Off-Grid Ham Radio

Using the Yaesu FT-891 to QSO with ON3BM. Still nice to hear the giigling in my voice when making the odd SSB QSO. #oh8stn #yaesu #ft891 #hamradio

Retevis Ailunce HD2 GPS IARU Region frequency expansion, MARS MOD, wide and mod on the radio. No programming software required. The Retevis Ailunce HD2 DMR radio is amazing! A few weeks before this post was published, Retevis reached out to ask if I would test an update to the Retevis Ailunce HD2. I've been using the Retevis Ailunce HD1 since late 2023. Both are capable radios! The HD2 takes DMR to another level with IP67 ingress protection, Bluetooth audio, AES128 & AES256 encryption and much more. If you'd like to support the channel, you can use these affiliate links when purchasing the Retevis Ailunce HD2. These links cost you nothing but may provide a small commission to the channel and blog. - Amazon USA HD2 with GPS (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/ailuncehd2gps - Amazon USA HD2 without GPS (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/ailuncehp2nogps - Amazon Europe Retevis Ailunce HD2 GPS (Affiiate Link): http://oh8stn.net/eu-hd2-gps - Amazon Europe Retevis Ailunce HD2 NO GPS (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/eu-hd2-no-gps - Official Website (Affiliate link): http://tinyurl.com/3xm2xxsx - eBay Global GPS (Affiliate link): https://ebay.us/1hw5Qa - eBay Gloal NON-GPS (Affiliate link): https://ebay.us/rKTRwJ - AliExpress (Affiliate link): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFK6phs Want to dig deeper, here are the episode notes for the Retevis Ailunce HD2: https://oh8stn.org/blog/2024/03/06/retevis-ailunce-hd2-dmr-radio-is-here/ ____________________ Want something interesting to dive in to while waiting for the next video? - Visit my blog and website: https://oh8stn.org Looking for ways to support the blog & channel? Support the channel by shopping on ebay, at Battery Hookups or GigaParts. For GigaParts and Battery Hookup, use my callsign for a small discount. Alternatively, drop a little something in the TipJar. It really makes a difference. Buy me a rootbeer https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/oh8stn Shop on Amazon (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3P9Zq28 GigaParts: https://oh8stn.net/GigaParts Shop at Battery Hookup: https://oh8stn.net/batteryhookup Shop at eBay (affiliate link) : https://oh8stn.net/ebay Buy an N9SAB Antenna https://ebay.us/OVVZcG (eBay affiliate link) Buy yourself a Retevis DMR radio Amazon USA HD2 with GPS (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/ailuncehd2gps Amazon USA HD2 without GPS (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/ailuncehp2nogps Retevis Ailunce HD2 GPS Europe (Affiiate Link): http://oh8stn.net/eu-hd2-gps Retevis Ailunce HD2 NO GPS Europe (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/eu-hd2-no-gps

The Retevis Ailunce HD2 DMR radio is finally here! A few weeks before this post was published, Retevis reached out to ask if I would test an update to the Retevis Ailunce HD1. I've been using the Retevis Ailunce HD1 since late 2023. I also knew the Retevis Ailunce HD2 was incoming. Both are capable radios! Here's a video of the Retevis Ailunce HD1 water ingress protection capabilities. https://youtu.be/7oKQCOu0LzE Want to dig deeper, here are the episode notes for the Retevis Ailunce HD2: https://oh8stn.org/blog/2024/03/06/retevis-ailunce-hd2-dmr-radio-is-here/ 73 Julian #oh8stn If you'd like to support the channel, you can use these affiliate links when purchasing the Retevis Ailunce HD2. These links cost you nothing but may provide a small commission to the channel and blog. The Retevis Ailunce HD2 DMR radio is finally here! A few weeks before this post was published, Retevis reached out to ask if I would test an update to the Retevis Ailunce HD1. I've been using the Retevis Ailunce HD1 since late 2023. I also knew the Retevis Ailunce HD2 was incoming. Both are capable radios! Here's a video of the Retevis Ailunce HD1 water ingress protection capabilities. https://youtu.be/7oKQCOu0LzE Want to dig deeper, here are the episode notes for the Retevis Ailunce HD2: https://oh8stn.org/blog/2024/03/06/retevis-ailunce-hd2-dmr-radio-is-here/ 73 Julian #oh8stn If you'd like to support the channel, you can use these affiliate links when purchasing the Retevis Ailunce HD2. These links cost you nothing but may provide a small commission to the channel and blog. - Amazon USA HD2 with GPS (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/ailuncehd2gps - Amazon USA HD2 without GPS (Affiliate link): http://oh8stn.net/ailuncehp2nogps - Amazon DE HD2 GPS (Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4caVsjy - Amazon DE HD2 Non GPS (Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3wKF7Cb - Official Website (Affiliate link): http://tinyurl.com/3xm2xxsx - eBay Global GPS (Affiliate link): https://ebay.us/1hw5Qa - eBay Gloal NON-GPS (Affiliate link): https://ebay.us/rKTRwJ - AliExpress (Affiliate link): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFK6phs

