Amateur Radio and the Great Outdoors

Edward R. Breneiser, WA3WSJ

Reading, Pennsylvania

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Copyright © 2012 by Edward R. Breneiser

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Printed in the United States of America

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Preface

I started hiking around the year 2000. I knewnothing to very little about hiking, but I had been anamateur radio operator since 1973. Even as youngboy, I loved the outdoors. I would hunt, fish or dojust about anything that took me outside.

When a fellow ham suggested we go on a hike andtake our radio gear with us, I was ready to hit thetrail – or so I thought. That first hike was two milesup a mountain to a lookout on the Appalachian Trailhere in Pennsylvania called Pulpit Rock.

I thought I was ready for the hike. Boy was I wrongabout that! I wasn’t in the best of physical shape. Ihad no hiking gear – not even hiking boots. I hikedup the mountain in a pair of old sneakers wearingblue jeans. I didn’t take any water with me as Ithought that I really didn’t need it.

Yes, I know what most of you are saying aboutnow, “what was he thinking!” That’s the reason forthis book. Most hams that are thinking about hikingand operating their radios know little if anythingabout hiking and operating outdoors.

I hope to change that with this book.

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Acknowledgements

First, I would like to thank a few hams that startedhiking with me. Back in 2000 or so I started hikingwith Ron Polityka, WB3AAL. We started by doingdays hikes with our QRP radios. Each hike wasjust a little longer until we had to spend one nighton the trail. The trail we started hiking on was theAppalachian Trail or AT.

Little did I know back then that those few day hikeson the AT would change my life! Little did I knowthat those day hikes on the AT would unlock awhole new world to me.

It’s been almost twelve years since I took that firstover night hike on the AT and it’s been one heck ofa journey so far! I’ve met new hams, hiked withhams and now call these hams my hiking buddiesand more importantly – I call them my friends.

Here are just a few of the many hams that I havehiked with and had fun with on the AT. RonPolityka,- WB3AAL, Guy Hamblen - N7UN, JohnDeGood – NU3E, Scott Walker – N3SW, EdPennington – K3YTR and John Harper – AE5X.

I would also like to thank the many hams that takethe time to make a contact with me while I’m out ona trail. You really don’t realize how much it meansto me and other hiking hams when we hear yourfamiliar call sign.

Thanks to all of you and others for a lifetime ofmemories on the trail.

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The picture above shows WA3WSJ operating mypedestrian mobile station on the Appalachian Trailat an overlook called Pulpit Rock in Pennsylvania.This is my favorite place to operate as I just lovethe location.

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Contents

Preface 4

Acknowledgements 5

Chapter 1 You and the Great Outdoors 8

Chapter 2 Radios for the Great Outdoors 17

Chapter 3 Antennas for the Great Outdoors 76

Chapter 4 Radio Power Sources 110

Chapter 5 Portable vs. Backpack Operation 159

Chapter 6 Places to Operate a Portable Station 167

Chapter 7 DX Portable Operation 191

Chapter 8 Hiking Equipment for the Ham 198

Chapter 9 Places to Hike and Operate 217

Chapter 10 Hiking the Appalachian Trail 234

Chapter 11 Outdoor & Ham Radio Links 244

Chapter 12 Pedestrian Mobile Operation 255

Chapter 13 Digital Modes Portable Operation 266

Chapter 14 Outdoor Safety 277

Chapter 15 Final Thoughts 297

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Chapter 1

You and the Outdoors

Most hams don’t operate outdoors except maybefor Field Day. Many hams operate from their shackand maybe from their vehicle, but that’s about it.

Why not enter in to a whole new world or aspect ofamateur radio? What’s stopping you? Most likely,it’s because you just don’t know enough aboutoperating from the outdoors.

Come with me as we investigate what’s required byyou to get outdoors and operate. Along thisjourney you just might uncover something aboutyourself!

The Most Important Part – You!

Yeah, you want to get outdoors, but do you havethe one thing necessary to do it? That one thing isdrive. It really doesn’t matter how much equipmentyou have or buy for without the “drive” to get outthere, it just isn’t going to happen.

Some amateurs may say, “ I’m too old.” My answeris that you’re never to old to enjoy life! Whetheryou’re retired or just out of college, the world of theoutdoors is waiting there for you. I’m sixty yearsold as I write this book, but I’ve hiked with guysolder than me and we all enjoy hiking and playingradio.

Heck, I have hiked the White Mountains of NewHampshire up mountains over 6,000 feet inelevation and have met hikers that were eightyyears old! To old – never!

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Now that we have that age thing out of the way,what’s the next reason you just can’t get out there?Let’s see, I don’t have the time. Now that soundslike a valid reason for not enjoying life! Do you seejust how humorous that last sentence sounds.

“I’m to busy to enjoy life.”

Here’s what “I’m to busy” really means:

I really don't have any time left in the day for that

I really prefer to do other things

I really don't know how to do that

Really! No one is to busy to enjoy life. You’re asbusy as you want to be – that’s it. If you don’t haveextra time to get outdoors – create time!

Take one hour a day and go for a walk. Maybe youlike running so go for a run. Just get outdoors forone hour and decompress. You’ll be amazed athow much you’ll look forward to that one hour.

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You’ll clear your head and get physically fit in theprocess.

What’s the next reason for not enjoying life? Let’ssee, the age thing is gone and the time thing istaken care of – how about equipment? Yes, nothaving the proper clothing or gear sounds like agreat reason to stay planted on your butt.

All it takes to get outdoors to walk or run is a properpair of sneakers or boots and clothing to stay coolor warm. That’s about it. You haven’t spent muchmoney so far so let’s look at the weather.

Cold & HotIt’s to cold or to hot to go outside. This really is avalid reason, but the number of days that it’s to coldor to hot are few. In cold weather you must dressin layers so you can adjust your body temperature.What do I mean by that?

When it’s cold outside it’s best to dress in multiplelayers. That way you can take a layer off as youheat up and put a layer back on as you cool down.

I have hiked up a mountain in winter and as Iheated up – off came the layers until at the summitI didn’t have anything on over my upper body! Yes,my body was like a steam generator! After a fewminutes of having no clothing on my upper body, Istarted to cool down. At this point I started to addlayers. This is what I mean by wearing layers –hi!

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In fact, in the winter there’s one major problem youmay encounter – sweat! Sweat can be a majorproblem in the cold. You say why? If your clothinggets wet in the winter, it will make you cold! Youeither have to change clothing or keep moving –hi!

Just remember – cotton kills!

Don’t wear cotton in the winter as it takes forever todry. In the summer with direct sunlight it still takesawhile to dry out. Wear synthetic material as it willdry fast.

In the summer on a hot day you will need water. Ialways take water with me no matter what season.You’ll need water just as much in the winter assummer. But, you’ll probably use more water in thehot weather.

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Are you ready?

Let’ see, so far it looks like wehave a clear path to the outdoors! But, there’s justone more item that needs to be addressed –medical issues.

If you’re over forty years old or have known medicalissues, see your doctor before any new exerciseprogram. Once you get the ok from the doc, it’stime to move down the path to the great outdoors.

There is one thing that you must do to stay healthyand keep on the path to the great outdoors –stretch!

I just can’t say enough about stretching. Stretchingwill keep you loose and prevent injury.

To illustrate just how much you can change yourlife, I would like to tell you my story. Around theyear 2000 or so I was working, running and doingwhatever I wanted - anywhere! Yes, life was good,but then I had a life-changing experience.

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One night while sleeping I was awakened byhorrendous pain in my left leg and back. I stood upand fell down about twenty feet from the bed. Ididn’t know what was going on, but I knewsomething was really bad!

As my wife called for an ambulance, I was gaspingfor air as the pain was making it hard for me tobreath. I was thinking, “this can’t be a heart-attack.”No, not me I’m to young and in good shape!

At the hospital they confirmed that I had a blowndisk in my back and it had gone into my spinal cordand affected my legs etc. Here’s what Wiki statesabout the spinal cord,” The spinal cord functionsprimarily in the transmission of neural signalsbetween the brain and the rest of the body but alsocontains neural circuits that can independentlycontrol numerous reflexes and central patterngenerators. The spinal cord has three majorfunctions: A. Serve as a conduit for motorinformation, which travels down the spinal cord. B.Serve as a conduit for sensory information, whichtravels up the spinal cord. C. Serve as a center forcoordinating certain reflexes.

After they loaded me up with pain killers, I wasthinking that I would be back on my feet in a fewweeks – wrong! Little did I realize that I wouldnever be physically the same person.

Remember that part about the spinal cord thatstates that it , “serves as a conduit for motorinformation, which travels down the spinal cord.”After they pulled the disk from my spinal cord, thepain was substanially lowered, but now I hadanother problem. I had to learn to walk again asmy left leg was almost useless!

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After six months of physical theraphy, I was able towalk and resume “normal” activity. The onlyproblem was that my “normal” had drasticallychanged forever. No more running twenty miles ona Sunday, no more lifting heavy objects, etc. Yes,life as I knew it had changed - big time!

The doctors did say that I could walk without anyrestrictions. So walk I did – at first I could only walkfifty feet or so –hi! But over the weeks then monthsI could walk a few miles. When I reached five miles,it was time to challenge myself.

I decided to start hiking the Appalachian Trail herein Pennsylvania. If you’ve ever hiked the AT inPennsylvania, you know that it’s loaded with rocks.Those rocks require a hiker to exsert a greatamount of energy. But, more importantly, the hikermust have great coordination as he or she hikesover them.

I soon learned that I wasn’t ready for any long hikeson the AT. But, after months of hiking that trail, myleft leg became stronger. To this day, my left legand back remind me daily that there’s a problem,but as long as I strech, I’m ok. Yes, I strech at leasttwice a day and this keeps the “devil” away!

I have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in thestates of Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virgina.I have also hiked much the AT in the states of NewJersey and New Hampshire. All the the whileplaying radio as I hiked it.

My faithful hiking partner or should I say physicaltherapist through most of this was my dog Trevor. Icall him my dog, but he’s been much more than justa dog to me along this journey.

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“Trevor Boy” as I like to call him has been myhiking partner, companion, alarm and most of allmy very good friend.

As I write this book, Trevor Boy is approaching theage of fourteen. That’s old for a Cocker Spaniel,but he still loves his walks around the block and theneighborhood. Sadly, Trevor doesn’t do any longor overnight hikes on the Appalachian Trail with meanymore as he’s just to old.

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WA3WSJ and Trevor Boy on AT

As you can see, if I can walk and hike in the greatoutdoors, you can too! Just take it slow and buildyourself up to more activity. Start by walkingaround your block or neighberhood. Just get outthere!

I’m sure there are others issues that might affectyou moving forward on the path to the greatoutdoors, but I think the main issues have beencovered so far. Now that most if not all of the “you-issues” have been covered, it’s time to talk aboutothers things.

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Chapter 2

Radios for the Great Outdoors

We’ll now take a few steps on the path to see whatradios are out there to use in the great outdoors.This item is a very important one as your radioshould fit you, “like a glove.”

Yes, your radio, just like your gloves, shouldn’t betoo large or to small for you. Your radio should bejust right!

But, what’s just right for you? This depends on anumber of things. Here are a few items that willdetermine what size radio is right for you:

Your physical fitness

Where you operate

How much power on transmit

How many bands you need

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Physical Fitness

Doesn’t this sound like an odd item to determinewhat radio you will use outdoors? Let’s take acloser look and you’ll soon find out that it’s not allthat odd.

After you are cleared by the doctor to start downthis path, it’s now time to pick a radio or radios touse for the outdoors Even if you can physicallycarry more weight, why suffer carrying all thatweight? Why not just use a smaller low powerradio?

If you are relatively physically fit, walking around oreven hiking won’t be much of a burden. But, if youaren’t in the best of shape, and who is these days,you might want to dial-back on hiking. Maybe startby walking or even driving to a spot to workportable.

If you plan to hike or walk to a portable location,you want to use a smaller radio. You don’t want touse a big and heavy radio and run 100 watts or so.Remember that you will need a battery to powerthat thing! Batteries can be heavy for 100 wattradios.

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So, let’s summarize a bit here. If you aren’t in thebest of shape, start by operating portable in a parketc. Maybe drive there and setup your portablestation. For this type of operation you can usealmost any transceiver. The power source can beyour vehicle, a battery, a generator etc.

If you’re in great shape, the world is open to you!You can walk , run or hike to almost any location.You can operate as above or you could go light andoperate QRP.

Location

Where you operate outdoors is mainly determinedby your radio. If you use a 100W radio and areusing a heavy battery or generator, you’ll probablyhave to drive to site of your portable operation.

But, if you use a smaller, lower power output radio,you can power it by a small battery or batteries.Now you may operate portable almost anywhere inthe great outdoors!

Again, where you operate is determined by howmuch you want to be isolated from people, placesand things. How much power output you want touse and your radio selection.

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Power Output

Technology is continually moving at light speed andthe weight and size of both batteries and radios areshrinking. Today it’s possible to power a 20W -100W transceiver with a small, lightweight battery.

Nanophosphate battery technology has allowed theamateur radio operator to take his or her 100wHF/VHF/UHF transceiver out in to the field in asmall backpack! However, all this technologycomes with a hefty price tag. More about this later.

If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on abattery and charger to run that 100w rig, you’ll haveto stay close to a “drive to” location.

Here’s a few of what I consider heavy or highpower transceivers that will work for any “drive-to”portable location or maybe a day hike.

Yaesu FT-857D

The Yaesu FT-857 is a great rig to take portablebecause it’s small for a 100 watt radio. If you usethis radio with a new nanophasphate battery, youcould pack this rig for a day hike operation.

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Here are the specifications for this transceiver:

FT-857D Specifications

GENERALFrequency Range: Receive: 0.1-56, 76-108, 118-164 and 420-470 MHzTransmit: 160 - 6 Meters including 60M -2M70 Centimeters (Amateur bands only)5167.5 kHz: Alaska Emergency Frequency(U.S.A. version only)Emission Modes: A1 (CW), A3 (AM), A3J(LSB/USB),F1 (9600 bps Packet), F2 (1200 bps Packet), F3(FM)Synthesizer Steps (Min.): 10 Hz (CW/SSB), 100Hz (AM), 100 Hz (FM), 100 Hz (WFM)Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohm, UnbalancedOperating Temp. Range: -10 °C to +60 °C (14 F to140 F)Frequency Stability: Better than ±4 ppm (-10 °C to+50 °C)

Power Requirements:DC 13.8V ±10 %, Negative GroundCurrent Consumption: Receive (Squelched):0.55A,Receive (Max. Audio): 1ATransmit: 22A (@ 100W RF output)Case Size: 6.1" (W) x 2.0" (H) x 9.2" (D) (155 x 52x 233 mm)Weight: 4.6 lb. (2.1 kg.)

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TRANSMITTERPower Output: 160 - 6m: 100 Watts (25 Watts AMcarrier)2m: 50 Watts (12.5 Watts AM carrier)70cm: 20 Watts (5 Watts AM carrier)Modulation Types: SSB: Balanced ModulatorFM: Variable ReactanceAM: Early Stage (Low Level)FM Maximum Deviation: ±5 kHz (±2.5 kHz on FM-N)Spurious Radiation: Harmonics: At least 50 dBdown (1.8 - 29.7 MHz)At least 60 dB down (50/144/430 MHz)Non-harmonic: 50 dB down -1.8 - 29.7 MHzAt least 60 dB down (50/144/430 MHz)Carrier Suppression: At least 40 dBOpp. Sideband Suppression: At least 50 dBSSB Frequency Response: 400 Hz - 2600 Hz (-6dB)Microphone Impedance: 200 - 10 k Ohm (Suppliedmicrophone: 2 k Ohm)

RECEIVERSensitivity: SSB/CW AM-N FM100 kHz - 1.8 MHz (IPO off): .32 uV -1.8 - 28 MHz: 0.25 uV28 - 30 MHz: 0.2 uV50 - 54 MHz: 0.125 uV144/430 MHz: 0.125 uVSSB/CW/AM-N figures are for 10 dB S/N, 12 dBSINAD on FM

Squelch Sensitivity: SSB/CW/AM FM1.8 - 28 MHz: 2.5 uV -28 - 30 MHz: 2.5 uV 0.32 uV50 - 54 MHz: 1 uV 0.16 uV144/430 MHz: 0.5 uV 0.16 uV

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Intermediate Frequencies:1st IF: 68.33 MHz (SSB/CW/FM/AM)0 10.7 MHz (W-FM)2nd IF: 455 kHzImage Rejection: Better than 70 dB (1.8 - 30 MHz,50 - 54 MHz)Better than 60 dB (144 - 148 MHz, 430 - 450 MHz)IF Rejection: Better than 60 dBSelectivity (-6 / -60 dB): 0SSB/CW: 2.2 kHz/4.5 kHzCW: 500 Hz/2.0 kHz (Optional YF-122C installed)CW-N : 300 Hz/1.0 kHz (OptionalYF-122CNinstalled)AM: 6 kHz/20 kHzFM: 15 kHz /30 kHz (-6 / -50 dB)Audio Output: 2.5 W into 4 Ohm @ 10% THDAudio Output Impedance: 4 Ohm - 16 Ohm

The Yaesu FT-857D has a receiver current of550ma squelched and around 1A at max volume!This is the spec you must pay attention to in yourselection of a portable radio for use with a battery.

The ideal receive current for a portable radiopowered by a battery use should be less than300ma. But, unless you select a QRP transceiveror a military transceiver, this spec will be difficult tofind in a receiver.

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Yaesu FT-897D

The FT-897D pictured also includes a side-mounted antenna tuner. This makes a nice,portable set up for the field.

The FT-897D is a rugged, innovative, multi-band,multimode portable transceiver for the amateurradio MF/HF/VHF/UHF bands. Providing coverageof the 160-10 meter bands plus the 6 m, 2 m, and70 cm bands, the FT-897 includes operation on theSSB, CW, AM, FM, and Digital modes, and it'scapable of 20-Watt portable operation usinginternal batteries, or up to 100 Watts when usingan external 13.8-volt DC power source.

The new FT-897D version includes coverage of theU.S. 60-meter (5 MHz) band, along with the 0.5ppm TCXO Unit, at no additional charge!

Battery-Powered Field OperationThe bottom side of the FT-897 contains a “powersource tray” which can accommodate up to two ofthe optional 13.2 Volt, 4500 mah FNB-78 Ni-MHBattery Packs, for completely portable operationwithout any external power source.

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Maximum power output is 20 Watts (all bands)during battery operation, and with two FNB-78syou may expect up to eight hours of operating time(TX 5%, RX 5%, standby 90%). What’s more, youcan charge one of the FNB-78 Battery Packs whileoperating the FT-897 off the other pack—ideal forsituations where solar or other power sources areavailable.

The optional CD-24 Charge Adapter provides thenecessary voltage for charging, and it may be usedin conjunction with an external 13.8 Volt source, orthe optional PA-26 AC Adapter may be used topower the CD-24. DC 13.8V Mobile OperationMobile operation, using the FT-897 as thecornerstone, is pure joy!The combination of the FT-897 and the ATAS-120Auto-Tune Antenna System provides automatedoperation from HF through the UHF spectrum!

Using an external 13.8 Volt power source, you geta full 100 Watts of power output on HF and sixmeters (144 MHz: 50 W, 430 MHz: 20 W).

Base Station OperationThe FT-897’s outstanding fundamentalperformance invites expansion into a full-featuredbase station. The optional FP-30 Internal PowerSupply provides operation from AC sources, andthe clamp-on FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuneroption expands the impedance range of thetransceiver. Round out your station with the MD-200A8X Deluxe Desk Microphone and the VL-1000Quadra System Linear Amplifier for world-classperformance at home!

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The power source tray of the FT-897 is designed toaccommodate the optional FP-30 Internal PowerSupply, allowing full-power operation from 100-120V or 200-240 V AC power sources.

The quiet switching-regulator design of the FP-30is tolerant of AC input voltage variations, making itideal for DX-pedition use! And to extend theimpedance bandwidth of your antenna system, theinnovative FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner optionclamps onto the left side of the FT-897 in seconds!Rugged, High-Output Power Amplifier.

Achieving 100 Watts of power output from such acompact package is a difficult mechanical andelectrical engineering task. On HF, push-pull2SC5125 Bipolar transistors driven by push-pull2SK2975s provide the 100-Watt power capability,while on VHF maximum efficiency during batteryoperation is yielded by 2SC3102 bipolar PAtransistors.

The rugged aluminum die-cast chassis provides asolid foundation for the heat sink for the poweramplifier, with a total of almost 40 cubic inches ofheat sink surface area available.

With its thermostatically-controlled twin coolingfans, the FT-897 will stand up to the rigors ofDXpedition or home contest use, with dissipationcapability to spare!

Built-in Digital Signal ProcessingThe FT-897 includes a wide array of analog andDSP filters to help you dig out those weak DXsignals on a crowded band!

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One-touch activation of the DSP filters, plus aconvenient “DSP” LED on the front panel,enhances the ease of using the DSP. DSPBandpass Filters, Noise Reduction, and Auto-Notch Filter circuits are included.Outstanding Features for the CW ExpertA wide array of features are tailored to the CWenthusiast operating from home or on anexpedition!

Included are a CW Tuning indicator, CW Pitchcontrol, Electronic Keyer with three memories andWeight Control, and selection of Full QSK or“Semi-break-in” operation.

For DXpedition use, a unique “Beacon” modeallows you to send a repetitive message on, forexample, six meters, to help others spotpropagation to your location.

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Icom 7000

The Icom 7000 does a lot for a small package.But, once again the receive current is over 1A.This is a great transceiver for portable use, butyou’ll need a hefty battery to run it for hours.

Frequency Coverage--Receive0.030–199.999 MHz*2400.000–470.000 MHz*2

Transmit1.800– 1.999 MHz3.500– 3.999 MHz5.3305, 5.3465, 5.3665, 5.3715, 5.4035 MHz*37.000– 7.300 MHz10.100–10.150 MHz14.000–14.350 MHz18.068–18.168 MHz21.000–21.450 MHz24.890–24.990 MHz28.000–29.700 MHz50.000–54.000 MHz144.000–148.000 MHz430.000–450.000 MHz

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.Mode USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM, WFM (Rxonly)No. of memory channels 503 (495 regular, 6 scanedges and 2 call)Antenna connector SO-239×2

(for HF/50 MHz and 144/43/440 MHz bands; 50Ω)

Temperature Range -10°C to +60°C; +14°F to+140°F

Frequency stability Less than ±0.5 ppm (+0°C to+50°C; +32°F to +122°F)Power supply requirement 13.8V DC ±15%Power consumption(approx.) Tx 22.0ARx Max. PowerStandby 1.3AMax. Audio 1.6ADimensions (projections not included)167(W)×58(H)×180(D) mm;6”-9/1(6(W)×2”-9/32(H)×7”-3/32(D) in.Weight (approx.) 2.3kg; 5.1lbReceiverIntermediate frequenciesSSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM, WFM

124.487 MHz, 455 kHz, 16.15 kHz134.732 MHz, 10.70 MHz

Sensitivity (Pre-amp: ON)0.5-1.8 MHz 1.8-29.9 MHz 50-54 MHz 144/440

MHzSSB/CW — 0.15µV 0.12µV 0.11µVAM 4.0µV 2.0µV 1.0µV 1.0µVFM — 0.5µV(28-29.7) 0.25µV 0.18µVWFM — — 10.0µV (76-108MHz)

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SSB/CW, AM : 10dB S/N, FM, WFM : 12dB SINADSquelch sensitivitySSBFM (Pre-amp: ON, threshold)

Less than 5.6µVLess than 0.3µVSelectivitySSB (BW: 2.4kHz, sharp)CW (BW: 500Hz, sharp)RTTY (BW: 350Hz)AM (BW: 6kHz)

FM (BW: 15kHz) (representative value)More than 2.4 kHz/–6dBLess than 3.9 kHz/–60dBMore than 500 Hz/–6dBLess than 900 Hz/–60dBMore than 360 Hz/–6dBLess than 650 Hz/–60dBMore than 6.0 kHz/–6dBLess than 15 kHz/–60dBMore than 12 kHz/–6dBLess than 20 kHz/–60dBSpurious and imagerejection ratio More than 70dB (HF bands)More than 65dB (other bands)(except 1/2 IF through on 50MHz, IF through on144MHz)

AF output power(at 13.8V DC) More than 2.0W at 10% distortion with an 8Ω load

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Kenwood TS-480

Kenwood TS-480 Specifications:

GENERALReceiver Frequency Range 0.5 to 30 MHz, 50 to54 MHz. (to specifications)30 kHz to 60 MHz. (VFO range)Transmitter Frequency Range 1.8-2, 3.5-4, 5.25-5.45, 7-7.3, 10.1-10.15, 14-14.35, 18.068-18.168,21-21.45,24.89-24.99, 28-29.7 and 50-54 MHz.Antenna Impedance 50 ohmsPower Requirement TS-480SAT 13.8 V DC ±15%Power Requirement TS-480HX 13.8 V DC ±15%and 13.8 V DC ±15%Current Drain Transmit TS-480SAT: 20.5 ATransmit TS-480HX: 20.5 A and 20.5 ADimensions, projections not included (W x H x D)Main Unit 7.1 x 2.4 x 10.2 inches (179 x 61 x 258mm)Panel 7.1 x 3 x 1.5 inches (180 x 75 x 37 mm)Mode A1A (CW), J3E (SSB), A3E (AM), F3E (FM),F1D (FSK)Operating Temperature -4°F ~ 140°F (-20°C ~+60°C)Weight (approx.) 8.1 lbs. (3.7 kg) Main Unit andPanel

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RECEIVERCircuitry SSB/CW/AM/FSKCircuitry FM Double conversion heterodyneTriple conversion superheterodyneIF Rejection More than 70 dBImage Rejection More than 70 dBIntermediate Frequency: 1st IF, 2nd IF, 3rd IF73.095 MHz, 10.695 MHz, 455 kHz [FM Only]Audio Output More than 2 Watts 8 ohms at 10%distortionSelectivity: SSB 2.4 kHz (-6dB)AM 5 kHz (-6dB)FM 12 kHz (-6dB)Sensitivity SSB/CW/FSK (S/N 10 dB): Less than 4µV (500 kHz ~ 1.705 MHz)Less than 0.2µV (1.705 MHz ~ 24.5 MHz)Less than 0.13µV (24.5 MHz ~ 30 MHz)Less than 0.13µV (50 ~ 54 MHz)Sensitivity AM (S/N 10 dB) Less than 4 µV (500kHz ~ 1.705 MHz)Less than 0.2µV (1.705 MHz ~ 24.5 MHz)Less than 0.13µV (24.5 MHz ~ 30 MHz)Less than 0.13µV (50 ~ 54 MHz)Less than 31.6 µV (500 kHz ~ 1.705 MHz)Less than 2µV (1.705 ~ 24.5 MHz)Less than 1.3µV (24.5 ~ 30 MHz)Less than 1.3µV (50 ~ 54 MHz)Sensitivity FM (12 dB SINAD) Less than 0.22 µV(28 ~ 30 MHz)Less than 0.22µV (50 ~ 54 MHz)

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TRANSMITTERAntenna Tuner Range TS-480SAT: 16.7 ohms ~150 ohms (1.9-50 MHz)Antenna Tuner Range TS-480HX: N/ACarrier Suppression More than 40 dB SSBRF Output TS-480SAT HF: SSB=100W, AM=25WRF Output TS-480SAT 6M: SSB=100W, AM=25WRF Output TS-480HX HF: SSB=200W, AM=50WRF Output TS-480HX 6M: SSB=100W, AM=25WCarrier Suppression More than 40 dBUnwanted Sideband Suppression More than 40 dB

Please notice that the spec sheet doesn’t listreceive current, but it’s about the same as the restin this category at around 1A or so.

The remote head is really nice as I own this radioand place the radio body on the floor of my truckbehind me and place the head on the dashboard.

This is my main radio for portable use and in myshack as it’s just a great rig. I operate CW and itworks great, but SSB is where it shines –hi!

