I've never actually shown what I take in the bag that goes into the field with me when I take my Yaesu FT-817ND ham radio transceiver. I'll correct that situation right now.
Great video. I purchased the 6000 mah TalentCell and really like it. I did a current drain capacity test on mine and it tested at 5900 mah. Close enough. But, least month, after the battery was not used for five months, I brought it out to use and the battery was totally discharged. I put it on charge and we are back up and running. The point of this is, "Keep an eye on the state of charge before you go into the field to operate and expect to use your TalentCell to power your station." I like my TalentCell and would suggest this power pack to anybody who runs QRP in the field. I like operating POTA and I keep my station as simple and light as possible. Everything pertaining to the POTA station fits in one small Harbor Freight tool bag. I like to keep things in the KISS mode. Barry, KU3X
Hello Tracy , I am honored to be your first comment for this video. Your 817/818 videos are among my favorites as it is one of my favorite radios. Another job well done on this project. I hope to see more 817/818 videos in the future as they help encourage to keep my 818 active in the field
Smart man at 4:30. I like your style when it comes to the TalentCell. The rubber band is genius to prevent the power switch from getting accidentally toggled to the "on" position. That has happened to me. Note: Those are not regulated supplies and the voltage will drop off over time pretty linearly at least in my tests over the last 3+ years. I actually prefer the 3.5Ah and 4.5Ah LiFePO4's from Bioenno, but those TalentCells do work with the FT-817/818 (and QDX). Great video, my friend.
Love the kit! I will say that the internal Windcamp battery is a great upgrade. No improvement over the talent cells except for convenience sake. I bought my 817 used and it didn't have an internal battery at all but part of what attracted me to the 817 was the internal battery capability.
Hi Tracy, I'm not too keen on Chinese add-ons but have the same Windcamp Powepole adaptor and the 3000mAh internal battery pack and they have been fine. The battery pack is a real plus as it uses otherwise wasted space. I also bought the Windcamp custom carry case for my TX-500 and am also very pleased. Really nice case and the quality of the materials and cutting of the inserts that hold the radio are very high quality. So Windcamp do get a big plus from me.
Nice. Just jused my 817 the other day, tesing the new CW filter I put in it. I normally use a KX2 but really enjoyed using the 817 for CW and SSB. You are inspiring me to do a video on some of this. Have fun.
I also have the same equipment with yours , I used a backpack to carry my FT 817 machine, with wire antenna, battery, power line and also 40W amplifier. everything put into pastics bag for water proof.
I admit to being one of those who likes the side rails, but really like the carry case also. Will find something similar that will accommodate the side rails as well. Nice pack Tracy!
Thank you! If you're not too spoiled by the bells and whistles of more modern gear, you may come to love the 818 as much as many of us do. It's not without its flaws, but it is FUN!
I use Portable Zero rails on my FT-818, I also use a pouch sleeve that velcros together and fits in my backpack (which I purchased from Portable Zero specifically for the FT-818) pretty well. It's a small setup but works for me. I use external molle pouches for other stuff on the small pack. Thanks for showing me your setup, I like the water proof bags.
Nice! I have way too much stuff in my pack. Those batteries look pretty cool! I have the SOTA beams speech prod and tested it looking at a scope. It does do something so I convinced myself it was worth it. Hahaha. 73 my friend! K2CJB
I have the Pterosaur guard legs that fold up under the front of my 818. It's a tight fit, but I have it in that case too, only mine doesn't have that nice red Yaesu logo like yours. 73
Hey, that's great to know, thank you for sharing! I have the carbon fiber legs and don't like them as they can scratch the surface they rest on. 73 from VE3TWM.
Hey Tracy...is that Whistle working to keep off Moskitos too? Ummm we having Wolves , Lynx and Bobcats around on and off. But gladly ain't no Grizzlys. Tnx for another neat Video. Have a good new Week & keep up your fantastic Job. 73 de Uncle Günter, DK5ONV 💯🙋♂
Nice, Tracy! Funny, I was wondering how you packed your 818 these days. My 817 fits into a _"Wynex Tactical"_ admin chest pack (designed originally to transport a sidearm with its accessories) packed with the same tuner, microphone, and WinCamp inline speech compressor and LDG tuner acessories. It has Molle attachments in front so I bought a separate Molle pouch for my batteries. It goes on first and then my backpack goes on second. All the straps lie flat so it does not interfere with how the backpack fits. I no longer have to put everything in my backpack which helps because it distributes the weight forward on my chest and leaves more room for camping gear and food. The antennas go separate into my backpack in a gallon ziplock bag (roll-up Slim-Jim and PackTenna w/ cables). Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share and for leading the way with your awesome experience! Best Always!