The Lab599 TX-500MP man pack walkie-talkie version was first seen on the channel in January 2024. This is the much-anticipated sibling of the Lab599 TX-500portable QRP Haam Radio. As a lightweight, rugged, extreme deployment rig, the TX-500MP is the first of its kind in the ham radio world. In this video, we will discuss the VFO, audio interface, USB-C interface, audio I/O, and remote PTT. 73 Julian #oh8stn #hamradio

A response to the world we live in today. Narrated by Julian OH8STN

At the off grid ham shack using parallel Genasun charge controllers on several strings of solar panels and a K-TOR P50 hand crank generator. 73 Julian oh8stn #hamradio #offgrid #shorts

Letting the EcoFlow River 2 Max manage the Retevis HT batteries is easy. Retevis on-board USB charging simplifies charging, ensuring equipment readiness in a grid-down. 73 Julian #oh8stn #hamradio #shorts

Without a solid energy plan, there won't be any emergency communications. #oh8stn

Without a solid energy plan, there won't be any emergency communications. #oh8stn

Running my Icom IC-705 and CHA MPAS for a quick check of band conditions. 73 Julian #oh8stn #hamradio

PowerFilm solar panel durability survivability test. Will it continue charging? Hello Operators. This demonstration helps answer one of the "Why PowerFilm?" questions, so often seen in the comments. In my experience, PowerFilm Solar provides portable solar panels for ham radio, that are both man-portable and robust. In this video, we can watch this folding solar panel taking multiple hits from a .25 caliber rifle while continuing to perform. Not everyone "needs" such a panel. For those having mission-critical requirements, it's nice to know the PowerFilm option exists. PowerFilm Solar is an American company. Its panels are designed and manufactured in the Midwest town of Ames Iowa. 73 Julian #oh8stn #hamradio #solarpower Video URL: https://youtu.be/I6KGLD5mkDI Blog post: https://oh8stn.org/blog/2023/08/01/powerfilm-solar-panel-vs-hunting-rifle/

The BP-500 battery pack is a modular battery pack which piggybacks on the Lab599 Discovery TX-500 transceiver. it provides power to the transceiver from interchangeable Li-Ion 18650 cells (rated voltage 3.7V). The wide charging voltage range of 13 to 50V allows the battery pack to be charged from a variety of DC power sources: home electronics power supplies, electrical on-board network of various vehicles, solar panels. Provides protection against overheating, polarity reversal. The battery pack has an indication of the remaining battery charge. When connected to the Discovery TX-500 transceiver, additional battery information is available on the transceiver screen. BP-500 FEATURES Direct attachment to the Lab599 Discovery TX-500transceiver without the need for additional cabling Interchangeable Li-Ion 18650 batteries Ability to use 3 or 6 batteries Wide charging voltage range from 13 to 50 V Ability to charge from solar panels Four segment charge LED level indicator Display additional parameters on the transceiver screen The aluminum radiator provides effective cooling of the transceiver Folding kickstands for easy operation and transportation. #oh8stn #shorts #hamradio

Off Grid Ham Radio expedition at the Arctic Circle Finand 26-28 MAY 2023. I'll be operating from ~KP26XV near Rovaniemi Finland with Ed WQ2U, and Oliver DL4KA for an exciting weekend of portable ham radio on solar power, and data modes operations running completely off grid. Get information about operating times, frequencies and modes here: https://oh8stn.net/arcticoffgrid-2023 73 Julian #oh8stn #hamradio Share video url: https://youtu.be/JpxgHYDt1k4 ____________________ Want something interesting to dive in to while waiting for the next video? - Visit my blog and website: https://oh8stn.org - Latest deal, offers or support the channel? Visit https://oh8stn.org/blog/2019/12/17/deals-discounts-support/ - OH8STN on Patreon community: http://www.patreon.com/oh8stn - Become a YouTube channel member: https://oh8stn.net/3G8LaQl - Buy me a rootbeer: PayPal: https://oh8stn.net/2ZGAEjy