Again, this is a great transceiver to use for portableoperation, but not for hiking etc.

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So far I’ve only mentioned all-mode transceiversthat you can buy already built from the variousmanufacturers. I’ll now include products fromhttp://www.elecraft.com

Elecraft is the modern version of the old HeathkitCompany, but on steroids! Their products areexcellent and work well.

Elecraft K2

K2 Standard Features and Specifications

Small, portable size: 2.9”h x 7.8”w x 8.2”d inchesWeight 3.3 lbs. (excluding internal options)

80-10 meter ham band+ coverage; 160 m optionalEfficient 12 Volt (10 - 15 V) operation for home orfield

Receive current as low as 150 mA (battery savemode)

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CW-only or SSB/CW + Digital Modes with SSBoption

Back-lit LCD and LED bargraph; day/night settingsPLL synthesized--low phase noiseMicroprocessor controlled

3 transverter bands; programmable display, I.F.,powerDual VFOs with split operation

Direct keypad entry of frequencies and memorychannels.

RIT and XIT with four offset ranges

Built-in high-efficiency speaker

Memories store mode, VFO A/B, split, RX filter,etc.

Simple menu system for advanced settings. (Up totwo menu functions can be assigned to the twoprogrammable front panel function keys.)

Room for additional connectors on the rear panel

Smart ‘hunt and pounce’ band-scanning mode

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RECEIVERLow-noise, single-conversion superhet receiverDouble-balanced diode mixer for excellent dynamicrangeReceive sensitivity: 0.15 uV (pre-amp on, typical.)Narrow ham-band, double-tuned bandpassRX/TX filters, relay switched for better IMDresponseSmooth, fast attack, I.F.-derived AGC (no"popping")Switchable preamp and attenuatorVariable-bandwidth I.F. crystal filteringMultiple VFO tuning rate selections10 Hz tuning resolutionBar graph S/RF OUT/ALC meterAdjustable squelch

TRANSMITTERAdjustable 0.1-15 W (K2), 0.1 – 100W (K2/100)Rugged, SWR-protected, push-pull PA transistors Programmable current limit for battery operationHarmonics and spurious outputs: Better than –40dBc

CW FEATURESFull diode switched break-in with variable QSKdelay (Both at QRP and 100W levels)9-memory keyer; iambic A and B; adjustable weight9-50 wpm (internal keyer); 70+ wpm (externalkeying)Programmable message repeat intervalSimultaneous computer and paddle CW keyinginputs

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Variable bandwidth crystal filter (approx. 200 -2000 Hz)Adjustable RX CW offset with tracking TX sidetone.Selectable opposite sideband RX for QRMreduction

The Elecraft K2 is a kit. You build the whole rigyourself or have one of their “kit-builders” build itfor you. The basic radio is a HF transceiver from80m to 10m and has 10 watts of power output. But,you can add a 100w amplifier to the top cover.

Elecraft K3

Elecraft’s state-of-the-art K3 transceiver offers aunique combination of ultra-high performance andaffordability.

Both 100-watt and 10-watt (upgradeable) modelsare available. The K3/100 (no-soldering kit; alsoavailable fully assembled and tested), the K3 iscomparable in both features and performance totransceivers listing at up to six times its price.

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In a first for the industry, the K3’s identical mainreceiver and sub receiver each feature a high-dynamic-range, down-conversion analogarchitecture. This allows Elecraft to provide roofingfilters with bandwidths as narrow as 200 Hz, whileup-conversion designs have roofing filters typically3,000 to 15,000 Hz in width. Unlike somecompeting down-conversion designs, the K3 alsoprovides 6-meter coverage, as well as continuoustuning from 0.5 to 30 MHz.

Each receiver has its own bus-switching mixer,narrow ham-band front-end filters, 32-bit I.F. DSP,low-noise synthesizer, and up to five crystal roofingfilters.

Both fixed- and variable-bandwidth crystal filtersare available. The variable filters are available inboth data/CW and voice-mode bandwidths, andallow close tracking between crystal and DSPfiltering — a feature not available on any other rigat any price.

The K3 is the only deluxe transceiver that istargeted at both home and field use. Weighing just8 pounds and having dimensions of 4” x 10” x 10”HWD (10 x 25 x 25 cm), it’s well-suited todemanding DXpedition or Field Day operations.

Its receive-mode current drain of less than 1 ampgreatly facilitates battery or solar-poweredmobile/RV/marine installations. But unlike smallerportable transceivers, the K3’s user interface isoptimized for ease of use, and its feature set rivalsunits many times its size and weight.

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The transceiver is offered both factory-assembledand as a modular, no-soldering kit. Either way, K3owners can start with a basic version of thetransceiver, at lower cost, then easily add moduleslater, such as the internal sub receiver, ATU, and100-W stage. To ensure identical performance ofboth pre-built units and modular kits, modules are100% assembled and tested at the factory.

Builders learn the radio theory behind each of themodules during assembly, and acquire skills thatwill enable them to easily add future modules orupgrades.

Two 32-bit digital signal processors provide truesoftware-defined features, along with expansionmemory to handle future signal processing tasksand operating modes.

The operator will have full control over anyoperating situation, with 8-band receive andtransmit EQ, stereo speaker/soundcard outputs,binaural effects, and advanced noise reduction.Also included is built-in PSK31, CW, and TTYdecode/encode, so the operator can enjoy theexcitement of data communications with or withouta computer.

The rig’s rich I/O complement includes an isolatedsound card interface, front/rear mic/phone jacks,dedicated serial I/O, and band data. An optionalmodule provides transverter in/out and RX antennain/out jacks. The latter allow the use of RX-only, in-line filters for extreme operating environments.

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Available options include: built-in 100-W automaticantenna tuner with two antenna jacks (KAT3), subreceiver (KRX3), general-coverage front end band-pass filter module (KBPF3), 100-W stage (KPA3),RF I/O unit for RX antenna, IF Out and transverterinterfacing (KXV3A), digital voice recorder(KDVR3) and our all mode 2-m (144-148 MHz) allmode internal option (K144XV).

This transceiver seems to be a great choice for aportable field operation, but not for hiking orbackpacking as the receive current is around 1A orso.

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Hiking and Backpack Transceivers (TFRs)

Yaesu FT-817ND (TFR)

This radio is the first Trail Friendly Radio or TFRlisted in this book. The term Trail-Friendly Radio,or TFR, was coined by the Adventure RadioSociety (ARS) in 1996. A TFR is a ham rigoptimized for field use.http://adventure-radio.org/

This is the first transceiver listed that is considereda QRP transceiver. It’s small, lightweight and veryportable. This makes this radio great for portableand backpacking activities.

The FT-817ND receiver only draws 250ma –450ma. This makes it a great rig to work withsmaller, Lightweight batteries.

The world’s first self-contained, battery-powered,Multi-mode Portable Transceiver covering the HF,VHF, and UHF bands!

Yaesu broke new ground with the introduction ofthe FT-817: the world’s first HF/VHF/UHF self-contained battery-powered Multi-mode PortableTransceiver.

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Providing up to five watts of power output, the FT-817 is designed for operation on the 160-10 meterHF bands, plus the 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70 cmbands. Whether your preferred operating mode isSSB, CW, AM, FM, Packet, or SSB-based Digitalmodes like PSK31, the FT-817 is ready to join youon your next hiking, camping, or search-and-rescue adventure!

Now the 817 legacy is even better with theintroduction of the FT-817ND, which includescoverage of the U.S. 60-meter (5 MHz) band, and italso includes a 1400 mAh NiMH Battery pack(FNB-85) and NC-72B Charger!

Ultra Compact HF/VHF/UHF Multimode RigDespite its incredibly small size (5.3" x 1.5" x 6.5"),the FT-817 delivers big performance! Its next-generation PA puts out five watts on all HF bands,plus the 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz bands,on all popular operating modes:USB/LSB/CW/AM/FM/Packet/PSK-31/RTTY.

Wide Receiver Frequency CoverageEnjoy shortwave and FM broadcasts, , publicsafety communications, and air band calls thanksto the extended frequency coverage of the FT-817,which includes reception on 100 kHz - 56 MHz, 76- 108 MHz (W-FM only), 108 - 154 MHz, and 420 -470 MHz.

Two Antenna Connectors for Ease of InstallationThe front panel includes a convenient BNCconnector for attachment of a whip or VHF/UHFrubber flex antenna (supplied). The rear panelincludes a type “M” (“SO-239”) connector.

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As shipped from the factory, the BNC jack is activeon 50/144/430 MHz, while the “M” connector isactive on HF.

But using the Menu, you can assign, for example,50 and 144 MHz to the rear panel, if your coaxialcables have matching plugs.Receiver Enhancement FeaturesIF Shift – For reduction of adjacent-frequencyinterference.IF Noise Blanker – For reduction of ignition andother impulse-typenoise.IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) – Bypasses RXPreamp on HF/50MHz for improved performance during strong-signal conditions.ATT (Front End Attenuator) – For more pleasantreception of verystrong signals.

Outstanding CW FeaturesCW “Semi Break-in,” with T?R recovery delayprogrammable from 10ms ~ 2500 ms. At 10 ms setting, performanceemulates QSKoperation.CW Reverse: provides BFO injection from LSB-side, instead of defaultUSB-side.CW Pitch Control: adjusts TX offset and (identical)sidetone between300 Hz and 1000 Hz in 50 Hz steps; this allowsprecise spotting on DXstations. Sidetone level is adjustable.

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Built-in Electronic Keyer, with speed adjustablebetween 4 WPM and60 WPM, and Weight (Dot:Dash Ratio) adjustablebetween 1:2.5 and1:4.5.For emergency use, the Menu allows you to set upthe Microphone’s[UP] and [DWN] keys for generation of “Dots” and“Dashes” on CW!Versatile, Easy-To-See Liquid Crystal Display(LCD)A wealth of information is available on the frontpanel LCD:

When you have to be away from the radio for a fewminutes, but would like a visual indication ofactivity while you’re away, activate theSpectrum Scope Monitor. The Spectrum ScopeMonitor allows you to watch activity ±5 channelsfrom the current operating frequency.

The LCD illumination color may be set to eitherBlue or Amber color, using the Menu.Watch for low battery trouble using the BatteryVoltage Meter display selection.For ease of viewing while outdoors, you can doublethe size of the frequency display.

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High Performance Collins® Mechanical FilterOptions

An optional filter slot is provided in the FT-817,allowing the owner to install one of two availableCollins® Mechanical Filters. For CW operation,choose the 7-pole YF-122C (500 Hz bandwidth), orfor very natural-sounding SSB select the 10-poleYF-122S (2.3 kHz bandwidth).

Internal Battery Power

The FT-817 is the only rig in its class with internalbattery operation capability. Shipped from thefactory with a battery tray for 8 "AA" batteries, theFT-817 may also be operated from the optionalFNB-72 Ni-Cd battery pack. full power output isavailable under battery power.

Other manufacturers make you carry around aheavy external power source, but the FT-817 isentirely self-contained, making it ideal forbackpacking or search-and-rescue work. ManySOTA Activators use this radio.

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Elecraft K1 (TFR)

K1 STANDARD FEATURES

Covers up to 150 kHz of two (K1-2) or four (K1-4)HF bands. (Your choice of 80, 40, 30, 20, 17 and15 meters)

Rugged, attractive custom enclosure

Small, portable size. 2.2h x 5.2w x 5.6d inches.1.4 lb.

Operates on 12 volts nominal (9 V min, 15 V max)

Receive current as low as 55 mA

3 MHz, low-noise analog VFO with 10-turnpotentiometer for smooth tuning

BNC antenna connector – a QRP/portablestandard

Easy-to-read 3-digit LCD for text and bar-graph

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100 Hz frequency display resolution

RIT and XIT for split operation, with dual-color LEDstatus indicator (LED can be disabled for lowercurrent drain.)

Built-in high-sensitivity speaker

Menu system for configuration and calibration; allparameters stored in nonvolatile memory

XIT button can be used as a programmablefunction button to quickly access an often-usedmenu entry

RECEIVER

Single conversion superhet receiver; 4.915 MHz IF

Receive sensitivity: 0.15 µV (attn. Off, typical.)

Narrow double-tuned bandpass filters

Bar graph S-Meter mode

Switchable attenuator with LED status indicator

Sharp 4-crystal filtering helps prevent receiveroverload from signals outside the RX passband

Three programmable filter bandwidths

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TRANSMITTER

Adjustable CW power output, nominally 0-5 wattsor higher.

Rugged, SWR-protected PA transistorHarmonics/spurious outputs: better than –40 dBc

Diode-switched full break-in; programmable delay

CW FEATURES

Built in memory keyer with iambic modes A and B

9 – 50 wpm with int. keyer, > 70 WPM ext. keying

Two 80-byte EEPROM message buffers

Auto-repeat and message chainingProgrammable message repeat interval, 1-250 sec.(longer delays useful for beacons)

Keying jack can be used with a hand key orcomputer as well as a keyer paddle.

This radio is a kit, but it’s easy to build and use!

This small lightweight radio is ideal for portable,hiking and backpacking. It has a sensitive receiverand power output maximum is around seven watts.One option feature is a backlight for the display.This comes in real handy at night.

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Elecraft KX1 (TFR)

The Elecraft KX1 is an ideal TFR radio. It’s small,lightweight and can be configured to operate on20m, 30m, 40m and 80m. I use this rig all the timewill hiking the Appalachian Trail and it’s a great rig.The only issue is power output.

1.5 W to 2W watts on a trail just isn’t enough tomake quick contacts. This isn’t because of thepower level, but time. Yes, while hiking in remoteareas, you only have a limited amount of time toget on the air. So you need three to four watts tomake quick contacts. I have modified my KX1 so itproduces 4 watts output on most bands.

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KX1 STANDARD FEATURESRugged, 1.2"H x 5.3"W x 3"D custom enclosureWeighs 9 oz. (11 oz. with ATU and paddle options)3-digit high-efficiency LED display w/brightnessand timeout control

20 and 40 m ham band coverage; 30 m and 80moptional with Wide Band Coverage

Extended ranges cover SWL bands (e.g. 49 m)Operates from 6.5 to 14VDC (int. battery: 7.2-9 V)

DDS VFO for excellent temperature stability

Receive current. 34 mA; display adds 1-10 mA

RIT with clear control, +/- 10 kHz in 20 Hz steps

Frequency memories

Easy-to-use menu system for configuration

Built-in battery voltage monitoring

CW TX, CW/SSB RX (can zero-beat AM stations)

LED logbook lamp with separate on/off switchVFO lock

Programmable audio Morse code feedback onswitch press, including frequency announcementScanning feature in “live”, un-muted fashion

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RECEIVERLow-current, single-conversion superhet receiverUSB and LSB receive available on all bands

Variable bandwidth xtal filter (~300 Hz to 2 kHz)

Bar-graph S-meter display mode10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 5 kHz tuning ratesAGC

TRANSMITTEREasy cross-mode (CW-to-SSB) operation

1 to 4 watts out max depending on supply voltage

Power can be reduced if desired via internal trimpot

Clean, click-free keying waveform

Fast, silent break-in with variable QSK delay

CW FEATURES2-memory keyer with iambic A and B modesReversible dot/dash lines

8-50 wpm (internal keyer); 70+ wpm (ext.keying)

Programmable message repeat interval

Adjustable sidetone volume and pitch

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OPTIONSKXB3080-m Adapter: Adds both 30 and 80 mbands. Allows reception from 1.0 to 16.5 MHzKXB30 30-m Adapter: Adds 30 m band,WWV, more SWL coverage (see note in pricelist)

Note: The KXB30 covers the 30-m ham band andnearby SWL band segments, including 31 m. Inaddition, it greatly improves 49 m SWL bandsensitivity. KX1 firmware switches in the KXB30below 6.7 MHz to re-resonate the 40-meterfilters at 6.2 MHz.

KXAT1 Internal Automatic Antenna Tuner(ATU): Allows use of a single random-lengthwire antenna on all bands

KXPD1 Keyer Paddle: Custom-designed forthe KX1; plugs into the front panel and isretained by a thumb screw. 45-degreeorientation for ease of use. Physically reversiblefor left- or right-handed operation.

KXDP1-K2 K2 Keyer Paddle SystemCombine the KXPD1 with the KXPD1-K2 adapterfor use with the K2 HF Transceiver

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Elecraft KX3 (TFR)

KX3 STANDARD FEATURES160-6 meter ham bands; general coverage from1.6-30 MHz (0.5 - 1.6 kHz with KXAT3 ATUinstalled)

All modes: SSB, CW, Data (four sub-modes), AM,FM

Ultra-compact size: 3.4”H x 7.4”W x 1.7”D; 18 oz.(less options)

Rear tilt feet fold up for transport

Custom high-contrast LCD with alphanumeric textdisplay

Current drain as low as 150 mA in receive mode

High-performance 32-bit floating-point DSP

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Built-in PSK/TTY decode/encode allows data modeoperation without a PC; transmit in data modesusing CW keyer paddle

Low-noise synthesizer with 1-Hz tuning resolution

Firmware updateable via provided applicationsoftware

RECEIVERQuadrature down-sampling mixer compatible withPC-based SDR (software defined radio)applications

(software-defined radio) applications

Receiver I/Q outputs for use with PC soundcard

Narrow roofing filter option with four bandwidths forexcellent dynamic range (500/1500 Hz CW/Data,3000 Hz SSB)

Switchable preamp and attenuator

8-band receive audio equalizer

Dual watch over +/- 10 kHz range; uses applicableroofing filter

Easy-to-use PassBand Tuning (PBT) forshift/width/hicut/locut; roofing filters automaticallytrack DSP filter settings

Automatic and manual notch filtering; adjustablenoise reduction and noise blanking; binaural audioeffects for enhanced receive

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Center-tuning indicator for CW and data modes

Built-in speaker; stereo jack forheadphones/external speakers

TRANSMITTERAdjustable output, 0.1 to 10 W+ (100 W+ withKXPA100 amp)

Rugged, SWR- and temperature-protected finalamplifier stage

Optional MH3 microphone with PTT andUP/DOWN functions

Optional attached keyer paddle with spacingadjustment

Switchable PA output impedance for efficient 5-Wor 10-W use

Fast, silent, PIN-diode T-R switching – no relays

DSP speech processing for excellent “punch”

8 band equalizer tailors passband to your voiceand microphone

OTHER FEATURESBuilt in digital voice recorder (DVR) with twomessage buffers

Internal CW keyer with 8-50 WPM range

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Six CW/DATA message memories

100 general-purpose memories store VFO A/B,modes, etc.

Accessory/RS232 port for computer control usingsupplied cable

Full remote-control command set works with mostamateur radio software applications (emulatesElecraft K3)

One-click firmware upgrades via the web (with freePC software)

Optional mobile bracket compatible with RAM-mounts

Tutorial-style manual ideal for new hams

OPTIONS and ACCESSORIES

KXFL3 Roofing Filter Module (500/1500 HzCW/Data, 3000 Hz SSB)

KXAT3 Internal, Wide-Range 20-W AutomaticAntenna Tuner

KXBT3 Internal 8-AA Cell Battery Pack with NiMHCharger. (batteries not supplied; non-rechargeables can also be used)

KXMM3 Mobile Mount Bracket (see below); for usewith an appropriate RAM-mount™ or equivalent(not shown)

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MH3 Hand Microphone with UP/DN Controls

KXPD3 Precision Keyer Paddle

KXPA100 High-Performance 160-6 meter, 100-WAmpflier (see below); usable with most 5 to 10 Wtransceivers

KXAT100 Wide-Range 100-W ATU with DualAntenna Jacks. (attaches to KXPA100 module)

KXMM3 Mobile Mount Bracket

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KXPA100 High-Performance160-6 meter, 100-W Amplifier

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KD1JV PFR-3A (TFR)

Steve Weber, KD1JV designed this TRF for thetrail. It’s a three-band radio with the controls etc onthe top of the rig. It’s presently sold by HendricksQRP Kits. Yes, it’s a kit that you’ll have to build.

http://www.qrpkits.com/

This would be a handy radio for the field!

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PFR-3A Specifications:

Bands : 40 meters, 30 meters and 20 metersTuning range: Full band coverageMode: CW onlyReceiver MSD: 0.2 uV typicalSelectivity : 300 HzReceive current, no signal typical:Active, 47 maIdle, 34 ma

Transmitter:5 watts at 12 volts, all bandsSpurs: - 50 dBc maximum, all bands

5 to 35 wpm internal iambic keyerTwo (2) 63 character keyer memories.

Coax or balanced line outputBuilt in BLT (balanced line tuner)

Size: 7.3" long, 4.4" wide, 1.6" high. (18.4 x 11 x4cm)

Power supply voltage: 8 volts minimum, 12.5 voltsmaximum - 12 to 9 volts recommended

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Icom 703 Plus (TFR)

The Icom 703 Plus is not manufactured by Icomanymore, but this little gem is such a great rig forportable or pedestrian mobile operation that I’veincluded it here.

I use this radio all the time out portable and on mypedestrian mobile setup. The detachable head issmall and mounts almost anywhere. You can stillpurchase these radios on the secondary or usedmarket, but they seem to be still asking a goodprice.

As for a the Icom 703 Plus being a TFR Radio, it’son the edge of this classification. The rig is small,but the receive current is around 550ma and at justover four pounds, it’s a little heavy. But with all theneat features of this rig, it’s definitely still a winner.

If you want to save a few bucks, buy the Icom 703,but it doesn’t have 6M. You’ll also want to do thetransmit driver modification.

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Icom 703 Plus Specifications

Frequency rangeReceive /Transmit1.800- 1.999 MHz3.500- 3.999 MHz7.000- 7.300 MHz10.100- 10.150 MHz14.000- 14.350 MHz18.068- 18.168 MHz21.000- 21.450 MHz24.890- 24.990 MHz28.000- 29.700 MHz50.000- 54.000 MHz

Mode USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FMNo. of memory channels 105 (99 regular, 6 scanedges)Antenna Impedance 50Ω (SO-239)Power Supply 9-15.8V DCOperating Temperatures -10°C to +60°C; +14°F to+140°FFrequency stability Less than ±0.5ppm (+0°C to+50°C)Less than ± 2.5ppm (-10°C to +60°C)Current drain at 13.8V at 9.6VOutput Power SSB/CW/RTTY/FM 0.1-10W 0.1-5WAM 0.1-4W 0.1-2WTransmit High (typical) 3.0A(at 10W) 2.0A(at 5W)Receive Max. Audio 1.2A , 450mA typ.Stand-By - 300mA typ.

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Dimensions(proj. not incl.) 167 × 58 × 200 mm;69/16(W) × 29/32(H) × 77/8(D) inWeight (approx.) 2 kg; 4.4 lbsCI-V connector 2-conductor 3.5 (d) mm (1/8")

TransmitterModulation System SSB AM FMBalanced modulationLow level modulationVariable reactance modulationSpurious emissions Less than -50dB (Below 30MHz)Less than -60dB (Above 50 MHz)Carrier Suppression More than 40dBUnwanted sideband suppression More than 50dBMicrophone Connector 8-pin modular jack (600Ω)CW Key Connector 3-conductor 6.35 (d) mm (1/4")ReceiverReceiver system Double conversionsuperheterodyneIntermediate frequencies 1st2nd64.4550.455 MHz

Sensitivity SSB / CW / RTTY(at 10dB S/N) AM(at 10dB S/N) FM(12dB SINAD)0.5-1.8 MHz - 13µV -1.8-28 MHz 0.16µV* 2µV* -

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28-29.7 MHz 0.5µV*50 MHz band 0.13µV* 1µV* 0.25µV** Pre-amp onSquelch sensitivity SSB FM (threshold; pre-amp on)5.6µV typ.0.32V typ.Selectivity SSB, CW (2.4kHz)

AM/FM-N (6kHz)

FM (15kHz)More than 2.4 kHz/-6dBLess than 4.0 kHz/-60dBMore than 9.0 kHz/-6dBLess than 20 kHz/-50dBMore than 15 kHz/-6dBLess than 30 kHz/-50dBSpurious Image Rejection HF bands 50MHzMore than 70dBMore than 65dB (except IF point)Audio Output Power(8Î-ohm load, 10% distortion) More than 1.0W (at13.8V DC)More than 0.5W (at 9.6V DC)RIT Variable Range ±9.99kHzPHONES Connector 3-conductor 3.5 (d) mm (1/8")External SP Connector 2-conductor 3.5 (d) mm(1/8")/8Ω

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Applicable U.S. Military SpecificationsStandard MIL 801 C MIL 810 D MIL 810 E MIL810 FMethod Proc. Method Proc. Method Proc. MethodProc.Low Pressure 500.1 I 500.2 I, II 500.3 I, II 500.4 I,IIHigh Temp. 501.1 I 501.2 I, II 501.3 I, II 501.4 I, IILow Temp. 502.1 I 502.2 I, II 502.3 I, II 502.4-3 I,IITemp. Shock 503.1 I 503.2 I 503.3 I 503.4 ISolar Radiation 505.1 I 505.2 I 505.3 I 505.4 IRain 506.1 I 506.2 I 506.3 I 506.4 ISalt Fog 509.1 I 509.2 I 509.3 I 509.4 -Dust 510.1 I 510.2 I 510.3 I 510.4 IVibration 514.2 VIII, X 514.3 I 514.4 I 514.5 IShock 516.2 I, II, V 516.3 I, IV 516.4 I, IV 516.5 I,IV

All stated specifications are subject to changewithout notice or obligation.

Supplied AccessoriesHand microphoneDC power cableSpare fusesKey plugsACC cableAntenna is not supplied from Icom

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TenTec R4020 / R4030 (TFR)

This transceiver started out as a Chinese HB-1Athree-band rig, but has now appeared as a two-band TenTec QRP Transceiver. The radio comesin two versions one covers the 20m/40m amateurradio bands and the other covers the 20m/30mamateur radio bands.

R4020:Covers 40 meters and 20 meter amateur bands.Receives SSB & CW. Transmits CW

R4030:Covers 40 meters and 30 meter amateur bands.Receives SSB & CW. Transmits CW

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Features:

Bright easy to read LCD display informs you offrequency, mode, supply voltage, S meter, RIT andmore.

BNC RF connector

Sensitivity (typical) .8 micro volts. MDS .2 microvolts

Transmitter power, 5 watts (typical)

Powerful DDS electronic synthesizers allow 5-16MHz general coverage receive.

Convenient 20 frequency memory storage

Includes internal battery holders for alkalinebatteries. An external (optional) 12 to 14 VDCregulated power supply may also be used.

Easily adjustable tuning steps for both Amateurbands and general short wave listening.

Low current consumption: About 55 mA on receiveor about 550-950 mA on transmit depending onsupply voltage

Built in adjustable keyer with automatic CQ and callsign insertion for memory keying.

Use with straight key or your favorite key paddle.

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Built in crystal filters for 2.2-1.6 kHz SSB or 900-400 Hz in CW

8-ohm headphone output (requires stereo plug).No internal speaker.

RIT (receive incremental tuning) allows for 10Hz or100 Hz tuning

Power Plug- 2.1mm ID x 5.5mm OD with centerpositive. The Radio Shack part number for anequivalent is 274-1567. They come in a two packfor $3.29.

Battery holders for eight “AA” batteries arepackaged inside the transceiver.The transceiver can be powered by internalbatteries (customer provided) or external DCpower.

Size: 5.7” X 3.7” X 1.4” (not including knobs)

Weight: 15.8 oz (not including batteries)

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MFJ – 92xx (TFR)

This radio has the look of a HB-1A, but it usesband modules to change bands.

The band modules are great as you can operatethis rig on 80m, 40m, 30, 20m, 17 and 15m, butyou’ll have to open the radio and replace the bandmodule. The reviews state that changing the bandmodule is very easy. Shown is the BM-20 Modulefor 20m.

