What is the best power setup for a cheap budget?

I have a fold up solar panel, a MPT charge controller and a 12V 44aH battery. Also a Pi4, mini laptop, 2 base radios and other H/T that I can use.

So on a basis of being cheap, cost cutting and essentially not having much money as I have basically gotten most of this over years, what is the best way of making sure I can run my station in a effeciant way without resorting to going into credit card debt.

Thanks.

Quick vox pop thing...

What is your favourite radio that you have used in the past or still have. What make you buy it and what does it mean to you when operating your own radio that you like?

the world being on the brink of a global conflict we need to make sure we can stay in touch to exchange survival information. This thread is for you to post frequencies you or your network might use to communicate, related or not to your location. Make sure you copy everything you see here on paper... Protect your electronics in Faraday cages.

If the SHTF I will monitor 10123KHz CW and JS8 on 30m.
Locally (Antibes France) I will monitor 145.5MHz FM and PMR CH3.
As long as it will remain active I will also be on the Mt Agel repeater.

Gil.

Absolutely.
These antennas can be replicated for just a few dollars and will work just as well. The only difference will be build quality and ruggedness, but even that can be approximated, if not equaled without CNC machining..

Gil.

Well, I do understand that priCes are high and increasing, but there are ways to be a ham with a quite useful and enjoyable station without spending a lot of money.  This I know, because I am a pensioner, but do fine:

1. Skills are free and stay with you for life.  For example, learning Morse code is VERY much more efficient than voice communication on HF.  Hams who use Morse code requires less power, less expence and I find that even simple equipment, maybe kit built, works very well.

2.  Learn to build your own transceivers and antennas.  Most of these 'tacti-cool' antennas are made for people who will not make their own.  The company DOES understand their business model and what they are able to charge. A simple and efficient home made dipole or end fed half wave wire works very well, can be made for very little money and I've used them for decades in wild country.

3.  Many people, ESPECIALLY Gil, will show how do do this on the Youtube channels.  This is a real advantage.

No, I cannot imagine myself spending this much for an antenna like this. but, that's because I'm not the target customer base, but YES they do have many customers interested in their products.  OTOH, I don't need it, my antenna kits cost me less than a half week of coffee at a cafe'. because I make them myself. Wire and maybe some reasonable coax, and a little time, that's all.

Time for a sip of cognac and sleeeep.

- RadioRay

Well, you're not robbed if you're not forced to buy it...

Gil.

What do you think? I am observing a big increase in prices on this niche of hobbie we have. This is only an example

Icom has the IC-551 I think it is... I have the IC-251, which is a 2m all-mode transceiver. It's not a small QRP transceiver but still somewhat portable...

Gil.

Actually I would like to know as well!

Gil.

Hello guys! I am looking for someone able to repair military radio... vintage equipment.
My rf301p is having a hard time and needs a repair.
Most technicians I know don't take this kind of equipment...



Thank you

Cesar