Best HF Ham Radio for Off Grid Survival
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- čas přidán 16. 02. 2023
- Choosing the best HF Ham Radio for off grid survival communications. In this video we go through 5 of the best low-power and QRP portable ham radios for off grid or grid down preparedness communications.
Hello Operators.
After the devastating earthquake and grid failure in Turkey and Syria, a Turkish operator reached out on Twitter, asking about the best HF radio for grid down or off grid survival. I do my best to highlight the pros and cons of my top HF radio picks, seen on the channel.
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Julian oh8stn
#oh8stn #hamradio
Video URL: • Best HF Ham Radio for ...
Accompanying blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2023/02/17/be...
Mentioned in the video
XIegu G90: • Xiegu G90 HF SDR Trans...
Xiegu X6100: • Xiegu X6100 SSB with a...
Yaesu FT-818: • Yaesu FT-818 Review
Lab599 TX500: • Lab599 Discovery TX-50...
Icom IC-705: • Icom IC-705 | Portable...
Microsoft Surface: • Ham Radio with Microso...
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Some of you have asked for a blog with structured context, Well here it is.
oh8stn.org/blog/2023/02/17/best-hf-ham-radio-for-grid-down-survival/
Thanks for watching.
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Julian oh8stn
Hey, the surprise core of the upload of looking out for best setup for a fellow ham needing suggestions for the ideal setup for comms near the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey was a real reality check on the true relevence of your craft as a ham that focuses on emergency, efficient, lightweight, max endurance and versatility, comms, voice and data, as your chosen thrill and focus of the hobby, makes it your chosen duty.
Really great channel, sir. 👍
0 99.99
Thanks, you really know your stuff.
I have no idea why I had that comment written under my name. I love your videos either way.
The “best” radio is the radio that you have that you know how to operate that functions in the situation. Thank you for keeping this discussion in the for-front!
That doesn't really help someone that doesn't have a mobile radio and is here to help decide what to get.
Excellent video and content. No one manufacturer makes the perfect off grid radio. Yaesu take note, here is your place to shine in replacing the 818. All great points made, especially when it comes to power management. I'm a little longer in the tooth and do not have the ability to travel as far as some others. With this in mind, I have two kits. One with the G-90 and a second that requires more power, the Yaesu 891. A Yaesu FT-3D goes along for the ride either way. Both have battery's and solar (both properly sized) that go along with power needs and both have separate digital accessories. The tuner in the G-90 can be a real asset if something happens to your resonate antenna and you need to cobble up something, so there is that. It's what I'm used to and I practice often with both. Were I to upgrade, the 599 would be where I would go. Tough as nails and waterproof, I just can't justify spending additional money for a more expensive radio, but it would be nice...lol. Thanks for the video and Thank You for not being a Radio Pimp, like some of the "Popular Channels". They no longer get views from me.
Hey John, nice comment! I also have two kits very similar to yours, X6100 and FT-891. Very functional. Do you think we could talk Julian into a short, detailed video on setting up the FT-891 with Digirig and RPi? Maybe you already have yours set-up but I could use a little help in that department. W9BLH
Have to love the Lab599 TX 500....dual use and rugged enough to use as a true force multiplier ☺
I have a TX500. You can't underestimate its small. I mount it in the car like the head unit of a bigger radio. The current drain is genuinely tiny. It works over a range of voltages. Some Yaesu radios shut down if the voltage drops too low. The TX500 works down to 9v. This would make it easier to make up a battery in a hurry from dry cells or other batteries.
Nice comparisons, and excellent presentation. I'm happy with my KX2 filling this role. I got it primarily as a SOTA rig.
I believe the kx2 is going to be even better when they get that internal charger sorted. It's on the way. Thanks for the comment and the kindness.