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Specifications:

Frequency Control: DDS, 60-MHz referencefrequencyTuning Step: 100-Hz, 1-kHz, and 100-kHzRIT Step: 10-HzVFO Memories: 8 per bandVFO Display: LCD, 802-pixel, switched backlightVFO Display Frequency Resolution: 100-Hz, 10-Hzwith RIT activated

Operating Modes:Transmit - A1 (CW) Receive - A1, A3J (LSB or USB)CW Offset: ~700 HzT/R Switching: Full QSK

Frequency Coverage

80-M: Rx: 3.2-4.9 Tx 3.5-4.0 mhz40-M: Rx: 5.9-7.5 Tx: 7.0-7.3 mhz30-M: Rx: 9.4-12.1 Tx: 10.1-10.15 mhz20-M: Rx: 13.5-15.8 Tx: 14.0-14.35 mhz17-M: Rx: 17.4-19.1 Tx: 18.068-18.168 mhz15-M: Rx: 18.5-22.0 Tx: 21.0-21.45 mhz

Receiver MDS: 0.1-uV, all bandsAGC Threshold: 3 to 5-uV, all bandsBandwidth: Selectable, 600-Hz CW, 2.5-Hz SSBAudio Output: 100-mW, 8-Ohm load, stereo plugReceiver Current Drain: ~40-mA no backlight, ~80mA with backlight

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Transmitter Keying: Iambic automatic, straight-keysensing, CQ memorySpeed Range: 3-45 WPMTransmitter Power: 5-W or better, all bands, at 12.6VoltsHarmonic and spur suppression: -50 dB or better,all operating voltagesTypical Transmit Current: 0.9-A at 10-V, 1.2-A at14-VSupply Voltage: 8-15 VDC at 1.5ADimensions: 4.8"x3.15"x1.34", 120x80x34-mmWeight: 7.4 oz, 200 gm

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YouKits HB-1B (TFR)

This radio became available sometime aroundNovember of 2011.

TX covering: 3.5-4MHz, 7.0-7.3MHz,10.1-10.15MHz, 14.0-14.35MHzRX covering: 3.2-16MhzStep: 10Hz,100Hz,1KHz,100KHzOutput: 12V 4-5W, 13.8V 6-7WSidetone: 700HzDisplay: Frequency, mode, voltage, S meter, RITIF filter 400Hz - 3KHzSmaller size compared to HB1A, more poweroutput, can use our 18650 optional battery pack.

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This radio looks like the original Chinese HB-1A,but it’s smaller.

IntroductionTune Function Using PaddlesHolding CQ/SET for 2 second, heard "S", keepholding 2 more second, heard "I",keep holding 2 more second, heard "T", releaseCQ/SET. Pressing "DASH"paddle cause the radio to have a continuousemission to tune an external tuner orto check SWR. Pressing "DOT" paddle to end,push CQ/SET to exit.

SpecificationsTX: 3.5-4.0MHz, 7.0-7.3MHz, 10.1-10.15MHz,14.0-14.35MHZ RX: 3.2-16MHzOutput power: 12V supply 4-5W, 13.8V 6-7WExternal Supply Voltage: 9-14VDC Optional 18650battery pack: 11.1VCurrent Draw: RX about 60ma TX 800ma (12VDC)Side tone: 700Hz Memory: 1-30

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Automatic key: Built in with adjustable speedSelectivity: 4 crystal filter, 400Hz-3KHz continuedadjustableAudio Output: 8ohm load about 0.1W (Requires astereo plug)Size: 132x85x35mm Weight: approx 380 grams

Power ConnectionInternal battery power supply: Can use 14500lithium battery x 3pcs with ourbattery holder or purchase our 18650 lithiumbattery pack. Both need to useSpecial charger for lithium battery!External Power supply: Any 9-14VDC voltage orbatter pack can be connected tothe transceiver. It has a built in polarity protectioncircuit.

Antenna:Any resonant antenna can be connected directly tothe antenna (ANT) with a BNC connector. If a non-resonant antenna is used an antenna tuner will benecessary.

Headphone:A stereo headset can only be connected to theheadphone port (phone), impedance 8-32ohm. Donot use a mono plug.

Key/Paddle:The HB-1B has an automatic function thatdetermines what type of key is being used and isinitiated on power up. You will hear (in CW) thesound of the letter "A" if a paddle is connected orthe letter "M" if a straight key is connected.

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Here’s a listing of some of the more popularMulti-Band TFRs out in the field today.

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Chapter 3

Antennas for the Great outdoors

Let’s see, so far we’ve walked the path towards theoutdoors and have covered the you-issues,portable radios and TFR radios. It’s now time tostop and take a look at portable antennas. Theantennas listed in this chapter are selectedbecause they are easily used in the field or mobile.So sit down lean back and read about what manycall the “magic of ham radio.”

In reality there’s no magic to antennas at all, butsome hams think so.

Dipole Antenna

Let’s start with a half wave dipole antenna as it’sprobably one of the most used antennas in thefield. Each leg of this antenna is approximatelyone quarter wave in length.

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To find the approximate overall length of wirerequired just use the formula:

Length = 468/ f (mhz)

* Insulated wire will shorten length by about 4%

Please remember that each leg will be one half thetotal length. Also the length will vary depending onwhat type wire you use.

Here’s a chart you can use to make your ownantenna.

There are many manufacturers that make all typesof dipoles. Just go to the internet and look for them.

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Iditarod Mini Dipole

I like this antenna because it works great and I canerect it as conditions dictate on the trail. If I havelimited room, I only erect it as a 20m dipole. If Ihave some room, I erect it as a 30m dipole. If Ihave plenty of room a 40m dipole. The 20m and30m wires aren’t that long, but the 40m wires addan extra 20’-3” to the length of the antenna. Theentire dipole with all the wires connected weighs-inat a scant 3.5oz!

Special thanks to Guy, N7UN, for showing me thisantenna. A big thanks goes out to Jim Larson,AL7FS, for helping me name this antenna.

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AlexLoop Walkham

The AlexLoop Walkham is a Small Magnetic LoopAntenna designed by Alex - PY1AHD after nineyears of field tests with more than 800 confirmedQRP DX contacts.

The new model goes on a small cushioned bagdesigned to accommodate 3 small 15 inch piecesthat can be easily assembled and disassembled inless than a minute.

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It has a registered record on 17 meters on the Hallof Fame of the Hfpack group connected to a FT817QRP transceiver.http://hfpack.com/hall/

It is the ultimate solution for those hams who loveto be on the air anytime and anywhere and forthose living with limited space.It incorporates continuous coverage on anyfrequency between 7 MHz to 30 MHz and can bequickly and easily installed on a window or abalcony. It can also easily go to your vacation orbusiness travel location.It is so light that you can even walk and talk holdingin your hand while tuning it with your thumb.The maximum recommended power is 20 wattsSSB or 10 watts AM/FM.

This loop really looks like a nice to use in the field,but be prepared to spend over $300 for it. Alex,PY1AHD also makes other loops that lookinteresting for field use.http://www.alexloop.com/index.html

The Mini-Buddipole™

By popular demand we've taken the standardBuddipole™ and made it more compact. Now youcan get the same quality and performance asthe standard Buddipole™ in a compact packagethat measures only 13" in length.

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The difference here is that the 2 longer arms(22" each) of the standard Buddipole have beenreplaced by 4 smaller arms (11" each). Thisallows for a much more compact package whicheasily fits inside a small daypack.

The Mini-Buddipole comes with the following items:

Padded cordura antenna bag11" anodized aluminum arms (4)Adjustable coils (2)

Versatee (1)Stainless Steel telescopic whips (2)One quick-feed coax assembly(25' or optional 50' length)3 coil clips (placed on coils at preset marks)Rotating Arm Kit is NOT included (see accessoriespage)

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Buddistick™

Designed as a multi-band, portable antenna for40m - 10m, the Buddistick™ is an excellentperformer with any rig up to 250 watts. It worksexceptionally well with the FT 817, Elecraft K2 andKX1, IC 703 and other QRP rigs.

The Buddistick comes packaged in acompartmentalized 1000 denier cordura portfoliobag and includes 2 aluminum arms (blue or black),one stainless steel telescopic whip, one adjustablecoil, 2 coil clips, mounting kit, a completecounterpoise system, as well as operating manual.

Included is one 31' radial on a line winder for useon all bands 10 - 40m.

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The mounting kit for the Buddistick™is a mountingplate and SO-239 adapter for a coax feed.

A "soft touch" rubberized clamping knob is used tosecure the plate to a clamp or tripod (1/4" x 20threads).

Buddistick Deluxe Package

The Buddistick deluxe package contains thefollowing:

Buddistick AntennaVertical Antenna Clamp2 Telescopic Whips3 coil clips

All these and other Buddipole Products can beviewed and purchased from the BuddipoleWebsite.http://www.buddipole.com/buddipole.html

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CHAMELEON V2L HF/VHF/UHF ANTENNA

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency: 80M to 6M, 2M, 1.25M, 70CMPower: 250 W SSBRF Connection: PL-259 Input Impedance: 50 ΩVSWR: Subject to Ground-planePattern: Omni directionalPolarization: Linear verticalHeight: 6’6”Weight: 1.5 lb.Mounting Configuration: 3/8-Thread Mount

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The Chameleon V2L HF/VHF/UHF MultibandAntenna is a hybrid antenna between theChameleon V1 and the Chameleon V2. Like the V1the V2L is composed of two individual screwtogether elements that can be assembled anddisassembled in matter of minutes for fast andeasy deployment and offers about 50% less windresistance than the V1 and the V2.

The lower antenna part is 2’ long and it’s madewith 3/8” of premium fiberglass tubing while theupper part is made of a 56” long stainless steelwhip.

The Chameleon V2L silhouette is slimmer andstealthier than its cousins the V1 and the V2. At6’6” long the V2L is ideal for smaller vehicles &boats.

An adequate ground-plane system and DCgrounding are required for proper antennaperformance. The ground plane quality will directlyinfluence the antenna performance especially on80M and 40M.

An external tuner is required to operate theChameleon V2L.

Two Chameleon V2L can be added together tocreate a portable stealth dipole antenna.

The following is included in the package:1 X Chameleon V2L Antenna1 X UNUN

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Chameleon V2 on Jeep

The Chameleon V2 HF Multiband Antenna™ is arevolutionary antenna that stands at a only 4.2 feettall. This antenna is ideally designed for mobileapplications.

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Designed with a similar coil traps systemtechnology used for the Chameleon V1, so theChameleon V2 does not require any adjustmentson the antenna after installation.

To change the operating band the operator willonly have to activate the antenna tuner (notsupplied). The Chameleon V2 is 50% smaller thatour Chameleon V1 and offers an HF/VHF/UHFantenna alternative for Ham operators desiring tohave HF/VHF/UHF capability on their vehicles.

Due to its short length (4’2”), the better the groundplane, the higher the antenna on the vehicle andbetter will be TX/RX performances. So good mobileantenna knowledge and proper antenna installation(grounding and ground plane) are required forgood Chameleon V2 performances. Mountinglocation is a difficult topic to advise upon due toeach individual’s unique circumstances andpreferences.

As for general guidelines and optimalperformances, 2/3 of the antenna should be abovethe roof line. An antenna mounted higher on thevehicle tends to perform better. And it will becritical that the antenna mount be well grounded tothe vehicle chassis because it is the “metallic”masse right under the antenna and not on the sideof it that define a good ground plane. The UNUN9:1 installation is optional. This antenna terminatesto a standard 3/8x24.

To function properly this antenna requires anantenna tuner and the SPRING (neither included).

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To view this antenna and others made by thismanufacturer, just click the link.http://chameleonantenna.com/

Hustler Mobile/Portable Antennas

Since 1985 Hustler Antennas have beenmanufactured and marketed by New-TronicsAntenna Corporation in Mineral Wells, Texas.

http://www.new-tronics.com/index.html

If you are serious about HF mobile operation theHustler HF Mobile System is the obvious choice.Hustler manufactures and sells more HF mobileantennas world wide than anyone. No othermanufacturer offers the convenience, the flexibilityor the pure performance that Hustler does.

The HF Mobile System offers a wide variety ofcomponents which enable you to customize yourinstallation to fit your present and future needs. Achoice of four different support masts provides aninstallation solution for every vehicle. A selection ofseventeen interchangeable resonators in high andmoderate power levels and varying bandwidths areavailable.

A full complement of accessories such as springs,a multi band adapter and a quick disconnect devicecomplete the system. Experience the satisfactionthat comes with owning the best in the world --- theHustler HF Mobile System

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Select from Quality Deck, Fender or Bumper MountDesigns

Model MO1

(#1 in photo)

For deck or fender mounting, folds at roof line 15"above the base.

Shake proof clutch sleeve. Masts are made fromthe highest quality heat treated aluminum andchrome plated brass.

Stainless steel base is threaded to fit all Hustlerand other 3/8" x 24 thread ball mounts.

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Model MO-2

(#2 in photo)

Same as the MO-1 but folds at the roof line, 27"above the base for bumper mounting.

Model MO-3 (#3 in photo)

54" high aluminum mast, white vinyl coating.

Stainless steel base is threaded to fit all Hustlerand other 3/8" X 24 thread ball mounts.

Model MO-4

Only 22" long.

Suitable for trunk or deck mounting, includes threenew tip rods.

3/8" x 24 threads at both ends

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Standard ResonatorsPower Rating 400 Watts

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Super Resonators Power rating full legal limit. Super resonators also offer wider bandwidth, especially

on 40, 75 and 80 meters.

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Recommended Accessories

QD-2 Quick disconnectVP-1 Tri-band adapterRSS-2 Resonator spring Mounts

MO-3 with VP1 and 40m, 20m and 15M

Hustler mobile or portable antennas work great andI use the MO-3 54 Inch Mast with three resonatorsconnected on the VP-1 Adapter on the top. On thebottom of the mast I connected a quick-disconnectassembly. I now just push and turn to install mymobile HF system on my truck bumper. Take alook at the antenna on my truck. It only takes me afew minutes to install the antenna and coax thengo! This makes an excellent temporary antennasystem on my truck.

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WA3WSJ Hustler Setup

This is a picture of the author’s truck HF antennaset up. I can operate any three bands I chose toand all I do is change the resonator/s to change toanother band/s.

I guyed the antenna and have driven up to 70mphwith no problems at all. The guy ropes use smallcarabineers that just clip on the tie-downs in thetruck bed.

This entire antenna system can be installed orremoved including the coax in less than fiveminutes!

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Little Tarheel II Antenna

ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS

Lower Mast Size -- 1 1/2" Dia.Lower Mast Length -- 16"Whip Length -- 32"Total Length of Antenna in 54 MHz position -- 48"Total Length of Antenna in 3.5 MHz position -- 54"Frequency Coverage Continuous -- 3.5 to 54 MHzPower Rating -- 200 watts P.E.P.Typical SWR -- 1.5 or lessWeight -- 1.9 lbs.

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This antenna combined with an Ameritron SDC-102 produces a very nice installation on a vehicle.I recently helped a friend set up his Little Tarheel IIAntenna and a Ameriton SDC-102 Control Box.

http://www.ameritron.com/Categories.php?sec=161

Subaru Impagza Console - Ameritron SDC-102

I tested this antenna for SWR and bandwidth andchecked it against the specifications. It meant allthe specs and played nicely on all bands. Theradio used for the test was an Icom 703 Plus withan output power of eight watts. I made a nice CWcontact on 20m CW from Pennsylvania toCalifornia and received a signal report of 579.

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Here’s how the Little Tarheel II loaded up on thevarious bands.

The vehicle is a Subaru 2010 Impagza with anIcom 703 Plus radio and an Ameritron SDC-102Antenna Controller. Now K3DEN can changebands by simply pushing a button on the controller.

Please note that by using the internal auto antennatuner of the Icom 703 Plus, operation across theentire band on most bands except 80M waspossible. On 80m you would have to program aCW button and a phone button on the controller.

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I was impressed by the look, feel and operation ofthis setup. It’s a nice clean looking setup and itseems to work fine.

Icom 703 Plus Head Paint Clamp Mount

K3DEN used two paint clamps purchased fromHome Depot and bolted them to the radio mountingbracket. As you can see, this makes for a cleantemporary radio head mount. At a total cost of$6.00 US, it’s a bargain!

Tarheel Antennas makes an array of screwdriver-type mobile antennas. Take a look at their websitefor more information.

http://www.tarheelantennas.com/

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Up & Out UNUN Antenna

WB3GCK Up & Out UNUN Antenna

This antenna is just an inverted-L supported by a31-foot collapsible pole. The up element is a 50-foot wire run up and out. The antenna is fed with50-ohm coax to a 1:1 UnUn. It has six 16-footradials and one 31-foot radial.

This antenna works great with an auto-tuner 80mthrough 6M. I used this antenna while camping atthe shore in Delaware and it worked great. I used itwith a LDG Z11-Pro II Auto Tuner.

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Up & Out UNUN Antenna EZNEC

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Up & Out UNUN EZNEC 20M Radiation Plot

Up & Out UNUN EZNEC 20M SWR Plot

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This antenna was also used during a ARRL FieldDay and it worked great. If you look closely at theradiation plot, you’ll see this antenna looks like itdoesn’t have a low take-off angle.

The SWR plot shown is with the antenna fed with75-ohm coax, but 50-ohm coax works fine with thisantenna and a tuner.

I built my own UNUN from plans on the internet. Ifyou want to build your own UNUN just go to theIV3SBE Website and download the plans, picturesetc.

http://www.iv3sbe.webfundis.net/html/UNUN.htm

You can also purchase UNUNs from a number ofplaces on the internet.

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WA3WSJ Black Widow Vertical Antenna

This antenna is basically a 20m vertical with aloading coil at around four feet off the ground. Theantenna also incorporates six 15-foot radials and a15-foot vertical wire. What makes this antennagreat for the field is its versatility.

The BWVA can be supported by a 20-footcollapsible pole or used without a support pole. Iusually just hang the vertical element from a treeand throw the radials out on the ground. It takesme around five minutes to erect this antenna. Thefront cover shows a BWVA hung from a tree.

KL0WN - BWVA on Kodiak Island, AK

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Black Widow Vertical Antenna EZNEC

The Black Widow Antenna works on 20m, 30m and40m without a tuner. You might want to touch-upthe loading on 40m if you go from phone to CWetc. This antenna is not commercially produced,but can be built with little effort and cost. To viewbuilding plans etc., just go to my website at:http://www.wa3wsj.homestead.com/

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Black Widow Antenna 20M Radiation Plot

The BWVA has its main gain at a take-off angle ofaround 27 degrees. I have worked US statesideand DX with this antenna while hiking theAppalachian Trail with four watts of output power.

The entire antenna weights-in at less than onepound without a pole and around two pounds witha pole.

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Black Widow Antenna EZNEC 20M SWR Plot

If you use an auto-tuner with this antenna, you canalso operate many of the WARC bands etc. This isa great antenna for backpacking or for portableuse.

To change bands just move the jumper to thatband position. On 20m the coil is just jumped-outas no inductive-loading is needed on this band.On 40m there’s no jumper and on 30m one coil isadded to the antenna.

You should be able to build this antenna for around$60.00 US or so. A cheap and great way to get onthe air portable for not much money.

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SuperAntenna YP3 Portable Yagi

This is one of the few beams that will break-downinto a small 6” x 6” x 36” bag. I have never usedone, but the reviews seem to indicate that it playswell and is handy for field use.

Take look at the website for additional productsand information.

http://newsuperantenna.com/

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In this chapter I’ve talked about various antennas,but there are plenty more out there. Unfortunately,I can’t spend any more time on this subject as wemust push on down the path to the gear outdoors!

Let me summarize about portable antennas.

Portable antennas should be small, lightweight,dependable and “feel right” for you. If the antennadoesn’t “feel-right” to you, it probably isn’t right foryou.

Portable antennas should work on the band orbands you operate on while portable out in thefield.

Portable antennas should not take long to setup -fifteen minutes or less

Portable antennas should be able to handle thepower output from your transmitter.

Portable antennas should be safe to use. No sharpedges, wires, etc.

I hope this chapter helps you with your selection ofa portable antenna or antennas. The antennaexamples shown are just that examples of niceportable antennas.

Is one of these right for you? Only you can answerthat question. Just like your radio, your antennamust “fit like a glove” for you.

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Chapter 4

Radio Power Sources

When selecting the proper portable power source,you have to use what I call the ,”GoldilocksMethod.”In other words, you have to match your powersource to your transceiver etc. Again both must fitlike a glove – not to large and not to small, but justright.

The most important item to look at here is yourtransmitter power output. Try using a SLA 7AHbattery with a 100w transmitter and you’ll soon findout that they don’t match. This combination maywork, but not for long.

The next most important item to consider is thetransceiver receive current. As mentioned before,if your radio has a receive current of 1A or greater,you’ll need a lager capacity power source.

Still another important factor that will influence yourchoice for a portable power source is location.Yes, location will play a major role in you selectionof your portable power source. You don’t want tocarry a 30AH battery up a mountain, but if youselect the wrong radio, that’s what you’ll need to do–hi! So location will dictate what radio and whatpower source you will use.

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I operate all over the place with my Icom 703 Plus.It draws around 550ma on receive and at 5w to10wpower output a SLA 10AH works just fine. Eventhis battery is somewhat heavy, but at a price ofaround $20.00 US at the local Deka Outlet Store, Idon’t mind the extra weight.

I really would like to have a new nanophosphatetype battery. But, at around $300.00 US just for thebattery and extra for the charger, the SLA is justworks for me. But, I have recently purchased a7.2ah Li-ion Water Bottle Battery and I love it! I’lltell you more about this later.

This brings us to yet another factor influencing yourportable power selection - price. The price willdefine not only your portable power source, but allyour equipment.

Just like the example I used comparing the SLA10AH battery at $20.00 US to the newnanophosphate batteries at just close to $300.00US, you’ll need to consider price in this equation.

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Let’s look at my Portable Power Equation.

PP = Location + Price + Capacity + Size + Weight

PP = Portable powerLocation = where you operate

Price = want you can or willing to spend in $$Capacity = RX current + TX current + Duty Cycle

Size = dimensions of battery etc. Weight = how much weight (lbs) can you carry

Please note that I’ve listed the variables in thisequation in order of importance.

Location

Location will dictate all the factors or variables inthis equation except for maybe price. So locationis listed as the first variable.

Do you operate from mountain summits? Do youoperate on the Appalachian Trail? Do you operatefrom your vehicle? Do you operate from a bike ortricycle? Do you operate as pedestrian mobile?Do you operate from a campsite?

Yes, the number of locations is almost infinite, butthere’s one common factor here. I call it the“Remoteness Factor.” The more remote thelocation, the harder it is to operate using a radiothat requires a high capacity power source.

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Let’s travel down the path to the great outdoors abit farther and investigate this “RemotenessFactor.”

“The more remote the location – the more you’llhave to dial-back on radio currentconsumption.”

Remember this quote as it will come in handy later.

This means you’ll have to select a transceiver thatdraws less receive current and has less poweroutput. Why is this important? Let’s look at a fewlocations and see why this really is important.

Campsite Operation

I’ve selected this one first as this is where you canoperate with higher capacity radios etc. At mostcampsites you’ll be able to drive to the site. Bybringing all your gear in a vehicle to the operatingsit, you don’t have to worry so much about all of thevariables listed in the equation.

This doesn’t mean you can operate whatever youwant. Here power grid access and time are majorfactors. If your campsite has access to the powergrid, you’re golden! Having power grid accessmeans you don’t need batteries to power things.This frees you up from battery operation and yourselection of radio gear doesn’t need to be all thatpower efficient.

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But, if your campsite doesn’t have access to thepower grid, now you’ll need some batteries andmaybe a generator.

WA3WSJ’s Cape Henlopen State Park, DE Camp

Speaking about generators, many parks etc. arenow starting to say “no” to the use of generators.I’ve been camping at Cape Henlopen State Parkin Delaware for many years and in 2011 the parkbanned the use of generators in the park.

If you plan on using a generator for portable powerin state parks etc, check the park rules aboutgenerator use. You might have to use batteries andsome solar panels etc.

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WA3WSJ’s 140ah Gel-Cell

I use two 70ah gel cell batteries that I wired inparallel for a battery capacity of 12V @ 140ah. Thiscombination has worked great for eight years nowin my Tacoma Pickup truck with my Kenwood TS-480sat.

I also use these batteries when I camp for five dayswithout any power grid access in the park. I powerall my radio gear and more with this battery.

By driving to the campsite, your options for using ahigher current radio with batteries are somewhatlimited, but not all that much. You can still packlarge capacity batteries in a vehicle or use thevehicle battery.

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Using the vehicle battery for limited radio use is ok,but for extended operating periods you reallyshould bring extra batteries for the radio etc. This istrue whether you operate mobile from the vehicleor from a tent etc.

Time is the next factor here. If you plan to operatea hour here and there, using the vehicle battery isok. But, if you plan to operate for days and hourson end, you’ll need additional battery capacity.

Yes, “time” is a major factor influencing yourportable power source in a campsite. The moretime you spend operating – the larger powersource or battery you’ll need to use.

“The more power efficient transceiver you use - theless battery power you’ll need.”

I operate my Kenwood TS-480sat with either a70AH or 140AH battery depending on the “time”spent operating off the power grid.

I operate my Icom 703 Plus with a SLA 10ahbattery off the power grid all the time as I walkaround operating pedestrian mobile.

I operate my Elecraft KX1 with an internal Li-ion1.5ah when I hike the AT etc.

What’s the common thread here?

Do you remember that phrase I asked you toremember – “The Remoteness Factor.”

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“The more remote the location – the more you’llhave to dial-back on radio current consumption.”

I use the Kenwood TS-480 sat near people, placesand things. I use the Icom 703 Plus farther awayfrom these. I use my Elecraft KX1 out in thewilderness. The TS-480 draws 1A or so receivecurrent and 20A at 100W on transmit. The Icom703 draws around 550ma receive current andaround 2A at 10w output. The Elecraft KX1 drawsaround 34ma receive current and around 900maon transmit.

Do you see a pattern here? Yes, once again thereceive and transmit currents dramatically drop as Iget farther away from civilization.

Operating at a campsite is a wonderful experienceand I have done so many times in numerousstates. But, have you noticed that I haven’tmentioned much about generators? I don’t likeusing generators unless I really have to as theyrequire more effort.

Generators need fuel and you have to feed themwith fuel. Generators can have safety issues aswell. Not to mention the noise generated by them.When I say noise, I mean audible and electricalnoise.

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Do I use a generator – yes, sometimes-hi!

I once setup my Honda EU 1000i Inverter at a BoyScout ham radio demo and we ran two 100w HFstations off it with no trouble at all.

Small Honda Inverter and my HT

In this case, we had no power grid access sorunning two 100w stations etc for an entireweekend would be just to much for my 140AHbatteries.

Once again the time factor played a role in theportable power selection.

When selecting a generator, try to pick one thathas the power capacity you require, but don’t buyone to large. I say this for several reasons:

1- easier to transport2- less gas3- less noise

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Honda makes a line of excellent inverters thatseem to work nicely with amateur radio gear. Ireally like my Honda EU 1000i because it’s reallylightweight and at around 29 lbs. it’s very easy totransport or to carry to my operating site. I caneven charge one of my 70AH Gel-Cell batterieswith it while I use the inverter.

Here’s the front panel of my Honda EU1000iInverter. This little baby has an Eco mode thatreally saves on the gas. At the bottom left is the12v/8A plug to charge a battery.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a generator,take a look at the Honda Inverter Line.

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/inverter-generators

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Mobile Operation

While many hams operate mobile, this book will notconcentrate on mobile operation as I just don’thave the room –hi! Mobile operation could be aseparate book.

Mobile operation today is very easy. Mostoperators can use almost any modern transceiverto operate from DC to daylight. Again the powersource for most operators is the vehicle battery.

Operating for short periods of time now and then isfine, but for extended operating times running say a100w station is a different animal. Now you shouldbe looking for some additional batteries etc.

By not running your vehicle, you save fuel andusually have less noise. When I mention noise, Imean audible and electrical noise.

Another item you may want to consider whenpurchasing a new hybrid vehicle is electrical noise.I have a buddy who owns a new Toyota hybridvehicle and on 440mz he has trouble hearing ourlocal 440mhz repeater because the hybrid isgenerating so much noise around 440mhz!

