Hello,

Here is a great PDF file I found on wire antennas. They forgot the W3EDP, but otherwise, it is quite informative. The file is attached to this message.

Gil.

Hello.

We have a new board! I need to say that for prepping purposes DMR might and probably should not be very high on your priority list. We assume that during SHTF there would be no grid power, let alone any Internet service. That said, it does allow encryption, which is however illegal in normal times...

DMR has taken the amateur bands by storm, and for good reasons. It is an open source mode. Everyone can implement it into their radios. Although it was designed for commercial radio use, it does work well for amateurs, well enough anyway. There is a learning curve, but honestly, once you learn the vocabulary, it is pretty simple. What's the advantage? It is worldwide... You can talk to anyone anywhere there is a repeater connected to the Internet. Is it real radio? Well, only between the repeater and your handheld, otherwise, no. It's still better than network radio, which isn't radio at all and should be called something else.

In any case, it is hard to ignore DMR today. My take on it is that if you buy an analog radio, you might as well get a DMR/analog radio, since they all do both. So I decided to start this new board. Ya'll have fun now and keep it civil  ;)

Gil.

First post in this new category!

Since I am using the Retevis RT3S dual band DMR radio, I wanted to import all worldwide users into its database. I found the following site:

https://ham-digital.org/status/

Click on DMR User ID List, space separated fields (ID call name)

The format is not the same as what is used by the RT3S, though it is CSV, but the columns are different. I wrote a small Python program to convert it. The resulting file, which will be attached to this post, does import correctly into the Retevis software, and I suspect will work with other Retevis.TYT radios. I have not tried to insert my new file into the radio, but I don't expect any trouble. Stay tuned for an update and video!

I will update this file every few months...

Gil.

Please share:

https://igg.me/at/radioprepper

Gil.

https://youtu.be/LaGT4QurBcc

Gil

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk

Hello,

Anyone knows? This is the ex Hendricks kits website at http://qrpkits.com.
All the prices and Buy buttons have been taken out.
I wanted to buy an FT-Tuthill 160m CW Transceiver.
Very concerning... I emailed them, waiting for an answer...

Can anyone suggest another 160m CW transceiver kit?

Gil.

Hi, ever heard of Z Nation? It's a parody of a zombie series. It's funny and you get attached to the characters; not to be taken seriously. Radio is featured very often, including Ham radio. Of course, they are very liberal with what radio can do and calling a fast food interphone from a satellite isn't an issue, but it has the merit of showing some kind of radio operations after an SHTF situation, be it a zombie apocalypse...

If you get bored one evening give it a try. The first few episodes aren't good, but it gets better...



The trailer looks much more serious than it actually is, though season one tries to be serious. I think they gave up on that later... After all it is coming from the same people who made Sharknado... It is full of references, to other movies, politics, religion, even history. I am sure I didn't catch them all! Anyway, just something fun to watch that doesn't require too much thinking and has radio ops in it...

Have you seen it?

Gil.

Hello,

Trying to make a contact again with my Pixie and maybe 300mW, I recalled most of my past QRP and QRPp attempts using CW. Usually, anything a Watt and above is no trouble at all with a full-size antenna. I even made a contact once from Florida to Estonia (5K miles) using 1.3W! Even my Rock-Mite on 40m seemed to work fine, though the issue was more of a receiving one, because of the lack of selectivity. Then we get down to 500mW, where contacts are still possible, just a bit harder. Below half a Watt things become very dicey, though I have tested 100mW successfully on more than one occasion with Ray 820 miles away. For calling CQ however, one Watt seems to be the practical limit. It gets better from there on up, of course, up to five Watts or so, after which adding power doesn't seem to do much more, at least when conditions are somewhat favorable.

This brings me again to the conclusion that QRP radio designers know their business. Aside from Pixies, Rock-Mites and such, which are fun novelties, great practical radios start at around two Watts. I especially like the SW+ series (ME+ now), and of course, the Weber MTR rigs for QRO operations  ;) I would love to see a surface-mount SW+! Instead of adding current-hungry features, what don't we make radios smaller? We have the technology with SMT components. There should be rigs out there the size of a small box of matches. The limiting factor should be the connectors and controls.

Anyway, just rambling... I think a practical radio should have a minimum of around 2-3W to be safe, with 5W being great. One Watt could get the job done but I would not count on it. Below one Watt you're just having fun, and that's great. BTW the 817 with a less than a full battery outputs 2.5W and people make plenty of contacts with those, even using SSB.

What do you think is the practical power threshold for a CW-mode survival radio?

Gil.

Sure won't do that again! :o

I knew it probably wasn't for me, but with all the hooplah, I had to give it a try, at least to know what I'm talking about if ever that conversation pops up in good company... I even made one contact. For me, it's like watching paint dry, utterly useless and uninteresting. I'm not bashing FT8 users or even FT8 here, but it just isn't for me, by a very long shot.

