From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sat Jun 20 00:51:20 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id AAA10884 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 00:51:19 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <12777-44390>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 00:50:52 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12508-44390>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 00:49:24 -0400 Received: from fletch.fix.net (root@fletch.fix.net [206.190.71.1]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id AAA50994 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 00:49:15 -0400 Received: from parkers (bay1-broad-11.snlo.dialup.fix.net [207.114.193.11]) by fletch.fix.net (8.8.5/8.7.3) with SMTP id VAA12881 for ; Fri, 19 Jun 1998 21:49:19 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <2.2.32.19980620050525.00bf5814@fix.net> Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 22:05:25 -0700 Reply-To: jparker@fix.net Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Jerry Parker To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Light weight backpacking Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Sender: jparker@fix.net X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (32) X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO I would like to start a thread on light weight backpacking. I have the following questions for those who backpack. What are you carrying for gear? Have you done or considered optimizing your station for minimum weight? Does anyone out there carry a rig without a cabinet in bubblepack for instance? How about weight vs batteries? Solar? Feed line? Tuner vs no tuner? Band? Antenna? And of course, what kind of back packing do you do with your station. Day packing, overnighters, long term? Thanks and 72,,,Jerry...WA6OWR...K From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sat Jun 20 16:10:44 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id QAA08361 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:10:43 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <13008-44390>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:10:18 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12746-25444>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:09:08 -0400 Received: from smtp02.primenet.com (daemon@smtp02.primenet.com [206.165.6.132]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id QAA14786 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:08:52 -0400 Received: (from daemon@localhost) by smtp02.primenet.com (8.8.8/8.8.8) id NAA07704 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:08:52 -0700 (MST) Received: from usr05.primenet.com(206.165.6.205) via SMTP by smtp02.primenet.com, id smtpd007688; Sat Jun 20 13:08:48 1998 Received: (from vole@localhost) by usr05.primenet.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) id NAA17535 for qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:08:49 -0700 (MST) Message-Id: <199806202008.NAA17535@usr05.primenet.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:08:49 -0700 (MST) Reply-To: vole@primenet.com Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Joe Gervais To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Re: Light weight backpacking X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO Howdy Jerry and folks, Jerry (WA6OWR) wrote: > > I would like to start a thread on light weight backpacking. There are VERY few topics that could get me to break my work-imposed "Vow of Ignoring Life" during my deadline-plagued month, but this happens to be one of them. :) (Guess this means I can knock out some more email too, since I've already transgressed....) Somewhere between passion and obsession lies my joy of lightweight backpacking/QRP. Probably leaning toward obsession... *8-) > What are you carrying for gear? It's important to remember whare REALLY counts - that you enjoy your trip. Everyone has different needs/wants on the trail. Don't compromise enjoyment for the sake of weight. But nearly everyone can shed about 10 lbs from their pack with minimal effort. Happier back and feet = more smiles on the trail. I'll send a FULL inventory (3-season) following this. Please bear in mind that I've got quite a few miles/ nights under my boots and I know my limits. My TOTAL backpack load weighs less than 17 lbs. That INCLUDES the QRP station, but NOT food and water. May be too austere for some, but I have everything I need for safety/comfort, whether I'm on an overnighter or a two-week trek. Same basic load. The key to successful lightweight backpacking is that the gear not only needs to be light, but highly effective, efficient, and of quality construction. We want to travel light, not dangerously.... > Have you done or considered optimizing your station for > minimum weight? Yep! Total station weight (rig, tuner, batts, antenna, cables, key) is about two pounds for a day's worth of operating. Hope