When I install a mobile radio in my truck, I alwaysconnect the power to the radio directly on thevehicle’s battery. This will eliminate many noiseproblems etc.

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Some operators complain that when they put theirnew 2M radio on high power, it doesn’t properlywork? By the way, high power on lots of modernday radios is 60W! I ask them where are yougetting your power from in the vehicle. Usuallythey say the power port on the dash or console etc.Save yourself a lot of headaches and connect thatrig to the battery!

By using an external battery, you also eliminatemany vehicle safety issues.

I always try to select a radio with a remote head foruse in my truck. The remote head is usually smalland takes up little room. You can place the headtemporarily on the dash etc.

For a more permenant installation, you could placethe head in or under the dashboard. Today grillvent mounts seem to work fine too.

WA3WSJ’s TS-480sat Remote Head

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140ah Battery in my Truck

To read about how to properly power your radio inyour vehicle, please go to K0BG’s Website. Hehas an excellent website filled with usefulinformation on how to properly install a ham radioin a vehicle etc.

This website also gives great examples of whatcould happen if you don’t take necessaryprecautions while installing your radio in yourvehicle.

If you are considering a new radio install in yourvehicle, please take a few minutes and visit thissite. You’ll be glad you visited the site.

http://www.k0bg.com/

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Cycle Operation

I must admit that I have never operated HF from abicycle, tricycle or motorcycle. But, I have seensome amateur radio operators who do it all thetime!

The main limiting item here is the battery. You’llhave to use a lighter battery on a bicycle than atricycle etc. I would not use any battery thatweights in over ten pounds or so especially with abicycle.

With the introduction of nanophosphate technologyused in battery manufacturing, it’s now possible tooperate even a 100w transceiver on a bicycle!

14v/14ah SLA Battery for W7SWC’s Bicycle!

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One nice item to remember is that as the bandsimprove, you can dial back the power output andthe battery capacity! Look for more about cyclemobile operation later in the book.

Let’s just stop here to remember what we aretalking about - my Portable Power Equation.

PP = Location + Price + Capacity + Size + Weight

We briefly looked at location so now let’s take alook at what most hams consider the major variablein my formula – Price. You can look at all the othervariables and more, but price is usually king or asthey say, “cash is king!”

Let’s just tell it like it is – hams are cheap!

We all want the very best, but at a good – no greatprice. Having said that, it’s time to cover thedifferent types of batteries available for portableoperation and the price range of each type.

Price

Sealed Lead Acid Battery

Most of us already know about and use sealed leador SLA battery types. Yes, a 12V SLA will workwith most ham gear and has one major advantage– it’s cheap!

SLA batteries are manufactured in a variety ofvoltages and ampere hour ratings. In fact I use a12V/10ah SLA battery on my HFpack forpedestrian mobile operation and at around $20.00US- it’s cheap!

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WA3WSJ’s HFpack 12v/10ah SLA battery

Did I mention that the battery weights in at aroundten pounds or so! SLA batteries also have onemajor disadvantage – they are heavy!

But compared to a new nanophosphate13.2V/9.2AH battery that has a price tag of around$280.00 US, I’ll use my SLA for now. Oh yes, thenanophosphate battery weighs in at around threepounds –hi!

I’ve just given you the extremes of battery typesyou can use for portable operation. The SLAcheap, but heavy and the nanophosphateexpensive, but light. Now let’s look at another typeof battery type that falls between the two extremes– the lithium ion battery type.

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Lithium-ion Battery

In 1991, the Sony Corporation commercialized thefirst lithium-ion battery. Other manufacturers havenow followed suit.

The energy density of lithium-ion is typically twicethat of the standard nickel-cadmium. Lithium-ion isa low maintenance battery, an advantage that mostother battery chemistries can not claim. There is nomemory and no scheduled cycling is required toprolong the battery's life. In addition, the self-discharge is less than half compared to nickel-cadmium battery.

The Li-ion battery does have a few restrictions. It isfragile and requires a protection circuit to maintainsafe operation. Today most Li-ion battery packsincorporate a PCB or a protection circuit board thatlimits the peak voltage of each cell during chargeand prevents the cell voltage from dropping too lowon discharge. The maximum charge and dischargecurrent on most packs is limited to between 1C and2C. With these precautions in place, lithium-ionbattery safety is now at an acceptable level andthis battery type is being used in many commercialproducts including amateur radio.

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AdvantagesHigh energy density - potential for yet highercapacities in the future.

One regular charge is all that's needed to use.

Relatively low self-discharge - self-discharge is lessthan half that of nickel-based batteries.

Low Maintenance - no periodic discharge isneeded; there is no memory.

Specialty cells can provide very high current toapplications such as amateur radio transceiversetc.

LimitationsRequires protection circuit to maintain voltage andcurrent within safe limits.

Subject to aging, even if not in use - storage in acool place at 40% charge reduces the aging effect.

Transportation restrictions - shipment of largerquantities may be subject to regulatory control.This restriction does not apply to personal carry-onbatteries.

Expensive to manufacture - about 40 percenthigher in cost than nickel-cadmium. But, as thistype of battery chemistry is used more, the costshould decrease.

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Yes, many hams will say the Li-ion batteries aredangerous, but with the proper precautions, theycan be safely used in most amateur radio gear.

In fact, I’ve been using Li-ion batteries for a fewyears now with no problems at all. My Elecraft KX1has a Li-ion battery installed in the lid. I made a11.8V/1.5ah battery out of six AA-type Li-ionbatteries. I also installed a PCB or protection circuitboard in the lid to ensure that all is safe.

My Elecraft KX1 now uses six 3.7v/750mahbatteries. Each bank is wired in series making thatbank of three 11.8v/750mah.

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I then wired another bank of three in parallel withthe first bank giving me a 11.8v/1.5ah battery. Theprice of this project was approximately $40 US witha charger.

The PCB is wired into the battery and protects itfrom abuse etc. The small PCB switch located onthe left side is a reset switch. I tested the PCB byshorting the power input leads to the radio. All thathappened was the radio shut off. I kept the shortthere and pressed the reset button – no power. Ithen removed the short, pressed the reset buttonand all was fine!

Note 1I only monitor three cells in this setup as sizerestrictions do not allow for another PCB for theadditional three cells.

Note 2:Reset switch is a S.P. N.O. momentary switchwired from P+ to B1+.

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This is just one example of how Li-ion batteries canbe utilized in amateur radio gear. I recently alsoconverted my MFJ Analyzer from AA NiCds to oneLi-ion 14.6V/2.6ah battery. I now get many hours ofuse from my MFJ Analyzer compared to aroundone hour with the NiCds.

Ok, so you’re thinking about how much capacitythese Li-ion batteries have and can you power a100w rig? The answer is yes you can purchaselarger capacity Li-ion batteries and yes they willpower a 100w amateur radio transceiver forportable operation.

There are many places to purchase Li-ion andother batteries, but I usually buy my batteries fromBatteryspace.com. Their prices are reasonableand they have a large selection of various batteriesand battery types, but as I write this they do not sellnanophosphate-type batteries. Also, largecapacity Li-ion batteries do have a hefty price tag.

http://www.batteryspace.com/

To give you sense of what the Li-ion batteries cost,the price for a Custom Polymer Li-ion Battery14.8V 9Ah (133Wh)+ 1.5A Smart Charger ---UNApproved is around $195.00.

This will allow you to have no more than a nine-ampere current draw from your portabletransceiver. You could run around 40w- 50w of RFoutput from a transmitter.

If you need more battery capacity, maybe ananophosphate battery should be your choice for abattery.

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Nanophosphate Battery

Here’s a newer technology nanophosphate batterysold by Buddiepole.com. This type of battery couldbe used with a 100w transceiver, but I would turnthe power down to say 50w to get more operatingtime out of it. Still, at a weigh-in weight of just overthree pounds and its small size – it looks like awinner.

The only problem is the price. This battery has aprice tag just under $300 USD. You’ll have to payto play –hi!

The 4S4P battery pack has a nominal voltage of13.2 volts and a total capacity of 9.2Ah. Capableenough to power a 100 W rig for longer periods ofoperation than our 4S3P pack, and will allow you torun your lower-powered rig for many hours.

All Buddipole battery packs come with an internalself-resetting polyswitch (to prevent short-circuits)and installed Anderson Powerpole connectors. Thepolyswitch has a large enough open current ratingto run a 100w transmitter without opening. Adouble layer of heavy-duty heat shrink is applied toprovide maximum protection for outdoor use.

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Nominal Voltage13.2 VCapacity9.2 AhSize4.3" (110 mm) x 4.50" (114 mm) x 3" (77 mm)

Pack Weight3.125 lbs (1414 grams)

Price: $285 US

Safety/Abuse Tolerance

The following information is from the BuddipoleWebsite. http://www.buddipole.com/

A123 Nanophosphate cells are designed to besafer and more abuse tolerant than the batterytechnologies that have been traditionally used byamateur radio operators. The proprietary

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Nanophosphate cathodes are inherently stable,and are not susceptible to thermal runaway whileunder abusive conditions. The chemistry also hasthe lowest intrinsic reaction heat of any lithium ionbattery technology, meaning that your battery willheat up very little during heavy use.

The advanced vent technology allows for the saferelease of any internal gas pressure buildup in acell. All of the A123 batteries sold by Buddipoleinclude an integrated Poly Switch to prevent largeamounts of over current in the event of a shortcircuit.

Each Buddipole battery also comes with 30 ampereAnderson Powerpole connectors preinstalled,which nearly eliminates the risk of reversing thepower supply polarity to your equipment.

One thing I have noticed is that as the batterycapacity reaches the 10ah mark, the price reallyincreases for both the Li-ion and thenanophosphate type batteries. Only the old SLAtype batteries are cheap!

The Li-ion battery type is somewhat cheaper at the10ah capacity, but the nanophosphate typebatteries seem somewhat safer and more abuseresistant.

Nanophosohate batteries have a more stablebattery chemistry than Li-ion battery types. Thisallows them to incorporate internal polyswitcheswith much higher current ratings. This enables thebattery to take larger current draws like a 100wtransmitter.

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I could go on here and talk about all the otherbattery chemistries, but we must move on downthe path to the great outdoors.

PP = Location + Price + Capacity + Size + Weight

Battery Capacity

Yes what battery capacity do you need is alwaysthe question.

The following section is from James R. DuffeyKK6MC, “Batteries and charging systems for QRP”,2005.

Calculating the Battery Capacity Needed

A common question asked is how much battery doI need for such and such an operation? It is straightforward to calculate the battery capacity you need.

First you need to determine how much averagecurrent the battery needs to supply to the rig whenreceiving, Irec and how much it draws duringtransmit, Itran. My K1 draws about 80 mA atcomfortable listening level. At 5 Watts outputpower, it draws about 0.8 A. CW is a 40% dutycycle mode.

This information should be in the instructionmanual, or you can measure it yourself with anammeter. Manufacturer’s numbers tend to be onthe low side.

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If we spend half our time transmitting and half ourtime receiving, typical of a contest situation, thenthe average current, Iav, drawn by the transceiveris:

Iav = 1/2 (Irec) + 1/2(Itran)= 1/2(0.08A) + 1/2 (Itran)

For casual operating, you might want to change thefraction spent transmitting and receiving. A ratio of¾ listening – 1/4 transmitting is probably moretypical of non contest operating.

Recalling that CW is a 40% duty cycle mode,

Itran = 0.4(0.8A) + (0.6)(0.08A)= .32 +.042A =.362A

The 0.6 is the fraction of time the rig spends inreceive during a typical transmission.

The average current the K-1 will draw is then:

Iav = 1/2(0.08A) + 1/2(.362A)= 0.04A + 0.181 A = 0.220A

Now determine how long you wish to operate. Ifyou want to operate for 12 hours, then the currentcapacity the battery needs to supply is:C = 0.22A(12 hours) = 2.64 Ampere Hours

You will need a SLA battery that has a largercapacity than this for several reasons.

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Most battery capacities are stated for a 20Hdischarge rate. If Sealed Lead Acid batteries aredischarged at a faster rater, they will have lesscapacity. At the 10 hour discharge rate, thecapacity is about 0.8 to 0.9 times the 20 hour rate.

You do not want to fully discharge the battery, asthat can cause permanent damage. You shouldleave at least 10% charge remaining.

It is difficult to fully charge SLA batteries,particularly with a simple charger. A battery that istrickle charged will be able to supply only 85% of itsrated capacity.

With all these caveats, you should over specify thebattery capacity, unless you don’t have a hard andfast requirement for time duration. Using the worsecase from the above 3, we need to multiply the Cby:1/0.8*0.9*0.85 = 1/0.61 = 1.6So we need to look for a battery that has a capacityof:1.6*2.64 = 4.2 AH or greater.

SLA cells are available in a 4.5 AH capacity. If youpower accessories such as a keyer, tuner, or lamp,you should add in that current draw. With theexception of the lamp, the power required by thesedevices is usually negligible compared to even thereceive current drawn.

You can do a similar calculation for Ni-Cd or Ni-MHbatteries. Ni-Cds can deliver nearly their full ratedcapacity at almost any reasonable discharge rateunless the current draw is very high.

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It is easy to fully charge Ni-Cds with a constantcurrent charger as long as the charge is stopped atthe proper time. You don't want to fully dischargethe Ni-Cds though. So, only factor 2, restrainingfrom fully discharging the battery applies fromabove; and we need to adjust our capacity only by1/0.9 or 1.11 so we need to have 2.9 AH capacity.

C-cell Ni-Cds and Ni-MH AA cells have a capacityof about 2.5 AH, but that would be a bit light. Ni-CdD cells have a capacity of about 4.5AH, but theyare pricey. It is difficult, but not impossible to findNi-MH batteries in sizes other than AA.

Battery Size and Weight

PP = Location + Price + Capacity + Size + Weight

Your battery size is more of an issue the moreremote the operating location. If you arebackpacking on a remote trail somewhere, youdon’t want extra weight and large items in yourpack. You probably will operate a QRP station onthe trail.

But, if you drive to your operating location, weightand size really aren’t all that important to you. Youget the picture here.

Here’s a chart from Wikipedia showing the energydensity of different battery types comparing thevolume or Liter unit and the mass or kilogram unitof the various battery types.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_battery

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Let’s look at a typical 12v/8ah SLA battery. Itweights in at almost seven pounds. The typicalnanophosphate battery rated at 13.2v/9.2ah is4”x4.5”x3” and weighs in at three pounds.

But, a typical Li-ion battery rated at 14.6v/9ahweighs in at only 1.5lbs! This Li-ion battery is only4”x4”x1.5”.

Most Li-ion battery types do need a protectioncircuit board or PCB. I wired one in my homemadebattery for my Elecraft KX1. But, many Li-ionbatteries now have the PCB as part of the battery.

Here’s an example of a Polymer Li-ion 14.8v/6.8ahbattery. This battery includes the PCB to protectthe battery. This battery sells for around $120 US.The battery weighs in at only 1.5 pounds and israther small at 6.9” L x 2.0” W x 1.4” H

http://www.batteryspace.com/polymerli-ionbatterymodule148v6400mah95whwithpcb.aspx

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This would be a great battery to use with my Icom703 Plus Transceiver!

If you connect two of these modules in parallel, youcan build a 14.8V 12 Ah Battery pack with a 14Amp discharge rate.

Water Bottle 7ah Li-ion Battery

Here’s another great Li-ion 7.2ah battery that couldbe used on a cycle or for the trail etc. This batterysells for around $171 US.

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This battery also incorporates a 7A polyswitchwhich limits the maximum current draw from thebattery to seven amperes.

14.8V , 7200mAh battery pack is made of 12pieces of high quality Sanyo/LG/Other Top BrandKorea 18650 2400mAh Li-Ion cells packed by 4series and 3 parallel (4S3P), with three PCBs.

The battery pack is installed in 700mL water bottlefor both impact and water resistant.

Voltage: 14.8V (working) 16.8V ( peak)11.0V ( cut-off)

Capacity 7200 mah min. (106.56 wh)Protection 3 PCB (6.5A) installed with the batterypack and protects the battery fromOver charge (>16.8V)Over discharge ( < 11.0 V)Over drain ( > 19.5 Amp)

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Short circuitsOne 7.2 Amp polyswitch installed to limit max.discharging current at 7A and to protect wrongpolarity.

Discharging/Charge terminal: 4' long Trail-TechCoax Female Plug for charge/discharge terminal.

Maximum Discharge Rate is 7 Amp limited bypolyswitch. This poly switch is actually rated at7.3A hold current and 14A open current.

Battery Space.com Part # Poly-sw-730 : 7A PolySwitch

Features

This is a Polyswitch - max current is 7.3A @20'C.

PolySwitch devices are used to help protect againstharmful over current surges. Like traditional fuses,these devices limit the flow of dangerously highcurrent during fault conditions.

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The polySwitch device, however, resets after thefault is cleared and power to the circuit is removed,thereby reducing warranty, service and repaircosts.

The polyswitch shall be welded or solderedbetween two cells in one battery packDimension: 29.00mm L x 14.5mm W x 0.6mm H

SpecificationManufacture part# LR4-730Current Rating: 7.3AHolding Current: 7.3A @ 20'CTripping current: 14.1 @ 20'C

Note:Tripping current is the maximum current for opencircuit.

Operating Temperature: 85'C Max(Holding current = 4.0A)

Note:The Percent of rated hold and trip current willbe reduced by an increase in temperature.

Note:I tried to use the 13.2V regulator with this battery,but it produced noise on the HF bands so I don’trecommend using it.

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7.2ah Li-ion Battery

Size:700mL water Bottle with Cover:2.25" Diameter x 9" height

Weight1.0 lb 6 Oz (630g)

Charging time7.2 hours.

Here’s the battery with the heat shrink tubinginstalled over it.

Smart TipsAn option with this battery is the use of a 13.2V/2Aregulator with a on/off switch. Similar to describedearlier in this section. See note!

If you would like to use this charger in your car etc,you can choose the 110W DC-AC inverter, thenyou can charge your battery from everywhere.

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Charger Features

Manufacture Part # H01480015-12-D2Designed for charging 14.88V Li-Ion battery packfrom Car lighter socketBuilt in IC to cut off power automatically whenbattery is fully charged

Input 12VDC~20VDCOutput 16.8VCharging current 1.5AConnector: Input: Car connectorOutput: two pins universal connector

ProtectionBuilt in protection for short circuits and wrongpolarity

Dimension(L x W x H)3.7"(94mm) X 2.24"(57mm) x 1.26" (32mm)

Weight192g (6.8oz)

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Below is a summary of the strength and limitationsof today's popular battery systems. Althoughenergy density is paramount, other importantattributes are service life, load characteristics,maintenance requirements, self-discharge costsand safety. Nickel-cadmium is the firstrechargeable battery in small format and forms astandard against which other chemistry arecommonly compared. The trend is towards lithium-based systems.

Nickel-cadmium- mature but has moderate energydensity. Nickel-cadmium is used where long life,high discharge rate and extended temperaturerange is important. Main applications are two-wayradios, biomedical equipment and power tools.Nickel-cadmium contains toxic metals.

Nickel-metal-hydride- has a higher energy densitycompared to nickel-cadmium at the expense ofreduced cycle life. There are no toxic metals.Applications include mobile phones and laptopcomputers. NiMH is viewed as stepping stone tolithium-based systems.

Lead-acid- most economical for larger powerapplications where weight is of little concern. Lead-acid is the preferred choice for hospital equipment,wheelchairs, emergency lighting and UPS systems.Lead acid is inexpensive and rugged. It serves aunique niche that would be hard to replace withother systems.

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Lithium-ion- fastest growing battery system; offershigh-energy density and low weight. Protectioncircuit are needed to limit voltage and current forsafety reasons. Applications include notebookcomputers and cell phones. High current versionsare available for power tools and medical devices.

Lithium-ion is divided into three versions:

The traditional cobalt that is commonly used in cellphones, cameras and laptops etc.

Manganese (spinel) - high-end power tools

Phosphate that competes head-on with spinel.Lithium-ion polymer type. Its unique constructionperforms in a similar way to cobalt-based lithium-ion.

* Safety Note

As with all Li-ion battery types, there are safetyissues you must be aware of when using thisbattery. But, if you use common sense andproperly care for Li-ion type batteries, you’ll enjoymany hours of safe use.

Li-ion battery safety today has just screamedforward with two major safety items. The first is theuse of a poly switch to shut off the battery should ashort circuit occur within the battery or within theload device.

http://www.batteryspace.com/warningsforusingbatteries.aspx

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Second is the use of a Protection Circuit Board orPCB. The PCB now monitors the battery fornumerous conditions while it’s charging and in use.

I actually purchased the 7.2ah Li-ion Water BottleBattery and just love this battery for use with myIcom 703 Plus HFpack. I sliced off around eightpounds of weight using this battery!

My first outing operating pedestrian mobile withthis battery was a success. I ran my Icom 703 PlusHFpack and transmitted at five watts contest-stylefor approximately four hours in 10’F weather untilthe battery cutoff.

By the way, the PCB in the battery cuts off veryquickly with little warning! My Icom 703 Plus justwent dead. Later I checked the voltage of thebattery in a warm room and it read 13.7V. I guessthe cold weather temporally lowered the batterycapacity.

On that same operation my camera battery alsoread very low, but later read almost full charge in awarm room –hi!

Here’s what Batteryuniversity.com states aboutcold weather battery operation.

“Cold temperature increases the internal resistanceand diminishes the capacity. Batteries that wouldprovide 100 percent capacity at 27°C (80°F) willtypically deliver only 50 percent at –18°C (0°F).The capacity decrease is linear with temperature.”

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Solar Panels

As I stated earlier, many state parks are nowconsidering placing a ban on generators in theparks. This leaves the amateur radio operator withfew alternatives, but to use batteries as a powersource.

Yes, here size does matter! The larger the solarpanel size usually means more capacity.More capacity means more operating time off thepower grid.

Here again the remoteness factor comes in to play.

The more remote the location, the more you’ll haveto dial-back on the power consumption.

There are many types of solar panels producedtoday, but they usually always have one thing incommon. The larger the panel i.e. surface area,the more capacity.

Let’s investigate what size solar panel is right foryou. Here again I use the “Goldilocks Factor.” Youwant a panel that’s not to big, but not to small – justright!

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Using a Solar Panel to Charge Batteries

The following section is from James R. DuffeyKK6MC, “Batteries and charging systems for QRP”,2005. Yes, the material is somewhat dated, but isstill holds true today as back then.

It is easy to use a solar panel to charge a battery inthe field. This is attractive from the point of beingself contained and many contests offer anadditional multiplier for solar power. Visitors to aportable site are often impressed by the solar panelpowering a ham radio station that is working otherstations all over the country.

Small solar panels can often be found surplus or atham fests. A 3 to 5 Watt size is a good choice formost portable operations.

Such a panel will produce 250 mA to 300 mA at18V in full sun and is a good mate to a 7AH SLAbattery.

Some foreign car manufacturers ship their cars witha small solar panel on the dash to keep the batterycharged.

These panels are sold or given away after the car isreceived. Check with your local VW dealer, or theycan often be found on e-bay. Harbor Freight hasseveral solar panels which go on sale form time totime. When on sale these are usually good deals.

A solar panel is a constant current device and canbe thought of as a constant current charger.

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SLA batteries and Ni-Cd batteries lend themselvesto constant current charging and hence to simplecharging by the solar panel. In the simplestarrangement the panel is simply hooked up to thebattery, observing polarity, and allowed to charge.

This works best if the panel output is less than 0.1Cor if the current drawn by the rig is less than thecurrent supplied by the panel. If either of these twoconditions are not present it is wise to use a zenerdiode or a charge controller.

The zener diode should have a voltage ratinghigher than the highest expected fully chargedbattery voltage. A 15 V zener is adequate for 12 VNi-Cd or SLA batteries. The power rating should bethe same as the panel. The full power of the panelwill be dissipated by the zener when the battery isfully charged.

Simplest solar charging setup is shown below. Thesolar panel is a constant current device and cancharge Ni-Cd and SLA batteries.

The zener diode is provided for over-voltageprotection to the battery and should be a slightlyhigher value than the fully charged batterypotential. It can be omitted if the charging rate isless than 0.1C or if the current drawn by thetransceiver is equal to or greater than the currentsupplied by the panel. The series diode is oftenbuilt into solar panels and avoids discharging thebattery into the solar cell at night.

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If the solar panel is to be used long term in a fixedlocation, or if the current supplied by the panel ishigher than 0.1C, or the power consumed by theattached rig is less than the panel can supply, acharge controller should be used to avoid damageby Polarity Protection overcharging the battery.

A shunt controller is preferred to a series controller.A series controller will often have significant voltagedrops that will limit the amount of power the solarpanel can deliver to the battery.

There are a number of shunt controller designs,some with elaborate microprocessor control andothers using exotic switching devices.

James R. Duffey KK6MC, “Batteries and chargingsystems for QRP”, 2005.

Now let’s start small and work our way up in size.

I use my Elecraft KX1 all the time while hiking sowe’ll start here.

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KX1 External 12V Solar Panel Charger Setup

Now that I have my internal 11.8v Li-ion batteryworking great, I want to charge it with a smallsolar panel. I need to charge my KX1 when hikingfor days out on the Appalachian Trail here inPennsylvania so the panel must be small, but stillable to charge the 11.8v/1.5ah Li-ion battery in myKX1. I went to where I purchased the 3.7v Li-ionbatteries and here’s what Batteryspace.com hasto say about it.

Q: What kind of battery shall I choose for my solarpanel of 12V ( 15V peak) ?

A: You can choose any 12V SLA, NiCad and NiMHbattery based on you budget. SLA is cheaper butheavy, NiCad is lighter but cost more. The beststorage battery is a Li-Ion which has only 20%weight of SLA at same capacity, but is moreexpensive than a NiCad.

NiMH battery is not good choice for a solar panelbecause it has higher self discharging rate.

Q: What capacity of battery ( mah or wh ) shall Ichoose for my solar panel ?

A: It depends on the wattage of your solar paneland expected charging time for the storagebattery.

If your solar panel is 10W, you want to charge it for5 hours to full, you would choose a 50Wh batterypack ( e.g. 12V * 4.2Ah pack).

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A higher ( ah or wh ) rated battery needs a longercharging time at a certain wattage, or higherwattage of solar panel will provide shorter chargingtime for a certain capacity battery.

Q: Do I need a charging controller to charge batterypack?

A: It is not necessary if you choose a right batterycapacity with limited charging time because youknow when the battery is full. Especially because aLi-ion battery pack has a protection circuit board(PCB ) inside, which will cut-off power when batteryis full.

However, if you try to use a small battery with ahigh wattage solar panel without attention, youneed to add a controller between solar panel andbattery.

Here’s what Power Film Inc. says about using acharge controller.

Do I need a charge controller?

A charge controller is used to prevent overcharging.As a general recommendation, a charge controllershould be used if the current output of the solarpanel, in amps, is more than 1% of the batterycapacity, in Amp-hours. For example, a chargecontroller would be recommended if a solar panelwith 1.2 amps were connected to a battery that isless than 120 Amp-hours.

Consult the battery manufacturer for completebattery information and recommendations.

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By using the these formulas, here’s what I figurewill be needed to charge my 1.5ah battery.

SPW= Solar Panel Wattage, WH = Watt Hours

12V * 1.5A = 18WH BatterySPW * 4 hrs charge time = 18 WH BatterySPW = 18WH / 4hrsSPW = 4.5W or ~ 5W Solar Panel

The solar panel that I have is a small yellow fold-out panel made by ICP Global. Its dimensionsunfolded are 7” x 7.5” x .75” . The solar panel isspecified for 15v @ 145ma.

With my KX1 internal 11.8v Li-ion battery atmedium charge, that’s one four-hour event on theAT, I connected my small solar panel to bottomcharge connector.

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I then turned on my moveable bench light andplaced it about five inches from the top of the solarpanel to simulate daylight. I measured a chargecurrent starting at 10.3ma.

After a little over five hours of charging using thesmall solar panel, the internal 11.8v Li-ion batterymeasured 11.93v. I plugged in my AC charger andthe LED indicates green for full charge, but thebattery isn’t fully charged just yet.