I used the same software however for WSPR, to see my antenna radiation pattern, very useful, got Venezuela on 40m 2W. Of course with WSPR you don't put anything in your log, but I couldn't care less about my log. I actually only input contacts maybe half the time, when I don't lose my notes, forget to write the date or call signs...

Radio for me is about human interaction if only to ask what antenna someone is using... A few words about the weather, even a simple FB, exchanged between two people, make my day.

Gil.

Gil.

Excellent read:

http://www.n6cc.com/antenna-system-ideas

Gil.

Hello. This article is intended for Eham. I would like you guy's opinion before sending it over, corrections, etc.? Thanks.

Gil.

#########################################################

Jack Binns was awakened by a tremendous crashing sound, screaming metal and a shudder that ran through the ship. As the wireless operator, Binns knew immediately what to do. Fortunately his long-wire antenna was still up and he had backup battery power. Jack started sending CQD on his spark-gap transmitter, ultimately saving four thousand lives from his ship, the Republic, and those of the Florida, the vessel that hit them in the fog. It was on January 23rd, 1909, and the first significant use of Morse code to save a great number of lives at sea. Can Morse code still save you today?

By 2000 Morse code was officially retired by most nations and in 2007 the FCC dropped the code requirement for amateur radio operators. Since then the amateur bands have been booming with code on the lower part of most Ham bands.

The proliferation of cheap and small CW transceivers, often offered as kits, and activities like SOTA and other "On The Air" groups has sprinkled the RF landscape with dits and dahs. Kits like Hans Summer's QCX sold and are selling by the thousand. Nary a week goes by without hearing someone mentioning their CW kit by Steve Weber or Dave Benson. Why not? Morse code is very efficient and doesn't require a computer or tablet. Radios are ultra-light and sip current, often using less on transmit than most modern rigs on receive, all the while outputting a comfortable five Watts. You can power them with eight AA cells or three 18650 cells, again very light. Amateur radio is no longer confined to the shack, or at least, portable operations are much easier today.

How long before someone calls for help in Morse code on an amateur band? Is Morse code a viable option and are we listening? If you have stories, please share them here.

I'll be honest, I use a satellite two-way system at sea or while hiking where there is no cellular phone coverage. Although I have never pressed the SOS button, the position reporting works pretty well. I also carry a small CW radio as a backup. It fits in a little tea tin can, including batteries, antenna, key and earphones; covers 20/30/40m. I would bet my life on it. I have no doubt any operator hearing the proverbial SOS pro-code would jump on it like a bear on honey. Five Watts into a full size antenna pretty much guarantees that someone will hear you somewhere. The recorded message looping function of most small CW rigs is a great asset in that regard. Not everyone can spend a few hundred dollars for a satellite handheld plus a monthly subscription...

What would you do if you heard an SOS, aside from answering of course? Do you know how to send a "Pan Pan" (non life threatening emergency) in Morse? It's XXX.

I once asked the Reverse Beacon Network if their CW skimmers detected SOS calls. The answer was no. I really would like to see this implemented, just a few lines of code, to listen for SOS and XXX.

A small CW QRP radio should be part of every Ham's collection. It might just get you off the couch and operating outside, climbing hills even. It could be very useful when stranded somewhere without phone or Internet. It can also spark interest in people meeting you. We need fresh blood in this hobby, and it won't happen without some efforts to increase visibility.

My opinion is that Morse code is still a viable means of calling for help, given the performance of new frequency-agile tiny portable transceivers. Until we get new exotic battery chemistries and integrated tablet transceivers, CW will remain the mode of choice for hikers and adventurers, even if only by a few dedicated amateurs.

Hello.

I created a new WhatsApp Radio Preppers group for real-time chat and on-air/sked announcements. Since members will be in my phone's contacts, I must limit their number, so spots are limited. To do this, I am limiting access to patrons: https://www.patreon.com/radioprepper | Patrons get extra stuff for helping out, like extra videos, photos and updates. Note that this is more related to my YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTbLvRJ-WtJnW3PvU4pdIw/videos) than this forum, but I didn't want to leave anyone out. Well, I am in a way... Sorry about that. Inviting everyone simply isn't an option. I just don't have the time, and this site as well as my YouTube channel are operating in the red. You will still get on-air/sked announcements here but WhatsApp is instantaneous... I also must limit and identify who gets my phone number for obvious reasons. Thank you for your understanding. I hope to see you there!

Gil.

Hello. I upgraded the site to SMF 2.0.15. As usual, please let me know if you notice any glitches. I also upgraded my hosting plan from 1GB to 3GB. Attachments are working again, as well as my email address. The automatic Twitter package isn't working, so I need to troubleshoot it...

Have a great week-end!

Gil.