Love it - great videos, great information. Thank you & good luck 👍🏼🙏🙂
Julian. Thanks for the clarification. I picked up the IC-705 based on your recommendation and I haven't looked back since. Just waiting for the lightsaver max to become available again and I am hoping they include a usb C with a PD port. That way I can use my USB C power delivery trigger board to output 5, 9, 12, 15, and 20 volts up to 100watts making this device even more adaptable power supply. I could even run my 9v elecraft T1 tuner off it if 9v batteries become difficult to source. If you are talking with them, let them know this is essential. Lastly, I just picked up one of the last FT-818's for a bash around pota rig when not doing digital for nostalgic reasons. Keep up the great work, you are our pioneer for off grid practical communications. Thank you.
Thank you much for this presentation. Much needed and clarifies a lot of questions I had.
You are very welcome.
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Julian oh8stn
Amazing comparison video. I have narrowed it down to the TX500 & 705. I already have a nice mare for the back trails would love to do HF remote from a mountain top with my horse at my side. That would be on my bucket list. Again great video. 73s from Vancouver BC
All these years of great videos and you still keep it fresh. Thanks for this terrific breakdown.
Totally agree, Julian is fantastic!😎😎
Julian you're the best. I always get a boat load of practical info from your vids. Precise and well thought out. Thank you
Outstanding analysis and comparison, Julian! Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
You are very welcome.
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Julian oh8stn
Allway an insightful and educational experience for me watching ur vids....been a fan for years and got my GMRS and working on my HAM ticket, and the confidence to step up as an Ecomms lead for my local CERT group.because of ur vids....Never doubt ur benefit and contributions to the community....Thank you Sir.
Thank you. I truly enjoy your content.
As always, a nice objective review. 👍👍👍
Brilliant content as usual Julian. I always look forward to your videos.
Thanks. The format is still kind of "weird" but hopefully getting better.73
Julian oh8stn
Amazing vlog, as always. Very informative.
As always, excellent presentation. One simply cannot over state the need for reliable communications when disasters and emergency situations arise; and while there are many videos on CZcams regarding service-based emergency communications, your focus on communications for emergency preparedness is a thoughtful counterpoint to all that. My personal take is that many in the Amateur EmComm community make the assumption that when disasters or emergencies occur, that somehow that's not going to effect *them* --which will allow them the space to participate in functions such as ARES. I think it's far more practical to start with *personal* preparedness and communications training - which will be far more likely to be one's immediate requirement in an emergency or disaster.
This could not have been said any better!
Outstanding comment.
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Julian oh8stn
That is exactly what Julian is the king of, personal preparedness.
Spot on. Thank you
FWIW, the Elecraft KX3 is a viable, albeit expensive, option. I've had mine for nearly 10 years and have made 1000s of contacts both SSB and digital. It also has options for an ATU and 2M module. Both HF and 2m have their own antenna connections. The great thing about the KX3 is that it's extensible with not only the two modules I just mentioned, but also has available roofing filters, internal battery compartment for rechargeable AAs, a very versatile pan adapter, and amplifiers. The TX and RX audio quality are excellent and interfacing for digitals modes is pretty straight forward. I've often thought about purchasing an IC-705, but just haven't pulled the trigger because the KX3 does everything I need for portable operating.
Preaching to the choir brother. I Love The KX3. The only reason it's not here is I don't have one.
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Julian oh8stn
An excellent comparison! Thanks!
Thank you David.
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Julian oh8stn
Useful stuff. Thanks.
Love all this info. Appreciate your insight and opinions.
Excellent content! Love your videos, your tests, reviews and experimentation. From your video I just discovered that the filters for FT-81x indeed became unobtaineum. I have old ft817, but I’ve never used it with filters. Just voice comms and some RTT on 20m with amplifier, mostly on field days.
Love the thorough and thoughtful commentary!
I am very glad I found your channel, incredibly insightful and useful information. I'm a relatively new ham and only have UHF/VHF experience and have a lot to learn. I got into the hobby because I do thoroughly enjoy it, however I also am a person who likes to prep and I think having a method of communication with loved ones outside of your location when the grid goes down is one of the most important things. Sitting and picturing it, no cell service, no method of communication, people are panicking and you have a way to communicate and make sure everyone is okay and move from there, I truly don't think that value can be understated, at the very least for your own sanity.