When I unplugged the solar panel, it was stillcharging the battery at a rate of approximately 8ma.Remember that a 11.8v Li-ion Battery will charge toaround 12.1v and have a working voltage of 11.8v.

So, it looks like my small iSun Sport SolarPanel made by ICP Global will work, but thispanel is only rated for 2.2W

Remember that I plan to charge my KX1internal battery every day while I hike. So Idon’t plan to allow the battery to go completelydead.

In fact I plan on the battery to have amedium charge on it after the first evening ofoperation. That’s why I used the 750ma number.

By using those numbers with the formula, here’swhat I figure will work for me.

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SPW= Solar Panel Wattage, WH = Watt Hours

12v * .75A = 9WH Battery (this is the make-upcharge needed for the 1.5ah battery)SPW * 4 hrs charge time = 9 WH BatterySPW = 9WH / 4hrsSPW = 2.25W Solar Panel

So the calculations seem to be close. I used myKX1 for the March 2008 PBMME and called CQ alot.

After that, I used my small solar panel to charge theinternal 11.8v Li-ion battery and after fivehours or so the internal battery had a good, but notfull charge on it using my bench lamp.

The next day, a sunny Spring morning, I hooked upmy somewhat charged KX1 battery to the smallsolar panel and watched the charge current. Not tomy surprise, it was 50ma in the sunlight.Seems that my bench lamp only simulates a cloudyday at best –hi! I left it charging and took the solarpanel off after an hour in the morning sun.The internal battery now measured 12.03v. Justabout a full charge on the battery.

So, even on a cloudy day my small solar panelshould charge my internal KX1 11.8v LI-ion Batteryas I hike the trail. I need to keep a medium chargeon the battery after use.

That’s calling CQ a bunch and making around six toeight contacts per evening. Then charge the batterywhile hiking four to six hours. If the sun is bright,the hours will be less to fully charge the internalbattery.

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Yes, this is a small demonstration, but it holds truefor larger solar panels and battery combinations.

Here’s a table listing a few sites that sell portablesolar products that can be used by amateur radiooperators out in the field etc.

Solar Stores

http://www.siliconsolar.com/ http://www.earthtechproducts.com/ http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/ http://www.impactbattery.com/ http://www.sheepleg.com/ http://www.gofastandlight.com/ http://www.spheralsolar.com/ http://www.disasterstuff.com/store/pc/Solar-

Power-c88.htm http://www.cabelas.com http://solarcampingpower.net/index.php

Solar panel technology is advancing all the time.Within the last few years the amateur radiooperator may now buy relatively cheap smallfolding solar panels for backpacking etc.

Even the larger solar panels around the 20w to 40wrange may now be purchased at a reasonable priceby hams that operate portable stations in the field.

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We now have the technology to stay in the field forlonger periods of time and not be without portablepower. With such an array of portable solarproducts and batteries to chose from, thebackpacker, mobile operator and camper are nowtruly portable.

In this chapter I’ve just touched on the vast array ofportable power available to the amateur radioportable operator. The possibilities are almostendless. It just depends on how much you arewilling to spend on the products.

As I stated earlier, the old gas generator is stillaround, but you’ll not be able to use them at manypublic places in the future. Even the new efficientinverters make noise and must still be fed gasoline.

As technology moves forward, the amateur radioportable operator will have all sorts of portablepower available to him or her. Most of this newpower will probably be in the form of solar power.

Battery technology is just blazing forward withsmaller sizes and higher power densities. Mosthams today can afford these new battery types andwhen combined with the new solar products, wetruly will be portable from almost any locationknown to man!

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Chapter 5

Portable vs. Backpack Operation

In the first couple of chapters I have talked aboutyou, radios, antennas, batteries, solar power andyes a little about myself. It’s now time to talk aboutthe differences and the similarities betweenportable operating and backpack operating. Yes,they have similar traits, but can be as different asnight and day!

If you operate portable from a campsite or fromyour vehicle, your power source weight and sizearen’t all that important. You can take a generatorwith you or more battery power. You don’t have tocarry your power source to far so it’s an easy setup.

But, if you plan to hike on a trail somewhere, you’llhave to carry all on your back. This really limitswhat power source to use and what radio to use.

For a day hike you can use a larger radio such asthe Yaesu FT-857D. This rig will require a largerpower source such as a battery. Partially because itis capable of higher power output - 100w. But,mainly due to the high receive current.

Yes, the rig also weighs more, but for a day hikethis isn’t much of a problem. The rub here is whenyou plan a multi-day hike! Even using the newernanophosphate batteries, the rig is just to heavy toclimb with up and down the mountains.

You’ll just have to dial-back on the radio andbattery. If you don’t, you won’t be hiking for long –hi!

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Please remember that for a multi-day hike you’llneed to pack many items to camp with and food toeat for every night spent on the trail etc. All thisstuff takes up space and adds weight to your pack.

I always try to keep my pack weight to under thirtypounds or so. You can’t believe how fast that packwill fill up. Before you know it, you’ll have to makea few decisions on what to take and what to leavebehind.

Do you take that sleeping pad? How about leavingyour sleeping bag at home? My answer is NO!

Always take the necessary hiking items to keepyourself safe and warm!

As you gain experience in the field, you’ll buy moreefficient gear that will take up less space and weighless. I started with a fifty pound pack! This didn’tlast long and I purchased better gear until I nowhave my pack weight down to around thirty poundsincluding radio gear.

Also, please remember that the gear needed forone night isn’t all that different than say three nightson a trail. Why is this? The only real difference isfood!

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So far I’ve covered the difference between portableand backpack operating by comparing the differentrequirements for radios and power sources. Nowlet’s talk about their similarities.

Sometimes you can do a portable operation andcombine it with a backpack operation. ManySummits on the Air or SOTA Expeditions combinethe two.

Summits on the Air (SOTA) is an award scheme forradio amateurs and shortwave listeners thatencourages portable operation in mountainousareas. SOTA has been carefully designed to makeparticipation possible for everyone - this is not justfor mountaineers!

There are awards for activators (those who ascendto the summits) and chasers (who either operatefrom home, a local hilltop or are even Activators onother summits).

SOTA is now fully operational in many countriesacross the world. Each country has its ownAssociation which defines the recognized SOTAsummits within that Association.

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Each summit earns the activators and chasers ascore which is related to the height of the summit.Certificates are available for various scores, leadingto the prestigious "Mountain Goat" and "ShackSloth" trophies. An Honor Roll for Activators andChasers is maintained at the SOTA onlinedatabase.

If you can’t hike for long periods of time, maybe youcould drive close to the summit and then park yourvehicle. Then hike to the summit with your radiogear and activate a summit!

Maybe your friend can’t hike, but still would like tooperate from the vehicle. He or she could still workhams from close to or on the summit, but thecontacts just won’t count for SOTA.

Your friend still will have plenty of fun operating asa portable or mobile station on the mountain andyou as a SOTA Summit Activator! This way youboth have plenty of fun.

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Shown here is Scott, N3SW, activating SOTASummit W3/PD-006 also known as Methodist HillNorth in Pennsylvania. If you look close, you’ll seethat Scott is operating HF CW with his Elecraft KX1Radio and VHF/UHF with his HT.

For additional information about this wonderfulprogram, please go to Summits On The Air.

http://www.sota.org.uk/

Your ready for the field, but you now need to letothers know when and on what frequency you planto operate. You could just go out and call CQ, butremember that will take its toll on your battery.

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What if you could head out to operate in the fieldand many operators in the field and at home wouldalready know your call sign and what frequency youare operating on at that time. Yes, this sounds likea dream, but it’s now a reality for most hams. Evenif you have been out in the field for days withouthuman contact, you still can let others know thatyou are operating in the outdoors!

Twitter QRPSPOTS

Background:The initial goal was to receive and send “spots”while away from an internet connection using yourcell phone. In particular, using the standardizedSMS (Short Messaging Service protocol …seehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS for more detail) or“texting”, could a ham radio “spot” message be sentvia your cell phone and have that “spot” messagedelivered to subscribers on their cell phones? If so,this would enable any “field operator” to interactwith the internet via the SMS texting network andreceive “spots” from other field operators from theircell phone. So I can now share information, i.e.“advertise”, my transmitting station frequency withothers who might be interested thereby facilitating acontact. So how is this accomplished?

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Here’s some recent history on how QRPSPOTScame into existence. Guy Hamblen, N7UN states,that, “in mid-2008, I was sending/texting SMSmessages to friends, not unlike other teenagers,using Twitter as a framework.

Twitter made it easy to propagate a direct messageto one other single account. Twitter itself does nothave a "groups" feature. But the Twitter folkspublished their API ("application programminginterface") which allowed for a "groups" featureexternal to the Twitter network. So I establishedQRPSPOTS as a Twitter group, which allowed anymessages from that group to propagate to all groupmembers.

Several months after this network was establishedin the spring of 2009, Martin Gillen, VA3SIE,extended this network by taking one of these groupmessages, parsing it for correct syntax and errordetection/correction and then forwarded thatmessage to www.qrpspots.com, a separate andindependent web-based application. So now myTwitter-originated message would show upon www.qrpspots.com .http://www.qrpspots.com/

Then, by working closely with the web-basedwww.qrpspots.com application, Martin had it sendweb-originated messages to the Twitter network forpropagation to all subscribers. Now you effectivelyhave an integrated network between two disparateapplications, Twitter and www.qrpspots.com . Inaddition, Martin polls for messages in the APRS.finetwork (APRS originated messages) andpropagates them into these two networks.

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A more complete history and explanation occurs inthe Feb 2010 issue of QST on page 72.See http://qrpspots.blogspot..com/ for completeinstructions on how to setup and use this networkmessaging system.

I personally find it very useful to "spot" thebeginning of my field portable operations to thisnetwork. The Twitter-based QRPSPOTS grouphas over 350 followers today and likewise, manyhundreds of folks monitor www.qrpspots.com foractivity. I get a 10-20 qso "spike" or pileup withinminutes of spotting my operation via the SMS cellphone network. In comparison, without using thissystem, I can call CQ for many tens of minutes andonly have 1 or 2 contacts. So does it work?Invariably yes!” N7UN

http://qrpspots.blogspot.com/

Twitter QRPSPOTS spots to: On every cell phone which is following by

phone on Twitter On http://qrpspots.com/ http://www.obriensweb.com/sked/ http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm_dx_cluster.ht

ml Two APRS Networks

As you can see, by sending one text message, youwill announce to hundreds if not thousands of hamswhat frequency, time and band you are operatingon out in the field – cool!

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Chapter Six

Places to Operate a Portable Station

A portable operation could be nothing more thandriving to a spot using your mobile rig to operate. Itcould be setting up at a campsite to operate. Howabout operating from a lighthouse or lightship?

Lighthouses and Lightships

Delaware Inner Breakwater Lighthouse

The lighthouse shown was activated by a group ofhams in 2006. They had to transport everything outto the lighthouse by boat!

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Amateur radio operators at the lighthouse

This type of portable operation requires lots ofplanning and equipment similar to a Field Dayoperation, but out in the ocean. It’s a lot of work,but it’s also a boat load of fun!

W4ALT operating from Delaware Inner Breakwater

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WA3WSJ/m at the Overfalls Lightship

This is a picture of the author while I operatedmobile from my truck at the Overfalls Lightship atLewes, Delaware. This type of operation is easyand requires little planning – it’s just fun!

I drove down from Pennsylvania and was campingat Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware andstumbled upon the lighthouse expedition! I actuallyheard the lighthouse crew on their 2m repeater andwas talking to them about my operating at thelightship while they operated from the lighthouse.

They plucked me out of the bay as I was wadingout to take a picture of the lighthouse and theirbanner. I then became their “official” photographerfor the lighthouse expedition –hi!

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I really had a fun time wading into the bay, beingplucked out of the bay by boat, and touring thelighthouse. Later they told me that, “we better goget this guy before he drowns himself.” Little did Iknow that I was approaching a sixty-foot drop offclose to the lighthouse! If you want to have somefun, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Pictured here is the author, WA3WSJ/pm operatingfrom the Overfalls Lightship located in Lewes,Delaware. I’m using my Icom 703 Plus HFpackoperating on twenty-meters CW.

I could have setup a mobile or portable station heretoo. I have even operated from on board theOverfalls Lightship, but it gets crowded in there.

For additional information about amateur radio,lighthouses and lightships, check out the AmateurRadio Lighthouse Society or ARLHS.

http://arlhs.com/

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Beaches

Yes, beaches are great places to operate from, butpick a spot that’s away from the crowds. I oftentake my Elecraft KX1 Radio and my Black WidowVertical Antenna with me and operate from LewesBeach located in Lewes, Delaware.

I just throw my Elecraft KX1 and things in my beachchair pocket and put the chair on my back and go!Once I find a good spot, I setup my station and startoperating from the beach – umbrella and all! If I gethot, I just jump in the ocean for a quick cool down.

Pictured is Paul Singnorelli, W0RW, operating hispedestrian mobile station on Siesta Beach, Florida.He’s using his Elecraft KX1 QRP Transceiver with awhip sling antenna.

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Pictured here is WA3WSJ/pm operating from atopan old WW2 bunker on Cape Henlopen Beach. I’mabout thirty-feet off the beach with a great view andblue skies - life is good!

There are plenty of places to operate a regularportable station on a beach. You just have to planthe operation and enjoy this wonderful earth!

Water

There are some operators who like to take to thewater and play radio. This type of portableoperation seems like it would be lots of fun! I guessyou would have to pick a place that’s not to roughso as to not dump the water craft.

Here’s Steve’s, WG0AT, way to operate in a kayak.

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It looks like W8BHK likes to operate in the watertoo!

Here’s how AJ8P operates in the water!

As you can see, you don’t have to be on solidground to have some radio fun. In fact let’s seehow one operator has fun in the air!

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Air

Here’s how WB2EMS operates in the air! Boy, thatcockpit is full of radio gear etc. Airborne ham shackis a CGS Hawk Arrow.

http://www.cgsaviation.com/

Basically a modern, aluminum piper cub classaircraft. 65 hp Rotax pusher engine. Cruise is 65mph, climb is 900 fpm solo. Registered as anELSA. The Hawk is a sweet flying, capable, airplane.

View from the pilot's seat. On the left the GPSfeeds the Kenwood D7 for APRS spots. A camerain the nose can be fed to a VC-H1 to downlinkstatic images every few minutes as well. In thecenter is the Icom air band radio. On the right is anFT-51 dual band ht that can be used to monitor asecond air band frequency or 2m/70cm. PTT is thesquare red button on the top of the stick at thebottom of the picture.

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The knob just below the airspeed indicator selectswhich radio the PTT and microphone on theheadset are directed to. To the left is for air band,and the aviation radio audio appears in bothearpieces. To the right selects the FT51, and theaviation audio appears in the left headphone whilethe FT51 audio appears in the right headphone.

The most important thing is to set the audio gainfrom the microphone very low to reduce thebackground noise. Most headsets and radios runthe mic gain quite high. I built a simple customcircuit into the panel to supply power to the electretelement in the headset and to allow me to set theaudio gain as needed.

Even though the engine and prop are only 4 feetbehind me, most stations cannot even tell I ammobile unless I tell them.

At the moment the picture was taken, I was flyinginto a headwind. You can see the IAS is 66 mph,but the ground speed on the GPS is only 47 mph.

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Cycle

I’ve never operated HF from on a motorcycle,bicycle or tricycle, but it sure looks like fun! Here’sa few operators who really like to operate from acycle.

Here’s W7JC on his bicycle operating and havingsome fun.

It looks like Byron, W7SWC, really loves to operateHF from his bicycle. Byron’s power house for hisbike are 12-volt and 2-volt sealed lead acid (SLA)batteries in series and paralleled with a secondset of 12- and 2-volt batteries resulting in about a14-ampere hour capacity. SLA batteries in 12-volt,7- or 8-Ah sizes are readily available, but 2-voltsizes are harder to locate in the marketplace.

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I found the 14-volt battery combination superior forthe 706, and necessary for an Icom 7000. The 12-volt package works with the 706 but the Icomradios as well as other modern transceivers reallyrun best at 13.8 volts.

The battery pack is then connected to the rigthrough a Watt’s Up digital wattmeter mountedbelow the 706 to monitor voltage and current drain.I turn the dial lights off on the 706 and got thecurrent draw on receive down to only 1.03 amps.

Byron’s bike antenna is The antenna is a Ham Stickmounted with a quick disconnect on the luggagerack behind the battery. Here’s W7SWC’s Icom 706mounted up front on his bike.

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Here’s how Wayne. W9AE rides!

Here’s W9AE recumbent cycle cockpit.

Yaesu FT-817 transceiver with W4RT speechprocessor, Collins SSB and CW filters. Under theradio is a Palm mini CW paddle.

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The antenna is a Hustler 4.5-foot tilt-over mast,Super Antennas MP-1 adjustable loading coil, witha 4-foot flexible whip on top. It tunes 12m-40m (a10-foot vertical is too long to tune on 10m).

Headset attached to helmet. Handlebar-mountedswitches for PTT (left thumb) and up/down tuning(right thumb). In a rear pannier is a Tokyo Hy-Power HL-50B amplifier (50W) and a 14.4V, 8AHNiMH battery (12 "D" cells). Total weight of thebike-mobile radio equipment is 11 pounds (5 kg).

Here’s how WB2EMS rides!

Take note of the pole he uses for his antenna at therear of the bike.

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RV

Here’s K9UTQ, Gene’s motor home or RV. Takenote of the Eagle One Antenna on the rear of theRV. Gene uses this antenna for most of his HFcontacts. The Eagle One Vertical seems to receivegreat reviews from hams who use it. I really likehow it collapses down and looks great on the rearladder out of the way.

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Gene, K9UTQ, feeds his Eagle One by feeding 50-ohm coax to a 4:1 Balun and grounding rods intothe ground at the base.

The Eagle One is a portable/home base antennamanufactured by two hams in Proctorville, Ohio;W8AFX and W8GMS. The antenna itself consistsof a series of fiberglass tubes telescoping to 31'with an interior radiating element of HD wire whichis toped with a metal loop for either addingadditional length or suspending the antenna from afixed point. Also available is a large metal tripodwhich holds a 4' pole against which to strap theantenna. The antenna fits into itself and makes atube 2" x 44". It also is available with twoconnectors to install it on an (RV) ladder, but not formobile use.http://www.w8afx.com/

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Here’s what Gene’s, K9UTQ, ham station looks likeinside his RV.

I am Ira, KB2DJJ and my wife and I are in our RV10 or 11 months a year.

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The setup in the photo is for when we are stopped,while underway the Icom 706 on the dash is used. Ioperate a good deal of PSK with the setup you see.A Yaesu FT897D, a Nomic interface and a smallnetbook.

I also operate SSB as you can see the headphoneshanging on the mirror. The major job is antennas. Icarry a Buddipole outfit, a homebrew 20/40 trapdipole and an end fed zepp.

If we are stopped for any period of time and I havesome trees, the management of the campgroundswill usually let me fire a line into the trees with aslingshot to support the wire. If not I deploy theBuddipole.

The RV has, like most, two batteries, one for theengine and one for the house, and a 4 KWgenerator. I carry a A123 lithium nanophosphatebattery pack for picnic table operation. Power isnever a problem. The 706 runs on a Perth Outbackantenna and the biggest problem with that setup isgetting a good ground to the frame of the RV.

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Here’s what Bernie Fuller, N3EFN, writes in hisbook entitled, “Amateur Radio for RVers.”

We could go on for pages about the antennasystems that fit in with the RV lifestyle. As you growin the hobby, you will become more aware of themany solutions other RVing hams have come upwith to add an efficient antenna to their RV. Theantenna choices will run the gambit from small thru-the-glass mounts for VHF/UHF operation to bumpermounted large verticals for HF that can be loweredwhile traveling and raised when the rig is parked.

A sampling of one of the Amateur Radio Forums onthe internet yielded:On the HF bands, many hams use the Hustler HFvertical antenna. The models most often selected atthe 4-BTV (covering 10-15-20-40 meters) or the 5-BTV (covering 10-15-20-40-$ 75 or 80 meters).

These vertical antennas are mounted in a numberof different ways so they can be folded down whentraveling and erected to full height when parked in aRV site. They are very effective antennas for theHF bands if carefully tuned and constructed.

If you can find a copy, the Amateur Radio Club ofthe Wally Byam Caravan Club International(WBCCI) (the Airstream folks) published anextensive treatment of RV antenna mountingand use. This publication was entitled “Ideas forMounting Amateur Radio Antennas on RecreationalVehicles, and it was published in May 1980 with asecond printing in October, 1983. I don’t know ifany copies still exist, but you might contact theclub. (See the section dealing with RV-Travel-Emergency Nets in the Essential References forYour Library chapter)

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The archives of the ARRL monthly magazine, QST,has a couple of articles on RV antennas:

1. Antennas for Travel Trailers and Campers byPhilip S. Rand, W1DBM, edition of March 1969p. 34.

2. A Deluxe RV 5-Band Antenna. Better’n ham andeggs …. Ham and RV!. By Charles W. Schecter,W8UCG, edition of October 1980 p.38.

N3EFN’s Notes

There are nets devoted to this aspect of AmateurRadio. If you are interested, check the NetDirectory section of http://www.arrl.org/

See also Amateur Radio on the RV Trail by J.M.Huckabee, AA5BU in World Radio Magazineonline. Google the title.

Another HF antenna that intrigues me for RV use isthe PRO-AM Multi-Band Mobile (AST-6BTV). Thisantenna covers frequency bands from 6 metersthrough 80 meters. This antenna is easily mountedon a RV in any number of locations. I have usedsimilar antennas with varying degrees of success.

VHF/UHF antennas abound in the market. I seemore antennas in this category at hamfests thanany other type. Look for names like Diamond, Pro-AM, Hustler, Larsen, Comet, MFJ and AntennaSpecialists.

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Mounts run the gambit from thru the-glass configurations to magnetic mounts to mirrormounts. One of my mobile VHF/UHF rigs utilizes aPro-Am “Thru Glass” antenna that functionssuperbly. I have also used Radiall/Larsen magneticmounts as well as Comet and Maldol trunk lipmounts. All of these various mounting means havebeen effective. So …it’s your choice which one youcast a ballot for.

While I’m on the subject of RVs, I’d like to show youhow Jerry, N4EO/YI9EO, operates from not amobile home, but his house in Iraq. While it is ahouse, his radio gear sure looks like it could be aportable setup –hi!

Here’s the power company distribution box close tohis house. Each point is a 6A circuit!

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Here’s Jerry’s transfer switch etc at his house.

Now that he has power in the house, he needs tocondition it and have backup power. The whit boxon the left is a 500W inverter fed with a large 150ahbattery on the floor. The line conditioners are thetwo white boxes on the right.

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Here’s Jerry’s, YI9EO, station.

While Jerry’s station is in his house, it sure could bein an RV etc. It looks like Jerry is ready for anything– well, almost anything! That Elecraft K3 sure looksnice sitting there all by it’s lonesome.

Here’s a look at the large battery he uses to powerthe inverter.

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Mountain Peaks

Yes, operating from a mountain top is fun. Thehike or drive to the summit is really cool and onceup there, the view is just awesome. I have hiked tomountain summits over six thousand feet high andothers close to home at just over 1500 feet high.One thing they all have in common is the fantasticview.

While hiking across Franconia Ridge in the WhiteMountains of New Hampshire, the views were 360degrees in all directions – just breathtaking views!That’s my daughter Cynthia in the foregroundhiking the ridge with me.

As you can see, hiking above tree line requires aself-supported antenna such as a vertical as thereare no trees up there. You also really don’t want tocarry a large and heavy rig and battery up there. Ioperated QRP and had a mountain of fun!

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As I stated before, Summits on the Air or SOTA, isa great way to activate a summit and others willwant to work you. SOTA is a worldwide programthat started in Europe and has migrated big time tothe United States.

Here’s a list of all the SOTA Associations in the US.

SOTA Association Websites

W1 SOTAhttp://www.poi-factory.com/node/24760W2 SOTAhttp://w2sota.blogspot.com/W3 SOTAhttp://sotaw3.homestead.com/index.htmlW4 SOTAhttp://sota-w4-va.hamradio.me/http://www.sota.org.uk/Associations/viewAssociation/prefix/W4W5 SOTAhttp://www.qsl.net/kd9kc/W6 SOTAhttp://www.sotausa.com/w6region.phpW7 SOTAhttp://www.sotausa.com/w7region.phpW0 SOTAhttp://w0-sota.org/

If you have any questions about SOTA, go to theSOTA Worldwide Website for additionalinformation.

http://www.sota.org.uk/

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Chapter Seven

DX Portable Operation

I thought long and hard before adding this chapter.Most portable operators will never take the time tooperate as DX, but some just might try it.

My first DXpedition was to Puerto Rico in 1992. Ialways wanted to try it, but I never did until thatyear. Why did I take action then? Well, a fellowham in our local ham radio club died that year. Ican still remember him saying, “one year I’m goingon a Dxpedition.” For him that year never cameand I promised myself that wasn’t going to happento me!

That first DXpedition was a real ear opener! I hadnever operated as DX and never had a “pileup” onme. That first pileup was actually funny. I wascasually operating using CW. My DX buddydecided it was time for me to work a pileup so hetold a friend here in the US to “post me.”

Our friend back in the US lists me on the DXCluster Reflector. My casual operating soon turnedin to a bee hive! Yes, that’s what it sounded like inmy headset. I threw my headset off and my buddyhad a good laugh!

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That first DXpedition taught me what to do whileoperating outside my home country. We stayed inPuerto Rico for a total of eight days, but the CQWorldwide CW Contest only lasted forty-eighthours. We traveled there to operate this contest.The rest of the time we toured the island, met thelocal hams, eat new food and had fun.

No DXpedition is the same. Yes, there’s a fewthings you should always do while on aDXpedition, but most of the time each DXpeditionthat I’ve taken was different in various ways.

This first DXpedition to Puerto Rico was truly aportable one. We stayed at the Villa del Carmen onthe southeastern side of the island. The villa hadno antennas or ham radio gear at all. We had tobring every piece of radio! The Tribander you seein the picture of the villa was shipped there aheadof time as was other radio gear.

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You might try to say that every DXpedition is aportable operation, but you would be wrong! I oncetraveled to Turk Ciaos Islands for a DXpedition.The hamlet we stayed in had an array of towersand antennas plus a few radios for hams to use.There was nothing portable about that DXpedition –hi!

Here’s the author with Lizzy the property owner’sdog that came into the hamlet each morninglooking for a handout. The rig you see in front ofme is my Elecraft K2. In forty-eight hours I had over1200 contacts during the CQ WW CW Contestrunning at 5w! The antennas really helped me out.

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Here’s several pictures taken from a few AbacoIsland DXpeditions I took to the Bahamas.

This picture was taken from a plane as weapproached Abaco Island. You can see the runwayas we prepare to land.

This particular DXpedition was a quasi portabletype because we had a tower and antennas there,but we installed additional antennas and bought ourown radios etc.

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This picture shows the author, WA3WSJ operatingmy Kenwood TS440 with a tuner and amplifier froma house located on the point of Abaco Island in theBahamas around 1996.

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Here’s a picture of the house where we stayed andoperated from on Abaco Island in 1996.

To go on a portable DXpedition there are a fewitems you must do:

Find a location Find lodging If needed, get a license Arrange transportation Itemize all radio gear you take

If you want to operate as DX, start closer to homeand as you gain experience, go to more remotelocations. If you’re an ARRL member, call themand they can assist you with the needed licensesetc.

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While at the DX location, try to experience the localculture. Don’t just operate the entire time you’rethere as you will be missing a wonderfulexperience.

I could go on and on here, but I need to end thischapter. This subject could be a book in itself!

Most of all – have fun!

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Chapter Eight

Hiking Equipment for the Ham

In this chapter we’ll take a few steps closer to themore remote locations in the great outdoors. You’lllearn what clothing to wear while hiking, what foodto take with you, and what gear you absolutelyneed to have with you on a hike.

