Before POTA ever entered my life, I was still doing portable HF. That’s all I wanted to do and pretty much all I still want to do. Be outside and play ham radio. But back then, I had to get a little more creative with where I operated from. HF was still very new to me at the time and everywhere I looked I wondered if I could play radio from there (and still do to this day). So here is an under construction parking garage. It was fun.
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
Back in March I made a video for a BNC Molle Antenna Adapter by Brandon, K5ACP, https://k5acp.net I’ve had it on my 705 bag ever since. It works great and I love it. But back in March I mentioned it would be cool to have a way to put a counterpoise on the BNC Mount. I tried with limited success, but now Brandon has come out with a new version that features a quick connect counterpoise. You don’t even need to take it off when operating HF (though you can). He also sent along a couple other really cool goodies to check out. Brandon designs and makes his products himself, is a local Texan here in the Houston area, and is someone I’m happy to help support. I hope you enjoy.
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
3 Free & Useful Tools For Ham Radio & They're Totally Awesome!
A DX/POTA/SOTA Cluster, Online .adif editor, & A Really Cool Logging Software. Available for all OS’s (I think)
⭐️DXSpider: https://dxc.dm3ks.de
⭐️Add DXSpider Cluster Address dm3ks.de port 7300
⭐️.adif Editor By @WD4DAN : https://wd4dan.net
⭐️Watch Dans Video Here: https://youtu.be/I-VCue8kpI0?si=dgdAEoqoZlwZtzxL
⭐️OpsLog https://github.com/GregTroar/OpsLog
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
10% Off Yaesu Radios!! Just add a qualifying Intellitron or Explorer accessory in that tier to your order with the radio, you’ll get 10% off the radio. PLUS ENJOY 2X REWARD POINTS WITH CODE K8MRD!
Here’s The Link: https://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-bundle-sale
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
New HamClock App For Amazon Fire TV! No Computer Needed!!
That’s right. There’s a HamClock App you can download directly from the App Store on your Amazon Fire TV. Works exactly as it should and you can login from your computer on the same network to control and set everything up or you can do it from your phone, or directly from the TV’s remote. It’s pretty awesome!
Now go install it! Your wife will love walking into the living room and seeing this. She’ll prob even buy you a new radio because of it.
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
First Time Camping In My New Bushwhacker Plus 17MB
That’s what you would think when you buy a new camper. At least, that’s what I thought. Caitlin and I got to go camping this week and we had such a great time. This is such a nice upgrade to the teardrop. A queen size bed, a bathroom, dinette, kitchen, refrigerator, AC, couch, and headroom! Lots of storage too. For our first outing, we decided to go back to Huntsville State Park. Being right down the road from the house, it’d be a good place to test everything out. Find out what works, what doesn’t, what we can do to improve things, etc. I’ve fixed the shower so the curb doesn’t leak anymore. Still need to do a few other things. Notably get the clean water tank fixed. I think I might do that myself. It doesn’t look too hard to replace. A new tank only costs $200 from the manufacturer and that would be cheaper than me driving it back to the dealership in LA and having to spend all that money on gas. If I can get it off, I might be able to fix the leak without buying a new tank, so there’s that too. I still need to see if there’s anywhere more local to me that does warranty work though. I’d rather them do it. For the most part though, we are very happy with this camper. It’s absolutely perfect for us and we love the layout. As some of you up north are experiencing this thing called fall with cooler weather, it’s still quite hot here in Texas. It’s 89.7 degrees per my weather station as I write this, so AC is very much a thing we desire. Unfortunately, we had some problems and had to fix some things. I’m no HVAC expert, but I’m pretty sure ducts are supposed to vent outside… I must constantly remind myself what I knew getting into this, all campers are built with the absolute least possible concern for quality, are mass produced to get out the door and let the dealers (or customers) deal with quality issues.
Anyway, it’s not really as bad as I’m making it out to be and I can’t emphasize enough how much we are enjoying this new camper. We love it! Now I’m thinking I want to take it out for a week or so and tour the great state of Texas. Make a bunch of videos, and have a lot more fun with it. I’d like to find some BLM land or something off grid. That would be so cool! Once it’s a little cooler out, I think I just might do that. The AC pulls about 100 amps when hooked up to 12V batteries and an inverter so that won’t last very long at all. If I don’t use the ac, I can open the windows and let the fan in the roof do its thing, which it does well, but in this heat, its more of a convection oven. With everything on that runs off of 12V, the whole camper only pulls about 10 amps from the battery (including the compressor in the fridge) so that’s not too bad at all. It has a solar input on the side. All I need to do is hook up a charge controller and some panels & I can recharge while camping. I’m pretty sure it charges the battery when hooked up to the car too (don’t quote me on that though). Here’s some links I mention in the video (most are affiliate of course)
⭐️ECT Enterprises Icom Mic Splitter Box: https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/ect-enterprises-icom-mic-splitter-box-for-pota.1005157/
⭐️ECT Enterprises Yeasu Mic Splitter https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/ect-enterprises-yaesu-mic-splitter-box-for-pota.989721/
⭐️The Elmer Brand Chokes: Use Code HRT At Checkout http://elmerbrand.com/HRT
⭐️PackTenna 49:1 EFHW: https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/pak-101?im_ref=3QdQwtzF-xyZUdU1SQxb40HaUku3VOQVr0Ao340&irgwc=1
⭐️POTA33B 33′ Telescopic Carbon Fiber Mast: Double Reward Points On Anything At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD (10% off MESSI & PAOLONO Use Code MP10) https://www.gigaparts.com/explorer-pota33b-33ft-portable-telescopic-carbon-fiber-mast.html
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax Use code K8MRD for 10% off https://messi.it (USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Giandel 300 Watt "Pure Sine Wave Inverter" https://amzn.to/4B0qkja *Note this looks to be a newer version of what I’m using. The version I’m using isn’t available anymore but is RF Quiet. Hopefully this one is too.