Great information with no punches pulled. 👍👍
Stellar content. Thank you very much Julian!
Excellent topic…! Thank you
Thanks for the video. I recently discovered your channel and really enjoy your content.
🙏👍
Thank you.
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Julian oh8stn
Thx for what your doing.
You're very welcome.
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Julian oh8stn
great video as always. :)
Great info Julian! I liked the pros and cons of each radio mentioned. Radio Prepper Gil usually leans to "De-MIL" radios (which I enjoy watching as well), so if one had to compare MIL or EX-MIL radios in the same context as survival radios, one should know that Green Radios tend to run on 24 vdc, are power hungry and inefficient... they are robust for the most part.
73s, AG4KN - John in OK WINLINK WEDNESDAY!!
What about the HARRIS FALCON III MIL Manpack radio?
Thank you so much, Julian. It's truly helpful and I appreciate your time and effort. 73.
You are very welcome.
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Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN now I'm leaning more toward TX500 which I didn't know much about it. Looks rigid.
Great job and content. Thanks
Thanks Julian for the content as always. New subscriber too. 73
Very informative as always. Thank you
You are very welcome, thank you for watching.
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Julian oh8stn
You nailed it!!! The best manpack summary I’ve seen. Weight,, reliability for rugged use, and then power/current draw are my priorities. I have most of these radios. I’m going to check out the TX500. Letting somebody else carry the amp is my preference. Share the load... Thanks!
Great vid thanks
Julian excellent presentation regarding off grid radios. I like that you set parameters for the video - what works for one person may not work for another person. It all depends on the situation and place they find themselves in. All the radios mentioned are viable options although the Yaesu FT-818 is going to be discontinued. For me it would be the ICOM IC-705. It really does it all and it has it's own built in battery that is easily available. The only negative or downside in the IC-705 is that it needs a tuner but there are many cost efficient options that are available. I would love to get a Elecraft KX3 but it is pricey and from what I understand a several month wait to get one after you order it. Keep up the great work ! 73's Bill de KW4QO
Great video👍 My primary radio's are all HF, I have a few 50 watt VHF/UHF Mobiles for local comms but other than the usual MARS/ARES/RACES/SATERN ham volunteer emergency comm. groups, I really am not too confident in the basic comm. Skills, of many with a ham license, most can't figure out how to pause in between transmissions much less care about the patience to deal with a directed net. A small percentage want to drone on and on until the repeaters time out and are always surprised that 3 to 5 minutes with hardly a breath, the machine cut them off...lol
Thanks for all the awesome info 👍
Fantastic, great Information. Thanks for your knowledge.
You nailed it, i will not wait for anyone/government to come and fix everything. Even in a dire situation one square meter operation space and some room for the wire should do the trick. Great video. The fact that you can run js8call /wsjtx native on the x6100 radio is a omission in the video 😊. The antenna situation is spot on, resonance or tuned. Thank you for good video. . . "Clusterbugger" is a great nickname 😂
I purchased the Xiegu G-90 after watching many of your videos.I just love the radio. Your videos rock!
Thanks for this comment. Sometimes, the louder voices make it seem like the effort is wasted.
Your comment is pure motivation. Thank you!
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Julian oh8stn
Great video (as always) I picked up a X6100 for my first real QRP (i tried portable-ling my 857D.. not great) Really happy with it thus far, although, have had issues getitng js8call to work on my linux laptop with it. but works great with fidigi on laptop and my newer inovato quattro.. have made it more and more off-grid capable w/ batteries and solar.. but still working on it. Keep up the great stuff, really enjoy it.. btw, ended up playing King Crimson a good part of the day at my work.. lots of good memories.
Thanks , great informative video!!
Thank you 🙏
Great video. Especially the distinction between a data operator and a ssb operator when discussing the 705 and tx500
Excellent and informative video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
Excellent advice... as usual Julian!
