Ham Radio on the Go - Mobile Communications While Hiking

In this episode we will take a closer look at the use of amateur (ham) radio as a form of communication while on outdoor adventures, and explain the basics behind this fascinating hobby. Select "ham" video clips from previous episodes, and some never before seen footage, will highlight the use of 2M amateur radio as an alternative to cell phones deep in the wilderness.

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

A challenge to all my ham radio friends - there are two technical mistakes (maybe more) in the narration of the video clips from the field in this episode. One of them is an over simplification on my part but is technically incorrect, but one of them is just wrong. If you find one, drop a comment below!

[@hiedi1121]

Well, that all sounded good to me. 😀 Great job!

[@RodneyW5RFY_WRJG782]

Thanks for the inspiration to take amateur radio to the woods.

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

Thanks for the interest and the comment Rodney ... the only thing better than hiking OR ham radio IS hiking AND ham radio!

[@pnowikow]

That was a cool demonstration of different antennas and a handheld radio. The elevation seemed to make a difference

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

Thanks ... yeah elevation is everything when you work QRP ... I spend most of time working HF nowadays when I am in the field ... check out our "Ham Radio on the Rock" episode for more radio centric content.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

I love the D star equipped radios

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

Being a brand loyal Yaesu guy, I have yet to try the D-Sate technology. I do know some other hams who speak highly of it. I may have to give it a try some day.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Thanks for explaining how the yagi works . Makes more sense than trying to learn it from a book

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

No problem DC ... glad I could help!

[@alshaf890]

Wow!! I’m glad I found you guys! I’m a tech, testing fir my general in a couple weeks. I bought a Icom 705 with full intentions of doing exactly what your doing! Hike camping and playing radio!👍. It was so cool to see how you guys do it and why!👍. Keep it up! Hopefully I am able to work you someday!
KE8WEP

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

Thanks for the comment and the kind words. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GENERAL TEST! Ham radio in the wilderness is even more fun on HF!

[@KI4ASK]

VHF simplex is a lot of fun in the Appalachian mountains and foothills 73 KI4ASK

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

Definitely ... I just got a QRP HF portable rig so I am pretty excited about experimenting with longer distance communications out in the wilderness!

[@ObamaoZedong]

What if I want to talk to my buddy who's on the other side of a mountain, ie. not line of sight. Are there any radios that can do this without a repeater?

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

One antenna configuration that can possibly solve that problem is called a Near Vertical Incidence (NVIS) configuration, where the radio waves are encouraged to shot straight up and bounce off the ionosphere and reflect almost straight back down; unfortunately it is not very effective on VHF and is normally only used in the HF bands.

[@outdoorman808]

What was the roll up antenna make, model, cost? Thanks

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

Hi Bill ... the Roll-up J-pole comes from N9TAX Labs ... it only costs about $30

[@outdoorman808]

your simplex was 146.250 but I thought was 146.520 maybe that is why you didn't connect

[@twooldmeninthewoods]

Thanks for comment and the support ... I was on 146.520 but said it wrong ... I put a text correction in the video but it might have been behind a banner add on the bottom of the screen.