The hiker will generally consider clothing itemsbased on the expected weather and demands ofthe particular hike. For example rain or snow wouldrequire different gear than a desert environment.

Footwear

The most important piece of gear you’ll take onyour hike will be your boots or hiking shoes. Thesecome in a variety of high top (better ankle support),or low top (more comfortable) styles. Hikers shouldwear boots or shoes based on the weather (rain,snow or slush), and the nature of the trail (swampyor wet). My preference is to always wear a boot thatis made out of a GORE-TEX material. GORE-TEXwill keep moisture out, but at the same time allowyour foot to breath.

GORE-TEX® fabrics are created by laminatingGORE-TEX® membrane to high-performancetextiles, then sealing them with an innovativesolution for durable waterproof protection.

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Gore-Tex materials are typically based on thermo-mechanically expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) and other fluoropolymer products. They areused in a wide variety of applications such as highperformance fabrics, medical implants, filter media,insulation for wires and cables, gaskets, andsealants. However, Gore-Tex fabric is best knownfor its use in protective, yet breathable, rainwear.

The simplest sort of rain wear is a two layersandwich. The outer layer is typically nylon orpolyester and provides strength. The inner one ispolyurethane (abbreviated: PU), and provides waterresistance, at the cost of breath ability.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gore-Tex

I only wear GORE-TEX boots and I also try to wearGORE-TEX outer ware. Believe me, if your innerboots get wet, it will be a miserable hike. I havehad my GORE-TEX boots in almost six inches ofwater or mud and my feet came out dry!

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Shown here is a picture of the hiking boots I wearwhen out for several days on the trail. This is aMerrell Continuum Hiking Boot that’s no longermade, but there are similar boots. I really like thisboot for one reason – no blisters! I have tried manytypes of boots, but this boot from day one fit greatand gave me zero blisters. I spent around $100USD for this pair.

Why no blisters? This boot and ones like it aremore of a hiking sneaker-boot. They aren’t asheavy and rigid as some boots, but that’s why I likethem. This type of boot tends to have more “give”and therefore doesn’t rub your foot like the morerigid models. It’s also a GORE-TEX boot. This boothas just enough support for me and keeps my feetdry.

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Pictured here is my Lowa Hiking Boot. This is alow-cut style boot and it’s very comfortable on thetrail. I usually wear these boots for day hikes etc.The sole on this hiking shoe/boot is somewhatmore rigid, but great for rocks etc.

I’ve shown you my boots, but you’ll have to findwhat style boot works for you as every foot isdifferent. As they say, “one shoe doesn’t fit all” inthis case.

The main factors to remember when selectinghiking boots are:

good fit boot should breath water-resistant or waterproof easy to remove and install sole should protect bottom of foot

If it seems like I’m spending a great deal of time onfootwear, you’re correct. I can’t stress enough thatyou don’t want to pinch pennies here!

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Along with footwear most hikers should alsoconsider socks that will help wick sweat from thehiker's feet, provide warmth, and provide bufferinginside the shoe.

While buffering inside the boot is important, youshouldn’t totally rely on it to prevent blisters. Pleasemake sure your boot properly fits your foot! I onlywear a light sock most of the time while hiking theAT in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania has manyrocks and hills!

Headwear

A hat can provide cooling in the summer, warmth inthe winter and protection from sun. I always wear ahat for one reason – sunburn on my head. Even ifyou have hair on your head, the sun will burn thetop of it if not protected from the sun.

One hat doesn’t fit all here!

In hot weather I wear a baseball cap made from asynthetic material with mesh side openings. Whydo I wear this hat? When it’s hot your head willsweat and the openings provide air circulation. Thesynthetic material will also quickly dry.

In cold weather I like a knit-style cap. The kind thatyou pull on. I like this because I can pull the backon it down over my neck and my ears. I coldweather this really makes a difference. While hikingyou’ll heat up and I then just gradually start to pull ithigher on my head until my neck and ears are opento cool down.

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This up and down with the knit-cap tends toregulate your head temperature while hiking andstopping on the trail. It also tends to somewhatregulate your whole body temperature as you loseapproximately ten percent of body heat throughyour head.

Clothing

Jackets

Jackets are best worn in layers, so you can easilyadapt to changing circumstances. Two thin layersmake more sense than one thick one. Also, onovernight trips, keep one set of clothes dry forevenings and nights and put the day clothes backon before you start walking, even if they are wet.I always put one change of dry clothing in a plasticbag, That way I always have a set of dry clothing towear at night etc.

Rain jacket or parka

Preferably either one that fits over the backpack oraccompanied by a separate pack liner. You mustremember that even though the rain won’tpenetrate your rain gear, conduction will stilltransfer cold to your body. In cold weather wear athin layer of insulation close to your body under therain gear.

Please remember – cotton kills!

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Cotton tends to stay wet and take a long time todry. I always try to purchase clothing made fromsynthetic materials. This is really important in coldweather.

Sleeping bag (and/or liner)

Your sleeping bag is your ticket to a warm cozynight’s sleep or a night of little sleep and low energythe next day. Depending on the sleeping bag youchose, you can end up with either one! Alwaystake a bag that will keep you warm. It’s better tohave more protection than less.

In the summer it’s a good idea to take a lighter 25’Fto 40” F bag. That way you won’t be packing theextra volume and weight of a heavier warmer bag.I usually take a Kelty Light Year 25 Down Bag withme all year except winter. If I’ll be outside on thetrail in the winter, I use a heavier, warmer bag.

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But, for most of the year my 25 degree sleepingbag is fine. Here are the specifications on my bag.

Material:[shell] polyester ripstop, [lining]polyester taffeta Insulation:650 down fill

Shape: Mummy Draft Collar

Height:[Reg] 6 ft, [Lng] 6 ft 6 in

Dimensions: Shoulder/Hip/Foot-[Reg]80/62/N/A in, [Long] 86/66/N/A in StuffSize:7 x 13 in Stuff or Storage sack

Degree:25 F Recommended Use:Threeseason backpacking Weight:[Reg] 2 lb 2 oz,[Lng] 2 lb 5 oz

Warranty: Life time

I use mummy bags because they are smaller andmore lightweight than a regular bag. A mummy bagalso contours move closely to your body and takesless time to “heat-up.” By heat-up, I mean it takesless time for your body heat to fill the bag becausethere’s less volume to heat-up compared to aregular shape sleeping bag.

A mummy bag will usually store smaller as there’sless material to compress. This makes the mummybag easier to carry in or on your backpack.

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Sleeping bags are like bad money – all over theplace! There are down-filled bags and Synthetic fillbags. Down fill weighs less than synthetic andretains heat better, but usually costs more. Downmust be kept dry or you will lose most of itsinsulation properties.

Synthetic fill does not readily absorb water, drieseasily, and provides some warmth even whenthoroughly soaked. Synthetic material is also firmand resilient, so it insulates well even underneath aperson's weight. On the flipside, synthetic fill cannotbe compressed as much as down and it weighsmore, causing such bags to take up more spaceand weight.

So you have to chose what type bag is best for youregular or mummy, down or synthetic. But onething you must get right in is the length. You don’twant a bag that is to short. My first sleeping bagwas less than six-feet long. I’m 6’-2” long so thatfirst April night on the AT was a cold one –hi! Icouldn’t fully zip up the bag. Yes, on cooler nightsyou’ll need to fully zip up that bag to stay warm!

You can’t imagine how much body heat will escapefrom a small 2”- 3” opening. When the outsidetemperature is around freezing or below, you’ll wantto keep all that heat inside the bag –hi!

In the summer heat-retention isn’t an issue if you’renot up high. But, in the early Spring, late Fall andWinter heat-retention is a major factor.

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Sleeping Pads

If you’re over forty years old, you’ll cherish a softpad under you to get a good nights sleep. A warmbag and a soft pad are the perfect combination onthe trail.

I’ve tried the thin air pads and the thin foam padswithout success. The three quarter length sizepads are just to short for me. I like support undermy legs. After hunting for the perfect pad, I found itin the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleep Pad.https://www.bigagnes.com/

Big Agnes added Primaloft eco to its wildly popularinflatable pad, the Air Core to create the InsulatedAir Core Mummy Pad. The inflatable design on theAir Core means you get an ultra-cushy 2.5-inch-thick sleeping pad that will keep you warm on chillynights and yet rolls down to fit compactly in yourbackpack. My pad stuffs down to 9”x5”x5”.

One hint when using inflatable pads is to not inflateit all the way. You have to leave some room for thepad to “give.” If you blow it up all the way, it will behard. So leave some room so it gives when you liedown on it and you’ll sleep like a baby!

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Types of Sleeping Pads

Air Pads

These pads use air for comfort and must bemanually inflated. Some models integrate foam,insulation fill or reflective materials to increasewarmth. My Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad isjust wonderful to sleep on. I also take a thin foampad to lay down under the air pad.

Pros: Comfortable and lightweight. Fine forbackpacking or camping in warm conditions;insulated models can be used year-round.

Cons: Can puncture, though field repairs are notdifficult. Non-insulated models offer poor insulationdue to free circulation of air inside.

Self-inflating Pads

Pioneered by Therm-a-Rest® pads, these offer acombination of open-cell foam insulation and air.Open the pad's valve and air fills the vacuum.

These pads are wrapped in air-tight, waterproofnylon shells. Popular with backpackers, a few of thethickest models are better suited for car campers.

Pros: Comfortable; excellent insulation; firmness isadjustable; very compact when rolled up.

Cons: Heavier than simple foam pads and moreexpensive. Can be punctured or ripped, thoughfield repairs are not difficult.

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Foam Pads

These basic backpacking pads feature dense foamfilled with tiny closed air cells.

Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive and durable;excellent insulators; won't absorb water.

Cons: Less comfortable. Relatively stiff and firm, sothey tend to be bulky.

Shelters

Most hikers use tents to sleep in, but others usehammocks or bivy sacks. A bivy sack at its barestis a thin waterproof fabric shell (for example, madefrom lightweight silnylon) designed to slip over asleeping bag, providing an additional 5 to 10 °F (2to 5 °C) of insulation and forming an effectivebarrier against wind chill and rain.

A drawback of a simple bivy sack is the humiditythat condenses on the inner side leaving the hikeror the sleeping bag moist. This problem has beenalleviated somewhat in recent years with the adventof waterproof/breathable fabrics, such as Gore-Tex,which allow some humidity to pass through thefabric while blocking most external water.

Some hikers in warmer climates just throw a coverover themselves and sleep on a mat on the ground.I sometimes sleep in an AT Shelter and don’t use atent etc. But, I usually use a single-wall silnylontent while out on the trail.

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There’s that word “silnylon” again. Silnylon is asynthetic fabric used mainly in lightweight outdoorgear. It is made by impregnating a thin woven nylonfabric with liquid silicone from both sides. Thismakes it strong for its weight, as the siliconesubstantially improves the tear strength. It is alsohighly waterproof, but not breathable.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silnylon

This is my Silnylon tent that weighs-in at only 1.5pounds! I use my hiking poles as supports for thetent. This saves me weight and volume in mybackpack.

Tents come in a variety of sizes and colors. I like touse a two-person lightweight tent as I’m 6’-2” talland I need some room! Some hikers like the solotents that only fit one person so they save onweight and size, but a Silnylon tent packs reallysmall. You’ll have to pick what tent fits you.

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Water purification

There’s one thing you absolutely need while hikingon a trail etc. That one must-have item is water!I’ve hiked hundreds of miles on the AT and othertrails, but on every hike water was a very importantitem.

If you’re doing a day hike, maybe all you have totake is a couple of bottles of water. But, if you willbe out hiking a few days, you’ll need a way toobtain and purify your water.

There are a few ways to get your water, but I like topump and purify my water all in one shot –hi!That’s why I use a Katadyn Hiker WaterFilter/Pump.

This filter is small, lightweight and does a great jobof providing the hiker with plenty of great tasting,safe water. This filter sells for around $60.00 USD.

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Katadyn CeramicCeramic filters have a micro porous structure withimpregnated silver which delays the growth ofbacteria. The pore size of Katadyn ceramic filters is0.2 micron (0.0002 mm). Bacteria range in sizefrom 0.2 to 5 micron and like protozoa (1 – 15micron), are efficiently filtered out.

Activated CarbonActivated carbon is used for its ability to reduceharmful organic and inorganic substances in thewater. It removes unpleasant tastes, odors,chlorine, pesticides (such as lindane, DDT) andtrihalomethanes (THMs). These substances adhereto the large surface area of the activated carbon.

Glass fiberSuperfine glass fiber, within two supporting layers,forms a depth filter. Nominal pore size of 0.3 micronmechanically filters all bacteria and protozoa. Theflexible glass fiber is pleated resulting in anextremely large surface area and a very highcapacity to absorb dirt.

http://www.katadyn.com/usen/

There are plenty of other manufacturers of waterfilters so just check the internet to select one thatyou fits your needs.

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Drops and TabletsSome hikers just don't want to bother with a waterfilter or purifier no matter how light or easy they areto use. For those people safe water is still possibleby boiling or by taking along drops or tablets. For along time iodine was what most people used, butwhile it did kill viruses and the protozoa that causesGuardia, it did nothing to eliminate cryptosporidium.With the introduction of chlorine dioxide droplets ortablets to the market, now just about every littleorganism that causes sickness can be killed. Thedrawback is that required treatment time forcryptosporidium is 4 hours!

For now backpackers have three choices when itcomes to "chlorine dioxide," the ingredient used topurify water. These are Aquamira, Micropur MP1,and Pristine.

http://www.backpacking-guide.com/

Trail maps

This is a must-have item. The map should havesufficient detail to be meaningful.

Compass

Roughly knowing which way is North can alreadymake a huge difference. It is also helpful to knowthe declination from Magnetic North to True Northapplicable to your location. I have a watch with abuilt in compass. When hiking at the higheraltitudes, I use a watch with a compass andaltimeter.

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Insect repellent

This is so important yet most people don’t give it asecond thought. I started hiking around twelveyears ago. I have hiked with a few hams, but all ofthem have contacted Lyme Disease at some point.

I’ve never had Lyme Disease because of one thingI always do when backpacking - I spray insectrepellent around my tent and where I sit on theground. I do this all the time – every time!

This is a must-have item! Do not take it and youwill contact Lyme Disease at some point whilehiking in the great outdoors - it’s that simple.

I use an insect repellent manufactured by 3M calledUltrathon. It repels deer ticks and mosquitoes. I usethis for one reason – it contains 25% Deet. Iwouldn’t use it on young children, but for adults, itworks! I don’t spray it on me just around me.

There are other insect repellents that will also workfine, but most of them contain Deet. Here’s mythought on this subject.

Use good insect repellent or stay home!

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First Aid Kit

Another –must-have item. I can’t count the numberof times that I’ve helped fellow ham hikers andothers by having my first aide kit handy. If you planto hike in the great outdoors, be prepared for injury.Most are simple things like cuts and starches, butI’m always prepared for most things - you shouldbe too!

Lamp

Once the sun sets and it’s dark, you need someform of light. You could bring a flashlight, but theyare heavy. I always carry a headlamp in my pack. Iuse a Princeton Tec Headlamp. It has a strap andjust slips on your head for light. I now only use theLED hand lamps, as they don’t kill the batteries asquickly as the old incandescent type.

http://princetontec.com/

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Plastic bags

Plastic bags of various types and sizes to keepthings dry and pack things out. Ziploc bags are verypractical because they are easily closed andopened. Garbage bags can be used to line thebackpack, but also to put in one's extra clothing tokeep them dry. I always put my sleeping bag in aplastic bag. Believe me – you don’t want a wetsleeping bag!

Sun cream and sun glasses

These may be essential for those who are easilysunburned. Especially on snow, water or (to alesser degree) sand. The reflection of snow canlead to snow blindness.

Well, I haven’t covered everything yet, but thischapter is way to long so I’ll close it down for now. Iknow this all sounds like a car load of stuff, but it’snot. I can pack all this and more in my backpackand still have the pack weigh-in at less then thirty-five pounds.

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Chapter Nine

Places to Hike and Operate

In chapter six I covered places to operate portable,but now let’s wander down the path less traveled tosee where we can operate by hiking to thatdestination.

This path may be less traveled, but it’s a pathwhere absolute beauty exists. Yes, only a smallpercentage of the world population will ever seewhat you can see by hiking to that remotedestination. Believe me – it’s worth every ounce ofsweat to get there.

Robert Frost (1874–1963) Mountain Interval. 1920.

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back.

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I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.

Yes, taking the road less traveled could open up anentire new world to you. As I hike to the variousremote places with my radio, I marvel at all thebeauty so many will never see.

This path has changed who I am and what Ishall become. – WA3WSJ

I think you get the picture here – get out there whileyou can and see this beautiful world.

Now let us take yet another step down the path andlook at where you can hike and operate your radio.There are plenty of places to hike and operate, butthe million dollar question is, “how remote do youwant to go?”

Maybe you just want to hike and play radio close tohome, but outside. I would suggest that you checkout the nearest local or state park. These parksusually offer places to hike and if you want it, offersome solitude.

When I want to do some local hiking and pedestrianmobile operating, I drive up to our local SkylineDrive. It’s only a fifteen minute drive, but it has afew great views of the City of Reading, PA. I startat the Mount Penn Fire Tower at the summit of Mt.Penn and walk one mile to a local landmark calledThe Pagoda.

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I then walk another mile on the road back to the firetower. I have had lots of fun just doing walking thisroute.So check out all the local parks first and fine tuneyour radio setup. Speaking about a radio setup,whether you operate portable or pedestrian mobilereally doesn’t matter – just have fun!

Many of the state parks offer campsites etc. Youcould use a campsite as your base and operatefrom there. You could also do some hiking to a highspot and operate portable from there.

I do this almost every year. I drive to CapeHenlopen State Park in Delaware. I then set up mytent and radio gear to operate from the campsite.During the day I hike around the park and on thebeach and operate pedestrian mobile. At night andearly mornings I operate from my tent.

The US National Park System has many places tocamp and hike. There are 58 officially-designatedNational Parks in the United States and itsdependent areas.

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Here’s a list of the National parks in the UnitedStates:

Acadia National Park –Mainehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acadia_National_Park

Arches National Park-Utahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arches_National_Park

Badlands National Park-South Dakotahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badlands_National_Park

Big Bend National Park-Texashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bend_National_Park

Biscayne National Park -Floridahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biscayne_National_Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park-COhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Canyon_of_the_Gunnison_National_Park

Bryce Canyon National Park- Utahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryce_Canyon_National_Park

Canyonlands National Park- Utahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canyonlands_National_Park

Capitol Reef National Park- Utahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Reef_National_Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park- New Mexicohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlsbad_Caverns_National_Park

Channel Islands National Park- Californiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Islands_National_Park

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Congaree National Park- South Carolinahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congaree_National_Park

Crater Lake National Park- Oregonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crater_Lake_National_Park

Death Valley National Park- California, Nevadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Valley_National_Park

Denali National Park and Preserve- Alaskahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denali_National_Park_and_Preserve

Dry Tortugas National Park- Floridahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_Tortugas_National_Park

Everglades National Park- Floridahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades_National_Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve- AKhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gates_of_the_Arctic_National_Park_and_Preserve

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve- Alaskahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_Bay_National_Park_and_Preserve

Glacier National Park- Montanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_National_Park_(U.S.)

Grand Canyon National Park- Arizonahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canyon_National_Park

Grand Teton National Park- Wyominghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton_National_Park

Great Basin National Park- Nevadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Basin_National_Park

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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve –COhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Sand_Dunes_National_Park_and_Preserve

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – NC&TNhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Texashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalupe_Mountains_National_Park

Haleakala National Park - Hawaiihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haleakala_National_Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Hawaiihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii_Volcanoes_National_Park

Hot Springs National Park - Arkansashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Springs_National_Park

Isle Royale National Park - Michiganhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_Royale_National_Park

Joshua Tree National Park - Californiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Tree_National_Park

Katmai National Park and Preserve - Alaskahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katmai_National_Park_and_Preserve

Kenai Fjords National Park - Alaskahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenai_Fjords_National_Park

Kings Canyon National Park - Californiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_Canyon_National_Park

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Kobuk Valley National Park - Alaskahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobuk_Valley_National_Park

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve - Alaskahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Clark_National_Park_and_Preserve

Lassen Volcanic National Park - Californiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lassen_Volcanic_National_Park

Mammoth Cave National Park - Kentuckyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammoth_Cave_National_Park

Mesa Verde National Park - Coloradohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesa_Verde_National_Park

Mount Rainier National Park - Washingtonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier_National_Park

National Park of American Samoa - AmericanSamoahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Park_of_American_Samoa

North Cascades National Park - Washingtonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Cascades_National_Park

Olympic National Park - Washingtonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_National_Park

Petrified Forest National Park - Arizonahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrified_Forest_National_Park

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Redwood National and State Parks - Californiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redwood_National_and_State_Parks

Rocky Mountain National Park - Coloradohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain_National_Park

Saguaro National Park - Arizonahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saguaro_National_Park

Sequoia National Park - Californiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_National_Park

Shenandoah National Park - Virginiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenandoah_National_Park

Virgin Islands National Park - U.S. Virgin Islandshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Islands_National_Park

Voyageurs National Park - Minnesotahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyageurs_National_Park

Wind Cave National Park - South Dakotahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_Cave_National_Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve -Yellowstone National Park - Idaho, Montana,Wyominghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowstone_National_Park

Yosemite National Park - Californiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_National_Park

Zion National Park - Utahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zion_National_Park

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_areas_in_the_United_States_National_Park_System

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As I stated before the Summits on the Air Programor SOTA is a great way to hike to a few localsummits. This is a worldwide program with manysummits. Some are easy to hike to while othersare hard to hike to, but one thing they all have incommon – great views!

Trails are a great way to get outdoors and operateyour radio. Trails are located all over the globe! Allyou have to do is find one and hike it to operate.Again, you could operate portable or pedestrianmobile.

Here’s a list of some US trails:

Allegheny Trail -A 330-mile trail, mostly in WVhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegheny_Trail

American Discovery Trail- 6,800-mile CA-to-DEhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Discovery_Trail

Appalachian Trail2,178-mile -Along the length of the AppalachianMountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Trail

Arizona Trail -790-mile trail from Mexico to Utahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_Trail

Bay Area Ridge Trail500-mile trail circling the San Francisco Bay Areahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Area_Ridge_Trail

Benton MacKaye Trail300 miles through the Appalachian mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_MacKaye_Trail

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Bigfoot Trail400-mile through the Klamath Mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigfoot_Trail

Bonneville Shoreline Trail90-mile trail in Utahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonneville_Shoreline_Trail

Buckeye TrailCircling the state of Ohiohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckeye_Trail

Chief Ladiga TrailAlabama's rails-to-trails projecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Ladiga_Trail

Chilkoot TrailAlaska into British Columbia, Canadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilkoot_Trail

C&O Canal TrailChesapeake and Ohio Canalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_and_Ohio_Canal

Cohos TrailThrough northern NHhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cohos_Trail

Colorado Trail483-mile from Denver to Durangohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Trail

Continental Divide TrailLength of the Rocky Mountainshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Divide_Trail

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Cumberland Trail - 175-mile in Tennesseehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_Trail

East Coast Greenway - Maine to Floridahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_Greenway

Eastern Continental Trail5,400-mile Florida to Canada.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Continental_Trail

Finger Lakes Trail - Catskills to Western New Yorkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_Lakes_Trail

Florida Trail - 1,400-mile south Floridahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Trail

Foothills Trail76-mile scenic path from SC into NC and GAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foothills_Trail

George S. Mickelson Trail108.8 miles South Dakota.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_S._Mickelson_Trail

Grand Enchantment Trail730-mile Phoenix, AZ to Albuquerque, NMhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Enchantment_Trail

Great Allegheny PassageA rail trail in Maryland and Pennsylvaniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Allegheny_Passage

Great Eastern Trail - New York to Alabamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Eastern_Trail

Great Western Trail - Canada to Mexicohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Western_Trail

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Great Western Loop6,800 mile loop of the American west combining thePCT, PNT, Continental Divide Trailhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Western_Loop

Hayduke Trail800-mile Utah and Arizona, linking Zion, GrandCanyon, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef,Canyonlands, and Arches National Parkshttp://www.hayduketrail.org/

High Line CanalA 58-mile Denver, Coloradohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line_Canal

Highlands TrailHudson River to the Delaware Water Gap

High Sierra Trail61.5-mile Sequoia National Park to Mount Whitneyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sierra_Trail

Horse Shoe TrailValley Forge to the ATl near Harrisburghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_Shoe_Trail

Ice Age Trail - Wisconsinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Age_Trail

Idaho Centennial Trail - 900-mile Idahohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_Centennial_Trail

Iditarod Trail1,000 miles of Alaskan wilderness from Seward toNomehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iditarod_Trail

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International Appalachian TrailMaine into Canadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Appalachian_Trail

John Muir Trail211-mile Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mt.Whitneyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir_Trail

Katy Trail - 240-mile Missourihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Trail_State_Park

Knobstone Trail - 58-mile southern Indianahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knobstone_Trail

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail - 70-mile SW PAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurel_Highlands_Hiking_Trail#Laurel_Highlands_Hiking_Trail

Lone Star Hiking Trail120-mile Sam Houston National Forest north ofHouston Texashttp://lonestartrail.org/

Long Path347.4-mile Fort Lee, NJ - Altamont, NYhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Path

Long Trail -VT, from MA to Canada.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Trail

Maah Daah Hey Trail -North Dakotahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maah_Daah_Hey_Trail

Mason-Dixon Trail -Pennsylvaniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason-Dixon_Trail

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Mattabesett Trail57 miles south-central CThttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattabesett_Trail

Metacomet-Monadnock TrailMA-CT state line to Mt. Monadnock in NewHampshire.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacomet-Monadnock_Trail

Michigan Shore-to-Shore TrailLake Michigan and Lake Huronhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Shore-to-Shore_Trail

Midstate Trail (Massachusetts) -92 mileshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midstate_Trail_(Massachusetts)

Pennsylvania Mid State Trail - 327-miles PAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Mid_State_Trail

Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway -50 miles sw NHhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monadnock-Sunapee_Greenway

Mountains-to-Sea Trail - 530-miles NChttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountains-to-Sea_Trail

Natchez Trace Trail - TN, AL ,MShttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace_Trail

North Country Trail - 4,600-mile NY to NDhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Country_Trail

Northville-Placid Trail125 miles New York, Adirondack State Preservehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northville-Placid_Trail

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Old Croton Trail26.2 miles Westchester County, NYhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Croton_Trail#Old_Croton_Trail

Oregon Coast Trail - 425 mi Pacific coast ORhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Coast_Trail

Ouachita National Recreation Trail223 miles OK - ARhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouachita_National_Recreation_Trail

Ozark Highlands Trail - 180 miles Arkansashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozark_Highlands_Trail

Ozark Trail: -350 miles MOhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozark_Trail_(hiking_trail)

Pacific Crest Trail - 2,654 miles CA, OR, WAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Crest_Trail

Pacific Northwest Trail - 1200 miles MT, WAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Northwest_Trail

Palmetto Trail - unfinished 425-mile SChttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmetto_Trail

Pennsylvania Mid State Trail - 327 miles PA, NYhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Mid_State_Trail

Pinhoti Trail - 335 miles Alabamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinhoti_Trail

Potomac Heritage Trail - VA, MD, PA, DChttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potomac_Heritage_Trail

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Robert Frost Trail - 47 miles MAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Frost_Trail_(Massachusetts)

Sheltowee Trace Trail - 282 miles Kentuckyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheltowee_Trace_Trail

Sierra High Route - 195 miles CAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_High_Route

Silver Comet Trail - 61.5 miles rails-to-trails GAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Comet_Trail

Skyline-to-the-Sea - 29.5 miles CAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyline-to-the-Sea_Trail

Superior Hiking Trail275 miles, Lake Superior MNhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_Hiking_Trail

Susquehannock Trail - 85 mile loop PAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susquehannock_Trail

Tahoe Rim Trail165 miles Loop Lake Tahoehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahoe_Rim_Trail

Tahoe-Yosemite Trail180 Mile Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite andLake Tahoehttp://outhiking.com/ty%20index.html

Tuscarora Trail - 252 miles PA, MD,VA, WVhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuscarora_Trail

Timberline Trail41 miles Loop Mt. Hood Oregonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timberline_Trail

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Virginia Creeper Trail - 35 miles SW VAhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Creeper_Trail

Wonderland Trail93 miles loop Mount Rainier in Washingtonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonderland_Trail

If trail-hiking is interesting to you, you’re in luckbecause there are plenty of different types of trails.There are bicycle trails, canal system trails, coastaltrails, coast-to-coast trails, horse trails, mountaintrails, national trails, peninsular trails, cross-countrytrails, cross-continent trails and rail trails.

