the good work :))
M1ZXG 3 months ago
Can you provide me a link were you got the Anderson Powerpole....for the ft-857d im getting that radio in few days...and were you got that battery 4 that cheap please get back 2 me asap....thank you and 73s...
kc2vso 4 months ago
I love this setup and I hope to replicate it. Thanks for sharing.
tallbrowneyes 6 months ago
Excellent video. Well put together, and a pleasure to watch. Nice touch with the wingnut. Im new to ham, and dreaming of my soon to be 857. Love the oprtable setup. Cant wait to hit my local summit, 10,365 ft. Thanks for the video.
gimease 6 months ago
good one this is what i was looking for
rajagashe 6 months ago
Great video got some pointers for setting up
my radio a yaesu FT-100D look forward to your HF experiences 73' de VA3FNI
Aaroneus76 6 months ago
Really great job!
hidekiclaudio 6 months ago
I would like some more information on the battery you are using and what kind of run times you get as well. Let us know. Thanks!
RamonRivera 7 months ago
Great video...Well done.
73...Karl
VK7HDX
Karl036 7 months ago
Im getting my first radio soon! Im OH7FZB
macbookfan33 7 months ago
Very nice video. Now pass the General and get on HF, a whole different world!
kc2zxl 8 months ago
Could you please share the specs on the PVC modifications (size) of the T, coupling, etc. I am interested in such an antenna due to the restrictions that I face in my neighborhood.
Tommy
tanderson12@me.com
53tandy 8 months ago
@53tandy - will do! I am actually getting ready to do an entire review of this antenna mod since I get quite a few questions on this topic.
USNERDOC 8 months ago
Thanks I learned something and I'm an extra class but only because ARRL publishes the exam Q&A and I have a REALLY good memory.
y00n1x 9 months ago
Curious -- how much average operating time you get out of that battery with that rig?
streamertyer 10 months ago
Hello, I want to meet you I am new ham from Russia recently received a call sign, looked at your record very much wanted to ask you a few questions how to contact you?
Regards, Tim.
Krotnv 11 months ago
Love your videos. How goes the general upgrade? Hope to hear you on HF soon. 73
kd7gvd 11 months ago
hey doc how do you trun the spt off
kd4hjy 11 months ago
How much tx time do you find you get from your 7Amp battery? Is all your battery powered tx at 5 watts, or have you attempted to do 10 and 20 wattts?
Thanks. I'm setting upon by pack and like to hear about people's experiences with battery run times.
lmno456 1 year ago
Great video. I'm currently studying to get my Basic license here in Canada, and found this very informative.
guylmonty 1 year ago
Hi Doc, high quality video. I´d like to know what coax are you using when outside portable.
I´ll appreciate your feedback.
Thanks in advance.
Patricio
Chile SA.
patoborq 1 year ago
Love the video and the idea of using the diamond as a portable antenna. I currently have the buddi pole that I use on HF but have been looking for something to use on VHF/UHF, Great idea.
kd7gvd 1 year ago
Nice vid...ever thought about setting the tripod on that big red box in your backyard? That would give you an additional five feet of height or so for 2m/440.
93radiopro 1 year ago
@93radiopro - great idea sir! In fact, that is where I typically set up the portable antenna . . . on top of the hot tub cover ;-)
USNERDOC 1 year ago
Ah Doc, you put one too many 5's in the title, it reads 8557 instead of 857 :) Might get more hits with a correction :)
Tacticalgearhead 1 year ago
@Tacticalgearhead - Good eyes John, thanks! At least that is an easy typo to correct ;-)
USNERDOC 1 year ago
@USNERDOC haha no problem, I was looking at the 857 videos and you popped up! I was going to get the 817 for HF use, but Hugo told me to go for the 857, 5W might not be enough for voice comms. I kind of liked the 817 for the internal battery pack, but I guess I can use an external battery with the 857 like you demonstrated.
Tacticalgearhead 1 year ago
@Tacticalgearhead - John, good advice from Hugo. I got the same advice from Wil (AI4QT) when I was considering similar purchase options. The 817 still has some backpacking appeal for me but I will wait and see how the 857 and external battery are to lug around in the trail before considering another radio. I think you will be very happy with the 857!