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
⭐️Check out my Amazon Store (Affiliate)
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
I’m talking aside from the supply of Galactic Prophylactics (I hope at least one of you gets that reference!) you keep in your wallet for when all the babes see you operating radio. Today we’re talking a different kind of safe ham radio. First Aid. I’ve always kept a first aid kit on my portable go bag. It’s not often used, but it’s only a matter of time before you will need it, and you’ll be glad you have it. But since I just bought a new camping trailer, I thought it prudent to make a first aid kit for that too. So let’s dive in and see what I carry and what I’m putting in this new one. Any suggestions to what I may need to add are welcome.
⭐️Here’s the links to the .STL files I used to make the 3D printed parts: I use a Bambo P1S and Bambu PETG filament.
⭐️SnapLock Storage Boxes: https://makerworld.com/en/models/213420-snaplock-storage-boxes#profileId-239408
⭐️Q-Tips, Cotton Pads Travel Case: https://makerworld.com/en/models/1719943-q-tips-cotton-pads-travel-case#profileId-1825558
⭐️Pill Case: https://makerworld.com/en/models/941968-portable-floss-case-jewelry-box-pill-case-componen#profileId-1326922
⭐️Tums & Pill Container: https://makerworld.com/en/models/1038779-tums-pill-container#profileId-1023148
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
Yaesu FT-857D & ATAS Exploring Sam Houston National Forest
Having a mobile HF setup is one of the most freeing things a ham can do. At the drop of a hat, or push of the tune button, you can be on the air making contacts wherever you are. On a road trip (or even at work, ask me how I know) and someone comes up on your HamAlert? Turn on the radio and work them. Maybe you’re passing a POTA near the freeway on your way to your destination. Pull off , tune up the antenna, get your 10 contacts and get back on your way. Crappy weather outside but you still want to play radio in the park? Do it from the comfort of your car. No tall antennas to worry about lighting, so go for it (I take zero liability of course). But the other part of it is hopefully illustrated in this video. You get to explore. You get to go places you otherwise wouldn’t, or couldn’t. You get to see new locations. Scout potential future activation sites. Find a little place in the forest to call your own. Away from noise, away from people. Beautiful scenery and abundant fresh air. Just you, nature, and your radio.
I hope you enjoy.
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
What’s it been, a week maybe since we picked up an 857 for my friend Jimmy? Well, I had a viewer reach out who had a barely used 857D who was looking to get rid of it and some extras for a very attractive price. I couldn’t pass it up. I also can’t wait to get out and get this radio on the air. Still very wet here, though it isn’t raining at the moment… Perhaps I throw it in the car and head down to the park?? We’ll see. I’ve got it hooked up on my desk now about to play with it some more and get more familiar with it. I love it already though. Curious how it compares to the 891 now too. Might have to do a head to head battle at some point soon.
⭐️Digirig Shielded USB-C to USB-C Cables:
Shielded Short: https://amzn.to/4y3l3F1
Shielded 2Meter: https://amzn.to/46WpmHa
⭐️Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjETc3psT6i7B5z6S1Y3ojQ/join
⭐️Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/k8mrdradiostuff
Follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/k8mrd
⭐️Links to many of the things I use can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
⭐️⭐️LINKS TO OTHER COOL STUFF: affiliate where available
⭐️Save 10% off at https://www.bioennopower.com with Coupon Code HRT
⭐️Save up to 20% off your Coax order at ABR Industries. Code K8MRD10 at checkout.
⭐️The SkyHook Portable Mast Antenna Mount
http://www.thehamstop.com/
Code K8MRDRADIO for 20% off
⭐️Fara-J Antennas: https://vfcomms.com/?sca_ref=10776057.9X2g5LehW7Er
⭐️Earn 2X Points At Gigaparts With Code K8MRD:
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=K8MRD%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
⭐️Save 10 % off Messi & Paoloni & ABR Industries Coax With Code MP10 https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=Mike%20Coax%2010%20Off#?lp=Mike+Coax+10+Off&search_return=all&res_per_page=60
⭐️10% off Messi & Paoloni Coax
Use code K8MRD for 10% off
https://messi.it
(USA & Canada get free shipping on orders $99 euros or more!)
⭐️Signal Stuff Signal Stick Antennas: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=4089
