Testing from the home station even with commercial power is perfectly valid as an exercise. If you had to swap you house - or just your station - over to emergency generator power, the operating would be the same.
2 points. 1) start cycling , I suffered a serious low calf tear set back in my forties and cycling was the thing that got me back . 2)solid content. i fail at radio every day. Some days are better than others, the layers of strategy pay off. I have failed For 3 years to contact a bud on 100 watts from florida to Virginia . 600 watts yes . 100 no go. But we keeps trying to figure out this equation. Thanks you rock G.
Thanks for the recovery tips. I'm finally back to a light jog, but it's going to take a few more months to get back to full strength. If you haven't considered a digital mode like JS8, give it a shot. We are having much better success than voice as it works very low into the noise floor.
Echoing what Gaston said. FL to VA with JS8 should be a piece of cake. JS8 will decode signals you can't hear when you would have no chance of making a voice communication.
Glad you enjoy it! We have another operation planned this coming weekend, so the video should be out in about two weeks. There will be a curveball in that one.
Congrats. Targeted contacts can be difficult. Have you thought about adding more people to your next exercise. If you had critical/emergency information to pass 12 hours might not be an acceptable time frame. The use of relay stations via a network of operators could be key in timely communications. JS8Call has features just for this purpose. Schedules and practice are important. I'd like to point out that just because a contact is random, doesn't mean it is useless, they could be a relay. Get your message through by any means.
This was more challenging than the others that I have done in the past as I typically focus on regional work in the southwest. I actually have a decent size network of operators that trains together in the Southwest daily. We have exceptional daily success with our NVIS antenna deployments on both voice and digital. Relays are very important. We have an exercise planned this coming weekend (Field Day) where we we will be testing relays across the country using the WARC bands. You're right. Random contacts have value, but at this point I am much more interested in training our group on how to make targeted contacts. If you can establish targeted contacts, establishing random contacts is a piece of cake.
Great vid and content. Question: What was the azimuth and radiation pattern of your antenna? Having worked with military HF COMMS for many years this part of setup/ops is critical. Best 73 de Tim AC1KD
@@kd5inm - Sure. As part of wanting to mask HF transmissions, SF teams were taught to use more directional antennas to reduce their signal thus preventing DF'ing. Every antenna has a azimuth, elevation (take off angle) and width of the lobe coming off of the antenna. The size and azimuth of the lobes are dependent upon type of antenna, frequency and height above ground. If you are operating using a dipole antenna, you want it pointed broadside to your receiving station. Dipoles have a Null at long the line of the antenna. To ensure that your signal is getting to your intended receiving station it is important to know how your antenna is transmitting.
That's what this channel is all about. I've been on path for 3 years trying to embrace offgrid communications in a practical way. It takes time to learn the basics of radio, buy the right equipment, learn how to use it, and even then, the bands and other factors are against you. Thanks for the comment.
It's the same thought process that drives people to believe that just owning a $3000 rifle and military LARP gear would make more than a tiny difference if the electricity and water stop. It's neither new nor rare.
Most TH-camrs only show how they are rockstar ninjas on the air. Unfortunately, the bands do not always cooperate along with a bag of other issues that can arise (operator error, technical issues, etc.) I think it is important to show the realities of using HF radio as a means of backup communication.
Thank you for getting this video put together so quickly. This was a great plan and exercise - lots of great things learned and yet another proven use case for the utility of offline VOACAP. 👍
I know that I am always preaching to the choir with you, my friend. Wait until you see the next iteration of a generalized communication plan. I still have pages of notes to review and clean-up. The AAR should be interesting. What's amazing, is that the voacap engine (for Windows) was developed in pretty much a pre-Internet world. What is old, is new again. I was happy to rediscovered and tweak it (voacapl) to be a bit more useful and accessible. I plan to release this portion of EmComm Tools for the members as soon as I can.
It'll take a lot in a true grid down situation to make reliable contacts. It's great to watch you give it a serious effort in this exercise. Everything points to updates, pre-plans, and preps while you have internet, otherwise I can't imagine how coordination could happen. I am very interested in more detail about offline VOACAP. In my own tests, I am finding offgrid operation always requires a GPS unit on the radio's PC in order to assure time sync for JS8Call.
You're absolutely right. There is no way (in my humble opinion) to do this without a lot of pre-planning, well-defined procedures and established group that trains together. More intel coming on the offline VOACAP tool and related scripts. This is how it ran for years (i.e. offline). I just found a way to make it simpler to use with some clever scripting. I'll be sharing the details soon. It will be integrated into the offline map in EmComm Tools, so the prediction will happen on the fly the second you drop a pin or lookup a call sign. The only information that is really needed that requires the Internet are the average monthly Sunspot Numbers (SSN). However, these are predicted many months in advance, so they can be cached in advance. My plan also has a solution for getting the monthly SSN number while offgrid. Actually, I figured out an easier way to automatically set your system clock using the JS8Call--no GPS needed. I plan to fork the code base with my patch. But, yes, a GPS is handy.
You’re smart and very persistent. It’s crazy how complicated and fragile off grid data communications are in 2024. We a solution or two that tech illiterate people use easily in the event of emergencies. I’m glad there are guys like you trying to figure it out and even trying to improve it.
HF radio has been around for a long time and the physics has not changed. There are too many factors that are involved in reliable offgrid comms. It just to experience and practice with all parties involved.
Thank you for sharing the struggles as well as the successes. They are equally important, and you give me much more realistic expectations as I get further down this path.
It's my pleasure. It's important to show the successes and the failures. It's the reality of HF communication. Take care and good luck with your journey.
Relays are great. We plan to incorporate them into our Anti Field Day communications plan since we're sticking to 12/17/30m (WARC bands) during Field Day. Most of our message passing works well in the southwest using NVIS and 40/80m, but we'll need relays to while using the WARC bands.
