I've compiled a list of things I take on SOTA/Portable operations, along with some thoughts and why I have selected them.
Radio: Elecraft KX3
www.elecraft.com
KX3 on the summit...
Why the KX3? Well, mainly because I already had one, but also because I think its pretty much the most versatile HF ham radio there is. All HF bands and 6m, up to 15W output, a built in tuner that is second to none, and not to mention a bloody good receiver..
This is the sixth Elecraft radio I've owned, starting with a KX1, then a K2, then a K3, then another K2, a KX3 and finally another KX3, after foolishly selling the first!
I know there are lighter radios for SOTA, including the KX2, but for me this is still the best!
Is it perfect? Well no!
- The internal speaker is not the best!
- I'm not a great fan of the CW paddle!
- The internal battery set-up (IMHO), is poor from a performance, charging and replacement viewpoint!
- I would like to see better stability for digital modes such as JT65, WSPR etc... especially on the higher bands!
- A dedicated data I/O port would be nice!
I could also add that it's not cheap, and with the options, you could argue that it's very expensive. Then again Ham Radio gear in general usually is!
My current KX3 has all the options with the exception of the 2m module. It also has larger heat-sink and custom made end panels, courtesy of the previous owner.
Perspex cover and cloth carry-bag by WINDCAMP (available on eBay)
The after-market perspex cover and bag from WINDCAMP, is also a great option, helping to protect it in the rucksack, and keep the dust out.
The PX3 Panadapter option from Elecraft is a great little gizmo, but in all honesty I couldn't see myself taking this up summits?
Ancillaries... Mic, Keys, Power Cables etc
McHF Radio
The McHF is a 80-10m SDR Kit Radio developed by M0NKA. Cost is about $250US plus another $100 or so for a case and hardware. The radio is software up-gradable (open source software), and has some interesting features (CW/RTTY/PSK Decoding/Sending etc etc), will produce up to 15w on some bands, and does all modes.
The design has been copied/cloned by the Chinese, and Russians, I believe and a finished radio can be bought from around $400-500US online from various sources. Obviously the legality of this is questionable, and I'm no solicitor, so please no questions on this! Several newer versions are available, with one including a battery. There is also an aftermarket internal available on eBay, but I have no experience with how this works!
For the money this seems like a lot of radio but it is obviously not up there with the Elecraft. There are frequent firmware updates free on-line, and if you are prepared to take a gamble on Chinese quality control, it is a budget option for an all band/mode portable.
When I first used mine I had an intermittent problem of RF getting into the TX SSB audio. However, I have been unable to replicate this and it seems to be working fine.
Slightly smaller than the KX3 and roughly the same weight.
McHF clone finally used in anger!
In August 2019 I finally got around to trying out the Chinese Radio away from the shack. Not wanting to have a disaster, I chose a local drive up summit (Mt. Elliot) to give it a whirl.
The photo above shows the radio in use, along with the Elecraft T1 tuner, which I'd also never used.
The antenna bolted to the picnic table consists of a 'Wolf River Coil', and a 'Super Antennas Coil' in series, allowing a small whip to be resonated on 80m. The counterpoise is two short telescopic whips laying on the table, fed via a common tapped coil, allowing it to be resonated. I've no plans on using this system in 'the field', but I was able to tune the antenna on 40/80m and make some contacts.
I did find out that the McHF utilises the ring and sleeve of the 3.5mm trs for a straight key! This meant that I couldn't send CW using my Palm Key, and had to send CW with the ptt switch of the microphone. Otherwise the radio and tuner worked fine.
The Tupperware box in the centre of the picture shows houses a SA-160 antenna analyser. These are great, but the small screen is near impossible to read in bright daylight!!
NEW McHF SDR Radio (Chinese Clone)
The McHF is a 80-10m SDR Kit Radio developed by M0NKA. Cost is about $250US plus another $100 or so for a case and hardware. The radio is software up-gradable (open source software), and has some interesting features (CW/RTTY/PSK Decoding/Sending etc etc), will produce up to 15w on some bands, and does all modes.
The design has been copied/cloned by the Chinese, and Russians, I believe and a finished radio can be bought from around $400-500US online from various sources. Obviously the legality of this is questionable, and I'm no solicitor, so please no questions on this! Several newer versions are available, with one including a battery. There is also an aftermarket internal available on eBay, but I have no experience with how this works!
