G29Reload
09-23-2011, 12:59
http://www.powerportstore.com/WorldPack%20II%20AR.htm
I found this as part of my HAM interest and wanting to go mobile.
Discussion here lately of field comms had me re-researching the Yaesu 857D, which is a 100w HF transmitter for those with a HAM license. General Class gets you 10-160 meters, a Technicians license gets you 220, 440, 2 meter VHF, 6 and some 10 meters.
Yaesu's 817 is a neat little radio, but I agree with comments that the limit on wattage and only QRP (low power operations) can really restrict your ability to get out and under bad conditions, you need all the horsepower you can get.
I had previously deferred on the Icom 7000, which is a real cadillac but has
-reported overheating problems
-reported problems with the stock mike, which requires a hack or replacement with an aftermarket
-voltage sensitivity issues, if you're mobile it better be in a car with the engine running for full alternator boost.
-about 400 bucks more.
It does have a digital voice recorder, a flock of HF fans who have had better luck and a color scope which could be real helpful.
Both units would require a tuner.
Both draw about 22amps at full tilt.
Using the formula 80-10-10, or:
80% squelched listening for distant stations
10% receiving audio (distant station breaking squelch and driving the speaker)
10% transmit
...and matching up with the specs Yaesu posted, with a presumed transmit power at 20%, or 20 watts, (4x the limit on the 817, but not full 100w to conserve battery), using an 8ah battery as in this Worldpack II, I figured approximately 14hours usage, or 3-4 hours per night for 3-4 nights. This should at least help you get a handle on things during an initial bug out.
This would be great for regular use in the Gulf Coast during hurricane bug outs where you might have to travel several hundred miles and could meet on pre-arranged frequencies, though that also presumes you're in a car at which point power is not an issue.
Camped out somewhere, or on foot in more difficult circumstances this could be real helpful and reduces some SERIOUS comms capacity...to grab and go.
For an 8ah batt at 12v, we're looking at 96 watts total power.
The site has foldover portable solar kits that could recharge the battery in a day at 8 hours of sun at 12w of power.
Ultimately, I'd like to get the worldpack II, 8ah battery option, the solar recharger and maybe a wire dipole. Weight is a factor here and the 857 does come in at 4.5 lbs. It does require a tuner which is another pound or two.
For power-efficient 20M, on USB, you might take a 5m wire you can throw over a tree branch. Theres a quarter wave.
With a noisy vertical like my MP1 SuperAntenna, I've gone 1500 miles on 20m USB using only 10 watts ERP, from N. Virginia to Boca Raton, FL. I've also hit NE and LA. That's a $100 clamp on antenna!
It does VHF and also wideband receive, aircraft, some low VHF and AM,FM broadcast and VHF (NOAA ) weather band:
http://universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/1857.html
The reviews on eham.net are all stellar. Very popular radio and broad user base.
I found this as part of my HAM interest and wanting to go mobile.
Discussion here lately of field comms had me re-researching the Yaesu 857D, which is a 100w HF transmitter for those with a HAM license. General Class gets you 10-160 meters, a Technicians license gets you 220, 440, 2 meter VHF, 6 and some 10 meters.
Yaesu's 817 is a neat little radio, but I agree with comments that the limit on wattage and only QRP (low power operations) can really restrict your ability to get out and under bad conditions, you need all the horsepower you can get.
I had previously deferred on the Icom 7000, which is a real cadillac but has
-reported overheating problems
-reported problems with the stock mike, which requires a hack or replacement with an aftermarket
-voltage sensitivity issues, if you're mobile it better be in a car with the engine running for full alternator boost.
-about 400 bucks more.
It does have a digital voice recorder, a flock of HF fans who have had better luck and a color scope which could be real helpful.
Both units would require a tuner.
Both draw about 22amps at full tilt.
Using the formula 80-10-10, or:
80% squelched listening for distant stations
10% receiving audio (distant station breaking squelch and driving the speaker)
10% transmit
...and matching up with the specs Yaesu posted, with a presumed transmit power at 20%, or 20 watts, (4x the limit on the 817, but not full 100w to conserve battery), using an 8ah battery as in this Worldpack II, I figured approximately 14hours usage, or 3-4 hours per night for 3-4 nights. This should at least help you get a handle on things during an initial bug out.
This would be great for regular use in the Gulf Coast during hurricane bug outs where you might have to travel several hundred miles and could meet on pre-arranged frequencies, though that also presumes you're in a car at which point power is not an issue.
Camped out somewhere, or on foot in more difficult circumstances this could be real helpful and reduces some SERIOUS comms capacity...to grab and go.
For an 8ah batt at 12v, we're looking at 96 watts total power.
The site has foldover portable solar kits that could recharge the battery in a day at 8 hours of sun at 12w of power.
Ultimately, I'd like to get the worldpack II, 8ah battery option, the solar recharger and maybe a wire dipole. Weight is a factor here and the 857 does come in at 4.5 lbs. It does require a tuner which is another pound or two.
For power-efficient 20M, on USB, you might take a 5m wire you can throw over a tree branch. Theres a quarter wave.
With a noisy vertical like my MP1 SuperAntenna, I've gone 1500 miles on 20m USB using only 10 watts ERP, from N. Virginia to Boca Raton, FL. I've also hit NE and LA. That's a $100 clamp on antenna!
It does VHF and also wideband receive, aircraft, some low VHF and AM,FM broadcast and VHF (NOAA ) weather band:
http://universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/1857.html
The reviews on eham.net are all stellar. Very popular radio and broad user base.