USNERDOC 1 year ago
Awesome vid Doc. Love the PDF... can't wait to read it in its entirety. Be safe!
hinckleypoland 1 year ago
i think yt is scewy i keep seeing videos ive seen already
stompySharpNpointy 1 year ago
Excellent setup Doc! Now you need to get a 12v solar trickle charger to keep your portable battery topped off. They are pretty inexpensive I think I paid $25 for a pack of two at costco. If you have two 12v batts you can be charging one while operating on the other.
steelhorses2004 1 year ago
Hey, Doc, another great vid! To lighten-up your load, you might look into a motorcycle "Trickle Charger" for charging that battery. Battery Tender is a common brand, but Yuasa and Opti-Mate make nicer ones with more sophisticated charging programs and desulfation modes. 50-60 bucks would get you a great charger the size and weight of a "Wall Wart" power supply, and can be safely left unattended. Take care!
gazedrop 1 year ago
@gazedrop - good advice . . . I will be checking that out. I am also looking into a lighter weight lithium nanophosphate battery pack and charger from the guys at Buddipole. Thanks for the support!
USNERDOC 1 year ago
Hey David! Must tell you I'm loving your videos on ham radio! This video (quick mobile setup) and the Anderson Power Poles are great!
Something I'm curious: what kind of cable you use for this VHF/UHF setup? It seems too me thicker than RG-58.
Thanks!
ZZ3HAG Huelbe
Brazil
huelbe 1 year ago
I forgot to add, always leave a good length extra to fold back to make it adjustable make it resonant (a 1.1 match) exactly where you want it.
73 de M0VST
markbeermonster 1 year ago
Hi David
As per usual top notch video, I really like the mount you've fabricated for your dual band colinear, I think its a one off, i've never seen one made as perfect and easy to use as that.
I look forward to working you on HF and a big thanks for the shout out :)
There are a few dipole calculators online that are based on this Math
468 / freq in mhz = total length in feet, so half this and it will give you the length of each leg of your halfwave dipole.
All the best
73 de M0VST
Mark
markbeermonster 1 year ago
Doc...I am not a ham but really good stuff. I admire your commitment to doing what you love right. I am an Eagle Scout and had a Scout Master of the same acumen. He was a fine man as I am sure you are too. Keep it up. Make no mistake, you are appreciated.
theknob1 1 year ago
not surprising sisters would have an antenna restrictions, even though there are trees everywhere. has it snowed there yet?
oregonnich 1 year ago
Very interesting Vid, Doc. A lot of good information in this video. I think I'm going to go down to my local library and check out a couple of books on HAM radio operation. Thanks for the inspiration. Keep up the good work and keep sharing the knowledge!!!
BigOStyle1 1 year ago
What ??? FCC regs say you ham radio operaters must be allowed to erect antennas....
dsarti1 1 year ago
so how am I suppose to get started ? Do I self study and then take the exam or do you take a class on amateur radio.....what did you do or what study materials did you use????
scablematic 1 year ago
@scablematic - I studied some online resources and took a weekend class that culminated in the technician exam. Look in the notes below the YouTube player and your will find a link to download a HAM radio primer in PDF format with clickable links. I think that document will answer a lot of questions and get you aimed in the right direction.
USNERDOC 1 year ago
David,
Excellent video!
This video is one that should be ‘required‘ viewing for anyone wanting to set up a portable rig. From the antenna set-up tips, to the radio set up, to the antenna/tripod arrangement, to the battery connections, it really is one excellent tip/idea after the other. Good job and keep those ideas coming.
BTW, I appreciate the link to my channel in the video.
--73--
John/W5CYF
johnrob281 1 year ago
@johnrob281 - always good to hear from you John! As you know I am a fan of your channel and I find your videos very inspirational. I think of you and your brother as my adopted 'Cyber Elmers"!
73!
David / KF7ETX
USNERDOC 1 year ago
I was inspired by some of your last videos and just passed my TECH class test. looking forward to seeing my call sign soon and start my first CQs. thanks love the vids in the TNP network!
wardog911 1 year ago
Comment removed
wardog911 1 year ago
Execellent information and demo. I learned a lot and can't wait to absorb more! Really appreciate it!
KJ4TUG 1 year ago
Doc, tell ya what. You need to move out to a little acreage. Once you get your General class license you will need to start farming.......ANTENNA farming. I would love to be out of town a little ways and put up a small farm. Take care.