Wow! This reminded me SO MUCH of my son and my monthly comms test! LOTS of failures and absolute joy when we succeed , plus it is NEVER an guarantee, forecasts are forecasts not promises . Great job!
Enjoyed your test done under real world conditions. I think many have a false impression that you could consistently make a targeted contact with another station without much problem. You proved that it is definitely not the case. Love your use of offline VOACAP. That is a tremendous resource that is in my opinion under rated and under used today.
This is the 5th or 6th video I have done in a series called "No Random Contacts". There is quite a bit of planning that goes into making targeted contacts works. There's the motivation to do it, obtaining the fundamentals of operating a radio, getting the right gear, selecting the right band, mode, power level and antenna. Lastly, you need to find someone else who is willing to train with you. The offline VOACAP engine was a bit of an education as it is not designed for mere mortals, but I invested the time to learn it and how to tweak it for 100% offline use. The online version (voacap.com/hf) is easier to use. but it's a resource that may not always be available.
Well done. Sorry about the injury. Sure did not stop you from giving us this great content. Very happy to being a supporter. No it is not easy from N8VY. I am an FT857d man-pack operator.
I've gone 41 years without an injury, so it was bound to happen. I'll be hitting the field for Field Day. Thank you for the support and glad to see another 857 manpack operator. 73
Thank you for your channel and your broadcasts. Very informative. Although I've used plenty of comms during my military years, ham is entirely new to me (I've only taken a baby step toward it by very recently getting GMRS-licensed and equipped). I hope to soon enough dive into ham, although now that I had to learn the hard way by buying GMRS radios and antennas that in the long run turned out to not be the best choice, I hate the very thought that I'll likely have to do the same with ham radios---that is, learn the hard way by trial and error spending my limited cash. All the more reason I'm very much appreciating your channel. Please keep it up.
You're very welcome. I feel your pain. I made several bad purchases over the last few years that I regret. My suggestion is to think about your communication objectives and take a buy once, cry once philosophy. In my humble opinion, steer clear of the Chinese radios and opt for the big three Japanese radio manufacturers: Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood. If you're looking for a "Do everything radio" that you can grow into and that is still in production at a good price point, research the FT-991A.
It's funny that you mentioned ALE. We actually talk about it in our join tAAR. It goes public next weekend, but it also linked in the last 10 seconds of this video. I plan to use my CHA LEFS 8010 for ALE as well as build or buy a terminated folded dipole. You're welcome. Thanks for mentioning ALE.
Been interested in SHTF comms. The hams near me are interested in making international contacts or emergency communications. Was educational to see you coordinating with a known entity across the country and the bands you're trying. Aside from getting news/info from across the country, I assumed SHTF comms would be a bit more local/regional. Thanks for the video; good to see your setup and procedure.
I agree with you that most SHTF comms will likely be local/regional. We have the regional communication much more dialed in and pretty reliable. Even with band conditions changing our group communicates daily on HF throughout the Southwest . This longer distance contact was significantly more challenging,
I've found, with my rigs at least, that it's much easier to set up cw sending within flrig, and allow fldigi to copy for you. (Im still working on my cw and I DO like to have the backup transcription written out) I've had a lot of hit or miss getting fldigi to key cw with hardware as opposed to just sending audio of the code. If your rig is able to have cw keyed over cat, if I'm not mistaken I've gotten my 891 and ftdx3000 to key that way so hopefully your yaesu is capable as well. Thanks for the video! Always well thought out plans of attack and I'm sure plenty of others are learning a whole lot through your process like I am!
I tried the CW decoder in a fldigi briefly when Billy first presented the idea of using computer assisted CW as an option for the PACE plan. I'll have to revisit flrig and look into its abilities to encode CW. Thanks for the tip.
This sounded like a fun plan to execute. A couple of questions. 1. what headlamp are you using? 2. Have you thought about trying to linear load an antenna for 80m to make it physically shorter? I'm glad you made the contact and shared your experiences. 73
It was fun. 1. The headlamp is in the description. 2. Yes, I have thought about adding a loading coil, but honestly in a real emergency I would have been able to make the space work. In this particular exercise, I wanted to setup my camp next to the fire pit in the backyard.
Your antenna is compromised enough already without shortening it further. At the height you have it, it is a cloud warmer (you new guys call it NVIS). Basically, your signal is going almost straight up and back down. The rule of thumb is that an antenna should be a minimum of 1/4 wavelength above ground. For 40 meters that would be 10 meters or 30 feet. (note that I'm talking about horizontal wires, not verticals). I did watch Billy's video and while I think that he is a good kid and is doing a good job overall, I did leave a comment about "Gentleman's agreements". One final note: 14.313 has some, to put it as politely as possible, QRM issues and is not a good choice for any kind of operating whatsoever.
I am amazed at the land you live in. Would love an explanation where and how you live. Why the concrete block wall? Cactus... amazing. Do you get snow at any point?
The cinder block walls are low maintenance and are needed as the sun is brutal out here and destroys anything made out of wood. It's primarily here to keep the snakes out, although they manage to get in occasionally. We're at 2,200 ft. and will occasionally get hail with some snow sticking. This happens at most once or twice a year. The lowest we drop in temperatures is the high 20's. We're entering monsoon season through early August. I enjoy the quiet and love hiking and trail running in triple digit weather.
Thanks, but we have Globe Chamomile (an invasive weed) that takes over the property in the spring. It needs to be grabbed and bagged. Grass would be easier. ;-)
@@TheTechPrepperi agree, I would rather now grass. But, I will be building a fire pit to use for general wood as well as burning some of the weeds. As long as it's not a no burn day.