For the money this seems like a lot of radio but it is obviously not up there with the Elecraft. There are frequent firmware updates free on-line, and if you are prepared to take a gamble on Chinese quality control, it is a budget option for an all band/mode portable.
When I first used mine I had an intermittent problem of RF getting into the TX SSB audio. However, I have been unable to replicate this and it seems to be working fine.
Updated Aug 2019:
In August 2019 I finally got around to trying out the Chinese Radio away from the shack. Not wanting to have a disaster, I chose a local drive up summit (Mt. Elliot) to give it a whirl.
The photo above shows the radio in use, along with the Elecraft T1 tuner, which I'd also never used.
The antenna bolted to the picnic table consists of a 'Wolf River Coil', and a 'Super Antennas Coil' in series, allowing a small whip to be resonated on 80m. The counterpoise is two short telescopic whips laying on the table, fed via a common tapped coil, allowing it to be resonated. I've no plans on using this system in 'the field', but I was able to tune the antenna on 40/80m and make some contacts.
I did find out that the McHF utilises the ring and sleeve of the 3.5mm trs for a straight key! This meant that I couldn't send CW using my Palm Key, and had to send CW with the ptt switch of the microphone. Otherwise the radio and tuner worked fine.
The Tupperware box in the centre of the picture shows houses a SA-160 antenna analyser. These are great, but the small screen is near impossible to read in bright daylight!!
Elecraft T1 Tuner:
Bought on a whim, to use with the little Chinese Radio. This will tune just about anything and would have to be the ultimate in small standalone QRP tuners.
VHF/UHF
The rarely used UV-8D
If VHF/UHF is required I use the Wouxun UV-8D dual band handheld. Again, the main reason for this is that I already had one!
However, this is rarely used or taken, and on the times I have it has been mainly used to keep in touch with VK2WFT back at the vehicle. Away from the cities, the chances of getting contacts on these bands in Australia is minimal, and it is just more unused weight to carry!
However, this is rarely used or taken, and on the times I have it has been mainly used to keep in touch with VK2WFT back at the vehicle. Away from the cities, the chances of getting contacts on these bands in Australia is minimal, and it is just more unused weight to carry!
Palm Paddle
I mentioned above that I'm not a great fan of the Elecraft Paddle for the KX3. Well I recently bit the bullet and bought a Palm Paddle. I've used it on the last two trips and have to say it is an improvement.
The paddle has a magnetic base that allows you to stick it to a radio, but unfortunately the KX3 has an aluminium case. I believe there is an optional side panel for the radio that allows this, which I need to investigate. The 'touch' of the paddle is quite light, which I must admit doesn't suit me that well, but it is still a big improvement on the Elecraft, and there is no way I'm taking my Vibroplex Iambic into the field with me.
Budget Straight Key
On a whim, I bought a Straight Key on eBay for less than $50 including shipping. These look like they have been made using a 3D printer, but for the price are great value, and better still... work OK. The sellers name is cnctechnician, and he is based in the US. There are various models and colours, and at this price definitely worth a try. I've used this on my last 7-8 summits and have relegated the KX3 Paddle and Palm Paddle to the parts box!! I like the retro feel of the straight key and it better suits my ham-fisted 'style' than the Palm or Elecraft!
NEW: Mini - Budget Straight Key
Updated: Sept 2019 Palm Paddle Straight Key
After several months of searching, I found a second hand straight key from Palm. These are no longer in production. Whilst I liked the cheap 3d printed keys from 'cwmorse' in the US, the Palm is a step up, and now used exclusively (until something better comes along). The only thing I don't like about the key is that the cable and 3.5mm plug are 'hardwired' in, meaning some soldering will the required if the cable breaks. I'd much prefer a 3.5mm socket, so you could use your own cable!
A small mod is required to the key for use with Elecraft radios.. This is pretty straight forward and details can be found on the net.
Battery: Zippy Flightmax LiFePO4 13.2V, 4200mah
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/zippy-flightmax-4200mah-4s1p-30c-lifepo4-pack.html
There is heaps of info on the net about this battery for Ham Radio use, so I won't add anymore. It will drive the KX3 at full power, and I'm sure you could get half a dozen typical operations from it without recharging.
As per the pictures I've added Anderson connectors as I use these on all my gear. I've also got a very slightly larger 4s2p 4200mah version of this battery, and have recently bought the much bigger 4s2p 8400mah one. The latter 2 are still unused!!
Antennas:
#1 Aerial 51 404-UL Off Centre Fed Dipole (40m-10m)
https://www.aerial-51.com/model-404-ul/
That's 400 grams....
