HF Propagation predictions

February 11, 2024 Julian OH8STN 2

An amateur radio operator explores how detailed weather data could predict HF band openings, leveraging temperature, pressure, and historical contact information while considering the impact of cold on equipment conductivity.

Keeping the Ham Shack & my Lithium batteries warm in winter

January 25, 2024 Julian OH8STN 0

To protect lithium batteries from cold while charging, a video/blog showcases using a Chinese diesel heater in an off-grid ham shack. It’s vital to keep batteries above freezing, a lesson learned from electric cars in winter. The video details the installation and operation of a 3kw Vevor diesel heater, which also powers up using the ham shack’s LiFePO4 batteries, maintaining ideal temperatures for both batteries and equipment.

Power Queen LiFePO4

December 29, 2023 Julian OH8STN 2

By now, many of you have heard about the collaboration between Power Queen and Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN with ready-made LiFePO4 battery packs. Having readers […]

Supporting OH8STN

December 25, 2023 Julian OH8STN 0

UPDATED 17JAN2024 An easy way to support the channel and blog is through my partner and affiliate links. Using these links doesn’t cost you anything, […]

Building a Solar Powered Ham Radio Station

December 21, 2023 Julian OH8STN 6

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.

Retevis RA79, RA89 & HD1 GPS

November 17, 2023 Julian OH8STN 0

Retevis, a renowned radio brand, has introduced budget-friendly and feature-rich dual-band HTs, the Retevis RA89 and the RA79. The RA89 is IP68 waterproof and dustproof, boasts a USB-C charging port with an optional dock, and provides clean clear audio. The RA79 offers wide reception from 50Mhz to 600Mhz and a unique functionality to swap batteries without powering down the radio due to its USB port placement on the radio case. These radios are on sale during the Retevis’s Black Friday event ending on 24 November.