Refreshing content. There are so many prepping channels that espouse military tactics yet they refer to their 4.5 watt Baofeng handy talkies as "commo." It is good to see practical gear and knowledge on display and a prepper who refers to the gear as "comms." Let this be a heads up that if a content creator mentions "commo," in the discussion of radio communication, you are watching a G.I. Joe, LARPing poser.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the content. You may enjoy the other videos in the large "No Random Contact" series. No Baofengs here. Here's one that you may like: th-cam.com/video/ypMM0sCUFZM/w-d-xo.html
I will say ive tried and stalled fully learning CW a couple times. Have a morserino-32 that I'm gonna try on, buddy has one also so we can use em like short range(well maybe decent range) radios if we both get decent. Hopefully both of us will push each other to get it done. As a man that loves his long distance power saver stuff CW seems like a thing you should be all over.
Great job guys. One thing I noticed about the scheduled times, And maybe you covered it in the plan text, but are the frequency times is local times, zulu time? Would be best to specify.
Brother try some of the portable vertices from Chellegance like the 599 or mc750. Easy set ups and 20m has been awesome this summer. 73 and thanks for you what you do.
Congrats on the contact. Scout75 and i have tried a couple times to make contact, but no go. I thought i heard him in the weeds, but could get anything but a vague voice.
Great plan and video. In Linux for my rasp pi 3b+ which program may be used to use or convert from geographic coordinates to UTM coordinates. Or even in Pat Winkink change to UTM coordinates?
I'd routinely make JS8 contacts from central KY to all over Texas and Arizona using 20W into a tuner and random wire sloper, but they were random contacts. That gives a false sense of security. Targeted communications is much more difficult.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's great that you are having success with these contacts on 20 watts. We have another exercise planned for Field Day (on the WARC bands) that include a larger group with the express goal of establishing targeted contacts under a scenario in which the bands are crowded. The new commo plan for this upcoming exercise took a number of lessons out of this exercise. More targeted contacts coming. I always enjoy it when you stop by.
Unfortunately, my source for the iKey dried up. The going price on the secondary market is about $300 USD if you can find them. Here's the manufacturer: www.ikey.com/product/ik-pan-fzm1-co1/
Perhaps a lower impact exercise option is called for? Check out the Trek 1120 bike packing model. Go further with much less effort and with less gear on your back, this bicycle can equipped to carry quite a-bit. Please do not be tempted by those Evil "E" peds being heavily mass marketed currently.
Our terrain is pretty rough. Heck, it's even hard on the Jeep. I can actually trail run faster than the Jeep. I've considered a bike, but it would need to be one heck of fat bike as we have almost no trails. I spend most of the time bushwhacking and jumping washes. I'll look into the bike as it opens up some options. Thanks for the pointer.
@@TheTechPrepper I understand that with no established rideable trail wheeled transportation could be hindered, but with all trails, one Indian blazed first and then came Indian two.
I don't understand how changing frequencies within a band, not taking QRN/QRM into consideration, would have been much help, assuming the same operating mode.
There are scenarios where only one operator may experience QRM. For example, the frequency appears unused to one operator, but the other operator is pickup an active QSO. We get this alot on 40m, 75m, and 80m with our NVIS deployments.
It's a collaboration that I am doing with Tim N9SAB, but we're all sold out. The antenna was designed specifically for NVIS deployments. shop.thetechprepper.com/
Sorry in advance for all the questions you will be receiving from me but I’m trying to purchase the equipment can you link or give me the information on that keyboard I can’t seem to find it also when it comes to antennas is there something similar you’d recommend? I see it’s sold out on your site.
Not at all. I've been carrying this gear in my ruck for years on the channel along with my support gear. I usually bring a smaller, low power radio when I'm on foot.
If you would like to try contacting me in Oklahoma, I setup portable at work with an EFHW in the evenings, running 20 watts. And I do have a TH-cam channel.
I am always up for a contact, but it will take me some time as I have the video line-up set for the next couple of months. Shot me an email. It's on QRZ and TH-cam "About" page. 73 de KT7RUN
Yes. I've had success using my Yaesu FT-8900 manpack for wilderness public service events as a cross band repeater. In general, I do not need full cross-banding as I typically can hear the distant station on my HT. In this scenario, I configure the 8900 to only retransmit the signal from my HT. We call it transmit boost.
ALE has been on the to-do list for a while. The problem is the cost, but there is a lot of value. I would prefer a radio with built-in support like the IC-F8101, but you're looking at $2,500 for one radio. A less expensive path is to go with an used IC-7200 since it does quiet frequency changes when in split mode. My Yaesu's would drive me nuts with the relay clicks. I'm just waiting for the ion2g project to be supported under Ubuntu.
I make these myself as I'm not a fan of digital format. I have standardized on 8.5" x 5.5" so that I can use standard 8.5 x 11" paper cut in half. I invested in a paper cuter and binder machine. I'm still experimenting with the materials. These used heavy card stock, but I have also used Rite-in-the-Rain paper.
I have been trying to find a cf-20 for about months but I'm not having any luck finding a reasonably price. I have purchased as cf-33 will that works just as well with the emcom tools?
@@TheTechPrepper thank you very much for the fast response. The cf20 are selling for 1000 to 1200 Canadian and hard to find, the cf33 are selling for about the same price and alot more available
At some point I need to install Windows on one of my systems and give VARA another look. I refuse to run it under emulation on Linux. I am holding out for a native port of VARA to Linux.
Dude, If your going to cheat, pick up the phone and fix the problem...or find the problem. Then practice makes perfect... Great Video and don't stop trying. Good Job. KJ7RLD
Great content. I follow your channel to learn but also that I live over by Gold Canyon (East Phoenix Valley) so a lot of what you are testing and showing I am also learning because terrain and conditions are the same. 73 KI7WJF
This particular power supply has two modes: fixed at 14.2v and variable. Most of my gear (Yaesu) handles this well. When I run something that is sensitive to input power, like my QDX, I'll switch to the variable setting accordingly (QDX works great at 11.5-12.0v). I've always run the shack on the fixed mode.