Thanks. Hopefully the community understands this video.
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Julian oh8stn
Thanks!
Thank You for making these information videos 🎙🎧📻
I know you have been working on your video quality but I like that you don't need big screen looks, because you have great content!! Keep up the great videos!!
Best comment of the day 🙏
Thank you 👍🏻
You are very welcome 🙏
Supper thanks!!!!
Great content Julian ! OK Yeasu...show us whatcha got next.
Semper Fi brother !
W9KOA
I applaud your no nonsense approach to delivering the information. Straight to the point, no fluff and backed up with credible hands on experience. Hurricane Harvey was my wake up call.
Well done. My emergency solution was not a 1 radio be all end all. it developed into a system. I have (In the US) a GMRS for family comms; an FT-857d for when I need to get out; and finally a X6100 for an NVIS regional touch point. As you stated, there is no one size fits all.
Great video my friend!!!
Excellent comment and I couldn't agree more. Thanks for watching and commenting. Also for the support over the years. Always good to read your comments.
Thanks for the video! You’re a huge asset to the hobby. It really is tough to pick the perfect rig. I am hopeful that yaesu is go into blow us away with a 818/857 style radio.
Thanks
Wishing Yeasu would bring back the 897 form factor, in a 20 watt field radio with 705 features. I would kill for that radio.
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Julian oh8stn
My sentiment exactly. As the owner of an FT-897D with the FC-30 ATU, I have both the slide in power supply for 100W as well as the battery backup option for 20W. Keeping an off-grid option, I also have a Jackery 290 solar generator along with 25W and 100W solar panels.
For a smaller and cost effect option to the IC-705, I would give serious consideration to the Xiegu 6100. Your thoughts?
Great comparison. For me it’s the G90 and a Anytone 878 and a digirig. When money matters, this does the job very well. The only downside for me, that there is no Bluetooth it’s just down to cables…
Thanks Julian for your great work
73 HB3XBL 👍🇨🇭
All thumbs up for this channel ❤
Thank you
Great video Julian! I have been wanting the IC 705 but think I my end up with the X6100 glad you gave good opinion of the 6100 I think budget will allow for this one. Thanks again
Thank you. I have been considering a 705, this helps. Im currently running a kx3 and signalink, awaiting a digirig and will this winter flush out a full mobipe hf/vhf setup for off grid data and voice. I just found your channel in a hf winlink search so im enjoying the content.
G90. Great tuner. 20w that will reach anyone. Easy digital ops with a Digirig. Continues to run even below 12v.
I agree that 20w will reach anyone.
I was in Long Range Surveillance (LRS), 20 watts was the max power I had with the PRC-104 and was more than enough to establish distant comms.
I run a g90 and frankly I'm suprised every time it actually turns on, I'm just waiting for it to die. It is a full featured radio and priced right.
I just wish the G90 did 2M and 70CM.. am playing with the G900 now as an alternative because of the integrated sound-card and 20W capability.
@@neosentry G900? That thing has changed names and brands like 5 times now. HS-2, QR something or another. Serious hardware and firmware issues that have been there forever. It promises A LOT but reality is another thing. If it's that radio, run away and get a refund ASAP! I worked with the vendor on that radio trying all kinds of firmware versions because of all of the issues and gave up after a year because the radio itself has some design flaws which firmware is just not going to fix.
@@FunInSC so.. Guohetec released the Gen3 version of the radio, which seems to have addressed the voltage stability and receiver sensitivity issues. They are still selling it under a half dozen names.. but that may come to an end soon. I think Radioddity now has a version of, and there are a few other flavors of it.. but the non-branded Q900 is fine for me. I've been impressed with the improvements they've cooked into the thing, it's a much better unit than its predecessor models.. and it offers a 2m/70cm + DMR advantage over the G90 (though I don't really care for the DMR element).. but.. ultimately.. I'm going to need to live with it for a while longer to see just how much I like it and whether or not I can learn to love its quirks (and it does have a few). Version 3.1.4 of the firmware was a big improvement, and version 3.2.2 and the coming 4.0 releases promise even more gains. This is a fun hobby.
