My Off-Grid & Grid Down Comms Energy strategy
The off-grid ham shack is fully energy self-sufficient, utilizing solar, wind, and other power sources, with a focus on low current devices for sustainable communication.
Emergency Communications
Impromptu QRP JS8Call QSO with Icom IC-705
Radio enthusiast details QSO with GW4OZU using Icom IC-705, demonstrating JS8Call’s efficacy in low-power HF communications.
Retevis Ailunce HD2 AES256 Encryption clarification
Summary: Retevis clarified AES128/AES256 encryption for the HD2 and confirmed, IT’S COMING!
Building a Solar Powered Ham Radio Station
The Off-Grid Ham Shack series discusses creating a self-sufficient ham radio station or ‘Ham Shack’ capable of operating on solar power during any grid down scenario, emphasizing the importance of an energy strategy for off-grid communications. This system includes solar panels, a charge controller, battery, and power distribution system. Key elements are the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels to harness solar energy, a solar charge controller to regulate energy flow and prevent battery overcharging or damage, and a battery to store energy for later. As well, power distribution ensures the allocation of power to multiple devices simultaneously. A grid-down energy strategy is crucial to any communication-related emergency, be it CB, FRS, GMRS, MURS or PMR radio, UHF CB, DMR, DStar, Meshtastic or LoRa communications.
Off-Grid Grid-Down Comms & Current consumption
The post warns against the use of QRO radio systems for off-grid or grid-down situations due to their high energy consumption. Instead, it advocates QRP radios, suggesting they offer greater efficiency and ease of use with renewable energy sources such as solar. The post also dismisses the idea of lowering the transmission power of QRO radios as a solution, arguing that it does not address issues with energy inefficiency and that such advice is misguided.
Power Queen LiFePO4 Black Friday sale
Power Queen, a supplier of LiFePO4 battery packs, is having a Black Friday sale from November 14th to 24th, offering discounts on their North American and European websites. The author, who has had a positive personal experience with the product, endorses the batteries for off-grid use cases such as ham radio stations. The promotions also include giveaways on social media (Instagram and Facebook).
Radio Chest Pack harness VHF/UHF voice & data
A radio chest pack harness for your dual-band VHF/UHF HT, ATAK tablet Computer, and capable of voice and data communications.
HF APRS & HF Winlink on ANDROID Deviceas
Hello Operators.We have finally arrived at something special. It is a pleasure to announce the arrival of HF APRS & HF Winlink to Android devices. […]
Networking
Hello Operators. As I sit here enjoying the last week of my summer holiday, the disaster in Maui is an important reminder of maintaining our network […]
PowerFilm solar panel vs hunting rifle
A demonstration showcased the durability of PowerFilm Solar’s portable panels, enduring multiple hits from a .25 caliber rifle yet continuing to perform. Despite numerous punctures, the panels’ peak current decreased from 0.73 to 0.47 amps but remained stable. PowerFilm Solar, an American company, offers these robust panels excellent for mission-critical tasks, illustrating quality differences between brands.