I was tidying up the boot of the car and thought it would be interesting to summarise the equipment I take portable. It's quite astonishing how it grows but I think I have everything I need now.
Did I really just say that???
It has been a very useful exercise for me. Apart from tidying up the boot and boxes, I got to realise just how lucky I am to be able to have all this gear and get the enjoyment out of using it! I live in an area of outstanding natural beauty, access to places to operate with very little background noise and enough space to play with aerials.
I always make sure to protect my portable radios with decent padded cases. They are not cheap radios on the whole and spending a reasonable amount on protective cases makes a whole lot of sense to me.
The QRO Box also came via eBay and cost a little more but was not overly expensive. It's a great box and nothing inside will come to any harm, short of being run over by a Steam Roller!
My aerials have all been reviewed on the YouTube channel but it was interesting to get them out one by one and think of their individual benefits. They all have a different part to play.
One thing I forgot to mention in the video was tools. It is always handy to have a few small tools available. Allen keys, cutters, screwdrivers, pliers, that sort of thing. A multimeter is handy too. Cable ties and tape complete this section.
I doubt I will be yomping up any fells, so I usually have the car close to hand but I could be very portable if needed and still be able to operate for 2-3 hours with a small backpack.
Portable radio is just such fun and you never know just what is going to pop up. I am just hoping we get some decent daytime conditions soon. I really would like to drop to QRP levels and see what I could achieve there but alas, the present conditions make it really difficult.
This video is a little longer than my usual fare but I hope you find it informative and enjoyable.
73 Ian
good layout
ReplyDeletei use a rucksack and a qro/qrp box might be better
now
any hunts to find them on Flea bay?
Actually I got the QRO case from Amazon. It's gone up a little since I bought it.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BJYVMQYF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
This comes fully packed with foam. there are also plenty on eBay
73 Ian
Hi Ian, I have just watched your latest video covering the equipment needed to go portable.... You carry a little more than the average guy with all the filming equipment and accessories.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see everything including methods of protecting the equipment.... I have heard it said by a member of staff from one of the big emporiums, "Why spend a lot of money on an expensive radio and buy cheap coax?" The same is true for looking after this expensive equipment.
People will have glimpsed your car in videos where you have gone mobile, I think you should rename it "The Tardis" Larger on the inside than outside when you consider what you pack into it and still make enough room to operate.
Another well put together video, as usual well planned and put together. It looks easy but that's the magic of your presentation.... which today includes a nice new Intro.
Thanks for the videos and reviews which help me and many other people who tune in to your latest adventures in Amateur Radio.
73 Brian G0RDH
Thanks Brian :)
ReplyDelete73 Ian