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I was bored so...
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Author:  Rich [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  I was bored so...

...I built a pack radio.

http://www.interceptradio.com/wiki/index.php/W7KI_Manpack_Radio

Author:  Jim [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

Very cool Rich!

Just in time for Field Day. :D

Author:  the Outlaw [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

I was wondering how this was coming along.

Wow.

Author:  SpudGunMan [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

i like the antenna, BTW SuperAntenna is a good manufacture of a prebuilt alternative its what I use in my shack-in-a-box
http://www.shop.superantennas.com/

Author:  Rich [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

Yeah the antenna was quite a project. When the spec was to have a rigid HF antenna and mast collapse to 18" or less I realized commercial products wouldn't cut it. It was time consuming to source lightweight materials and modify them to suit but it worked out well in the end. I hope a commercial manufacturer makes this stuff someday as its sure a lot easier to buy it than build it.

Author:  freqseeker [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

Rich wrote:
I hope a commercial manufacturer makes this stuff someday as its sure a lot easier to buy it than build it.


That's half the fun though.
I wonder what the battery pack in the baby wipe box looks like when it is screened at the airport? A friend of mine is an instructor and travels a lot. He has one of those pads you use to write on for use with a laptop and projector. I guess it looks pretty wild on their scanners. He never had a problem until he went to Wyoming. They freaked and he missed his flight. He hasn't had a problem since.
I like the setup. The fact that you made it is even better.

Vince.

Author:  KE7JFF [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

With my FT-817, I use RC car battery packs. I've been though both TSA and Customs with them; I do them a favor and put the radio and battery in a seperate tub so it doesn't look goofy on the CTX machines which show density of objects.

Author:  chpalmer [ Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

Quote:
Minimum of 20W, preferable to have optional 50W+ available if needed


OSHA would cringe!


Love that battery!!

I once cleared out the Port Townsend police department when I found a "device" in a bike style water bottle that turned out to be a (probably commercially available :roll: ) bike light battery... Oh the memories... :mrgreen:

Author:  SpudGunMan [ Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

Quote:
When the spec was to have a rigid HF antenna and mast collapse to 18" or less I realized commercial products wouldn't cut it.


the super antenna M1 is just that FYI
also the mini buddy pole portable would also fit into that

Author:  Rich [ Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

SpudGunMan wrote:
Quote:
When the spec was to have a rigid HF antenna and mast collapse to 18" or less I realized commercial products wouldn't cut it.


the super antenna M1 is just that FYI
also the mini buddy pole portable would also fit into that


The mini-buddipole isn't a very rigid design as the whip is telescopic which I consider to be too flimsy for a field radio. Another problem is that it doesn't do 60/80 meters. The biggest problem is that they didn't seem to have time to respond to emails with product questions. I responded in kind by not finding time to purchase their products.

I looked at Super Antenna however I did not see any size/weight specifications on their website. This is kind of silly when they are selling products claiming to be portable. Their website doesn't specify what kind of whip they use however I doubt it is an 8-foot collapsible which is what I prefer. Their antenna is only good to 40 meters and appears to use an additional long non-tappable coil for 80 meters. This creates two problems as there is no place to tap for 60 meters and their coil design might not fit in the pack.

Like I said, commercial products didn't cut it.

Author:  w1wso [ Sat Jun 25, 2011 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: I was bored so...

Nice setup, Rich. We need to set up a sked one weekend.

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