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K6ARK Portable Radio
United States
Registrace 24. 12. 2007
Hello CZcams friends! I'm Adam, K6ARK, a ham radio geek who operates mostly outdoors. On my channel, you'll find videos of my SOTA adventures and portable radio-related projects. Hope you have as much fun watching these videos as I do making them.
Never thought I'd see this in Joshua Tree
On May 10, 2024, a train of seven plasma shockwaves from recent solar flares impacted Earth, triggering a G5 geomagnetic storm. The results were spectacular.
Leading up to the weekend, I had been watching the geomagnetic storm forecast after noticing multiple significant solar flares up to X3.9. www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/3-day-geomagnetic-forecast
A G4 storm was initially predicted, but @TamithaSkov predicted a significant event. So, in addition to my climbing gear, I packed my nicer cameras and fast lenses. The skies did not disappoint!
Sorry for no hamming in this one, but I hope you all enjoy the show anyway.
Leading up to the weekend, I had been watching the geomagnetic storm forecast after noticing multiple significant solar flares up to X3.9. www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/3-day-geomagnetic-forecast
A G4 storm was initially predicted, but @TamithaSkov predicted a significant event. So, in addition to my climbing gear, I packed my nicer cameras and fast lenses. The skies did not disappoint!
Sorry for no hamming in this one, but I hope you all enjoy the show anyway.
zhlédnutí: 2 664
Video
Smallest possible all-mode POTA kit?
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 4 měsíci
Minimalist radio fun in the form of a challenge? Yes please. When @HamRadioCrashCourse proposed the 1 lb POTA Pack Challenge, he had to have known I'd take it as far as I could. An upcoming work trip presented the perfect opportunity. I prepped the "Classic Band" modified truSDX with audio amplifier circuit, larger display, and thinner/flatter filter design, and paired it up with a minimalist E...
Trips like this are why I bought the Elecraft KH1
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 5 měsíci
With good snow conditions from a recent storm, I set out with a few friends from the Mountain Rescue Team to climb and ski Mt. Baden Powell in March 2024. I capped it off with a quickie Summits On the Air (SOTA) activation using the KH1 and a new prototype KH1 pressure paddle I've been designing (more to come on that). So check out the video and join us for the adventure. www.k6ark.com
CW Practice Edition - Mountain Topping with the Mountain Topper MTR5B
zhlédnutí 2,1KPřed 6 měsíci
CW Learners' Edition with mostly unedited QSOs and including captions. Great for listening/decoding practices. Operating speed is about 22 wpm. At 4:48 CW operating begins if you'd like to skip ahead. Let me know how you like this.
Mountain Topping with the Mountain Topper MTR-5B
zhlédnutí 2,3KPřed 6 měsíci
@ThomasK4SWL tipped me off on a MTR5B for sale, and I couldn't pass it up. After tuning up a 40m EFHW to operate on all 5 bands, I rounded up N1CLC and we headed out for a holiday Monday activation of a local summit. Here's our adventure. If you're interested in seeing an unedited version of this with full-length QSOs, I've uploaded a long-cut version here: czcams.com/video/MzZJmPSX7r4/video.ht...
SOTA Madness - 250+ mi 2m CW and ZL S2S
zhlédnutí 3,9KPřed 8 měsíci
Every year, the SOTA geeks in Arizona coordinate a "10 point Madness" event where many of them summit high peaks in AZ and try to work lots of summit-to-summit contacts. Living in SoCal, that event is a fun opportunity for me to try working long distance 2m contacts. This year wasn't the best for 2m propagation, but I brought another new antenna for HF which paid off well. Enjoy! Summit is Apac...
HRWBOTA What? @HamRadioWorkbench On The Air!
zhlédnutí 3,9KPřed 9 měsíci
The crew from the @HamRadioWorkbench podcast hosted a fun on-the-air event December 3rd called Ham Radio Workbenches On The Air (HRWBOTA). To me, it sounded like a great excuse to get out and operate from a SOTA/POTA and get as many of the guys in the log as possible. Here's my adventure. If you're not familiar with the Ham Radio Workbench, check it out. www.hamradioworkbench.com Every couple o...