I love this antenna... The matching transformer includes common mode choking, which is so important with asymmetrical antennas.
Check out the website of the designer Rick DJ0IP... This guy knows his stuff and is real a gentleman.. The antenna is available through Spiderbeam, but TTS Systems in Victoria also sell it (at a slightly inflated price)..
I'm also currently using one of these as my main base station antenna from home...........
#2 Par End Fed EFT-10-20-40 Trail Friendly
https://www.lnrprecision.com/store/#!/EFT-10-20-40-Trail-Friendly/p/39885475
For when a dipole won't fit.
I have a few Par-End-Fed antennas from LNR, and they work well.. This one is light and has a built in winder. I prefer the 404-UL, but there are times when putting up a dipole is too difficult...
#3 Vertical with Elevated Tuned Counterpoise
The antenna is basically a MFJ-2286 telescopic whip (Big Stick Antenna), with base loading for 30 and 40m. The antenna uses a raised, 2 arm counterpoise, using 2.5m telescopic whips, fed through a tapped inductor. The whole thing sits on a telescopic speaker stand.
The antenna is still a work in progress and the picture shows the MK.I version. Note the common mode choke on the feed-point. This has since been substituted for a triple ratio impedance matching transformer 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1.
Not exactly backpack size, but good for 'drive too summits'...
Version # 2
Version # 2 from Whoota Whoota Lookout - VK2/MN-214
Version # 2 uses slightly longer counterpoise telescopic rods (2.5m instead of 2m), and has a smaller tapped coil.
Version # 2
Version # 2 uses slightly longer counterpoise telescopic rods (2.5m instead of 2m), and has a smaller tapped coil.
The photo above shows the contents of my antenna pouch, for a standard SOTA hike. From left to right... EFHW, Coax, Tape, SOTABeams Pole hangers, 404UL OCF Dipole (on SOTABeams wire winders), Flouro builders line (for hanging wires from trees), Squidpole Guy wires, pegs and shackles (can't remember their name, but from Bunnings). The last three items are used to guy a Squidpole if there are no other supports I can lash it too. There should be 3 pegs and shackles, but one was lost when last used!!!!
The OCF Dipole is always the preferred antenna, but the EFHW is handy for limited space summits.
Backpack & 9m Haverford Pole
I have used some sticky Velcro on the end caps of the pole to prevent the base plug and top 'bung' falling off en-route!
I also use Velcro straps from SOTABeams (not shown) for strapping the pole to any handy support, tree or bush..
I bought this for a recent trip to ZL1, so it would fit in a suitcase (approx 65cm long when telescoped). It worked fine supporting my 404-UL OCF Dipole, about 2-3m down from the top. The top few sections are not suitable for supporting any weight, but then again neither is the Haverford.
However, on my first summit I managed to crack the fibreglass of the fourth top section. This was nothing to do with the weight, but I think I was just a little heavy handed when locking the sections in place by twisting. This was above the point that I attached the antenna though, so no problems.
On return to VK, I contacted SOTABEAMS, who agreed to replace the section, for the cost of shipping only. No questions asked. Can't asked for better service than this, as I have no doubt the problem was mine and not the poles... 5-STARS..
Catapult, Slingshot or whatever you want to call it..
Used to fire a fishing weight and line over a tree branch to haul up antennas. $5 shipped from China on eBay. Beware, these are not legal in certain states and 'can' be confiscated/impounded at customs!! Mine got through OK, but I've heard of others not so lucky.. Don't spend more than you are willing to lose!
New: I've found in use that the catapult is not that ideal. If you have a clear branch to aim over it's OK, but in dense wooded areas with lots of branches it is easy to get the line tangled. In these instances I've found using builders line, tied to a half full water bottle thrown in the branches works better.
I also use Velcro straps from SOTABeams (not shown) for strapping the pole to any handy support, tree or bush..
New: Compact 10m SOTABEAMS Pole.
I bought this for a recent trip to ZL1, so it would fit in a suitcase (approx 65cm long when telescoped). It worked fine supporting my 404-UL OCF Dipole, about 2-3m down from the top. The top few sections are not suitable for supporting any weight, but then again neither is the Haverford.
However, on my first summit I managed to crack the fibreglass of the fourth top section. This was nothing to do with the weight, but I think I was just a little heavy handed when locking the sections in place by twisting. This was above the point that I attached the antenna though, so no problems.