Yes. This is not preparation is not about "alien invasions" or the zombie apocalypse. A cyber attack by foreign actors on the electrical grid is one that we are likely going to experience within the next 10 years. The most likely scenario is inclement weather impacting the electrical and telecom services.
I am wondering why you don´t send your message even when you do not get an sanswer. It is possible that your counter part hears you, even if you don´t hear him/her isn´t it? May be you could at least send your own status, just in case. That may give your counterpart a chance to adapt...
Actually, I did send my status on every attempt. There was a clip near the end of the video. It was just edited out otherwise the video have been an extra 5 minutes. In fact, Billy heard me on voice. Here is his side of the exercise: th-cam.com/video/ozDl7en_ev4/w-d-xo.html
Being nice ....trash antennas are hurting this activation even the vertical.....please try a dx commander antenna (vertical fan diapole that is resonant ) and make a video on how compromised antennas like your end feds can kill your survival strategy.....kn4akp here id love to do a interview ......
Off Grid Comms are hard because JS8Call won't run for more than 5 minutes without getting a HAMLIB error and having to restart. It's a great concept but js8call is broke. I have put it away until a new version comes out, then I will try it again. Hopefully they get HAMLIB fixed.
Interesting. I have not run into that issue. I'm running Hamlib 4.5 with Rig Control Daemon (rigctld). I run my station 24x7 and have never had a problem. Note: I've only been running it for 3 months. Perhaps you may be running into EMI or RFI. Also, JS8Call is free software.
@@TheTechPrepper The creator was on another video describing the issue that the new version of HAMLIB was causing especially with the Yaesu, I run an FT-891. He recommended using vox for PTT however I am still having problems. I will look in to rig control, that may make the difference.
@@DMills293 Good luck. The only time that I have run into the issue that you are describing was I was getting EMI. In that scenario it was calling all applications, not just JS8Call.
Not yet, but I am planning on running the EFHW shown in this video in an inverted L very soon so that I get a mix of both vertical and horizontal properties.
Imagine trying to organise this without the internet and reliable comms to get the window info. This should be a wakeup call for all prepper who thinkk they'll talk to their mates.
Yes, it should be a wake up call. Band conditions aside, a plan like this requires no coordination after the plan is in place. We are making a large number of modifications to the plan based on this exercise. The After Action Report (AAR) is linked at then of this video. It goes live next week, too. Cheers!
Yes. I've been using Starlink RV as a backup for that last year. It's unstable, high latency and has spotty coverage depending on where you, but it mostly works. In fact, we had a power outage last week that took out our primary Internet connection and Starlink on battery power came to the rescue.
I don't understand quite a few preppers I run into don't or won't practice comm security!! never turn off gps or giving their location. Telling the hole word they are gun toting ham radio militia!
It's both. Good tools in any discipline are expensive. Although, it is possible to get into HF radio on budget of about $1,000. Training also takes time and patience.
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Loved it! This is a perfect example of why getting licensed and having the gear isn't enough. Gotta learn it and use it.
Bingo. And you better hope that message that you need to get out isn't time sensitive. This one took some effort. Thanks for the support.
Testing from the home station even with commercial power is perfectly valid as an exercise. If you had to swap you house - or just your station - over to emergency generator power, the operating would be the same.
You make a good point.
2 points. 1) start cycling , I suffered a serious low calf tear set back in my forties and cycling was the thing that got me back . 2)solid content. i fail at radio every day. Some days are better than others, the layers of strategy pay off. I have failed For 3 years to contact a bud on 100 watts from florida to Virginia . 600 watts yes . 100 no go. But we keeps trying to figure out this equation. Thanks you rock G.
Thanks for the recovery tips. I'm finally back to a light jog, but it's going to take a few more months to get back to full strength. If you haven't considered a digital mode like JS8, give it a shot. We are having much better success than voice as it works very low into the noise floor.
Echoing what Gaston said. FL to VA with JS8 should be a piece of cake. JS8 will decode signals you can't hear when you would have no chance of making a voice communication.
Love the targeted communications work you are doing. Can't get enough! This is exactly why I am getting into Ham radio. Thank you!
Glad you enjoy it! We have another operation planned this coming weekend, so the video should be out in about two weeks. There will be a curveball in that one.
Looking forward to it.
Congrats. Targeted contacts can be difficult. Have you thought about adding more people to your next exercise. If you had critical/emergency information to pass 12 hours might not be an acceptable time frame. The use of relay stations via a network of operators could be key in timely communications. JS8Call has features just for this purpose. Schedules and practice are important. I'd like to point out that just because a contact is random, doesn't mean it is useless, they could be a relay. Get your message through by any means.
This was more challenging than the others that I have done in the past as I typically focus on regional work in the southwest. I actually have a decent size network of operators that trains together in the Southwest daily. We have exceptional daily success with our NVIS antenna deployments on both voice and digital. Relays are very important. We have an exercise planned this coming weekend (Field Day) where we we will be testing relays across the country using the WARC bands. You're right. Random contacts have value, but at this point I am much more interested in training our group on how to make targeted contacts. If you can establish targeted contacts, establishing random contacts is a piece of cake.
Great vid and content. Question: What was the azimuth and radiation pattern of your antenna? Having worked with military HF COMMS for many years this part of setup/ops is critical. Best 73 de Tim AC1KD
Hey Tim, can you speak further about your experience with setting up your antenna with azimuth, etc.