Rooted in Nature: Instilling a Passion for the Outdoors in the Next Generation
zhlédnutí 2KPřed rokem
This trip, I take Josh from @HamRadioCrashCourse and his son Ben out backpacking to an otherwise typical Eastern Sierra lake that holds a special place in my heart. Trips to this place were formative in my life, helping to instill a love for the mountains, particularly the Eastern Sierra. This time, we merge Ben's first backpacking trip, first time trout fishing and fly fishing, and his first P...
Gear Failure Cuts Our SOTA Ski Trip Short
zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed rokem
A 4 day trip turns into 2 when gear failure strikes us on an attempt at reaching two intimidating Sierra backcountry summits. Memorial Day weekend, 2023, I set out with a few of my SDMRT teammates to summit Mt. Darwin and Mendel. The epic snowpack made for great conditions despite road closures, and we had high hopes for some great summits. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. Still, we managed...
Backcountry Ski Portable Radio in the Sierra
zhlédnutí 2,4KPřed rokem
With record snow in the Sierra, two previous attempts to get to the big mountains for some snow fun were thwarted by weather and road conditions. But this time, we made it. With a blue-bird day and a deep snow-pack covering the sierra peaks, Erin, Brooks, Kevin, and I set out for a ski touring attempt up a fun little peak North of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Here's the story.
Sierra Solitude - Part 3: One More Summit, and the Return to (un)Civilization
zhlédnutí 2,7KPřed 2 lety
I wrap up day 2, adding one more summit and SOTA activation attempt and then starting my hike back out to the Onion Valley trailhead. On the way, I encounter more hikers, including one who needed some help. Hope you enjoy coming along for the adventure.
Sierra Solitude - Part 2: The Hardest Rock Climb in North America (in 1896)
zhlédnutí 2,3KPřed 2 lety
After a great start to the trip, I finish up the trek to camp in the Sixty Lakes Basin, get a good night's rest, and make an attempt at one of the most remote and difficult Sierra summits - Mt. Clarence King. Towering over the center of the Rae Lakes Loop, Mt. King is a centerpiece of the region and a peak whose summit is sought by many a climber to bask in its beauty and its amazing history. T...
Sierra Solitude - Part 1: Into the Wild Mountains
zhlédnutí 2,9KPřed 2 lety
The first part of day 1 of this trip brings quickly into the remote wilderness, as I climb over a technical pass - a shortcut to a remote region of the Sierra Nevada. I decide to attempt a rarely climbed peak as a bonus, and to try to snag the first SOTA activation. Short on water, and struggling from the thin air, I encounter some awesome wildlife and have a blast wearing myself out on some tr...
(tr)uSDX Modular Case
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 2 lety
With “High Band” and “Classic Band” RF boards individually available now from a DL2MAN approved manufacturer, I wanted to make a new case that allows for easy swap of the RF board without having to disassemble the complete case. So, here it is! STL files are available as a "remix" of DL2MAN's design on the Prusa website: www.printables.com/model/268115-trusdx-modular-case Big thanks to DL2MAN a...
Mountain Climb Training with my SAR Friends
zhlédnutí 2,5KPřed 2 lety
Mountain Climb Training with my SAR Friends
Ultra-portable FT-8 Ops | (tr)uSDX + Android app + Audio Adapter = Awesomeness!
zhlédnutí 53KPřed 2 lety
Ultra-portable FT-8 Ops | (tr)uSDX Android app Audio Adapter = Awesomeness!
HF Wire Antenna Setup How-To for Portable Operators
zhlédnutí 48KPřed 2 lety
HF Wire Antenna Setup How-To for Portable Operators
K6ARK Matching Unit Kit Build - End-Fed Half Wave (EFHW)
zhlédnutí 40KPřed 2 lety
K6ARK Matching Unit Kit Build - End-Fed Half Wave (EFHW)
More Gain, More Power - 2m S2S Madness
zhlédnutí 20KPřed 2 lety
More Gain, More Power - 2m S2S Madness
Alpine Summits and SOTA - Thunderbolt and Picture Puzzle Peaks
zhlédnutí 3,6KPřed 3 lety
Alpine Summits and SOTA - Thunderbolt and Picture Puzzle Peaks
Alpine 5th Class SOTA Adventure with Mountain Rescue Friends
zhlédnutí 3,5KPřed 3 lety
Alpine 5th Class SOTA Adventure with Mountain Rescue Friends
Propagation Event of a Lifetime, or an Internet Link by Happenstance?