On return to VK, I contacted SOTABEAMS, who agreed to replace the section, for the cost of shipping only. No questions asked. Can't asked for better service than this, as I have no doubt the problem was mine and not the poles... 5-STARS..
Catapult, Slingshot or whatever you want to call it..
Used to fire a fishing weight and line over a tree branch to haul up antennas. $5 shipped from China on eBay. Beware, these are not legal in certain states and 'can' be confiscated/impounded at customs!! Mine got through OK, but I've heard of others not so lucky.. Don't spend more than you are willing to lose!
New: I've found in use that the catapult is not that ideal. If you have a clear branch to aim over it's OK, but in dense wooded areas with lots of branches it is easy to get the line tangled. In these instances I've found using builders line, tied to a half full water bottle thrown in the branches works better.
Dry Sacks, Log Book and Pen:
Bought from Aldi, as part of a 3-sack pack ($15 from memory). Blue for Radio and Orange for antenna, battery and ancillaries.. Prior to SOTA I hadn't used paper logging for 20 years... retro....
New: I've stared using the mini paper log books from www.hamshop.cz (see picture below). Less messy than a standard writing pad and a good size for the backpack.
New: I've stared using the mini paper log books from www.hamshop.cz (see picture below). Less messy than a standard writing pad and a good size for the backpack.
iPhone 4: For camera, clock and SOTAWatch spotting.
I'm sure I don't need to put a picture of a iPhone 4 here....
Ancillaries:
Mic, CW Key, Power leads x2, Coax lead (lightweight RG-174), SO-259 to BNC adapter cables x 2, ear phones - walkman type, Velcro strips, fishing weight and line, string, pliers/snips and electrical tape.
From the orange bag...
Navigation: If I'm visiting an unfamiliar area, I will usually print off a map, and mark Grid Coordinates at key points along the route. This is in case I need to use my GPS to get to one of these points or find my way back after getting lost.
Map cropped into 'Paint' ready for printing. The summit info, was added by me in Paint!
I download detailed maps from https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/ as pdf files.
I then zoom into the area I want on the map, and do a screen print into the 'Paint' program, so I can crop and print the bit I want. I then write on notes and key coordinates if required (you can get coordinates by clicking on points on Google Maps).
The next item is the GPS itself..
Garmin e-trex
I use a very basic handheld GPS that cost me $50 s/h on eBay. The menu system is a bit cumbersome, but once you get used to it, it works fine. I used to pre-program waypoints before my trips, but this takes a while, so I now program on the go, only if I need to (hence the paper maps with handwritten coordinates!
If I ever leave a trail, going bush, to access a summit, I will always mark the place I left the trail, so I can find my way back.
Navigation: If I'm visiting an unfamiliar area, I will usually print off a map, and mark Grid Coordinates at key points along the route. This is in case I need to use my GPS to get to one of these points or find my way back after getting lost.
A couple of printed maps from a recent trip, with hand written coordinates.
I download detailed maps from https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/ as pdf files.
I then zoom into the area I want on the map, and do a screen print into the 'Paint' program, so I can crop and print the bit I want. I then write on notes and key coordinates if required (you can get coordinates by clicking on points on Google Maps).
The next item is the GPS itself..
I use a very basic handheld GPS that cost me $50 s/h on eBay. The menu system is a bit cumbersome, but once you get used to it, it works fine. I used to pre-program waypoints before my trips, but this takes a while, so I now program on the go, only if I need to (hence the paper maps with handwritten coordinates!
If I ever leave a trail, going bush, to access a summit, I will always mark the place I left the trail, so I can find my way back.
New 2019 Garmin GPSMap64s
Bought S/H on eBay for half the new price. I'm still learning all its functions, but it's much more user friendly than the old GPS, and using the Garmin Software, I can copy coordinates from Google maps onto the unit, when planning trips. The 64s also has a much more accurate (and calibratable) altimeter, and the compass works when you are stationary. I bought a copy of the Garmin map software, also cheap on eBay. This is a few years old, but quite useful!
And finally...
Essentials:
Hello David, I had a listen to you on 40 this morning and you readable - just! I really enjoyed reading this post on your blog and the photos are excellent. I hope I can have a cw qso one day:I use a hand key.
ReplyDeletecheers
John D
VK5BJE/VK5PF
You are really our model, you should think about it.Garmin e-trex Only spent $50；God, I spent it.$ 200 .https://www.newbecca.com/product/36047071467
ReplyDelete