John KD5INM
@@kd5inm - Sure. As part of wanting to mask HF transmissions, SF teams were taught to use more directional antennas to reduce their signal thus preventing DF'ing. Every antenna has a azimuth, elevation (take off angle) and width of the lobe coming off of the antenna. The size and azimuth of the lobes are dependent upon type of antenna, frequency and height above ground. If you are operating using a dipole antenna, you want it pointed broadside to your receiving station. Dipoles have a Null at long the line of the antenna. To ensure that your signal is getting to your intended receiving station it is important to know how your antenna is transmitting.
Not cheating, it's called being preparred and resourceful keep up the good work brother 73's KC3SPE
so if something happens you go back home and use your 50ft tower and 1000W radio?
Now just imagine SHTF when all the chest pounders "I don't need no Lic" get on the air and are yelling into the mic while frying their finals. 🤣
They all seem to think that they can figure it out on the fly in an emergency and be successful!
That's what this channel is all about. I've been on path for 3 years trying to embrace offgrid communications in a practical way. It takes time to learn the basics of radio, buy the right equipment, learn how to use it, and even then, the bands and other factors are against you. Thanks for the comment.
As my NCOIC said Piss Poor Planing on your Part doesn't make it an Emergency on my part.
It's the same thought process that drives people to believe that just owning a $3000 rifle and military LARP gear would make more than a tiny difference if the electricity and water stop. It's neither new nor rare.
also learning to use the stuff. just try to explain to somebody how to program a HT for a repeater, or how to use JS8-call you'll see.
Thanks for that. Note to self - not everyone makes contact, every time. Will be good to remember that for myself.
Most TH-camrs only show how they are rockstar ninjas on the air. Unfortunately, the bands do not always cooperate along with a bag of other issues that can arise (operator error, technical issues, etc.) I think it is important to show the realities of using HF radio as a means of backup communication.
Thank you for getting this video put together so quickly. This was a great plan and exercise - lots of great things learned and yet another proven use case for the utility of offline VOACAP. 👍
I know that I am always preaching to the choir with you, my friend. Wait until you see the next iteration of a generalized communication plan. I still have pages of notes to review and clean-up. The AAR should be interesting. What's amazing, is that the voacap engine (for Windows) was developed in pretty much a pre-Internet world. What is old, is new again. I was happy to rediscovered and tweak it (voacapl) to be a bit more useful and accessible. I plan to release this portion of EmComm Tools for the members as soon as I can.
It'll take a lot in a true grid down situation to make reliable contacts. It's great to watch you give it a serious effort in this exercise. Everything points to updates, pre-plans, and preps while you have internet, otherwise I can't imagine how coordination could happen. I am very interested in more detail about offline VOACAP.
In my own tests, I am finding offgrid operation always requires a GPS unit on the radio's PC in order to assure time sync for JS8Call.
You're absolutely right. There is no way (in my humble opinion) to do this without a lot of pre-planning, well-defined procedures and established group that trains together. More intel coming on the offline VOACAP tool and related scripts. This is how it ran for years (i.e. offline). I just found a way to make it simpler to use with some clever scripting. I'll be sharing the details soon. It will be integrated into the offline map in EmComm Tools, so the prediction will happen on the fly the second you drop a pin or lookup a call sign. The only information that is really needed that requires the Internet are the average monthly Sunspot Numbers (SSN). However, these are predicted many months in advance, so they can be cached in advance. My plan also has a solution for getting the monthly SSN number while offgrid. Actually, I figured out an easier way to automatically set your system clock using the JS8Call--no GPS needed. I plan to fork the code base with my patch. But, yes, a GPS is handy.
3-3-3 plan if nothing else. But NOW would be the tjme to work out those details for when to try for contacting a known entity.
You’re smart and very persistent. It’s crazy how complicated and fragile off grid data communications are in 2024. We a solution or two that tech illiterate people use easily in the event of emergencies. I’m glad there are guys like you trying to figure it out and even trying to improve it.
HF radio has been around for a long time and the physics has not changed. There are too many factors that are involved in reliable offgrid comms. It just to experience and practice with all parties involved.
Thank you for sharing the struggles as well as the successes. They are equally important, and you give me much more realistic expectations as I get further down this path.
It's my pleasure. It's important to show the successes and the failures. It's the reality of HF communication. Take care and good luck with your journey.
I got your JS8 relay message to IL the week before. That’s another feature worth more experimentation.
Relays are great. We plan to incorporate them into our Anti Field Day communications plan since we're sticking to 12/17/30m (WARC bands) during Field Day. Most of our message passing works well in the southwest using NVIS and 40/80m, but we'll need relays to while using the WARC bands.
Wow! This reminded me SO MUCH of my son and my monthly comms test! LOTS of failures and absolute joy when we succeed , plus it is NEVER an guarantee, forecasts are forecasts not promises . Great job!
It's great to hear that you and your son tried on a monthly cadence. It's always great when that contact is established. Keep it up.
Great video! Reliable distance I get with 5W FT8 low efhw on 40 m is 400-600 km
Very nice! You don't need much with the FT8/JS8. A wire and 5 watts typically works well enough.
Enjoyed your test done under real world conditions. I think many have a false impression that you could consistently make a targeted contact with another station without much problem. You proved that it is definitely not the case. Love your use of offline VOACAP. That is a tremendous resource that is in my opinion under rated and under used today.
This is the 5th or 6th video I have done in a series called "No Random Contacts". There is quite a bit of planning that goes into making targeted contacts works. There's the motivation to do it, obtaining the fundamentals of operating a radio, getting the right gear, selecting the right band, mode, power level and antenna. Lastly, you need to find someone else who is willing to train with you. The offline VOACAP engine was a bit of an education as it is not designed for mere mortals, but I invested the time to learn it and how to tweak it for 100% offline use. The online version (voacap.com/hf) is easier to use. but it's a resource that may not always be available.
Well done. Sorry about the injury. Sure did not stop you from giving us this great content. Very happy to being a supporter. No it is not easy from N8VY. I am an FT857d man-pack operator.
