Author: John VA3KOT

I'm a Canadian amateur radio operator based in Owen Sound, Ontario. I hold an Advanced license and I am passionate about two things: operating outdoors and CW. My blog is focused on the experimental aspects of the hobby. I love to try out new ideas and, being retired, I have the luxury of time to spend doing so. Please like, comment and follow if you enjoy what you read here.

Building a Manpack – Part 3, the QRO Rig

As in Parts 1 and 2, let me define what I mean by "manpack". My manpack is a manually transportable, rapidly deployable, field expedient complete radio station for operating while pedestrian mobile or pedestrian stationary. Why QRO? I have to admit, I love QRP; I started my HF career as a QRP operator and I … Continue reading Building a Manpack – Part 3, the QRO Rig →

Building a Manpack – Part 2, the QRP Rig

As in Part 1, let me define what I mean by "manpack". My manpack is a manually transportable, rapidly deployable, field expedient complete radio station for operating while pedestrian mobile or pedestrian stationary. Complete station fits into a plastic "50 caliber ammo case" The complete station - radio, battery, paddles, phones and antenna fits neatly … Continue reading Building a Manpack – Part 2, the QRP Rig →

Building a Manpack – Part 1, the Antenna

To start, let me define what I mean by "manpack". My manpack is a manually transportable, rapidly deployable, field expedient complete radio station for operating while pedestrian mobile or pedestrian stationary . The HFpack group of /PM enthusiasts are the experts in operating Pedestrian Mobile. Personally I prefer the Pedestrian Stationary style of operating. The … Continue reading Building a Manpack – Part 1, the Antenna →

Is Your Rig Rugged Enough for Field Deployment?

The term "field deployment" can be interpreted in many different ways. To some it could be as simple and easy as setting up inside a warm, dry, comfy vehicle - although I'll admit it can get darn cold inside a vehicle in winter at northern latitudes. Up, Up and Away Field deployment can also mean … Continue reading Is Your Rig Rugged Enough for Field Deployment? →

RandomGram – Secret Code, or Just CW Fun?

Some time ago I wrote a post on Ham Radio Outside The Box with the title "Six Weeks to Live". It was a fictional story, based on historical fact, about the courageous members of the Allied Special Operations Executive working behind enemy lines on the European mainland during World War 2. Their task was to … Continue reading RandomGram – Secret Code, or Just CW Fun? →

A Simpler Field Expedient Rybakov Antenna for Winter

I recently received an email from Frank Barnes W4NPN who maintains an excellent website with an index of downloadable issues of the Hot Iron Newsletter. The latest issue contains a link to a PDF document from the late G3XBM that discusses a commercial Rybakov antenna manufactured in the UK (no longer available) called the X80. … Continue reading A Simpler Field Expedient Rybakov Antenna for Winter →

New Life for a 15 year-old Hendricks PFR-3 QRP Radio

Desperation often leads to innovation, so they say. My order for a QRP-Labs QMX radio is so far down the waiting list that I won't take delivery for several months yet. Why is it that some QRP radio manufacturers have such long waiting lists for their products? It could be that their products are very … Continue reading New Life for a 15 year-old Hendricks PFR-3 QRP Radio →

A Simple DIY “Unikeyer” Based on the K3NG Design

I have two main rigs for operating outdoors, mainly for Parks on the Air (POTA) activations. I dream that one day I will have three, but my order for a QRP Labs QMX is on a never-never delivery list - well maybe one day! Rig number 1 is a Yaesu FT-891 which, although capable of … Continue reading A Simple DIY “Unikeyer” Based on the K3NG Design →