Hello.

This is a question with a complex answer that could fill a book... Yes, 10W can do it, no problem. Everyone will tell you it's impossible, especially emcomm people. The antenna and the way it is installed makes all the difference. Now, apprarently you are into emcomm, not survival radio... Big difference.


100km is a difficult range to cover. I would say NVIS on 80m and VHF SSB with a Yagi-Uda antenna. Between the two you should be ok, but don't expect 95% reliability. It's radio, not land-line telephone. You can't even throw numbers like 95, 99%, those are meaningless. 99% when? Where? How? Sometimes you'll get 100%, sometimes you'll get zero, as fancy as your equipment might be. Practice will teach you how to increase your reliability, not equipment.

In your case being on a hill is the key. You can go very far, even 100km with a 5W handheld VHF radio if you are high enough. A friend on mine made a 200-mile contact using a Yaesu VX1 with an output (using AA cells) of 100mW. We were at 2000m altitude near the sea.

Also look at the JS8 digital mode using the JS8Call software.

Gil.

Compiled by yours truly, file attached.

Gil.

Hello.

Following recent comments I had to add this to all my videos... Please do not comment about current political events on the Facebook group as some people misunderstand the meaning of a flag created in 1775 and associate it with its misuse these days. I do allow a bit of leeway here as this is my domain name, hosted in Iceland, country with great laws about freedom of speech. Here it goes:

"DISCLAIMER: The Radio Prepper logo (depicting a microphone) is indeed inspired from a famous flag created in 1775. It is NOTHING BUT a symbol of freedom and independence. It does NOT imply support to any political group. It does NOT imply, represent nor support any ideology with an intent on harming anyone. Freedom means freedom from persecution based on any human trait or belief such as, non exhaustively, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or nationality. The Radio Prepper channel is a technology and science channel with a focus on preparedness and use of radio technology for disaster relief and small group communications in times of need. It is apolitical and open to anyone sharing the same interests."

If you need any clarification on my opinions, feel free to ask me in a private message, but be patient as I do not check those often. This forum and associated YouTube channel are for discussions of a practical nature only.

Sorry that I had to post this but I thought it was necessary in light of the new censorship paradigm. Note that nobody ever asked me about the logo until a couple days ago... Keep in mind that I no longer engage in arguments so don't waste your time trying to start one.
Now more than ever is the time to be prepared as the future appears quite uncertain. You thought 2020 was bad? Just wait...

I prefer to avoid political comments on any platform, but this time, only once, and to clarify my personal position if anyone wonders:

• I am very much against instigating violence unless attacked.
• My political views are mostly Libertarian, not Republican and certainly not Democrat.
• I defend and promote freedom and individual rights.
• I am not religious but defend freedom of religion as any other freedom.
• I am very much against racism and any kind of discrimination.
• I abhor ideologies based on theft and control under the threat of violence, specifically socialism/communism.
• I do not support the far-right which is similar to far-left ideology.
• Don't tread on me.

That's it, and I really don't want to talk about this again publicly.

I wish you all a safe and healthy new year.

Gil.

Great thanks!
Gil.

That's what I did. I got the three ARRL books and studied them for a couple weeks, then passed all three exams in one session. When I came back to France the ANFR gave me a French call-sign. I think it is much easier that way.

Gil.

I magnetic loop would cure that real quick...

Gil.

I've had much trouble with a Windom because of stray RF currents... Not so with a half-wave end-fed...

Gil.

Hello, I have yet to try one but it's on my TODO list...

Gil.

Looks great! Hammond makes nice cases..

Gil.

Hello, I will definitely get one... Or two...!

Gil.

Hello. I have been told the same before. I might just make a tapped toroid feed... Not simpler by any means, but since I already started that way...

Gil.

Bienvenue Jean Pierre, et bonne année!
Gil.

Welcome aboard and happy new year!
Gil.

And happy new year!
Gil.

Hello, honestly, I can't operate much above 18wpm, and 30m is one of my favorite bands. I just reply at my own speed and people mostly adjust. Those who don't, I send QRS, and often they just leave, but I don't care. I call CQ at my own speed as well and couldn't care less is the speed demons don't answer. I get plenty of contacts at 18wpm.
Have a great week-end :-)
Gil.