Ham Radio, Marksmanship & Fieldcraft
This video presents a three-day cross-training trip in Puolanka, Finland, where HF radio, fieldcraft, and marksmanship are brought together in one practical outing. It shows […]
Emergency Communications
Lab599 TX-500MP: Getting Started
The Lab599 TX-500MP is built for real-world field work, not the shack. It’s tough, efficient, and ready for off-grid communications when it matters most. With the BP-550 battery pack and LiNK500MP, it becomes a self-contained HF and data station that just works, wherever you deploy it. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Most Operators don’t get this radio: Lab599 TX-500MP
Most operators don’t understand the point of the Lab599 TX-500MP. It wasn’t designed with all the bells and whistles found in most portable ham radio […]
Cross-training: Communications, Fieldcraft, and Marksmanship
Cross-training builds real resilience. This weekend combined HF communications, fieldcraft, and marksmanship in the swamps of Puolanka, Finland—proving that preparedness isn’t theory, it’s practice.
The DJI Drone Ban: What They’re Not Saying Out Loud
The U.S. calls DJI a security risk, yet no allies have banned their drones. Lawmakers funded by defense interests push the ban while U.S. and Israeli firms stand to profit. This isn’t about safety—it’s about politics, money, and who controls the drone market.
Field Testing the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 on Hailuoto Island
Field testing the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 portable HF antenna from Hailuoto Island KP24iX during a POTA/WWFF activation using SSB and FT8.
IC-7300MK2: Why a 0.7 A Receive Draw Actually Matters Off-Grid
I just pre-ordered the new Icom IC-7300MK2. Its reduced current draw finally makes this legendary HF rig off-grid friendly!
Finally an HF Radio for Preppers: Lab599 TX-500MP HF 50Mhz Ham Radio
The Lab599 TX-500MP is a rugged 160–6m, 10W manpack radio built for QRP SSB, digital modes, and serious grid-down or off-grid comms.
When QRP Is Not Enough
QRP is the heart of my field communications strategy—but sometimes, it just isn’t enough. In this post, I walk through a real-world Winlink session that failed when conditions didn’t cooperate. When communication really matters, what do you do next?
Icom IC-705 | Still the Wireless Data King?
A field-proven look at wireless data communications using the Icom IC-705 and Microsoft Surface Go—now revisited in light of the newly released Yaesu FTX-1. Compare features, and true cable-free operation for modern ham radio in the field.