I've gone 41 years without an injury, so it was bound to happen. I'll be hitting the field for Field Day. Thank you for the support and glad to see another 857 manpack operator. 73
Thank you for all your efforts.
My pleasure!
Thanks for sticking with it and sharing the learning! WØZZK
You bet! I'm happy to share. You guys are great.
Thank you for your channel and your broadcasts. Very informative. Although I've used plenty of comms during my military years, ham is entirely new to me (I've only taken a baby step toward it by very recently getting GMRS-licensed and equipped). I hope to soon enough dive into ham, although now that I had to learn the hard way by buying GMRS radios and antennas that in the long run turned out to not be the best choice, I hate the very thought that I'll likely have to do the same with ham radios---that is, learn the hard way by trial and error spending my limited cash. All the more reason I'm very much appreciating your channel. Please keep it up.
You're very welcome. I feel your pain. I made several bad purchases over the last few years that I regret. My suggestion is to think about your communication objectives and take a buy once, cry once philosophy. In my humble opinion, steer clear of the Chinese radios and opt for the big three Japanese radio manufacturers: Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood. If you're looking for a "Do everything radio" that you can grow into and that is still in production at a good price point, research the FT-991A.
EXCELLENT CONTENT!
I highly recommend Broad band milspec antennas and ALE for your group. Thanks for your time and efforts!
It's funny that you mentioned ALE. We actually talk about it in our join tAAR. It goes public next weekend, but it also linked in the last 10 seconds of this video. I plan to use my CHA LEFS 8010 for ALE as well as build or buy a terminated folded dipole. You're welcome. Thanks for mentioning ALE.
Excellent! Perseverance. 🏆
Billy and I both knew that this was going to be a rough contact, so a little bit of grind and luck was expected. ;-)
Been interested in SHTF comms. The hams near me are interested in making international contacts or emergency communications. Was educational to see you coordinating with a known entity across the country and the bands you're trying. Aside from getting news/info from across the country, I assumed SHTF comms would be a bit more local/regional. Thanks for the video; good to see your setup and procedure.
I agree with you that most SHTF comms will likely be local/regional. We have the regional communication much more dialed in and pretty reliable. Even with band conditions changing our group communicates daily on HF throughout the Southwest . This longer distance contact was significantly more challenging,
I've found, with my rigs at least, that it's much easier to set up cw sending within flrig, and allow fldigi to copy for you. (Im still working on my cw and I DO like to have the backup transcription written out) I've had a lot of hit or miss getting fldigi to key cw with hardware as opposed to just sending audio of the code. If your rig is able to have cw keyed over cat, if I'm not mistaken I've gotten my 891 and ftdx3000 to key that way so hopefully your yaesu is capable as well. Thanks for the video! Always well thought out plans of attack and I'm sure plenty of others are learning a whole lot through your process like I am!
I tried the CW decoder in a fldigi briefly when Billy first presented the idea of using computer assisted CW as an option for the PACE plan. I'll have to revisit flrig and look into its abilities to encode CW. Thanks for the tip.
This sounded like a fun plan to execute. A couple of questions. 1. what headlamp are you using? 2. Have you thought about trying to linear load an antenna for 80m to make it physically shorter? I'm glad you made the contact and shared your experiences. 73
It was fun. 1. The headlamp is in the description. 2. Yes, I have thought about adding a loading coil, but honestly in a real emergency I would have been able to make the space work. In this particular exercise, I wanted to setup my camp next to the fire pit in the backyard.
Your antenna is compromised enough already without shortening it further.
At the height you have it, it is a cloud warmer (you new guys call it NVIS). Basically, your signal is going almost straight up and back down.
The rule of thumb is that an antenna should be a minimum of 1/4 wavelength above ground. For 40 meters that would be 10 meters or 30 feet. (note that I'm talking about horizontal wires, not verticals).
I did watch Billy's video and while I think that he is a good kid and is doing a good job overall, I did leave a comment about "Gentleman's agreements".
One final note: 14.313 has some, to put it as politely as possible, QRM issues and is not a good choice for any kind of operating whatsoever.
I am amazed at the land you live in. Would love an explanation where and how you live. Why the concrete block wall? Cactus... amazing. Do you get snow at any point?
The cinder block walls are low maintenance and are needed as the sun is brutal out here and destroys anything made out of wood. It's primarily here to keep the snakes out, although they manage to get in occasionally. We're at 2,200 ft. and will occasionally get hail with some snow sticking. This happens at most once or twice a year. The lowest we drop in temperatures is the high 20's. We're entering monsoon season through early August. I enjoy the quiet and love hiking and trail running in triple digit weather.
Thanks man. Working with some hams in CA & OR (I'm in ID). Good ideas for us to consider. Just in case CA falls into the ocean.
Good luck with your regional contacts. Keep at it!
Yep, that was a good one. Big difference between P/SOTA and NRC. Nice opsec on the QTH, by the way.
I envy you because you don't have to cut grass like we do here in Louisiana! Every weekend during summer.😶🌫 Great Video, Gaston! I am a fan.
Thanks, but we have Globe Chamomile (an invasive weed) that takes over the property in the spring. It needs to be grabbed and bagged. Grass would be easier. ;-)
@@TheTechPrepperi agree, I would rather now grass. But, I will be building a fire pit to use for general wood as well as burning some of the weeds. As long as it's not a no burn day.
@@TheTechPrepper flamethrower?
And up in upstate NY we switch from shoveling snow to mowing the grass all in the same week.