to get it to one pound soon, possibly using a Rainbow vs. the ZM-2 for longer trips. See inventory at the end.... > Does anyone out there carry a rig without a cabinet in > bubblepack for instance? My personal choice is to avoid that. I need the cabinet to protect the rig. Squirrels, wind, me, we've all knocked the station over at some point. :) That weight savings is minimal anyway (for an SST/NC-40a-type rig) compared to, say, a tent that weighs 3 lbs less than your current one. Get rid of the pounds first, *then* worry about the ounces. > How about weight vs batteries? Solar? Low-drain rigs are a must for long trips. I favor the SST-20 since the band is a good choice most of the time, the rig is VERY small/light yet still quite functional, and has low drain for rcv/xmit. I have a small solar panel (25mA vs. the SST's 15mA(?) recv drain), but so far 8-AA's have worked for me. Check out Bob AB7ST's previous messages re: new ultralight efficient batteries used for R/C planes. That's my next project! > Feed line? Tuner vs no tuner? Feedline = weight/bulk. Tuner = weight, but increases operating flexibility *considerably*. I use my ZM-2 - small yet very efficient and effective. A Rainbow tuner is much lighter, if you plan to use only end-fed wires. I prefer to avoid feedline for lightweight backpacking - see next paragraph. > Antenna? Speaking of end-fed wires, the end-fed half-wave is the BEST FRIEND a backpacker ever had! Only need to get ONE end of the wire into the trees. No feedline, just hook it up to a balanced tuner (ZM-2, etc) and lay out the counterpoise. I use teflon-coated 22- or 24-ga wire. Strong enough, but light as a feather! Someone on the List sells the stuff. I need to buy more! > And of course, what kind of back packing do you do with > your station. Day packing, overnighters, long term? All of the above. Last jaunt was Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim- to-Rim over 2.5 days. Lightweight wasn't a luxury, it was a necessity. :) My station will be coming along with me for a week of off-trail backpacking in the High Sierras this summer, too. If all goes well, I'll be doing the NERDS event at 11,000 ft. :) Some good ultralight backpacking websites: http://www.backpacking.net/contents.html http://www.monmouth.com/~mconnick http://www.transport.com/~ray316/index.html OK.... Back to the data mines, 'ere my Corporate Masters discover I was enjoying my Saturday instead of crafting my next C++ masterpiece. :-) Someone please work some DX for me - I'm getting withdrawal symptoms! :) Cheers de AB7TT, -Joe, vole@primenet.com, AZ ScQRPions (Phoenix) "It's hard to be unhappy when you have warm feet." - Dave Rose, Fellow Snow Camper From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sat Jun 20 16:19:53 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id QAA08475 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:19:52 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <13008-25444>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:19:40 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12807-50018>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:18:29 -0400 Received: from smtp03.primenet.com (daemon@smtp03.primenet.com [206.165.6.133]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id QAA48644 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:18:23 -0400 Received: (from daemon@localhost) by smtp03.primenet.com (8.8.8/8.8.8) id NAA16357 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:18:23 -0700 (MST) Received: from usr05.primenet.com(206.165.6.205) via SMTP by smtp03.primenet.com, id smtpd016343; Sat Jun 20 13:18:21 1998 Received: (from vole@localhost) by usr05.primenet.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) id NAA17879 for qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:18:20 -0700 (MST) Message-Id: <199806202018.NAA17879@usr05.primenet.com> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 13:18:20 -0700 (MST) Reply-To: vole@primenet.com Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Joe Gervais To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: AB7TT's 3-Season Backpacking/QRP Load X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO AB7TT's 3-Season Lightweight Backpacking Inventory -------------------------------------------------- (Items in parentheses are optional, not always brought along) Best viewed using a constant-width font like Monaco... CORE CLOTHES ---- ------- Backpack (Gregory Gravity, 3000 cu) Boots (Raichle Spirit II) Bivy Sack (OR Advanced Goretex) Pile Jacket (PolarTec Fleece) Ultralight Down Bag (Marmot 775-fill) Nylon Anorak (REI) 3/4-length Sleeping Pad (RidgeRest, 9ozs) Goretex Rain Pants Plastic groundsheet (4 Mil, 6'x2') Sock Liners (2 pr.) "SmartWool" Socks (2 pr.) Shorts (1 pr.) SURVIVAL T-Shirt (1) -------- Long Underwear Top (Expedition-weight) Long Underwear Bottoms (lightweight) 1st Aid Kit Balaclava Leatherman "Micra" Umbrella (9 ozs, superlight/compact) Maglite (Supermini - AAA batts) Underwear (2 pr.) Candles (2 - BDay) Gloves (cutout fingertips) Two AAA batts (extra) Sunglasses Compass (orienteering) Map Whistle (plastic) HOUSEKEEPING/KITCHEN Iodine Tablets -------------------- Space Blanket (superlite) Signal Mirror (coated plastic) Dental Floss (a few feet - sewing/etc) Sewing Needle TP (Just enough...) Supersponge (cutdown) MISC Water Bottles (2-One Qt) ---- Spoon (plastic) Titanium pot (1.2 liter) Watch Whisperlite Stove (Replace w/ Esbit!) Parachute Cord (50 ft) 8-0z Fuel Bottle (Swap for fuel tabs!) Pen/Pencil Plastic garbage bag (many uses!) (Camera - Olympus Stylus 35mm ) (Water Filter - PuR Voyageur) HAM RADIO --------- SST-20 xcvr ZM-2 Tuner Whiterook paddle 34 Ft 24-Ga Teflon-coated wire (I NEED TO BUY MORE!) 17 Ft 24-Ga Counterpoise AA Batts (8) - May try AAA for "quickie" operating.... Batt Holder/Connector Headphones ("Ear Buds") Coax Stub (SST<-->ZM-2) Key Cable (25-mA Solar Panel) Cheers de AB7TT, -Joe, vole@primenet.com, AZ ScQRPions (Phoenix) "It's hard to be unhappy when you have warm feet." - Dave Rose, Fellow Snow Camper From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sat Jun 20 19:53:37 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id TAA11649 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 19:53:36 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <12799-44390>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 19:51:36 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12478-50018>; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 19:50:04 -0400 Received: from ridgecrest.ca.us (root@owens.ridgecrest.ca.us [199.120.150.1]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id TAA50640 for ; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 19:49:53 -0400 Received: from [208.138.142.40] (pm040.ridgenet.net [208.138.142.40]) by ridgecrest.ca.us (8.8.8/8.8.7.1) with SMTP id QAA08297; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:47:02 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 16:47:02 -0700 (PDT) Reply-To: herr@ridgecrest.ca.us Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: herr@ridgecrest.ca.us (Michael Herr) To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Re:Light weight backpacking Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU, jparker@fix.net X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO > >I would like to start a thread on light weight >backpacking. > >I have the following questions for those who backpack. Jerry, I have done some QRP backpacking and have completely enjoyed it. So, here are some comments... > >What are you carrying for gear? I have used a variety of rigs over the year but have settled in on the NorCal 40. Nice little rig, but after seeing what Cam N6GA did with his super optimised SST20, it's got me a thinking... > >Have you done or considered optimizing your station for >minimum weight? I try to make everything do as much double duty as possible. ie, I use the same batteries for NorCal 40 as HT as flashlight as GPS as ... I use use RG-174, Whiterook keys, ear bud phones. > >Does anyone out there carry a rig without a cabinet in >bubblepack for instance? Nope, not me. I like a degree od ruggedness > >How about weight vs batteries? I have found using a pack of 9 AA cells works well for a weekend, need to bring replacements for longer times. > >Solar? Not yet, haven't seen a good panel at the size/capablity/ruggedness/cost that I wanted. Would be good tho for a long trip and maybe with SSB or a cam corder along. > >Feed line? I use RG-174 feeding a dipole on 40. Tried ling wires and RG-58 but so far have found the RG-174 + dipole to be the right weight / performance match for me. > >Tuner vs no tuner? Nope, no tuner > >Band? I like 40, plain and simple. have used 30 and that's ok as well. 20 would be fun but a tad more finiky (sp?) that for my casual tastes. 80 requires too much wire! > >Antenna? The dipole > >And of course, what kind of back packing do you do with >your station. Day packing, overnighters, long term? I have done all three, ie day hikes, one and two nighters as well as week long ones. Both backpacking and canoe work. > > >Thanks and 72,,,Jerry...WA6OWR...K Thank you 72 Mike WA6ARA From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sun Jun 21 03:09:41 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id DAA20082 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 03:09:39 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <12966-56500>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 03:09:21 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <13170-56500>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 01:28:47 -0400 Received: from TABOR2 (ns4.webaccess.net [198.93.194.11]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id BAA44546 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 01:13:44 -0400 Received: from SG2939M.webaccess.net - 204.163.168.124 by webaccess.net