I can’t list all the trails in the world as it would takeanother book just to list them all.

To find a trail list for your country, please use thelink.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-distance_trail

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Chapter Ten

Hiking the Appalachian Trail

On March 3, 1925 the Appalachian TrailConference or ATC was established to build thetrail. On January 26, 1984 the National ParkService delegates to the ATC the responsibility formanaging A.T. corridor lands.http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

The Appalachian Trail or AT is considered aNational Scenic Trail. On October 2, 1968,President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law theNational Trails System Act (NTSA), creating withinthe national park and forest systems a new class ofpublic lands, national scenic trails—with the A.T.and the unfinished Pacific Crest Trail the firstdesignated trails.

The Appalachian Trail is one of the longestcontinuously marked footpaths or trails in the world,at roughly 2,180 miles in length. The Trail goesthrough fourteen states along the crests and valleysof the Appalachian mountain range from thesouthern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia,to the trail’s northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine.

The AT is a beautiful place to hike and play radio.To date I have hiked the entire states ofPennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. I havealso hiked much of New Hampshire and NewJersey.

If you want to hike in more remote areas, the ATjust might be your place. You can hike the AT bydoing a day hike, section hike or thru hike.

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As you can read, the AT can be different things todifferent people. But, one thing it is to all isbeautiful!

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) workswith 31 Trail maintaining clubs to manage theAppalachian Trail (A.T.). Volunteers from thoseclubs are responsible for most of the day-to-daywork of keeping the A.T. open.

Appalachian Trail States – South to North

Georgia 75 miles North Carolina 88 miles Tennessee 71 miles Virginia 550 miles West Virginia 4 miles Maryland 41 miles Pennsylvania 229 miles New Jersey 72 miles New York 88 miles Connecticut 52 miles Massachusetts 90 miles Vermont 150 miles New Hampshire 161 miles Maine 281 miles

How about we walk bit farther down the path andtake a look at some organizations you the hiker andor amateur radio operator can turn to for help. Ifyou need help hiking the AT, you must take a lookat the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or ATC.

The Conference works to protect the trail's 2,179miles (3,507 km), 250,000 acre greenway andcoordinates the work of some thirty hiking clubsperforming trail maintenance.

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ATC Affiliated Trail Maintenance Clubs

http://www.georgia-atclub.org/http://www.nantahalahikingclub.org/index.phphttp://www.smhclub.org/http://carolinamountainclub.org/http://tehcc.org/http://mratc.pbworks.com/w/page/8862374/FrontPagehttp://www.path-at.org/http://www.outdoor.org.vt.edu/http://www.ratc.org/http://www.nbatc.org/http://www.tidewateratc.com/http://olddominiontrailclub.onefireplace.org/http://www.patc.net/PublicView/http://www.mcomd.org/http://www.cvatclub.org/homehttp://www.yorkhikingclub.com/http://www.satc-hike.org/http://www.bmecc.org/http://www.allentownhikingclub.org/http://philadelphiatrailclub.org/http://www.amcdv.org/http://www.batonahikingclub.org/http://www.wilmingtontrailclub.org/http://www.nynjtc.org/http://www.ct-amc.org/CT/index.shtmhttp://amcberkshire.org/http://www.greenmountainclub.org/http://www.dartmouth.edu/~doc/http://www.outdoors.org/http://www.matc.org/

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AT Radios

Let’s see I covered what radios to take outdoors,but hiking the AT is somewhat different than justtaking a stroll through a state park etc. If you planto do a multi-day day AT hike, you’ll need to takegreat care when selecting a radio for the trip.

You’ll need a radio that is small, lightweight andhas a small receive current say less than 200ma.You also really should have a radio with a built-inantenna tuner and an electronic keyer. This savesyou valuable space and weight in your backpack.

I’ve taken the TFR List from Chapter two and listedit here. But, I have omitted two radios from this list.The first radio deleted is the Yaesu FT817ND. At2.6 pounds and with a receive current of around450ma, it’s to heavy, large and will drain yourbattery. This leaves just one radio left capable ofoperating SSB – the Elecraft KX3.

The next radio deleted from the list is the Icom 703Plus. It has a receive current of around 550ma andweights-in at a healthy 4.4 pounds! Again, it’s toheavy and will drain a smaller battery.

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Here’s a list of possible radios suitable for longerAT Hikes:

I use an Elecraft KX1 for hiking the AT. At just overa half pound, it’s lightweight, small and with areceive current of just 34ma will not kill your smallbattery. It all fits in a small plastic box!

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My KX1 will operate on 40m, 20m and 30m. It alsohas an internal auto antenna tuner, electronic keyerand a 1.5ah Li-ion battery. Yes, all this in a casewith a footprint about the size of a QSL card!

My AT antenna is a Black Widow Vertical Antenna.I usually don’t use a pole to support it as I just hangit from a tree. If above tree line, you’ll need thepole. Check out chapter three on antennas to viewthis versatile antenna.

By using my Elecraft KX1 and my Black WidowVertical, I now have a complete HF radio systemthat wrights-in at around two pounds. It also doesn’ttake up much room in my pack!

The AT is a beautiful trail, but there are hazardsyou have to be aware of while hiking on the trail.

HazardsSevere weatherAmerican Black BearTick-borne diseasesMosquitoesYellow Jacket BeesBiting fliesChiggersSteep gradesLimited waterDiarrhea from waterPoison ivyVenomous snakes

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The AT is home to two types of poisonous snakes.

Copperhead Snake

The copperhead has a triangular-shaped head, aquick visual indicator of a snake to be avoided. Thecopperhead grows between two and three feet longand its tan body is marked with darker hour-glass-shaped bands. Copperheads like rocky areas. It ismostly active at night. Almost no deaths have everbeen attributed to the copperhead’s bite.

I have seen copperhead snakes on the AT, butmost of the snakes I’ve seen were very docile andjust wanted to warm themselves on the rocks asthe sun heated them up.

One time I was hiking with my dog and cameacross a Copperhead Snake on a large rock. I hadto lift the snake off the rock with my twenty-footcollapsible antenna pole as it would not move.

I never came close to the snake and only after Ilifted it up with the pole would the snake move offthe rock. I usually don’t bother with snakes, but thisguy was in a spot that blocked our way. He reallywanted that sunshine!

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Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes can be found on the Appalachian Trailfrom New Hampshire southward, but they are mostcommonly seen in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Ashumans are something to fear rather than eat,rattlesnakes sightings are relatively rare. Theyprefer dry rocky areas where they sun themselves.Adult rattlers can grow up to five feet long, but aremore commonly three to four feet. Some rattlersalong the Trail are almost completely black.

While rattlesnakes don’t see humans as food,hikers still stumble across them all the time here inPennsylvania and Maryland. In 2010 I was hikingon the AT in Maryland and was surprised by thisbig boy!

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I actually heard him rattle so I stopped, but thenheard nothing? Thinking the snake was in front ofme, I backed up right in front of him and againheard him rattle. I looked down and saw this hugepoisonous snake about a foot away from my rightankle! I didn’t know that I could do a three-footlateral left-sided jump – hi! This snake was justsunning himself, but just about on the trail.

You may have noticed that the Black Bear is on theAT Hazard List. The Black Bear is often seen onthe AT, but not all Black bears act alike! I haveencountered Black Bears in Pennsylvania and NewJersey and they acted totally different in each state.

In Pennsylvania Black Bears are hunted and theyhave learned that humans mean death! One year Iwas hiking the AT in Pennsylvania and we had adrought. Water was at a premium on the AT. Ireached a shelter and then had to hike about a halfmile down the mountain to find a spring topump/filter water. As I reached the spring, a BlackBear was in there and ran full out right in front ofme! He heard me coming and was out of therefast.

But, in New Jersey I was hiking with a small groupof hams on the AT and we ran across a 300 poundBlack Bear about twenty feet from us. All he didwas look at us and then continue looking for food.You see, they don’t hunt bears in New Jersey sothe bears really aren’t afraid of people.

All Black Bears aren’t alike!

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The point I trying to make here is be aware ofwhere you’re hiking. Don’t just step over thatdowned log – there could be a snake on the otherside etc!

Well, now that I have scared you off the AT, I dohope that you don’t allow these things to stop youfrom hiking on the AT. I have hiked the AT formany years now and have only had poisonoussnake encounters a few times. Most of the snakeencounters have been with non-poisonous snakes.

Let’s see, so far you’ve read where theAppalachian Trail is located, who manages andmaintains the AT, radios to use on the AT and afew AT hazards.

What about how the AT could change you? Yes,beware because hiking the AT can get into yourblood! I’ve been hiking it for twelve years now andevery time I stop for a few months, I hear it callingto me! I start thinking about the gorgeous views,the claming night campfires, and meeting all theinteresting people from around the world. I thenstart planning my next hike –hi!

Beware – the AT is addictive!

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Chapter Eleven

Outdoor and Ham Radio Links

Whether you’re an old-time hiker or just thinkingabout hiking and playing radio, you’ll need to somehelp finding information about where to plan a hikeand information about that area.

Never hike without a map!

Here are a few organizations where you can obtaininformation about places to operate, cycle, hike,etc.

North America

Alpine Club of Canadahttp://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/

American Alpine Clubhttp://www.americanalpineclub.org/

Adventure Cycling Associationhttp://www.adventurecycling.org/

American Discovery Trail Societyhttp://www.discoverytrail.org/

American Hiking Societyhttp://www.americanhiking.org/

American Long Distance Hikinghttp://www.aldhawest.org/

American Whitewater Affiliationhttp://www.americanwhitewater.org/

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Appalachian Mountain Clubhttp://www.outdoors.org/

Appalachian Trail Conservancyhttp://www.appalachiantrail.org/

Backcountry - Hawaiihttp://stuckinthewoods.info/

Bruce Trail Organizationhttp://brucetrail.org/

Boy Scouts of Americahttp://www.bsa.scouting.org/

Bicycle Touring Linkshttp://www.bicycletouringtales.com/links.html

Colorado Mountain Clubhttp://www.cmc.org/

Continental Divide National Scenic Trailhttp://www.cdtrail.org/page.php?pname=home

East Coast Greenwayhttp://www.greenway.org/index.shtml

East Coast Trail Associationhttp://eastcoasttrail.ca/

Fairbanks Area Hiking Clubhttp://www.fairbankshiking.org/

Family Motor Coach Associationhttp://www.fmca.com/

Federation of Mountain Clubs of BritishColumbiahttp://www.mountainclubs.org/

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Grand Canyon Hikers and BackpackersAssociationhttp://www.gchba.org/

Grant MacEwan Mountain Clubhttp://www.gmmc.ca/

Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Clubhttp://htmclub.org/

Hike Hawaiihttp://www2.hawaii.edu/~turner/htmc/hi-hike.htm

Hike Ontariohttp://www.hikeontario.com/

Hiking & Backing.comhttp://www.hikingandbackpacking.com/index.html

International Appalachian Trailhttp://www.iat-sia.com/

International Mountain Biking Associationhttp://www.imba.com/

Mountaineershttp://www.mountaineers.org/ScriptContent/default.cfm

National Parks Servicehttp://www.nps.gov/index.htm

Pacific Crest Trail Associationhttp://www.pcta.org/

Pacific Northwest Trail Associationhttp://www.pnt.org/

Rails to Trails Conservancyhttp://www.railstotrails.org/index.html

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RVing Womenhttp://www.rvingwomen.org/?

Sierra Clubhttp://www.sierraclub.org/

Slow Travel.com - Worldwidehttp://www.slowtrav.com/

UK/Europe

Backpackers Clubhttp://www.backpackersclub.co.uk/

British Walking Federationhttp://www.bwf-ivv.org.uk/

European Ramblers Associationhttp://www.era-ewv-ferp.com/index.php?

French Hiking Federationhttp://www.ffrandonnee.fr/

Nuneaton Rambling Clubhttp://www.nuneaton-rambling.org.uk/

River Parrett Trail –Englandhttp://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/walking/routes/283/the-river-parrett-trail

South Gwent Ramblers – South Waleshttp://south-gwent-ramblers.co.uk/

Suomen Latu Hiking Organization -- Finlandhttp://www.suomenlatu.fi/suomen_latu/

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Australia/New Zealand

Budget Backpacker Hostels -- New Zealandhttp://www.bbh.co.nz/

Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSWhttp://www.bushwalking.org.au/

Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealandhttp://www.fmc.org.nz/

North Shore Tramping Clubhttp://www.nstc.org.nz/

Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Clubhttp://www.wtmc.org.nz/

Africa

Johannesburg Hiking Clubhttp://jhbhiking.org.za/cms/index.php

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Amateur Radio Organizations:

Adventure Radio Society – ARShttp://adventure-radio.org/

ARI - Italyhttp://www.ari.it/

ARRL - USAhttp://www.arrl.org/

Aruba Amateur Radio Club - AARChttp://www.qsl.net/aarc/

Belgian Amateur Radio Society - UBAhttp://www.uba.be/

Cayman Amateur Radio Society - CARShttp://www.caymanhams.org/

Chinese Taipei Amateur Radio leaguehttp://www.ctarl.org.tw/bv5ya/eng-2009-10/e_main1.htm

Egyptian Radio Amateurs Societyhttp://www.qsl.net/egyptham/

Echolink.orghttp://www.echolink.org/

Federacion Mexicana de RadioExperimentadoreshttp://www.fmre.org.mx/

Great Outdoors Radio Club - GORChttp://www.wa3wsj.org/gorc.html

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Ham Radio Nationhttp://hamradionation.com/browse_vidfeeders.php?tag=outdoor&keyword=QRP

Hong Kong Amateur Radio TransmittingSociety - HARTShttp://www.harts-web.org/Joomla_1_0_7/index.php

Israel Amateur Radio Clubhttp://www.iarc.org/iarc/en

Korean Amateur Radio League - KARLhttp://www.karl.or.kr/

New Zealand Amateur Radio Transmittershttp://www.nzart.org.nz/

Outdoor Adventure USA Amateur Radio Nethttp://www.4x4training.com/Articles/Events/LaunchOutDoorNet.html

PARA _ Philippineshttp://www.para.org.ph/main.htm

Parks on the Air – POTAhttp://www.hamparks.org/

Radio Amateurs of Canada – RAChttp://www.rac.ca/

Radio Society of Bermudahttp://bermudashorts.bm/rsb/

Radio Society of Great Britain - RSGBhttp://www.rsgb.org/

REF Union - Francehttp://www.ref-union.org/

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Singapore Amateur Radio TX Society - SARTShttp://www.sarts.org.sg/

South African Radio League - SARLhttp://www.sarl.org.za/

Wireless Institute of Australia - WIAhttp://www.wia.org.au/

QRP Clubs

American QRP Clubhttp://www.amqrp.org/

Austin QRP Clubhttp://www.qsl.net/kq5rp/

Colorado QRP Clubhttp://www.cqc.org/

Columbus QRP Clubhttp://www.qsl.net/cqrp/

EA-QRP Clubhttp://www.eaqrp.com/

EPA QRP Clubhttp://www.n3epa.org/

Flying Pigs QRP Clubhttp://fpqrp.org/

Four State QRP Grouphttp://www.4sqrp.com/index.php

GQRP Clubhttp://gqrp.com/index.htm

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MI QRP Clubhttp://www.qsl.net/miqrpclub/

New England QRP Clubhttp://www.newenglandqrp.org/

New Jersey QRP Clubhttp://www.njqrp.org/index.html

NorCal QRP Clubhttp://www.norcalqrp.org/

North Georgia QRP Clubhttp://www.nogaqrp.org/mainmenu.html

NETXQRP Clubhttp://www.angelfire.com/tx4/netxqrpclub/

Nortex QRP Clubhttp://kk5na.com/nortex.htm

NoVa QRP Clubhttp://www.novaqrp.org/

QRP ARCIhttp://www.qrparci.org/

Ukrainian QRP Clubhttp://www.urqrp.org/

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Ham Radio Equipment Manufacturers

Transceivers

http://www.alinco.com/main07-05.htmlhttp://www.elecraft.com/http://emtech.steadynet.com/http://powerphone.com.cn/indexen.asphttp://www.galaxyradios.com/http://www.hamtronics.com/http://www.hilberling.com/en/en_ham/ham.htmhttp://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/http://www.sgcworld.com/http://smallwonderlabs.com/http://www.tentec.com/http://www.wouxun.com/http://www.yaesu.com/

Antennas – Portable

http://www.alphadeltacom.com/http://www.arraysolutions.com/http://www.arrowantennas.com/http://www.bencher.com/http://www.buddipole.com/http://chameleonantenna.com/http://www.cometantenna.com/http://www.cushcraftamateur.com/http://www.diamond-ant.co.jp/english/index.htmlhttp://www.hamcq.com/http://www.new-tronics.com/main/body_index.htmlhttp://www.hy-gain.com/http://www.k1cra.com/

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http://www.ku4ab.com/http://www.hamstick.com/http://www.mosley-electronics.com/pages/amateur.htmhttp://www.m2inc.com/index.php?ax=amateurhttp://www.outbackerantennas.com/index.htmlhttp://www.procom.dk/products/portable-antennashttp://www.alexloop.com/http://www.spiderbeam.com/home/index.phphttp://www.w8afx.com/

Paddles etc. – Portable

I have tried many types of paddles for use in thegreat outdoors, but there’s only one I now use. Iuse the Palm Mini-Paddle. It takes a lickin andkeeps on tickin! Yes, I have dropped my Palm MiniPaddle all over the place and it just keeps working.The paddle also has an excellent fell to it. Betterthan most really expensive paddles.

http://www.palm-radio.de/english/english.html

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Chapter Twelve

Pedestrian Mobile Operation

Many amateur radio operators and especially non-hams ask the question, “Why operate pedestrianmobile?” The simple answer is that it’s just FUN!

Yes, it’s fun to learn about pedestrian mobileoperation. It’s fun to build your HFpack. It’s fun tomake contacts with other hams around the world.And yes, it’s really fun to read how you madesomeone’s day by having made a contact withthem. The repeating word here is FUN!

If you think operating in the great outdoors isfun – you’re correct!

So now let’s stroll down the path to the greatoutdoors just a little farther as we’re almost there.To operate pedestrian mobile with an HFpack onyour back is really something special. Only a smallfraction of the amateur radio population has everdone it! So you’ll be in a select group.

Some say pedestrian mobile ops are crazy!

Well, if you think operating almost anywhere onplanet earth is crazy – call me crazy. Most fellowhams think we are nuts because it looks different.Most call us crazy because it’s hard to do. But,most call us crazy because they have never tried it.

Once You Go /pm, You’ll Never Go Back!

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Yes, once you try it – you’ll like it. The mainproblem most don’t try it is complexity.

If It was Easy, We Wouldn’t Do It!

As you may have read, operating a pedestrianmobile station is hard. Let’s see, you have to readmaterial on how to do it. Oh, by the way, thatmaterial is hard to find. Then you have to buildyour HFpack. After you are finally ready to operateit, you’ll then have to learn how your surroundingswill affect your signal etc.

Oh yes, even the surface you walk on will affectyour setup. Just think about it for a minute. You’llbe walking on a changing ground surface whiletransmitting. Part of your antenna will be moving onthe ground with you and bouncing around!

Local fences etc will affect your radiation pattern.Heck, just walking will cause your pattern tobecome somewhat directional!

Have I scared you away yet? If not, you’re in for areal treat! Let’s look a little closer at this pedestrianmobile thing.

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To operate a pedestrian mobile station you’ll needto know what components make a PM station.

HFpack Main Components

Mounting-System Transceiver Battery Antenna

Mount System

The mount system you use to support your radioand other components is very important. In fact themount system is the most important piece of yourHFpack. Your mounting system will have tosupport your transceiver, antenna, battery etc. If itfails, you most likely have to stop operating in thefield.

To add insult to potential injury, you just might haveto lug all your gear back in your arms. This issomething you really don’t want to do! If your radiofails, you can just walk back to the start of yourhike.

If any other piece of your HFpack fails, it’s no bigdeal. But, walking a few miles while carrying thirtypounds of gear in your arms will hurt!

A rock-solid mounting system is imperative

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There are several mount systems available to you.

Types of PM mount systems

Frame Pack Sling

Frame

The type mount used by many pedestrian mobileoperators is the frame. A frame is usually madefrom metal tubes connected together to form theframe. It’s a rigid piece of gear that can belightweight.

I use an All-Purpose Lightweight IndividualCarrying Equipment Frame or an ALICE Frame.

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I have my Icom 703 Plus, battery and antennamounted to my ALICE Frame. I also use a packmade for this frame as I can store things inside thepack and cover the radio for rain etc.

Pack

Special Packs

Packs come in all sizes and shapes! You have thetype that is built for a specific frame such as theALICE Frame. Packs made for the ALICE Framecome in small, medium and large sizes.

Backpacks

Backpacks are made as internal or externaltypes.

The internal types are made to strap directly onyour back. They usually don’t have much of a framesupport system in them. As a result, they offersomewhat less support for heavy loads.

The external type backpack is usually mounted ona frame. This type of pack can support heavierloads. It’s also easier to mount antennas etc on theframe. An additional bonus is price – they arecheap! You can buy ALICE Frames on the internetfor around $10.00 US.

One additional type of pack is just that – a simplepack. This offers almost no support. You just usethis type to store items etc.

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Sling Type Mount

The sling-type mount is similar to a rifle sling. Theoperator just slings it over his shoulder and theantenna is set to go. With a sling mount, theoperator usually has to hold the radio. This reallylimits what type of radios you can use with a slingmount.

Pictured is Paul Signorelli, W0RW, using hisElecraft KX1 with a whip mounted on a sling mount.

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Transceiver

As stated earlier, for pedestrian mobile operationyou should ideally try to use a radio with a receivecurrent of less than 100ma. But, this is a hardspecification to find in an amateur radio. Mostmilitary radios will meet the 100ma receive currentspecification. I’ve increased this specification toless than 500ma. There are a few amateur radiosthat will come in under the 100ma specification, butthey are usually CW-only type radios. Therefore,I’ve increased the receive current specification upto 500ma to include some CW/SSB transceivers.Now the Icom 703 Plus and the Yaesu 817ND areincluded in the group of radios that may be used forPM operation.

Why did I increase the receive current specificationup to 500ma? As stated earlier, to include a fewSSB radios. But, with the introduction of Li-ionbattery technology in amateur radio, you now havethe availability to use lightweight and hi-energydensity batteries while hiking or walking around inthe outdoors. Take a look at the transceiver chart inChapter Two.

Yes, with the new nanophosphate-type batterytechnologies now arriving on the amateur radioscene, operating pedestrian mobile has becomesomewhat less complicated for most hams.

Let’s move on and look at what types of batteriesthat work best for pedestrian mobile operation.

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Li-ion Battery Types

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Here’s a chart showing the various Li-ion batterychemistries and Kilowatt hours per Kg.

Lithium-cobalt enjoys the highest specific energy;however, manganese and phosphate are superiorin terms of specific power and thermal stability.Batteries can release high power, and most packsinclude protection to safeguard against malfunction.

The Polyswitch is a re-settable device. It creates ahigh resistance on excess current and reverts backto the low ON position when the conditionnormalizes. A third method is a solid-state switchthat measures the current and disconnects onexcessive load conditions.

Why are we spending so much time on batteries?By using a safe and lightweight battery whileoperating pedestrian mobile, you’ll save yourselflots of trouble in the future. You’ll also save yourback!

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/types_of_lithium_ion

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Now let’s look at a Li-ion battery technology that’sjust roaring in to amateur radio.

“Nanophosphate Battery Technology”

Nanophosphate Battery

I only use Li-ion batteries for pedestrian mobileoperation. I started with a sealed lead acid 10AHbattery and soon switched to Li-ion. The weightreduction alone is a great reason to shift to the Li-ion batteries.

I’ve listed the various Li-ion batteries used today,but one type of battery is just off the chart for usewith portable amateur radio applications.

Nanophosphate!

Remember the word - “Nanophosphate.”You’ll be hearing more about this batterytechnology as the price drops. The really nicefeature about a Nanophosphate battery is that itdoesn’t heat up much under load.

Unfortunately, there’s only one company that holdsthe patent rights to Nanophosphate Technologyand it’s A123 Systems Inc. On March 4th, 2008, theU.S. Patent Office issued A123 Systems a Patententitled, “Conductive Lithium Storage Electrode.”The Nanophosphate material is patented word wideand no other battery manufacturer has the right touse it.

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This is a good and bad situation. The good part isthat A123 Systems has made available a reallygreat battery technology. But, the bad part is theprice.

The electrochemical structure of Nanophosphatehas a number of advantages. The advantages arehigher power, long life, excellent safety and greateruseable energy.

Nanophosphate Material batteries aren’t cheap, butthey really work great for portable amateur radioapplications. Here are a few places that sellNanaophosphate batteries.

http://www.buddipole.com/

Yep, to date, I can’t find any company, butBuddipole that’s selling A123 Li-ion Batteries to theamateur radio market. Maybe more will emergelater.

I hope you’ve read and now understand theamazing way that battery technology is just blazingforward. No longer do you have to carry heavybatteries around for portable operation. But, you dohave to carry a big wallet to pay for all this newtechnology!

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Chapter Thirteen

Digital Modes Portable Operation

If it seems that the world has gone digital, you’recorrect. Amateur radio is also following the digitalobsession. In the past when someone said “digital”regarding ham radio, Radioteletype or RTTY wasthe first thought of most hams.

After World War II, amateur radio operators in theUnited States started to receive obsolete, butusable Teletype Model 26 equipment fromcommercial operators with the understanding thatthis equipment would not be used for or returned tocommercial service.

"The Amateur Radioteletype and VHF Society" wasfounded in 1946 in Woodside, NY. Thisorganization soon changed its name to "The VHFTeletype Society" and started US Amateur Radiooperations on 2 meters using audio frequency shiftkeying (AFSK).

The first two-way amateur radioteletype QSO ofrecord took place in May 1946 between DaveWinters, W2AUF, Brooklyn, NY and W2BFD, JohnEvans Williams, Woodside Long Island, NY.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioteletype

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We’ve come a long way since then! Today theamateur radio operator has a vast assortment ofdigital modes to use. Why do we have such a vastarray of digital modes available to amateur radiooperators today? - technology!

Yes, as technology has packed more and betterthings into computers, those computers haveshrunk. In fact, a whole new generation of smartphones and tablets have appeared on the amateurradio landscape. No more bulky printers and hugeradios. We can now operate many digital modesfrom a smart phone!

But, with all this new technology, we still needsmart software to make it play for us. Around 1998or so a new mode appeared in the amateur radiocommunity – PSK31.

PSK31 was developed and named by Englishamateur radio operator Peter Martinez (G3PLX)and introduced to the wider amateur radiocommunity in December 1998.

PSK31 was enthusiastically received, and its usagegrew like wildfire worldwide lending a newpopularity and tone to the on-air conduct of digitalcommunications. Due to the efficiency of the mode,it became, and still remains, especially popular withoperators whose circumstances do not permit theerection of large antenna systems and/or the use ofhigh power.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSK31

http://bpsk31.com/

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There are plenty of other digital modes, but untilrecently most amateurs really didn’t use many ofthem. So what has changed to cause amateurs toexperiment with other digital modes? The one wordresponsible for the explosion of hams using digitalmodes on the bands is – software!