Albee4ty5 1 year ago
@Albee4ty5 - funny you mention antenna farming . . . I was eyeballing some tall pine trees today wondering how far apart they were!
USNERDOC 1 year ago
@USNERDOC Yes sir, antenna farming is fun and don't have to water them. But, can be more expensive to setup. LOL
Albee4ty5 1 year ago
@USNERDOC - well said! Now, if you can just convince Mrs USNERDOC!
USNERDOC 1 year ago
I really need some training in Ham's x_X
Sad part is i know it could take years to develop such a skill x_x
ViolentKisses87 1 year ago
12 volt does it
mysciencenow 1 year ago
Hey doc. If you do a SOTA at Mt.bachelor you will have to let me know!
fierfox121 1 year ago
Nice setup Doc. If I keep watching your videos it may give me the fever again. I got my ticket in 1982 but have since let it lapse 6 years ago.
joatmaster0 1 year ago
you should try some 2m SSB with that radio. You can make some pretty long distance contacts on SSB that you normally couldn't on FM. Have fun.
Brandon - KB1THM
kb1thm 1 year ago
bravo, love the versatility of the antenna
beast12101 1 year ago
COOL!
MadBadVoodo 1 year ago
Excellent vid as always. Please do a future vid on how the 857 is holding up. Mahalo and 73.
jnjulie 1 year ago
Nice Vid!
Hope to catch you on the air some day
KF7KZX
7974brewfamily 1 year ago
Doc, check the title of this Video. You have an extra "5" in the model #
ThePauperPrepper 1 year ago
Hey Doc,
Your doing wonders promoting the hobby. I too am new to having a license, although have had the interest since I was a kid. That code requirement kept me from ever getting a license. Since I started hanging out on You Tube 2 months ago, I renewed the interest and drive thanks to you and Dave (dsarti1) I took the test for Technician 2 weeks ago and now Im official after some 45 odd years later. Folks, it is never too late to get into Amateur Radio. 73s Ron KB3VEW
ThePauperPrepper 1 year ago
How long do you think you can use your battery and another thing to think about is a portable solar cell to use while out in the woods with a backup battery
ernest302 1 year ago
Thanks for another great video. My wife and I will be testing for our Tech. level towards the end of Nov. in Lake O. My wife has wanted to get our Ham tickets for some time. I must say I wasn't very interested in getting it done until I came across your videos. Very inspirational. How did you decide on your transceivers? They certainly don't seem to "beginner" models.
cnttaylor 1 year ago
@cnttaylor
Check out the TYT TH-F5 These are VERY inexpensive HT (HandiTalkie) radios made in China. But the reviews were all very good and I am absolutely ecstatic with mine. For much less then $100 I am on the air with a VERY small portable. The only thing is I will agree with some reviews, a bit tricky to program. I was lucky and the package I got had computer software and USB program cable. Made it a breeze. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Good luck on Test!!
ThePauperPrepper 1 year ago
Those Diamond Collinears are ACE. I have the X-50N. It's bombproof and still boasts a reasonable gain.
a120068020 1 year ago
That's a pretty smart way you have your antenna setup. I was going to leave you a comment about making your own antenna so it can be more portable but it looks like your on your way with that already.
I was looking at the FT-897D for easier portability since it can have an internal battery but I think I like your setup better. Those batteries go bad eventually and your ways seems to be the least expensive. Plus I think your radio is better and has a bigger display.
richardah1 1 year ago
Doc, Looking good! Im liking your setup more and more every video. Its an addicting hobby isnt it?.. =)
KC2UOO 1 year ago
Can't wait to see the future videos on the Anderson power poles, my two big things to think about for future use is how to power the radio and what antenna to use. Keep up the good work, and 73 to you.
Tacticalgearhead 1 year ago
I like using one of those battery jump starters as a portable battery for the CB or 2m. It lasts a long time and can jump start a car, recharge cell phone, run LED lights if necessary and I can recharge it via 115v or 12v solar. It's not as compact, but has multiple uses.
hallard069 1 year ago
Great vid DOC!!!!! Should get on Echolink with us... KE4VAX
Deacon904 1 year ago
most preppers dont focus enough on the importance of good solid communications. Try going through Katrina and keeping security without good radios. We had the whole street on 70 cm and our security pickets were very tight. You couldnt fart on that street without everyone knowing.
operator223 1 year ago