with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Sat, 20 Jun 1998 23:05:47 -0600 Message-Id: <013501bd9cd2$d583ece0$96a8a3cc@SG2939M.webaccess.net> Date: Sat, 20 Jun 1998 23:07:54 -0600 Reply-To: n0tu@webaccess.net Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: "Steve Galchutt" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Re: Light weight backpacking MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-To: "\"Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion\"" X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.2106.4 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4 X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO Lightweight backpacking is an 'Oxymoron". My pack never seems lightweight enough. It's always too heavy. No matter how much I cut back on the luxuries I seem to bring to much in the way of ham gear. But it's worth it when I get there. Because you never have enough cables, wire, tuners, or fishing wieghts ...oh yes, did I say batteries...batteries ( I say that chant because I forgot them ONCE) My favorite setup at present is my SST/20m, which is really a tiny lil' rig but sure has a big rig's performance. Add a 1.5Ah gelcell, several lengths of wire, a home brew ZM-2 ATU and my Vibroplex Original. (sorry, forget the bug!) Whitrock paddles or my norcal paddles...there I go again adding on the pounds! No solar BP yet...but car camping yes ...I have a small rigid 10w panel (to heavy to BP) I use to charge a wet cell. Band - I prefer 40 or 20...always someone on 40m Antenna - anything I can try... based on the available supports..... dipole, loop, 1/2 wave end fed use 300 ohm TL and a tuner. I can't wait to take my recently built Sierra on a overnight adventure as soon as time permits! But some of my most fun times have been with very simple rigs like my 49er and my Rainbow tunner ....a nice little combo ...a bit more challanging to make a QSO with but it can be done..GL 72...Steve ______________________________________________ n0tu - solar powered QRP & wire antennas @ 7,200' ASL Monument,Colorado - Grid Sq DM79nb homepage: http://www.webaccess.net/~S&P/HRindex.htm email: n0tu@webaccess.net > From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sun Jun 21 11:23:04 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id LAA08919 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 11:23:03 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <13058-18862>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 11:22:42 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12411-18862>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 11:21:30 -0400 Received: from mail-gw5.pacbell.net (mail-gw5.pacbell.net [206.13.28.23]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id LAA13148 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 11:21:21 -0400 Received: from pacbell.net (ppp-207-215-86-216.scrm01.pacbell.net [207.215.86.216]) by mail-gw5.pacbell.net (8.8.8/8.7.1+antispam) with ESMTP id IAA15325 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 08:21:21 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <358D24B6.1E2BD5FA@pacbell.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 08:20:22 -0700 Reply-To: k6esmead@pacbell.net Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: "Earl S. Mead" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Re: Lightweight backpacking MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.05 [en] (Win95; I) X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO Hi All: The backpacking comments of Joe, AB7TT, Jerry, WA6WOR and Steve, N0TU are right on the money. My experiences in backpacking and bicycle touring have proven it so! "Light-Comfort Is Right" was and is my motto. After all, you have to carry everything uphill (including backpack, bicycle and bags). My only regret was having a Wilson 1402 with a half-wave collapsible whip, HW-8 and keyer instead of one of todays handhelds and 38 Specials. I would have saved several pounds and that would've added to the enjoyment. Everybody have a nice Field Day. -- 73s, CUL, Earl, K6ESM North Hills Radio Club, the BEST amateur radio club in the world!!! http://www.k6is.org The value of advice is in its use, not in its giving. From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sun Jun 21 15:36:31 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id PAA13289 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 15:36:30 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <13168-47538>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 15:36:05 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12731-67500>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 15:33:51 -0400 Received: from x1.boston.juno.com (x1.boston.juno.com [205.231.100.21]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id PAA13072 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 15:33:46 -0400 Received: (from wb8ygg@juno.com) by x1.boston.juno.com (queuemail) id DGASXNP6; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 15:32:24 EDT Message-Id: <19980621.152911.11102.1.wb8ygg@juno.