You are absolutely RIGHT!!!
Another top video Julian. I keep changing my mind but at the moment on my budget, I'm looking at the 6100 with my Surface Go, mainly for digital modes.
I have two surface Go's, one with windows and one with Linux Mint, Debian Edition, I'd probably use Linux as it's not a resource hog like Windows.
As you said, a small portable amp and maybe with a 5ah to 10ah battery and a small solar set-up.
I have an 80-10m EFHW and that will get me going.
I'm only allowed QRP but will upgrade within 6mnths max.
For my QTH, I'm flavouring the 991A.
Keep up the great work in the extreme cold and remote location video's. I think that manufacturers should consult with you when they want to create an all purpose field comms rig. Take care. 73
Outstanding presentation! I own both the G90 and 705, but my go to radio is the Elecraft KX3, thanks for all you do!! 73 de K0EAO
If I had an Elecraft, it would be a KX3. I have always loved that rig. The only reason it wasn't mentioned is I don't have one. The low current consumption is epic.
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Julian oh8stn
You are invaluable. I appreciate you more than I can express. A Newbie
🙏
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Julian oh8stn
I have the G90, and your videos were one of the reasons I purchased it. Bottom line. It is easy to operate, inexpensive and it works. There's nothing wrong with that. Thx for the videos. 73.
Well said 👍
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Julian oh8stn
Great vid, as usual. I'm going to try and set-up my X6100 with RPi zero2W and DigiPi software from KM6LYW.
Wonderful presentation. I have a G90 and 991, both with batteries sufficient to run them. The significant down side to the G90 is the external data
hardware, however not necessarily needed. Also the poor cleanliness on transmit, which may have been fixed with a software update (have not looked).
The 991 I have been happy with. Not the best for receive current, still very reasonable if you can handle the higher current load.
Love my FT-817nd. Tracy VE3TWM outdoors on the air shivering in the snow and Julian OH8STN the reason I have a great SML antenna have nothing to do with that. I think many hams chasing waterfalls cut their teeth on the 81x. Keep the good videos coming 73. KE0OZD
I agree there is no one perfect radio. You have to balance your wants, needs, monetary and power budgets, philosophy of use, and communications requirements. Power budget is a major consideration for off grid survival. In addition to radio communications, you may need power to charge cell phones, tablets, lights, medical devices, etc. Ruggedness is also an important consideration. If you do not have proper shelter or are on the move, shock protection and water resistance are a must have. Fragile power connectors can be an achilles heel. Overall station weight should also be kept in mind. Lots of good things to think about in your video. Thanks for your insightful discussion. Headed over to the blog now!
Nice and wide open for discussion! Depends on what is ment by survival radio? Should be fun
Excellent! I couldn't have said it any better 🙂 Unfortunately I was dumb enough to sell my KX2. It's a top performer but has a lot of ingress points for the elements. A radio that surprised me, in a good way, is the (tr)uSDX (from a manufacturer approved by DL2MAN). I was very suspicious of it but I was wrong. Maybe not as a main radio but small and light for a bug-out bag. I am really enjoying my G90 right now, but as you mention, a bit hungry and heavy. If only more people used 6m! Great for the countryside with a bit more penetration (vegetation) than 2m and 70cm. As to the FT-817nd/818, I might still buy one some day, if just for the VHF SSB/CW modes; hard to beat still today, and so many have been sold that we don't have to worry about second-hand supply. Take care 🙂
Well said...
I just found you. I'm pleased. I'm a female alone,
but I'm okay with it. I'm learning. Appreciate you
Your points about the IC-705 are exactly why I am looking at it for my first HF rig. You have confirmed for me the preparedness mindset I am using to choose this radio. The next HF would be a more powerful home base station. Thanks for this video!