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 3 lety
Propagation Event of a Lifetime, or an Internet Link by Happenstance?
Antenna Showdown - New Packable Yagi vs Vertical in the 6m Sprint
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 3 lety
Antenna Showdown - New Packable Yagi vs Vertical in the 6m Sprint
18 lbs of water and a sub-2 lb radio. What more do you need?
zhlédnutí 3,9KPřed 3 lety
18 lbs of water and a sub-2 lb radio. What more do you need?
Off-grid Solar Charging on a SOTA Adventure
zhlédnutí 10KPřed 3 lety
Off-grid Solar Charging on a SOTA Adventure
What's In My Pack - Radio Chest Harness edition
zhlédnutí 18KPřed 3 lety
What's In My Pack - Radio Chest Harness edition
@tommh44 @1:01 HUH?? WHAT?? I can't hear your QRP voice...
No stove or pot? Theres another 3 lbs...plus a half gallon water...Gotta have a warm beverage hanging out on a mountaintop.
Insane 😍
OK, I was going to ask if you were using skins on the climb, but you answered that later in the video. Fantastic demo!
Beautiful images. Great photography!!!
Very cool.
What frequencies do you use for calling cq on 2m ?
A mix, depending on what's common in the area. In SoCal, 146.52 national simplex calling frequency on FM, or 146.580 which is the adopted "adventure" frequency and common SOTA op simplex FM frequency. For SSB and CW, 144.200.
@@K6ARK thanks I’m in socal as well I’ll keep an ear out for you
@@CraigSotelo excellent! I will be on Mount San Gorgonio midday Saturday through Sunday morning this weekend. Hope to get you in the log.
That view is amazing.
When will the antenna kits be available again?
Dude, you were and continue to be ahead of your time!
Im going to Huntsville in the morning August 2024 KO4MAQ 73
Superb…..great video…73 John. G0EZI
Great Video, I would add a Whistle as a backup to the radio.😀
Yep a whistle is part of the kit. 👍
I have to say you must have the patience of a saint. You made making contacts look simple and quick with FT8CN and (tr)uSDX. I set up on 20M and took all afternoon to log 2 contacts.
Halo teman jenis batre apa yang kamu pakai
Any link to the capacitive keyer mod?
No link, but I have an initial batch that I've produced. $10 ea shipped. Email me through K6ARK.com
Soooo cool!!!!!!
As a newbie. Love the simplicity of the antenna design. Thank You sir. Great video. KC3WSG
NGL, being able to setup an antenna on a tall mountain like that and being able to get a Chilean DX? And New Zealand? I'm seriously impressed! Nothing more satisfying than hearing a 5/9 from so many stations. Nice work!
Love revisiting these videos. So cool you’ve got all these archived. Thanks for sharing!
Great homebrew Yagi video and instructions. Order all the materials and will be making one for myself and my daughter! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Are you still making these?
How do you determine what power the matching unit can handle? For instance, if I wanted something to work with my 20W g90 what toroid and wire gauge would I need ? Thx
Nice! Also, good choice on background music. Well done!
Great video, and the moxon works fantastic, I made one for 10m , I have too the 857, one question: how much power did you use for CW? I'm learning this mode. , saludos XE2GRC
Adam, I realize that this is an old video, but it is very much still relevant. Is there a chance that you can re-visit the build, and give us some "how to" pointers? Thanks for all you do!
I built your little 49:1 kit and dropped the micro capacitor on the carpet next to my workbench. By some miracle, I found it! Oh, and I can't tell you how much fun it is soldering that to the board! Actually, I have a stereo microscope on a boom mount that I used to use when I did dental tool (drill) repairs out of my home. Highly suggested for working on those tiny components and checking solder work while kit building. I'm currently working on building the QMX kits, and there's plans to have a future firmware update to allow SSB mode. I'm learning CW now (ARRL CW practice transmissions) and trying to learn head copy like you talked about in a previous video. Learning to copy the ARRL bulletin is good practice - 18 wpm with a lot of numbers. Thanks for this cool video! 73 Mike - ND7E
Good morning. Just found your post. Do you have any updated links?