Hello Operators. Recently, I've quietly tested an exciting device in the background. It's a multi-role device capable of acting as a KISS mode TNC. With its built-in GPS, It can function as an RPR (Robust Packet) HF APRS TNC or stand-alone HF APRS Tracker. Before you ask, yes, it is already acting as an HF APRS TNC in KISS mode with APRSDroid on Android. It is also a Robust Packet TNC for Winlink sessions with the latest PAT Winlink and Winlink Express. The incredible thing about this device is it is multi-platform. So far, I've tested on Android, Linux, & Windows, HF APRS, RPR Packet Radio, and as a stand-alone Tracker. As KO4LLC recently said, "The best preparation is to have multiple plans". This device embraces that notion by giving us multiple options, on multiple platforms. communications options, independent of the operating system, on a single-pocket portable device. 73 Julian #oh8stn

It's crazy to think everyone can afford thousands of $€£ on an HF rig & portable computer. Off grid #hamradio comms isn't cheap, but doesn't have to be crazy expensive either. Let's build some budget options! Read about this kit at https://oh8stn.net/trusdx-gokit

Answering off grid ham radio questions about voice modes versus data modes for survival radio and prepping. Asynchronous data and messaging are truly no-brainers. 73 Julian oh8stn Video url: https://youtu.be/rCm7IbyjRxg ____________________ Want something interesting to dive in to while waiting for the next video? - Visit my blog and website: https://oh8stn.org - Latest deal, offers or support the channel? Visit https://oh8stn.org/blog/2019/12/17/deals-discounts-support/ - OH8STN on Patreon community: http://www.patreon.com/oh8stn - Become a YouTube channel member: https://oh8stn.net/3G8LaQl - Buy me a rootbeer: PayPal: https://oh8stn.net/2ZGAEjy

There are lots of narrow-minded naysayers in ham radio. Ignore them! Define your goals, then put together a plan to reach them. If you have to adapt along the way, that's okay. But never let someone stop you from doing it your way in the first place. The lessons you learn along the way are much more valuable. 73 Julian #oh8stn

Thought you'd like this clip. QRP/P testing with the JPC-12. It was sent over from pileupdx for testing and review. It is extremely easy to set up, packs down small and got me into Australia on 10 watts. The performance was honestly kind of surprising. Anyway, get outside and test your gears performance and capabilities.. Loaded quarter wave whip. #oh8stn #hamradio #shorts

Field testing the 2 meter RMS Packet gateway from 14km out running 10 watts on the RMS gateway and on my local rig. Antenna on the IC-705 was a single band 2m chassis antenna I'm testing. It comes from Wimo_germany webshop. Also tested was the 24ah portable power supply from @gigaparts , the 8 port windcamp power distribution strip, and the 160-watt monocrystalline solar panel from @powerfilmsolar . Even with dual charge controllers, the system is RF quiet! #oh8stn #hamradio

Portable VaraFM Winlink Session on 2 meters with Snapper. We were out testing portable Winlink on VHF to augment our usual High Frequency communications. Snapper was unimpressed! 😂 73 Julian #oh8stn #shorts

Why is it important to support VHF in addition to HF? Mobility & Portability. There are times when an NVIS setup would be more advantageous. However, offering local access on VHF makes access to Winlink services possible, albeit with less equipment. In this short clip I'm doing a Winlink session on 50 mhz, with a qrp radio & rubber ducky antenna from a hotel room in Helsinki. It certainly would not have been possible to put up an 80 M dipole in the hotel courtyard. 73 Julian oh8stn #oh8stn #hamradio

Watching the lightning dance around the tower. Lightning storm is pretty intense today. it's been going for a few hours and seems to be sitting right over the station. Rverything is unplugged and grounded. Dogs and I have coffee and treats, so everything is okay. 73 Julian #oh8stn #shorts

Are Victron MPPT charge controllers good for Ham Radio? See for yourself! As part of the how to solar power your portable ham radio series, I'm testing different charge controllers for RF interference on hf. In the short test, we see the victron 75/15 mppt charge controller creating an awful lot of RF hash on 40 m with the icom IC705. 73 Julian #oh8stn battery and solar power for ham radio