The question currently by some newbies has been about getting started in HFPack and portable operations. That is a tough question only because I think it depends on your goals and expectations. I still see posts from people getting into QRP who are in their words "disgruntled" by the results in QRP. Heck man, we are in a bad solar cycle, bottom end of it, what can we expect. Many of us are still having good long range comms with minimal gear and antennas. I just worked Spain this week using my IC-703 and the Chameleon F Loop running 10 watts SSB. So it is possible but one must know how the bands work and how to read about the A and K index and just the area in which they operate from or out of.
This was my comment echoing another ham about his comms.
And I have to echo those words. I own
a number
of rigs, YouKits HB1B MKII, FT-817,KX3,IC-703,FT857,PRC-104 all of which
I use either PM or Portable. My HB1B MKII travel's with me up North to
the
remote areas of Northwestern Ontario with me as to keep things light on
the planes we use to get to these fly in only remote locations, with its
built
in battery, a ZM-II tuner and wire I have a small portable unit that
runs on cw for days, I use a micro switch key for it, fits in a plastic
Tupperware box that is sealed when closed, I also carry it with me in
case I need a radio in the event that there is an event while flying.
My
PRC-104
with counterpoise and whips are my main PM rig, mounted on an Alice
Pack it is quite heavy of course and will dictate where you can travel
to
an extent.
My KX-3 also see's lots of travel time portable, I
have it in a pelican box to protect the knobs and buttons in transit,
all
batteries, microphone, mini-key and wire for antennas and antenna
connectors fit in this small case. Can fit in a backpack or on the rack
of my
mountain bike.
The IC-703 is still my ultimate traveler. I carry a
small LifePo or LiPO pack with me and get lots of air time. The tuner
can
also be by-passed for using mag loop, resonant antennas and if need more
power a small 50 watt amp can be used since tuner can be by-passed. It
fits
in a nice shoulder bag with everything I need for portable operations.
With the head removed and the external mount for head used, it fits on
my
Go-Pro mount on my handlebars of my mountain bike and the rig body and
battery fit in a plastic shoe box with cables running along frame to the
head,
the plastic shoe box is strapped to my rear saddle bag mount. I use a
jaw clamp to mount my Chameleon V1L onto the saddle bag frame and and
coil some
wire around the saddle bag frame as a counterpoise. Works well.
Each radio has its place and operating position as stated, so all depends on
what you goal is.
Fred
VE3FAL