This means a lot.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
This is what I did. First HF radio I ever bought was the 705. So far I'm loving it. Not sure if the conditions are better than usual, but unless there is a pile-up, everyone has been able to hear me on 5 watts in the backyard with a speaker wire dipole. Already made a 1000mile contact from my backyard to western Oklahoma. I've also reached people on POTA activations several states away who were also running QRP. If you have a compromised antenna, then a 100w station might be necessary, but with a full 20m dipole hung in my tree, I've been very successful.
This was my first HF. It was frustrating at first because I couldn’t reach anyone. Then after some experiments I was able to get it to hum like a bird. IC-705..... 10/10 best all purpose radio!
@@Blastogy I have to agree that I had a few challenges getting it to work well. Now that I have a permanent antenna, it’s definitely easier. I’m now trying to get my Pi 3 to talk nicely with it and have yet to get HF functions to work, or at least transmit a carrier. Activates the PTT no problem. But I’m in no rush to get it working as this is a journey, not a race.
@@neilmccormick9871 Switch your MOD Input to WLAN. If it key's up but nothing is being sent, you are still probably set to MIC,USB.
It's easy to downplay the role of a tuner, but from experience, if your antenna has an issue, you have limited space for an antenna, you need to use a field expedient antenna, etc., the tuner quickly changes from a nice-to-have to a hard requirement. The 20 watts, waterfall, low power consumption, are all great features. I've run the G90 almost daily for going on 3 years, plus many hours of wilderness field time, and it's still going strong 💪🏼
Well said!
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Julian oh8stn
Hi, I really enjoyed your video. I am a brand new Ham. I received my tech license a few months ago and I'm getting ready to take my General this Saturday. I would love to get into field work. Your videos are very informative and a great learning tool! Thank you again. I will be following you now. Denny KC3VWQ
I really like the g1m. The new Xiegu is a beefed up version, more bands, tougher mic plug, less pointy knobs, has the bandscope, and still very light.
It will need external antenna swr/matching device, but a good ol' crossneedle tuner can be found online or a hamfest.
Thanks Julian, very useful
73 Rob G3RCE
For survival coms, you make very good points, and to communicate, digital coms get more information through than other modes. For a discussion of what digital coms to use and the intended purpose is very important. The radio is, in some ways, secondary. In most disastors the area effective is typically quite small with the exception of war and there, I just do not know. To support digital modes we need a gateway to get messages to loved ones and emergancy help. APRS with Packet and VARA FM digipeaters get email and Text messages to your loved ones and others. We have data on this working in hurricanes. This works well with VHF, but HF you have Winlink email but I do not know about a text message gateway. That would be a good discussion. I like the idea of a discussion and agree a plan secifically for you is useful.
I don't know how I got here but that was fascinating. Mostly just a two meter guy but trolling the HF stuff.
Best information I found. I'm 64 and just getting into the Ham scene. Actually I don't even have the license from the FCC yet. Just passed the Tech exam rather easily. I don't want a ham shack base station, not interested in contesting nor playing the other games. Off grid comms is my only interest. Truthfully not interested in wifi, internet, 5G+, or any other mesh technology baloney. Please do a segment on EMP protection for your ham bugout bag. Thanks. Oh, one more thing...heat. It's 106 here in Az as I type. The equipment was analyzed in cold weather.
Gave a new 705 to the 11 and 15 yr daughters for remote ops. Qrp can be tough, its not the transmitter, its the other stations dealing with their noise floors, wall warts, TV, led lights etc.
After the Chinese ballon EMPs things it should be quiet again.
Depends on what you need.
Sure wish the PA500 amps were really avaliable.
Good points for consideration. I have weapon lights but trying to figure out an edc light.
I currently own two of the radios on your list. My G90 sits on my desk most of the time, and I use it as my base rig. My TX-500 is my go-to portable rig. The entire system (radio, battery, cables, mic, antenna, cw key, digirig, everything besides the solar panel and charge controller) fit in a hill people gear medium kit bag. I can grab that, and I have my entire system ready to go.