Great job Adam! 73 de N4SHO
That was fun to watch Adam. I always wanted to try a Bobtail Curtain. The two elements seem to have great reception. Thanks!
Brilliant
How did the receiver test go? Are you running both radios at the same time with the Tee adapter? Is that okay as long as you don’t transmit?
It works if you do not transmit. If you TX... Bad things will happen. It's probably wiser to use an antenna switch and change back and forth. The test was interesting. In general, I preferred the analog filtering and subtle DSP of the 857d over the watery sounding DSP on the 891. I sold the 891 soon after. I could see the 891 being better for high RFI, perhaps in a mobile setup, but for portable ops in relatively quiet places, the 857 with Collins CW filters is better.
@@K6ARKSpectacular! I didn’t realize you could do that. I recently did some 2m receiver testing between my FTM-500, FT-2900, and RT95… swapping coax manually. Learned the FTM-500 receiver was significantly better, sufficient enough that I was able to chase weak signal SOTA and make contacts I wasn’t able to with the other radios. 8 extra points that day 👍.
@@soldermecold7456 the nice thing about the T connector is being able to record the same signal through both receivers at the same time. I would then listen to them on my right and left ear to compare. But like I said, just don't TX 😜
Thanks for this video. This is where my "craziness" started. I have not built anything before, now the 1st antenna building kit is ready except for tuning. It's your fault and I thank you for that.
Hi, Adam what was the Android FT8 software you were using I use FT8CN for FT8 and I have just brought a (Tr)usdx so looking forward to using it with CW as well. 73's from ZL.
It's the FT8 app in the google play store. However, I now recommend FT8CN instead which is available via download from GitHub. It's pretty easy to find by searching the name.
belting little Rigs Adam. I had mine on the desk today hooked up to me 40m long wire and it was great fun... Really must practice more on CW🤣 It was THomas who convinced me to get one too ... 73's Nick G8SYE
thanks for your Yagi antenna made plan . this is BD7PMJ 73~
I didn’t realize that the (4 digit) grid squares were so large. I live in *DM13* here in Riverside. *73 de AF6AS*
They are pretty big. 2 deg by 1 deg rectangles.
Adam, any change you have a contact who buys your kits and assembles them and sells them assembled?
Aren't you creating an additional turn or two by passing the antenna lead through the toroid?
Excellent!!!
Great work Adam! You have the best vids in the hobby. ICOM and Yaesu should be sponsoring you for their survival! Or at the least consulting with you on what feature set to build next. Hey I know your pack probably changes in configuration, but is there a video on how you pack your kit out there or could you make one? Always trying to improve. Thank you for your work on the CW subtitles, much appreciated!
Yeah, I should do a current kit dump video to show how I pack each one. That would be good!
Great work Adam! You have the best vids in the hobby. ICOM and Yaesu should be sponsoring you for their survival! Or at the least consulting with you on what feature set to build next. Hey I know your pack probably changes in configuration, but is there a video on how you pack your kit out there or could you make one? Always trying to improve. Thank you for your work on the CW subtitles, much appreciated!
KK7SWB- new ham here-will you please repost the plans for the Yagi or send them? i cannot open it no matter what i do--TYSM
The file is a MMANA GAL file. Did you try opening using the app?
@@K6ARK no but will try ty
unbelievable!! cool cool video
It's looks like a bit smaller than 1m in diameter, isn't it?
You're so crazy. Love it.
So how much power was involved? What range?
The radio puts out about 700 mW. 40 m propagation results in shorter hops during the day, so I think the longest contacts were 800 - 1000 miles.
Can you understand that listen speed? Or does the radio translates it?
The radio does not decode, I have practiced a lot to be able to understand what is being sent as I hear it.
@@K6ARK good job, and thank you
So, the CIA came out with a survival kit that fit up the bum. You know where I'm going with this. Let's make it happen, a complete transceiver that stores inside a waterproof aluminum storage capsule!
the built in key is so cool!