Hi David, always good to hear from you! If you are so inclined, do you think you could send me a photo or two of your kit to show on an upcoming livestream? You can find my email on QRZ. Take care, my friend!
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Hi Tracy, I tried your e-Mail and I'm getting everything back as undeliverable saying that "_your address does not exist_". Do you have another e-Mail?
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Ok, I'll try that one again today (although that is the one I used). My qrz info is current as it might be better to give me new info there!
Nice pack and organization.. looks like you have it all covered but did I miss the wire or antenna? Do you carry it in there? I like the zip loc bags idea.. I’ll have to do that. Nice job.. Thx for sharing. k0klb
Hi Tracy! I hear you on stuffing the pack so full it will hardly close. That can be me sometimes. I try not to carry anything I don’t expect i will use - but also have an insulated jacket, food, fire starting material, bear spray, emergency blanket and some kind of shelter. I never go into the mountains (since I’m in BC) without being ready to stay the night if something goes wrong. I’ve sometimes complained to myself about the weight but I’ve always taken all the gear along the next time I go out! Nice to hear you again! VA7SGY
Thanks, Tracy another fantastic video terrific from kb2uew
Great video. I purchased the 6000 mah TalentCell and really like it. I did a current drain capacity test on mine and it tested at 5900 mah. Close enough. But, least month, after the battery was not used for five months, I brought it out to use and the battery was totally discharged. I put it on
charge and we are back up and running. The point of this is, "Keep an eye on the state of charge before you go into the field to operate and expect to use your TalentCell to power your station." I like my TalentCell and would suggest this power pack to anybody who runs QRP in the field.
I like operating POTA and I keep my station as simple and light as possible. Everything pertaining to the POTA station fits in
one small Harbor Freight tool bag. I like to keep things in the KISS mode.
Barry, KU3X
Great tips, Barry. Thank you for sharing!
Hello Tracy , I am honored to be your first comment for this video. Your 817/818 videos are among my favorites as it is one of my favorite radios. Another job well done on this project. I hope to see more 817/818 videos in the future as they help encourage to keep my 818 active in the field
Great set up Tracey! I know you've had it for awhile but your logo is awesome. 73 God bless
Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM!
Smart man at 4:30. I like your style when it comes to the TalentCell. The rubber band is genius to prevent the power switch from getting accidentally toggled to the "on" position. That has happened to me. Note: Those are not regulated supplies and the voltage will drop off over time pretty linearly at least in my tests over the last 3+ years. I actually prefer the 3.5Ah and 4.5Ah LiFePO4's from Bioenno, but those TalentCells do work with the FT-817/818 (and QDX). Great video, my friend.
Thank you, Gaston! I appreciate your information about the voltage drop off, I haven't played with these enough yet to have seen that. 73, my friend!
i think i have to reorganize my backpack ... i have a lot more chaos in it 🙂 ... thanks tracy , 73 ! from germany de DO4BMW
Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM in Canada!
I use a lot of Ziploc bags too-rain, snow, you never know. I hope to add the Benchmade Bugout to my kit someday-it’s a great knife.
Thank you for your comment, Mike!
Super....clear, plain English....great video...thanks!!!
Was a thrill to work you at field day yesterday, we were operating 2A, well done!
Thank you for the contact! Your station was putting a good signal into my location.
Love the kit! I will say that the internal Windcamp battery is a great upgrade. No improvement over the talent cells except for convenience sake. I bought my 817 used and it didn't have an internal battery at all but part of what attracted me to the 817 was the internal battery capability.
Great point, Jason. Thank you for your comment and 73!
Hi Tracy, I'm not too keen on Chinese add-ons but have the same Windcamp Powepole adaptor and the 3000mAh internal battery pack and they have been fine. The battery pack is a real plus as it uses otherwise wasted space. I also bought the Windcamp custom carry case for my TX-500 and am also very pleased. Really nice case and the quality of the materials and cutting of the inserts that hold the radio are very high quality. So Windcamp do get a big plus from me.
Thank you for sharing your findings!
Always interesting....love my 817 as well
Gotta take care of our babies!
Nice. Just jused my 817 the other day, tesing the new CW filter I put in it. I normally use a KX2 but really enjoyed using the 817 for CW and SSB.
You are inspiring me to do a video on some of this. Have fun.
Go for it!
I also have the same equipment with yours , I used a backpack to carry my FT 817 machine, with wire antenna, battery, power line and also 40W amplifier. everything put into pastics bag for water proof.
Nice!
Tracy, you always have great videos because you are a consumate outdoors portable operator. Great pack!
Thank you!