Outstanding!
Thanks for sharing this. It gives operators a practical look at how others set up their kits.
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Julian oh8stn
What is the price of tx500 in Europe? The list EU price, but does that include customs? If this radio hits customs they can easily add 50% to the price cause they can, so I wonder if it's worth ordering.
@mateuszk3210 from Sweden pileupdx.com/product/discovery-tx-500/
@@OH8STN Thank you!
@@OH8STN One more question. Can you recommend ultra-light portable antenna tunner or is Emtech ZM-2 my best option? To put my question in a context - I am interested in hiking with a radio, however most HF radio equipment is way heavier than typical weight optimized hiking gear. For reference 900g backpack, 90g stove + 200g canister, 500g sleeping pad and 600g sleeping bag would be the heaviest components (2.3kg) to carry without the radio. I am wondering about lightest possible HF build, that won't break the bank.
I love my 705, it is truly great.
But, if yaesu is paying attention, a 20watt version with built in tuner would sell faster than they could make them!
Agreed
Yaesu seems to have given up, which is sad to see. My Early oughts VX7 and 817 have served well, but not much interesting these days. (Or maybe our context as preparedness types isn't a market share they're interested in.)
Great video. Something that doesn't get mentioned a lot, is a simple SDR. I love my SDR Play. Simple to use, anyone can use it, license or not, and don't need to spend tons of money. Yeah you wont be able to TX, but as a prepper, you should be monitoring traffic more than anything during a SHTF situation.
Agreed in certain circumstances. I also have videos on SDR monitoring. The only ptoblem with an SDR,is most of them are receive only. If you need to communicate with one, we can't! Another problem is decoding what the SDR can hear. A clever operator will ensure we only see "noise" in the waterfall. Thus getting no useable information from that audio stream. Finally, a simple SDR usually covers 25Mhz and higher. Experienced operators are using NVIS on 160-40 meters. The SDRPlay is awesome for RX in this regard. It's very nice seeing operators invest the proper money for an SDR 👍.
Truth is, we need both. Proper all-mode RX/TX rigs and SDR for monitoring.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Very much appreciated.
It's so easy to build battery packs today, there is no excuse for powering a radio to be an afterthought. It's a very easy process, the tools are really easy to aquire, and the knowledge is everywhere. Build a pack, it's stupid easy.
Mighty old 857D?
Have you ever done narration or voice acting? Your voice sounds so familiar like I have heard it in documentaries or something like that. Anyway great video! Thank you for creating it.
Thanks for this vid Julian. I'll definitely be recommending, I have the 817 and an 857 and I'm getting to the point where I think Yaesu just isn't interested in releasing a true modern successor in either of those form factors so I have to move on. I like the all band, all mode capability of the x6100 but the ruggedness of the TX500 speaks to me. I did want to know if you had any experience with the Q900v3 or v4. That seems to often get compared to the G90.
Thanks for all you do and 73 de N3QQZ
Thanks for the comments and question. The Q900x seems functionally like a nice all mode rig with expanded RX. Power options are good, Operating modes are good, but the form factor is terrible. We also don't know anything about the company, or how long they're going to be around. I'm also unsure about support from the company. The best I can say is time will tell.
Yaesu seems locked into contest rigs. Starting with the 897 back in the day, They have discontinued every portable capable radio it had in the line up. This is also true for the vertex standard line of radios. Having been a "yaesu man", It crushes me that they ignore the market.
Thanks for the kindness and for watching. It's greatly appreciated.
73
Julian oh8stn
You are AMAZING Julian, but I am staying with the 100W shake-in-the-box FT-857D and FT-897D. The 100W prepares for solar minimums.
The portable military Hf radios have three distinct features that greatly mitigate the need for 100W. First, they use ALE to determine the optimal frequency for the desired contact. Second, the voice mode is digital. Third, many have a "last ditch" voice mode that slows down and narrows the digital voice for even greater efficiency. The caveat is that last ditch voice is slow, not realtime.