This topic has been moved to Net Activity.

http://radiopreppers.com/index.php?topic=1435.0

http://oh8stn.org/blog/2018/04/09/radio-prepper-survival-radio-philosophy-charging-batteries/

Thank you Julian for re-posting and suggesting that I make a video on the subject in the first place :)

I also would like to say to all my viewers on YouTube that Julian and I are not in competition. We experiment, we try different things. I also have learned plenty from his channel. I had no idea for instance that you could use APRS for messaging on HF! Sometimes I think "how is he going to make this work?" Then he goes freeze his butt off in the snow and does it. His observations from this article are right on many counts. A minimalistic approach is a compromise, trading features we think are most important for others we believe we can live without. Of course, we are going to disagree; it creates learning opportunities. I will clarify a few points here before getting to the challenge. Guys, keep the debate civil. My video is in no way a critique of Julian's work and I highly suggest everyone to subscribe to him on YouTube.

QuoteGil uses a CW only radio. Benefits of this is portability and low current draw. Downsides, it's only one mode, and it's only 3 bands.

Like Julian who doesn't only use a 100W radio, I don't only use a 3-band radio. My Weber MTR is certainly my favorite rig, but it's missing 80m, which in my opinion is a very important band. I will probably at some point get the MTR4b.

Indeed, for myself, I believe CW is all I need in most cases. Why? Because it works and has for more than a century of radio. Telegraphy used to send everything from birthday wishes to market trends across the Atlantic. New digital modes are even more efficient, no doubt, but none of those setups fit in my shirt pocket, yet. I favor simple systems to limit failure points.

QuoteGil shows us his very cheap Chinese solar panel Choetech

I would love a Power Film panel! I would buy a small one. I am not favoring cheap Chinese panels, though they have the merit to exist and work. That's all I have at this time. I have no doubt there are better solutions. I really should have more than one, not a good situation right now... Bottom line is, not everyone can afford high-priced gear. If all they can buy is a cheap solar panel and a $50 CW radio, it's good to know the option exists.

QuoteFinally, Gil keeps focusing on the large capacity battery Builds and QRO radio on the channel.

Actually, I was not focusing on it at all. I only used the 1A/5A number as a general example, the only one that came to mind at the time. The last thing I want is a CW/QRP VS Digital/QRO debate. It's comparing apples to oranges.

QuoteGil's philosophy is one way, but I have never seen him fully test in the field.

I might say I have... We can't easily "fully test in the field." Everything we do is a simulation, simple tests. I have walked for two weeks with a 50lbs backpack in total autonomy in the Pyrenees, but more often than not I am much closer to home and only out for a few hours. I think it is true for both of us. Granted, Finland's climate is definitely harsher than the North of France, which is already as cold as I care to experience. The thing is, I do this mainly for fun, so putting myself in dangerous or very uncomfortable situations to test a radio isn't on my menu. If I want an adventure, I'll get on a small sailboat solo out of sight of land; there is nothing more humbling and exhilarating than that. That said, I don't mind challenges.

If I found myself isolated and injured, I would record an SOS message on my little MTR and send it on a loop. It would probably transmit for a couple days before my three 18650s run out, while I take care of myself the best I can. Like I have said before, I would bet my life on it.

QuoteI suggested to Gil that he do a training scenario to prove his philosophy actually works. A scenario where he's lost with a broken ankle. His goal, send out his exact position over CW, without having a pre-planned sked with any other operator. Do you think Gil would succeed? Let's see if Gil goes for it.

Challenge accepted!

I will pack a small CW-only radio, hike out to some isolated campsite, make contact and ask whomever to send my geographical coordinates to a friend's email address. That is a fairly complex message needing the utmost precision to succeed. Would that work or are there other requirements? Ok, let's make it more of a challenge because really, this is way too easy: I will not return home until I succeed, no matter how long it takes. I will have to set up some time for this, so I don't know when that will be yet, this year for sure.

Honestly, this should not take more than an hour... If it was a real SOS ... --- ... someone would jump on it like a fly on honey within minutes.

Maybe that would finally convince Julian to learn Morse code  ;)

Gil.

Gil.

Hello,

Given what's going on with YouTube, I decided to open a mirror channel on minds.com, which is an open-source social network respecting freedom of speech. It seems to be banned here in France of course... One more reason to use it... I might open a third channel backup on full30.com as well.

https://www.minds.com/RadioPrepper

Gil.

You guys know by now that I am a big fan of Morse code, and for good reasons. Here is a perfect example of why. It wasn't so long ago... Satellite comms failed, nothing went through, but Morse on 500kHz saved everyone's bacon, 519 passengers and crew.

http://www.qsl.net/n1ea/

https://archive.org/details/SosMsPrinsendamOctober41980



Gil.

Hello.

Our quota for disk space is almost full. I will extend the hosting plan, but in the meantime, everyone, please delete old private messages you no longer need, thanks!

I know some people are going to offer hosting solutions, but the site will stay where it is because of Iceland's privacy laws, thank you.

Gil.