The software developers have been busy and theresult is an array of great programs that almost anyham can use to get on the air and play with thevarious digital modes.

Another factor attributing to the increased use ofdigital modes is the use of modern sound cards.Yes, today a ham may purchase or build a cheapsound card to use with his or her transceiver or usethe internal sound card in his computer.

Better yet is the increased use of an external boxthat contains a sound card and an interface all inone small enclosure!

Because of new software and hardware, many newand seasoned hams are now on the air usingnumerous digital modes.

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So you want to operate a portable digitalstation? As we move down the path to the greatoutdoors, we’ll now will take the path somewhatless traveled - until now!

Today more and more hams are operatingdigital modes. Today you can hear funny toneson the HF part of the spectrum and on localrepeaters on VHF and UHF.

What parts actually make a digital station?

As shown, a typical amateur radio digital stationconsists of three main parts or boxes. The radioor transceiver handles all the RF functions suchas receiving and transmitting a signal. Thecomputer runs the software that controls mosteverything. But, a computer usually will not talkdirectly to a radio. The computer is digital andmost radios are analog. What do we do tomake this digital stuff work? Yes, the interfacetakes care of the marriage functions and maybemore.

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Once again, let’s travel down the path just a bitfarther to see how all these boxes work in harmonyfor the digital operator. If we look at a typicalPSK31 setup, I think you’ll understand how this allplays.

A PSK31 operator typically uses a single sidebandor SSB transceiver connected to the sound card ofa PC running PSK31 software. When the operatorenters a message for transmission, the softwareproduces an audio tone which sounds to the humanear like a continuous whistle with a slight warble.This is then fed through either a microphone jackor an auxiliary connection into the transceiver,where it is transmitted.

From the perspective of the transmitter, thisamounts to little more than somebody whistling intothe microphone. However, the software rapidlyshifts the phase of the audio signal between twostates (hence the name "phase-shift keying"),forming the character codes.

To decode PSK31, the received audio whistle fromthe transceiver's headphone output is fed into thesound card's audio input, and the software decodesit. The software also includes a user interface onthe PC, which is used to display the decoded textand manage the software configuration.

PSK31 is a 'soundcard' mode, and many programshave since been created to utilise the sametechnology for other interesting modes such asRTTY, Hellschreiber, Olivia MFSK etc. So, once ithas been set-up to run PSK31, the same set-upcan also be used to explore a variety of these othermodes at the click of a mouse.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSK31

The previous description mentions the interfacebox. But, today many amateur radio digitaloperators use a device that combines the interfacefunctions and the sound card functions in one box.Instead of using the computer sound card,operators use the external sound card of ainterface/sound card box.

Why use an external sound card and spend moremoney? There are two very important reasons whyan external sound card/ interface should be usedtoday. The first is noise reduction. Today ham radiosound card/interface boxes have very low noisefigures when compared to some of the cheapsound cards in netbook computers etc. But, what Ireally like about an external sound card/interfacebox is having your transmit and receive levelscontrols right in front of you.

There are many manufactures of interfaces. Clickon the link to view a list of them.

http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Manufacturers/Interfaces/

I prefer to use the Tigertronics Signalink USBInterface/Sound card. Once you configure it foryour radio, it works like a champ!

http://www.tigertronics.com/

In fact I have two of the Signalink USB Interfaces. Iuse one for HF with my Kenwood TS480sat andanother one with my old 2M Yaesu FT-2600M forARES/RACES and NBEMS.

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The software I prefer is the FLDIGI Suite ofprograms to use for various digital modes. Thissoftware package is written by W1HKJ &Associates and is free! I also use this software formy Emcomm digital needs when using the NarrowBand Emergency Message System or NBEMS.This software can also be run on a Linux System.

FLDIGI has a large array of modes for the amateurradio digital operator. Here are most of the modes,but more may have been added since the writing ofthis book.

CW Contestia 4/125, 4/250, 8/250, 4/500, 8/500,

16/500, 8/1000, 16/1000, 32/1000 DominoEX 4, EX MFSK165, EX8, EX11,

EX16, EX22 Feld-Hell, Slow Hell, Feld Hell X5, Fed Hell

X9, FSK Hell, FSK Hell 105, Hell 80 MFSK4, MFSK8, MFSK11, MFSK16,

MFSK22, MFSK31, MFSK32, MFSK64 MT63-500, MT63-1000, MT63-2000 Olivia 8/250, 4/500, 8/500, 16/500, 8/1000,

32/1000, 64/1000 BPSK-31, 63, 63F, 125, 250, 500 QSPK-31 QPSK-31, 63, 125, 250, 500 PSK-125R, 250R, 500R RTTY-45, 50, 75N, 75W THOR-4, 5, 8, 11, 16, 32 Throb-1, 2, 4 ThrobX-1, X-2, X-4 WEFAX

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Digital Software

Here’s a listing of several amateur radiodigital radio software programs:

Airlink Expresshttp://www.airlinkexpress.org/

AGWTrackerhttp://www.agwtracker.com/

APRSISCE/32http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/start

DigiPan PSK31http://www.qsl.net/kh6ty/

DXPSKhttp://dxfile.free.fr/dxpsk.htm

FLDIGI etc.http://www.w1hkj.com/

Hamscopehttp://www.qsl.net/hamscope/

LanLinkhttp://www.qsl.net/vk5wu/LLwindows.htm

PacTermhttp://www.cssincorp.com/ROC_Digital_Desktop.html

MAP65http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/map65.html

MF Teletypehttp://www.polar-electric.com/MFTT/index.html

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MixWhttp://www.mixw.net/

MMTTYhttp://hamsoft.ca/

MultiDigitalhttp://www.ea1cui.com/

MULTIPSKhttp://f6cte.free.fr/

Ram Radio Deluxe - HRMhttp://www.hrdsoftwarellc.com/

Sigmira 1r7 – SDR IQhttp://www.saharlow.com/technology/sigmira/index.htm

THROBhttp://www.dl5swb.de/html/software_for_amateur_radio.htm

UI-Viewhttp://welcome.to/uiview

WinPSK Programhttp://www.moetronix.com/ae4jy/winpsk.htm

winPSKsehttp://www.hamsource.com/winpskse/

WinWarblerhttp://www.dxlabsuite.com/winwarbler/

WSJThttp://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/

WSPRhttp://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/

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So far we have listed the equipment needed tobuild an amateur radio digital station and somesoftware to run things. But, what about taking thisdigital radio show on the road?

Well, the first item you’ll need to address islocation. You could just go mobile with your digitalstation. By operating mobile, you’re free to goalmost anywhere. But, remember one thing – RFI.Yes, today radio frequency interference iseverywhere! Fast food places have lots of RFI.Some power lines have RFI etc. Pick a locationclear of most RFI and operate there.

One major item to remember concerning RFI isyour laptop or netbook power converter. Whetheryou use an AC to DC or DC to DC converter, manyof them radiate lots RFI. I use a larger netbookbattery that lasts for six or more hours to operatemy portable digital station without the converter. Tryoperating on PSK31 and look at your screen. If yousee noise, disconnect your laptop power converterand you’ll probably see less noise.

If you want to setup a portable digital station, againlocation will dictate what equipment you use in thefield. If you can drive to the location, life is good!But, if you have to hike to the location, it becomesjust a little more complicated to operate a digitalstation as any other station.

If you hike to the location, batteries will limit youroperation. Yes, you just can’t carry a heavy batterythat far and still have fun. By having less powercapacity, you’ll need to use less RF power too. Doyou see what’s happening here?

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Your operation is shrinking fast! This is ok, you canstill have lots of fun using a smaller digital station!

Speaking about RF power, please note that manyof the newer digital modes really don’t require highpower transceivers. When I operate PSK31, Iusually operate less than twenty watts of RF power.You just don’t need much more! If the bands areterrible and I really want to work some DX stationon my waterfall, I’ll bump up the power to around40w or so, but rarely more than that.

So, if you want to operate a portable digital station,select a location clear of most RFI. Next selectradio gear that you can take to that location. Thenselect a digital mode to operate your station. Thedigital mode that has just exploded on the air isPSK31. I love to operate PSK31 and do so whilecamping in the summer. My band of choice is 20maround 14.070mhz.

To get started or to see what’s happening on thedigital airwaves, take a look at the digital clublistings. I particularly like the PODXS 070 Club.This club has many members and is orientatedtowards PSK31.

Here’s a short listing of various digital radio clubs.

http://www.podxs070.com/ http://www.bartg.org.uk/ http://www.digital-modes-club.org/ http://web.hamradio.hr/9a1epc/Templates/N

aslovnica.htm http://www.eu.srars.org/ http://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/

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Chapter Fourteen

Outdoor Safety

I’ve saved the most important stuff for last. Yes,safety in the outdoors is usually not an importantitem for most heading outdoors, but it should be atthe top of your list.

I can’t count how many times I have helped otherhikers on the trail. Sometimes I’ve helped theirhiking buddy too – their dog!

I really don’t know why people underestimate thevalue of taking extra safety items along for a hikeetc. Maybe it’s a lack of knowledge or maybe it’sjust a cavalier attitude towards the outdoors andMother Nature.

But, there’s one thing I do know and that’s if youhike, walk etc in remote areas without thenecessary safety items, it will eventually cost youor someone with you. Hopefully, it could only be aminor scrape with the outdoors, but it could beserious!

I just can’t say this enough!

Always take a map Always take a medical kit Always tell someone your planned route Always tell someone your planned return

date Take water with you

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These things are basic backcountry safety itemsthat everyone should do before taking a trip to aremote area. It really doesn’t matter if you aredriving, cycling, walking or hiking to that area.

Here are a few examples of safety-related issuesthat I’ve experienced while hiking.

Medical

Example 1: No medical kit – chaffing

I’m hiking on the AT with two other hams in themiddle of nowhere. One of them says he has tostop as his groin area is just killing him. I ask himwhat’s the problem? He tells me that his groin areais just raw and really hurts, but he didn’t bring amedical kit etc. So, I take my medical kit out of mybackpack and hand him some cream. A fewminutes later he is again hiking free of most pain.

Example 2: No medical kit - blisters

I’m hiking the AT with a fellow ham and on thesecond day he tells me that he just can’t hikeanymore. I ask what’s the problem and he takes offhis left boot and exposes blisters that have poppedand now are raw red! He also tells me that hedidn’t bring any medical supplies. I breakout mymedical kit and we wash the foot clean, and put abandage over the blisters. I then tell him to wrapduct tape around his foot. Yes, duct tape or thesilver wonder works great for blisters! We cut thehike short and hike out to a road and get a rideback to one of your vehicles. Yes, the map helpedus find a short way out!

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Example 3: No medical kit – bug bite

I’m hiking the AT with a fellow ham and he tells methat a bug bit him and the bit area is now red anditching him like crazy! I pull out my medical kit andhand him a small tube of Benadryl. This stops theitching and away we hike!

Example 4: Hiking with dog – hot weather

I’m hiking with another ham friend on the AT inPennsylvania in the summer. This particularsummer is brutally hot. As we approach a shelterto spend the night, I see a hiker with his dog there. Iask him if he’s out for a day hike because I don’tsee any pack etc on him. He then tells me that he’sa thru-hiker and he has been staying in a churchhostel for the past week or more because his doghas a problem. Because of the heat and hot rockshis dog’s foot pads are burnt. The dog was taken toa vet and now needs time to heal.

Example 5: Hiking Grand Canyon – blisters

Here’s an example of my lack of safety knowledgewhen I was new to hiking. It’s early July and mydaughter and myself are hiking down into theGrand Canyon , Arizona. We are have two guidesand four other hikers with us. We start out early toavoid the heat, but after descending 2,000 feet myfeet are hurting really bad! I ask the guide to stopand he asks why? I then take off my boot to exposea huge blister that almost runs the length of myfoot. The guide seems not mad, but disturbed ashe should be with me.

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He then tells me that I should have said somethingearlier and he’s right. If you feel discomfort,immediately take care of it – don’t wait! So, hepatches me up and down we go into the canyon.

Water

Example 6: Hiking – no water anywhere!

I’m hiking the AT in Pennsylvania around April withmy dog Trevor. We have hiked together forhundreds of miles on the AT. But, there’s one thingI know about Trevor and hiking – he drinks like afish! The weather has been dry with little rain. Westart our multi-day hike with sunny skies and 55’Ftemperatures. But, on the second day thetemperature skyrockets up to 82’F! With the sunbeating down on us, we’ll need plenty of water. Ilook at my map a see springs along the trail, but atevery spring – no water! Yes, the dry weather hasdried up the high elevation springs all along thissection of the AT. So on the last day we both hikethe last twelve miles with little and eventually nowater.

As we are hiking down the mountain, I see a trickleof water flowing down the mountain. I stop and startpumping/ filtering some water into a drinking bottle.But, as fast as I’m pumping the water, Trevor isdrinking it. So I keep filling bowls of water forTrevor until he’s had enough and then I drink. Ishould have hiked this section when spring wateralong the AT wasn’t an issue. I totally trusted themap for water – don’t! The map will indicate water,but if it’s been dry for some time, maybe no water.

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Example 7: Hiking with dogs - no water

One day I did a day hike to a local spot on the ATcalled Pulpit Rock here in Pennsylvania. The hikeisn’t a very remote section of the AT, but it’s twomiles up hill with an elevation gain of around 1,000feet or so. As I was sitting on the rock at thesummit a couple came over towards me at thelookout.

They have a large black dog with them and he is introuble. I could see that he badly needed water, butthe owners said they didn’t have any water withthem. I pulled out a small bowl that I carry for mydogs as they were with me and gave that poor doga much needed drink. They thanked me and I toldthem to bring some water for you and the dog nexttime.

Those are just a few of my safety-relatedexperiences in the great outdoors. You’ve readmuch about medical issues that might happen on atrail. Now let’s look at what equipment you’ll needto address these medical problems out in the greatoutdoors.

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Medical Kit for the Outdoors

You can purchase a medical almost anywhere, butif you plan to hike on a trail or operate in a remotelocation, you better have a good medical kit. Youdon’t want a huge and heavy medical kit, but youwant one well stocked for the field.

A few years back I purchased a BackpackerMedical Kit from Outdoor Research. This kit sellsfor around $50.00 US and at only 1lb packs abunch of supplies in it.

I also like the size of this kit at 7” x 3” x 5”, this kitfits in my upper backpack compartment and is easyto get to in the field. I just unzip the topcompartment of my pack and it’s ready to use. Idon’t have to unload the pack to get to it!

The OR Backpacker Medical Kit is designed forone to two persons. It includes empty pill bottles foryour own medications. Another feature is thereusable blister donuts and moleskin.

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This kit comes in a zippered bag with an insidemesh pocket and a fold out removable organizerthat can be used for shorter trips. This kit includesall of the first aid supplies needed for most minorinjuries out in the field.

There are plenty of medical kits that you canpurchase so look around, but make sure you takeone with you out in the field!

Animals

When you’re outdoors the probability of coming into contact with animals and other creaturesincreases, but how much?

How much depends on how remote the locationand the density of humans in an area. You alwaysread stories about bears in the news, but whatexactly should you do if you encounter a bear?

Bears

Avoid close encounters

If you can prevent an encounter with a bear, therest of the steps are unnecessary. Bears arereclusive creatures, and they generally prefer tosteer clear of humans. Announce your presencewhen you’re exploring their home environment: talkloudly, sing, or carry "bear bells" so bears havetime to escape you.

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Keep your distance

If you see a bear from a long distance (greaterthan 300 feet), leave the area. If you need tocontinue on, make a wide detour around the bear.

If the bear has not seen you, do not disturb it:retreat calmly and quietly, and then make amplenoise when you are well away to prevent futurechance encounters. If the bear sees you, beginspeaking in a low, calm voice (it doesn’t matterwhat you say) and retreat slowly, keeping an eyeon the bear but avoiding direct eye contact.

Stand tall

Stand tall , even if the bear charges you. If the bearsees you and is closer than 300 feet, or if the bearis approaching you, remain calm and try to look aslarge as possible. Stand your ground and try not tolook frightened. Try to back away slowly—do notrun—and speak softly. If the bear continues toapproach as you back away, stop and stand yourground. Speak more loudly in a deep, calm voice,and wave you arms to make yourself look bigger.Keep an eye on the bear, but avoid direct eyecontact, this can be interpreted as a challenge bythe bear. Do not be aggressive, but do not crouchdown, play dead or otherwise show fear orvulnerability. If the bear charges you, muster allyour courage and stay where you are: the charge ismost likely a bluff, and if you stand your ground thebear will turn away.

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Know your bear

The steps you take to survive an encounter with abear will depend in part on the type of bear. NorthAmerica has three kinds of bears: brown bears,black bears, and polar bears. Polar bears, ofcourse, are easily recognizable, and their range islimited to the far northern latitudes. Grizzlies andblack bears cannot necessarily be differentiated bytheir colors.

Grizzly bears can weigh up to and over 800 lbs.,and they are distinguished by a prominent shoulderhump and a rump lower than the shoulder. Blackbears are typically smaller (up to 400 lbs.), andhave a rump higher than or at roughly the samelevel as the shoulder. If you see tracks, grizzlybears have claw marks well separated from thepaw imprints, while black bears’ claw marks will bequite close to the paw imprint.

Understand the bear's motivations

A little bear psychology can go a long way—yourresponse to an attack should be shaped by thebear’s motivations. First, if a bear appears to bestalking you (disappearing and reappearing, forexample), or if a bear attacks at night, it most likelysees you as food, and any attack will be predatory.If you surprise a bear on the trail, if the bear hascubs, or if the bear is eating from or protecting acarcass, the bear will most likely be acting in self-defense.

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If a grizzly or polar bear makes a non-predatoryattack: Play dead. If the bear (other than a blackbear) is attacking you in self-defense, you can put itat ease (and possibly save yourself) by playingdead by lying completely flat on the ground. Do soonly after the bear makes contact with you or triesto do so. (In the past, bear experts recommendedthat one fall to the ground in a fetal position butresearchers have since proven that doing this onlyallows the bear to easily flip over the human inquestion.) To play dead, lie flat on the groundprotecting your vital parts with the ground, and yourarms protecting your neck with your hands lacedbehind the neck. Keep your legs together and donot struggle. Once the bear leaves your immediatevicinity, wait several minutes before carefullylooking to see if the bear is still around. A bear maylook back and may return if it sees you moving.

If any bear makes a predatory attack or you receiveany attack from a black bear: Fight back. Fight ablack bear attack or any predatory attack. If thebear is a black bear, or if you have determined thatthe bear sees you as food (this is actually quiterare, and more common with black bears and,some say, polar bears than with grizzlies), youronly chance of escape is to fight it or scare it away.Hit the bear with rocks, pots, pans, sticks or fists—anything handy.

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Here’s a few helpful bear hints

Don’t travel alone.

Always store food properly, using bear proofcontainers if available.

If you cook in the forest, wash up afterwardswith unscented soap or sanitizer.

If camping overnight, you should cook atleast 50 feet from your tent, and changeyour clothes before going to sleep in yourtent. Don’t take any food into the tent withyou.

When hiking, talk and make noise.

Keep children nearby at all times

http://www.wikihow.com/Escape-from-a-Bear

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Snakes

It’s rare to come in to contact with a poisonoussnake while in the great outdoors so here’s a fewitems to remember about avoiding snakes.

Wear long pants and boots taller than theankle.

Avoid tall brush and deep, dark crevices.

Make plenty of noise and vibration whilewalking.

Do not approach snakes, avoid them.

Do not expect rattlesnakes to make anynoises.

If you actually get bitten by a snake:

Get away from the snake!

Call 911 and get to a treatment facility

If possible, take a picture of the snake

Do not cut into the wound as this couldcause an infection

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Ticks.You’re far more likely to run in to ticks outdoorsthan bears, snakes etc. Ticks are almosteverywhere!

Most people think that ticks aren’t a majorthreat, but they are wrong!

As I stated earlier in the book, ticks can and docarry Lyme Disease. While Lyme is very treatablein the early stages, treatment becomes moredifficult later.

I have hiked with at least four amateur radiooperators and all have contacted Lyme Disease!Why have they contacted Lyme? One simplereason – they didn’t take the proper precautionswhile hiking in the great outdoors.

I always do the following while hiking in theoutdoors:

Wear long pants Spray all areas where I make contact with

the ground Spray around my tent and on the front tent

screen Avoid tall grassy areas Use bug repellant with Deet Always check for ticks on my body

These are just a few of the precautions I take whileoutdoors. While backpacking, I take more tickprecautions than any other safety item. That’s howdangerous I believe ticks are to humans!

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Water

It’s a simple fact that all humans need water. If youplan to go outdoors, you’ll need it too. Safe waterisn’t so easy to get In remote areas. That’s why Ialways filter and pump my water.

I have hiked with some who didn’t treat their waterand all was ok, but it’s a game of Russian Roulette.If you don’t treat your water, sooner or later you willget sick!

Why not just treat all the water you drink while inthe outdoors. If it comes from a known safesource, ok just use it. But, it’s been my experiencethat these safe sources of water are uncommon inremote areas.

I treat all my water!

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Poisonous Plants

If you’re playing radio outdoors in all seasonsexcept maybe winter, you’ll have to keep an eyeout for the poisonous plants.

Yes, Poison ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumacplants can make life miserable for you. You reallyshould know what these plants look like.

Poison ivy grows throughout much of NorthAmerica, including the Canadian Maritimeprovinces, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and all U.S.states east of the Rockies, as well as in themountainous areas of Mexico up to around 1,500 mor 4,900 ft, and is normally found in wooded areas,especially along edge areas. It also grows inexposed rocky areas and in open fields anddisturbed areas.

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Poison sumac grows exclusively in very wet orflooded soils, usually in swamps and peat bogs, inthe eastern United States and Canada, but here inPennsylvania it grows almost anywhere.

Western poison oak or Pacific poison oak is in thesumac family and is a plant best known for itsability to cause allergic rashes after contact.Western poison oak is found only on the PacificCoast of the United States and of Canada.

Atlantic Poison-oak is an upright shrub that cangrow to 1 m (3 ft) tall. Its leaves are 15 cm (6 in)long, alternate, with three leaflets on each. Theleaflets are usually hairy and are variable in sizeand shape, but most often resemble white oakleaves; they usually turn yellow or orange inautumn. The fruit is small, round, and yellowish orgreenish.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicodendron_pubescens

Stay away from these plants!

I covered a few safety items in this chapter, but asyou travel farther down the path to the greatoutdoors, you learn more about safety issues.

Remember - If it doesn’t feel right, it probablyisn’t right!

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Static Charges

Many SOTA Activators etc have experienced staticcharges while on a summit. Here are just a few ofthe stories many hams have experienced while outin the great outdoors.

G3NYYYes, I experienced this on The Begwns (GW/MW-025) on 11 June 2011.

I had only just set up with my FT-817 and a 28 MHzwire dipole supported by my fishing pole. I becameaware of a frying/whining noise on RX, which Irecognized as "thunderstorm static". I havepreviously experienced this at my home stationduring showers of electrically charged rain.

On this occasion there was no rain falling at mylocation, but the whining sound was becoming everlouder. I decided to unplug the antenna to avoiddamage to the front-end of the rig. Whilstunscrewing the PL-259, I received several sharpelectric shocks from the metal case of the rig andfrom the PL-259 plug itself!

With the disconnected plug lying on the grass,bright blue sparks were jumping between the centreconductor of the PL-259 and the shell of the plug.The sparks only stopped when I dropped the fishingpole on to the ground.

Quite scary! I abandoned the activation anddescended in some haste to the car. The rainstarted just as I reached the car, some 10 - 15minutes later.

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I was surprised that such a short wire antenna hadpicked up enough static to cause sparking acrossthe plug ... but G3CWI reports similar experienceswith a 2m yagi!

73,Walt (G3NYY)

GM4COXSnow and associated electrical charge are wellknow. It is often heard on an in-car radio with anexternal telescoping metal whip aerial, when drivingthrough snow, sleet (wet snow) and indeed rain/hailshowers. The effect manifests itself in a frying orscreeching sound - specifically on AM though Ihave heard it on FM.

Just before Christmas last year I was activating mylocal summit GM/SS-064 on 20M using a raisedINSULATED wire ground plane (both radials (3)and wire radiator were mounted on my fibreglassSOTA pole - no mechanism to discharge). Ablizzard swept in and covered the summit for over30 minutes. I could hear the charge build up on theaerial as the QRN increased steadily to 9++++. Itried to get some cover behind a boundery fence.On disconnecting the BNC feed (1M of RG174 -thin coax) I got a nasty shock off the FT817.

So even using insulated wire there is enoughcapacitive effect to build up a healthy charge onthis aerial configuration.

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In future if I suspect the possibility of static build upI will earth the rig with a short 'croc-clip' lead, whichI carry, to a series of earthed tent pegs. Oralternatively drop the aerial. Though this issometimes difficult when the mast is snowed/icedup.

73,JackGM4COX

DF3MCI was on OE/VB-354 (Fellhorn) today and alsoheard this crackling noise in my antenna wire andnear some metallic poles near the summit. Therewere sparks from the antenna wire to ground.Fortunately there is a safe shelter not far from thesummit - one hour later it seemed safe to resumeoperation.Das war eine ziemlich erschreckende Erfahrung ... Idid not expect such conditions during winter.Greetings - Martin DF3MC

W0RWYes, I have been zapped by precipitation static....Back in 2005, I was up on the Continental Divide inthe Rocky Mountain National Park with myPRC319. It was a nice day with a few cloudssweeping over. Then a snow squall blew throughand I thought it was cool but then I heard thesquealing noise on the radio and felt a tingling onmy hand from my handset.

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I was getting sparks to my hands and felt them inmy ESD shoes. So I quickly removed my 10 footwhip antenna and got off the ridge. Later, I triedretuning but the static had damaged my PRC319(TURF) antenna tuner. I took it apart to repair it butcould not find any zapped components. The statichad upset the tuner microprocessor software andthere was no way for me to reload it. The tunereven has a Victoreen gas discharge tube rightacross the antenna terminal but it did not save theCPU.

This was very sad because at the time I had onlyone spare tuner. The original cost of the automatictuner was $3000.Now I always use my quarterwave shorted coax stub drag wire on the radio.The shorted stub puts a DC short across the tuner,but it won't protect my body, so I still have to listenfor that precipitation squealing to seek cover.Anytime I am operating from high elevations, I usemy shorted stub drag wire. I have one for eachband.

Paul, W0RW

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Chapter Fifteen

Final Thoughts

Well, we have traveled down the path to the greatoutdoors together for fourteen chapters now. Wehave now reached the door to the great outdoors.

Yes, the door to the great outdoors now standsbefore you, but what will you do? My hope is thatyou’ll open that door and see a whole new worldbefore your eyes! A world that’s a little slower. Aworld where time isn’t such a valued commodity. Aworld where you can meet new and different peoplefrom around the planet. A world that most of thepopulation unfortunately will never see orunderstand.

I find it amazing that most of the population on thisrock we call earth really don’t understand it’sinhabitants. Yes, we interact with people all thetime, but how about all the animals, plants etc.

Have you ever seen a sunrise on a mountainsummit? Have you ever seen the sun set whileyou’re on a beach? Have you ever seen beautifulwaterfalls splash into gorgeous lazy pools of water?Have you ever sat around a campfire at night andseen millions of stars in the sky? Have you everwalked among the clouds? Have you everexperienced almost complete silence or almostcomplete darkness?

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I could go on and on here, but If you’ve missed outon most of these experiences, why not open thatdoor now! Don’t be one of those people that say –someday.

For most - someday will never come!

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The Hikeby Edward R. Breneiser, WA3WSJ

The trail has taught me much.

I hike miles with a weight on my back.

I hike miles looking for a place to rest.

I hike miles and finally realize that my weight hasbeen lifted.

Yes the weight was heavy, but my soul is free!

I hike miles and realize that here all my troubles aregone.

I hike miles and I'm' free at last.

I hike miles - here is where I belong.

I hike miles and find my destination - myself.

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Life is Short – So Enjoy!