Most of the QRP radios you mention are only marginally better on current consumption on recieve.
I feel confident operating 100W FT-8xx radios in a SHTF situation when paired with a 12ah bioenno battery, Powerwerx EpicpwrGate and 60W solar panel. I have no desire to operate 24x7 or even more than about 8hrs/day with 5% or less Tx time.
Normally I operate 10W SSB phone, but I do use digital modes. My goto antenna is a 80m-10m EFHW that well supports my primary ecom mode, 80m NVIS. During solar minima 80m is the only highly reliable NVIS frequency in the amateur bands, followed by 60m.
I love QRP, but for SHTF I believe in having 100W available.
My alternate antenna is the Cha Emcomm IIIP.
In general I do not plan on operating man portable, except for short distances of a mile or so. My motorcycle has a range of about 200-235 miles. I can get away from the crazies in about 15 miles.
I did add the tool tube I mention in the video. Next I will add two smaller rackless panniers for about 28L-32L of storage. I already have a tank bag with about 6L of storage plus my top boxes. I should be able to deploy self-sufficient for about 7-10 days before employing survival skills with a range of +250mi.
Where I am lacking is digital. The only digital I plan on taking is fldigi and another app that adds a couple other modes. My JS8Call and Winlink are on my laptop which is a large Dell laptop. If I setup a small laptop or tablet, I will carry it for Winlink and JS8Call.
Tomorrow or Monday will be my first dry run just to shake down myself and camping equipment.
czcams.com/video/nShDYlZGKlc/video.html
Hey, you are doing great job :) And what about Yaesu ft-857d? It can be very efficient in the battery mode, it has dsp and optionall filters for ssb and cw. Still small and rugged. All mods all bands like 817/818 :)
Although the 857 is an excellent performer, I omitted rigs with high current consumption on RX and inefficient TX current draw. In their place, the suggestion was using a more energy efficient rig, with additional amplifier.
The idea is is the more current a rig needs, the larger the battery it requires. This makes the system larger, heavier, and likely to be left behind. Does this make sense?
Just trying to think outside the box.
73
Julian oh8stn
The 857D is the way to go, I agree 100%, I would never part with mine.
I'm going to make up a Light backpack kit. Ordered the FX-4CR and have a 15 AH LiFePO4 and wire's. Scott KF0HRF
Great video, many thanks!! Robert K5TPC
'Cluster Bugger...' LOL. Good stuff, as always, Julian. A couple of comments.
1) The Xiegu G90 has served me well so far, when I'm operating portable. I pair that with a 6ah LiFePo battery, and either my PAC-12 vertical, or the SOTABeams Bandhopper+ antenna, and my wife and I can operate for hours.
2) This is more of a question. I noticed that you didn't have your Yaesu FT-891 on your list of rigs to suggest. I'm guessing that's for a couple of reasons: it's heavy, and power-hungry, and your statement about 20-30 watts ERP being more than enough. Any other reason? DE K7RLN
AnyTone AT-6666 covers CB band for local communication as well as 10m SSB (can be run of any car battery, no need to recharge battery) and Baofeng as it covers 2m/70cm, GMRS, weather band and FM broadcast bands (can be run of AA batteries). Tons of people use and have CB radios. Licensed ham operators have 2m HTs which can be used for local coms.
Some very useful info here, even for someone just doing SOTA or other for-pleasure portable ops and not interested or concerned about prepping👍. For me, the TX500 is first out of the blocks here, simply down to it's excellent construction and build quality. I'm not into digi modes personally but fully accept they may be useful or even essential in certain situations so the cable issue wouldn't cause me much concern. I've no doubt Yaesu, Kenwood, Icom etc could, if they wanted to, design and build an almost perfect off grid radio that ticks every box Julian mentions but would it bring them the sales figures and profits of the feature rich desk top, mobile and semi portable radios they seem to prefer?