HFU HF Underground
Technical Topics => Equipment => Topic started by: VK3BVW on September 12, 2017, 0457 UTC
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Some of you will be aware that I am passionate about going portable/mobile with my radio listening hobby. There's just nothing like communing with both nature and a bunch of electrons whizzing along the wire!
As a follow up to an article I wrote several years ago, I have now prepared two new YouTube videos entitled Preparing for your Next DXpedition - Parts 1 and 2.
Part 1 covers:
- why we should even think about bothering to go portable with the radio
- the goals to consider when undertaking a DXpedition
- planning your listening depending on the time of day and time of year
- the all important decisions regarding location
Part 2 discusses:
- choosing the right radio for portable operations
- your options for powering the radio
- the antennas you could consider including on the trip
- handy auxiliary equipment
- references and notes to take along with you
- the importance of operator comforts while away
- developing a checklist.....so that you don't forget to take something important!
There may be something of interest in these videos that could assist you in further enjoying our great hobby. I've posted the links below.
Part 1: https://youtu.be/AUtXWxP4gtE (https://youtu.be/AUtXWxP4gtE)
Part 2: https://youtu.be/LlvJzMH6YMw (https://youtu.be/LlvJzMH6YMw)
As always, thanks for taking the time to watch my video ramblings; your comments and feedback are always welcome.
73, Rob VK3BVW
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It's GREAT to leave all that city-generated RF noise behind...!!!
Typically S-0 background, out in the sticks... and S-5 to S-9 at home :(
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I can tell you from hard experience in my dxpedition days that combined transmitting and listening, the worst thing that can happen to you is to drive a long way to find out you left the sack with the antenna at home. I did it not once, but twice.
If you're using equipment that has fuses, get some spares and keep them with the radio. Sooner or later they will blow at the worst time.
Tools for repairs, a multi-tool comes in very handy. A stout sharp knife always goes as does a way of making fire. The knife can be used for all kinds of things plus cutting kindling and shaving tinder in case the weather turns foul and you're stuck where you are for some time. Water and food are a must. Extra wire for antenna repairs and good old electrical tape will serve you well.
One last thing, if you're in rough terrain, stay put after dark if you're on foot. I've known several guys over the years that have walked unknowingly over cliffs to their death both with and without flashlights out hunting or camping. It's easy to get disoriented in the dark even with a light as everything that was familiar during the day looks much different after dark casting odd shadows.
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Along those same lines, make sure you have maps of the area you are in, or a GPS. Bring extra batteries for headlamps. I like to bring along a toolbox with basic tools and a multimeter. I also like to carry a wrench and socket set in the vehicle. Be sure to bring spare cables and RF adapters. Radioshack is gone in most places so running into town for a spare connector or adapter is usually no longer an option, so plan ahead and bring your own spares.
For ops, I always like to bring a spare microphone, spare headphones, and a spare laptop with the right software to get you through the show. An antenna analyzer is a good idea too.
If you have meds for whatever condition, make sure you have extra in case you get stuck for a while. Nothing is worse than being up to your axles in mud, there is no help nearby, and your late in your regiment.
+-RH
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After watching those videos (which were great) I watched the one on your shack. I noted you had a Behringer mixer. How is it working out in the shack? Any chance of doing a video about it? I found several videos on it but none in a hamshack.
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Thanks for the feedback and comments everyone. All great ideas there for the DXpedition out in the field. I agree that the toolkit is really important, and that spares are a good idea, too.
Terry - The Behringer mixer is great for bringing together the audio from all shack radios and on into the powered speakers. That particular model is not very expensive and offers some good facilities such as equalization and volume control from the one point. Also, since that shack video was made, I have now two speakers, so panning allows me to have audio from one radio in one speaker and different audio from another radio in the other speaker. Great for monitoring, say, parallel frequencies from the one SWBC station. I'll do a specific video on the mixer shortly.
Cheers all, Rob VK3BVW
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Rob, thanks for the response. Looking forward to the video.