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
Tag: CW
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
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?
Using a Municipal Flagpole for an Antenna – Fine Business!
Quite recently our local municipality replaced the weather beaten cedar flagpole at one of our local waterfront parks with a brand new one made of steel. During numerous visits to the park to enjoy the beautiful views of the big islands in Georgian Bay (Griffith Is, White Cloud Is and Hay Is), I have often … Continue reading Using a Municipal Flagpole for an Antenna – Fine Business!
Ham Radio – it’s a dirty business
I could have given this post a title such as "How I Became Dependent on Alcohol" but enough of the linguistic deception. Some of my recent experiences with operating in the field have convinced me to spend more time maintaining my equipment. Oh, and yes, alcohol does enter into it. It started back in the … Continue reading Ham Radio – it’s a dirty business
Is a 20m Antenna also Resonant at 2.4GHz?
In a previous post I wrote that I would be adding SSB and Data capabilities to my recently constructed plastic "ammo case" go-box for operations out in the Big Blue Sky Shack. Those modifications were completed much more quickly than I had anticipated. I am primarily a CW operator and have no immediate intention to … Continue reading Is a 20m Antenna also Resonant at 2.4GHz?
A New FT-891 Ammo Case Go-Box for POTA
My inner voice recently told me to stop building, re-building, re-engineering and modifying my outdoor operations kit and just go get on the air with it. I told my inner voice to hush-up; I need to do this. Each iteration of my design feels like the ultimate build - until it has been out to … Continue reading A New FT-891 Ammo Case Go-Box for POTA
How to Self-Spot Off-Grid for SOTA/POTA Using HF
FT8 - the Marmite Mode Over in the UK grocery stores sell a product called "Marmite". It is a dark, sticky, yeast-based product with a very strong flavor. Aussies have a similar product called "Vegemite". These products are either loved or hated; so when the adjective "Marmite" is attached to something it means people are … Continue reading How to Self-Spot Off-Grid for SOTA/POTA Using HF
Can Just 1 Radial Really Be Better than 8, or More?
If you follow the advice often repeated on Internet forums you will learn that to make a vertical antenna as efficient as possible you will need as many radials as possible. After all, the AM broadcasters can't be wrong - they use hundreds of radials at the base of their towers. That advice may be … Continue reading Can Just 1 Radial Really Be Better than 8, or More?
A 200ft Wire Antenna Up Zero Feet – How Does it Perform?
One of my local stores was offering 100ft reels of 16ga insulated wire on sale for a good price. I have bought this wire before and was very pleased with its flexibility - an important factor for field portable use where the antenna is subjected to constant winding and unwinding. The wire extends 200ft across … Continue reading A 200ft Wire Antenna Up Zero Feet – How Does it Perform?
Ham Radio Outside the Box 