Refreshing content. There are so many prepping channels that espouse military tactics yet they refer to their 4.5 watt Baofeng handy talkies as "commo." It is good to see practical gear and knowledge on display and a prepper who refers to the gear as "comms." Let this be a heads up that if a content creator mentions "commo," in the discussion of radio communication, you are watching a G.I. Joe, LARPing poser.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the content. You may enjoy the other videos in the large "No Random Contact" series. No Baofengs here. Here's one that you may like: th-cam.com/video/ypMM0sCUFZM/w-d-xo.html
I will say ive tried and stalled fully learning CW a couple times. Have a morserino-32 that I'm gonna try on, buddy has one also so we can use em like short range(well maybe decent range) radios if we both get decent. Hopefully both of us will push each other to get it done. As a man that loves his long distance power saver stuff CW seems like a thing you should be all over.
Great job guys. One thing I noticed about the scheduled times, And maybe you covered it in the plan text, but are the frequency times is local times, zulu time? Would be best to specify.
We standardize on UTC (zulu) as it is easier not dealing with time zones.
Brother try some of the portable vertices from Chellegance like the 599 or mc750. Easy set ups and 20m has been awesome this summer. 73 and thanks for you what you do.
Congrats on the contact. Scout75 and i have tried a couple times to make contact, but no go. I thought i heard him in the weeds, but could get anything but a vague voice.
Scout75 is a great guy and has a great channel. It's great to hear that you both tried to establish a contact over a similar distance. Keep at it.
Great plan and video.
In Linux for my rasp pi 3b+ which program may be used to use or convert from geographic coordinates to UTM coordinates. Or even in Pat Winkink change to UTM coordinates?
Try: sudo apt install geotranz
@@TheTechPrepper thanks a lot.
I'd routinely make JS8 contacts from central KY to all over Texas and Arizona using 20W into a tuner and random wire sloper, but they were random contacts. That gives a false sense of security. Targeted communications is much more difficult.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's great that you are having success with these contacts on 20 watts. We have another exercise planned for Field Day (on the WARC bands) that include a larger group with the express goal of establishing targeted contacts under a scenario in which the bands are crowded. The new commo plan for this upcoming exercise took a number of lessons out of this exercise. More targeted contacts coming. I always enjoy it when you stop by.
I looked up the FZ-M1 tough pad. Do you need the web cam, and the bar code reader, or can you get the 128GB version without all of that?
Always looking forward to your content.
That's makes my Monday. Thank you.
Not sure what day you were doing this - but propagation has sucked in general lately. I'm having a hard time at 100w getting anywhere.
Propagation is always hit and miss. Keep at it.
Nice video, really interesting.
Thanks, Chuck. 73's
So the big question is, how much information can be exchanged per call?
Really like the Panasonic keyboard setup. Do you have a link to the keyboard?
Unfortunately, my source for the iKey dried up. The going price on the secondary market is about $300 USD if you can find them. Here's the manufacturer: www.ikey.com/product/ik-pan-fzm1-co1/
Perhaps a lower impact exercise option is called for?
Check out the Trek 1120 bike packing model.
Go further with much less effort and with less gear on your back, this bicycle can equipped to carry quite a-bit.
Please do not be tempted by those Evil "E" peds being heavily mass marketed currently.
Our terrain is pretty rough. Heck, it's even hard on the Jeep. I can actually trail run faster than the Jeep. I've considered a bike, but it would need to be one heck of fat bike as we have almost no trails. I spend most of the time bushwhacking and jumping washes. I'll look into the bike as it opens up some options. Thanks for the pointer.
@@TheTechPrepper I understand that with no established rideable trail wheeled transportation could be hindered, but with all trails, one Indian blazed first and then came Indian two.
I don't understand how changing frequencies within a band, not taking QRN/QRM into consideration, would have been much help, assuming the same operating mode.
There are scenarios where only one operator may experience QRM. For example, the frequency appears unused to one operator, but the other operator is pickup an active QSO. We get this alot on 40m, 75m, and 80m with our NVIS deployments.
Who makes the linked Dipole you show cased? I need to get one.
It's a collaboration that I am doing with Tim N9SAB, but we're all sold out. The antenna was designed specifically for NVIS deployments. shop.thetechprepper.com/
Sorry in advance for all the questions you will be receiving from me but I’m trying to purchase the equipment can you link or give me the information on that keyboard I can’t seem to find it also when it comes to antennas is there something similar you’d recommend? I see it’s sold out on your site.
I guess that loading yourself down with a computer & homebase-type transceiver means that in a SHTF situation you would be in a car, not walking?
Not at all. I've been carrying this gear in my ruck for years on the channel along with my support gear. I usually bring a smaller, low power radio when I'm on foot.
Amazing work!
Thank you! Cheers!
If you would like to try contacting me in Oklahoma, I setup portable at work with an EFHW in the evenings, running 20 watts.
And I do have a TH-cam channel.
I am always up for a contact, but it will take me some time as I have the video line-up set for the next couple of months. Shot me an email. It's on QRZ and TH-cam "About" page. 73 de KT7RUN
Do you ever cross-band repeat to extend range in tactical situations?
Yes. I've had success using my Yaesu FT-8900 manpack for wilderness public service events as a cross band repeater. In general, I do not need full cross-banding as I typically can hear the distant station on my HT. In this scenario, I configure the 8900 to only retransmit the signal from my HT. We call it transmit boost.
For targetted comms, why not pre-establish an ALE system if you already are taking the time to establish a written comms plan?
ALE has been on the to-do list for a while. The problem is the cost, but there is a lot of value. I would prefer a radio with built-in support like the IC-F8101, but you're looking at $2,500 for one radio. A less expensive path is to go with an used IC-7200 since it does quiet frequency changes when in split mode. My Yaesu's would drive me nuts with the relay clicks. I'm just waiting for the ion2g project to be supported under Ubuntu.
@@TheTechPrepper I'm pushing Devin now for Linux release artifacts.
Very cool
Thanks!
Love the planning guide. Did you make that yourself or pick it up somewhere?