I admit to being one of those who likes the side rails, but really like the carry case also.
Will find something similar that will accommodate the side rails as well.
Nice pack Tracy!
Great setup and video, as always. I run a similar setup with my 857D. Trying to convince myself to get an 818. 73!
Thank you! If you're not too spoiled by the bells and whistles of more modern gear, you may come to love the 818 as much as many of us do. It's not without its flaws, but it is FUN!
817 draws less power on standby. Important if you're in a remote location with only a few batteries.
I use Portable Zero rails on my FT-818, I also use a pouch sleeve that velcros together and fits in my backpack (which I purchased from Portable Zero specifically for the FT-818) pretty well. It's a small setup but works for me. I use external molle pouches for other stuff on the small pack. Thanks for showing me your setup, I like the water proof bags.
Thank you for your tip!
Glad you had fun.
Nice! I have way too much stuff in my pack. Those batteries look pretty cool! I have the SOTA beams speech prod and tested it looking at a scope. It does do something so I convinced myself it was worth it. Hahaha. 73 my friend! K2CJB
Thank you for your comment, Chris. I really need to do a test to see just how much a difference the device makes. 73 my friend!
I have the Pterosaur guard legs that fold up under the front of my 818. It's a tight fit, but I have it in that case too, only mine doesn't have that nice red Yaesu logo like yours. 73
Hey, that's great to know, thank you for sharing! I have the carbon fiber legs and don't like them as they can scratch the surface they rest on. 73 from VE3TWM.
Hey Tracy...is that Whistle working to keep off Moskitos too? Ummm we having Wolves , Lynx and Bobcats around on and off. But gladly ain't no Grizzlys. Tnx for another neat Video. Have a good new Week & keep up your fantastic Job. 73 de Uncle Günter, DK5ONV 💯🙋♂
Hey UG, always great to hear from you! Keep away from that wildlife, my friend. 73 from VE3TWM.
Nice, Tracy! Funny, I was wondering how you packed your 818 these days. My 817 fits into a _"Wynex Tactical"_ admin chest pack (designed originally to transport a sidearm with its accessories) packed with the same tuner, microphone, and WinCamp inline speech compressor and LDG tuner acessories. It has Molle attachments in front so I bought a separate Molle pouch for my batteries. It goes on first and then my backpack goes on second. All the straps lie flat so it does not interfere with how the backpack fits. I no longer have to put everything in my backpack which helps because it distributes the weight forward on my chest and leaves more room for camping gear and food. The antennas go separate into my backpack in a gallon ziplock bag (roll-up Slim-Jim and PackTenna w/ cables). Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share and for leading the way with your awesome experience! Best Always!
Hi David, always good to hear from you! If you are so inclined, do you think you could send me a photo or two of your kit to show on an upcoming livestream? You can find my email on QRZ. Take care, my friend!
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Sure! Happy to help!
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Hi Tracy, I tried your e-Mail and I'm getting everything back as undeliverable saying that "_your address does not exist_". Do you have another e-Mail?
@@davidvaughn7752 Hi David, could you try my call @ rac.ca?
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Ok, I'll try that one again today (although that is the one I used). My qrz info is current as it might be better to give me new info there!
Nice pack and organization.. looks like you have it all covered but did I miss the wire or antenna? Do you carry it in there? I like the zip loc bags idea.. I’ll have to do that. Nice job.. Thx for sharing. k0klb
Hi Kevin, great question.. I shot this at Field Day and my antenna was up in the air 😀
Hi Tracy! I hear you on stuffing the pack so full it will hardly close. That can be me sometimes. I try not to carry anything I don’t expect i will use - but also have an insulated jacket, food, fire starting material, bear spray, emergency blanket and some kind of shelter. I never go into the mountains (since I’m in BC) without being ready to stay the night if something goes wrong. I’ve sometimes complained to myself about the weight but I’ve always taken all the gear along the next time I go out! Nice to hear you again! VA7SGY
Hi Bruce, nice to hear from you! If I was in your situation I'd do the same too.
A CW Key is a must.
I agree this 3d-printed rails is not so great, so I got same conclusion that soft case is better
Thank you for your comment, Adrian!
i live in cal, what is a sudden rain shower? we know here when it is going to rain. never seen spontaneous rain falling from a blue sky.
There wasn't a sky in the cloud for most of the weekend here 😀
Cool radio but im not really seeing the point when a handheld will last days and a fraction of the weight.
HF?
CRT SPACE its much better radio for less price. And have 15w ;)
3 1/3 minutes of this mic is in a ziploc bag. 🤦🏼♂️
another great, common sense video. Thanks! VE3GUE
Thank you!