I make these myself as I'm not a fan of digital format. I have standardized on 8.5" x 5.5" so that I can use standard 8.5 x 11" paper cut in half. I invested in a paper cuter and binder machine. I'm still experimenting with the materials. These used heavy card stock, but I have also used Rite-in-the-Rain paper.
Thank you, working up a similar plan with a buddy. 73 my friend
I have been trying to find a cf-20 for about months but I'm not having any luck finding a reasonably price. I have purchased as cf-33 will that works just as well with the emcom tools?
Any computer that works with Ubuntu 22.10. You just need to have minimum of an i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD drive.
@@TheTechPrepper thank you very much for the fast response. The cf20 are selling for 1000 to 1200 Canadian and hard to find, the cf33 are selling for about the same price and alot more available
Our group is starting to look at VaraAC as an alternative to JS8Call. It has a few additional features like email and file transfer protocols.
At some point I need to install Windows on one of my systems and give VARA another look. I refuse to run it under emulation on Linux. I am holding out for a native port of VARA to Linux.
Dude, If your going to cheat, pick up the phone and fix the problem...or find the problem. Then practice makes perfect... Great Video and don't stop trying. Good Job. KJ7RLD
Great content. I follow your channel to learn but also that I live over by Gold Canyon (East Phoenix Valley) so a lot of what you are testing and showing I am also learning because terrain and conditions are the same. 73 KI7WJF
Cheers to another local. That's a bonus. All these techniques will work great for you.
Sir noted your power supply is set at 14.1v. Is there a reason you don't run 13.8v? Thanks
This particular power supply has two modes: fixed at 14.2v and variable. Most of my gear (Yaesu) handles this well. When I run something that is sensitive to input power, like my QDX, I'll switch to the variable setting accordingly (QDX works great at 11.5-12.0v). I've always run the shack on the fixed mode.
Interesting stuff. Any scenarios other than like in the _Independence Day_ or _Lastof Us_ movies/shows where this could be useful?
Yes. This is not preparation is not about "alien invasions" or the zombie apocalypse. A cyber attack by foreign actors on the electrical grid is one that we are likely going to experience within the next 10 years. The most likely scenario is inclement weather impacting the electrical and telecom services.
@@TheTechPrepper Thanks. Awesome video content.
I am wondering why you don´t send your message even when you do not get an sanswer. It is possible that your counter part hears you, even if you don´t hear him/her isn´t it?
May be you could at least send your own status, just in case. That may give your counterpart a chance to adapt...
Actually, I did send my status on every attempt. There was a clip near the end of the video. It was just edited out otherwise the video have been an extra 5 minutes. In fact, Billy heard me on voice. Here is his side of the exercise: th-cam.com/video/ozDl7en_ev4/w-d-xo.html
Being nice ....trash antennas are hurting this activation even the vertical.....please try a dx commander antenna (vertical fan diapole that is resonant ) and make a video on how compromised antennas like your end feds can kill your survival strategy.....kn4akp here id love to do a interview ......
What is that book your using is that something you can buy or did you make it?
I made it. I plan to make and sell a variety of these next year.
Heel up soon young man. 73
Will do. Thank you! 73
Congrats on that long of a distance contact!
Thanks. It was a team effort. Billy was legitimately in the field, so it will be interesting to hear his side. Stay tuned.
Off Grid Comms are hard because JS8Call won't run for more than 5 minutes without getting a HAMLIB error and having to restart. It's a great concept but js8call is broke. I have put it away until a new version comes out, then I will try it again. Hopefully they get HAMLIB fixed.
Interesting. I have not run into that issue. I'm running Hamlib 4.5 with Rig Control Daemon (rigctld). I run my station 24x7 and have never had a problem. Note: I've only been running it for 3 months. Perhaps you may be running into EMI or RFI. Also, JS8Call is free software.
@@TheTechPrepper The creator was on another video describing the issue that the new version of HAMLIB was causing especially with the Yaesu, I run an FT-891. He recommended using vox for PTT however I am still having problems. I will look in to rig control, that may make the difference.
@@DMills293 Good luck. The only time that I have run into the issue that you are describing was I was getting EMI. In that scenario it was calling all applications, not just JS8Call.
fldigi will do CW as well.
I am familiar with its ability to decode, but does it encode as well?
@@TheTechPrepper Yes.
Have you tried a Vertical EFHW ?
Not yet, but I am planning on running the EFHW shown in this video in an inverted L very soon so that I get a mix of both vertical and horizontal properties.
This sounded like pure voodoo
Have you ever tried ALE?
It's in the works. I started testing a T2FD and ion2g some months back, but put that on hold.
Imagine trying to organise this without the internet and reliable comms to get the window info. This should be a wakeup call for all prepper who thinkk they'll talk to their mates.
Yes, it should be a wake up call. Band conditions aside, a plan like this requires no coordination after the plan is in place. We are making a large number of modifications to the plan based on this exercise. The After Action Report (AAR) is linked at then of this video. It goes live next week, too. Cheers!
on to Rumble I go...
💪💪💪
Do you even Starlink, bro?
Yes. I've been using Starlink RV as a backup for that last year. It's unstable, high latency and has spotty coverage depending on where you, but it mostly works. In fact, we had a power outage last week that took out our primary Internet connection and Starlink on battery power came to the rescue.
I don't understand quite a few preppers I run into don't or won't practice comm security!! never turn off gps or giving their location. Telling the hole word they are gun toting ham radio militia!
If only the license database wasn't public 😔
Hard or expensive? lol
It's both. Good tools in any discipline are expensive. Although, it is possible to get into HF radio on budget of about $1,000. Training also takes time and patience.
cheaters never prosper😋
If you aren't cheating you aren't trying. LOL
Really great content kd9ira
Thanks!