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 11:40:03 -0400 Reply-To: wb8ygg@juno.com Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: wb8ygg@juno.com To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Re: Light weight backpacking References: <013501bd9cd2$d583ece0$96a8a3cc@sg2939m.webaccess.net> X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 0,2-4,6-7,9-11,13-16,18,20-22,24-29 X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO Hi all, I've been wanting to do this for several years now, and in fact have wanted to do FD by backpacking. My plans would be to use the RG-174 cable for any dipoles, probably 80 and or 40. I've used 100 ft on 40 with 1W, making contact after contact! I'm not sure that the Sierra would be warranted, but it would be a nice rig for the receive current drain, but then other rigs have this too. Making a single band 5W rig would be great. Maybe 80 meters for us lucky east coast guys. (Sorry to Roy , W7EL) Speaking of Roy, I don't think he bubble packs his rigs! Gell cells, you bet, Solar, yes, but haven't figured out how to carry this the best yet. They do sell panels that have a molded case that folds up, but then it's still big to back. Gary, N2JGU bought one one time,we'll have to see if it fits in a pack. Then how do we get the case of 807's? that is the biggest problem to overcome.. but then maybe it's just psycological. Maybe it's really not a FD requirement? I'll check the rules and get back to the list.. 73 Brad WB8YGG _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Sun Jun 21 22:29:28 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id WAA20913 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 22:29:27 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <12576-47538>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 22:29:13 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12431-67500>; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 22:28:12 -0400 Received: from lsbsdi1.lightspeed.net (root@lsbsdi1.lightspeed.net [204.216.64.33]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with ESMTP id WAA39760 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 22:28:01 -0400 Received: from lightspeed.net (vis-ppp130.lightspeed.net [204.216.70.148]) by lsbsdi1.lightspeed.net (8.8.8/8.8.8) with ESMTP id TAA07766 for ; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 19:11:17 -0700 (PDT) Message-Id: <358DC129.D6872DB1@lightspeed.net> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 1998 19:27:55 -0700 Reply-To: gevans@lightspeed.net Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Gary Evans To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Light-weight backpacking MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.04 [en]C-DIAL (Win95; I) X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO Over the years my backpack has become lighter. I used to carry about seventy pounds of "light-weight" gear and now as age has become more of a factor, I'm down to about forty. This last summer I was able to spend a week camped at about 9,000 feet in the Sierras, Northeast of Fresno. My radio gear consisted of the following: Radio-Sierra Antenna-20 meter dipole fed with RG-58/U. Tuner-LGD qrp tuner Power-2.0ah Power Pocket Bands- 40, 30, 20 Key-Whiterock Model MK-22 I found that by keeping my feedline no longer that about 40 feet, I was able, with the tuner, to operate successfully on all of the above bands using the twenty-meter dipole. My elevation was such that getting the antenna about 25-30 feet above ground was about all I needed. Contacts were plentiful on all bands. The battery powered both the radio and the tuner all week long. The radio equipment, pack, tent, and food for a week made the pack heavy, but fortunately I only had to carry it about five miles. The only thing missing was a fellow ham...Gary - AA6R From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Mon Jun 22 01:15:20 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id BAA24249 for ; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 01:15:19 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <12786-17352>; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 01:14:56 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12721-45262>; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 01:13:37 -0400 Received: from mail.sisna.com (smtp1.sisna.com [209.210.176.4]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with SMTP id BAA44736 for ; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 01:13:31 -0400 Received: from anonymous [209.210.180.199] by mail.sisna.com (SMTPD32-4.03) id A7787FD0102; Sun, 21 Jun 1998 23:11:20 MDT Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19980611230653.006ac030@mail.SISNA.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 17:06:53 -0600 Reply-To: barmstrong@mail.SISNA.com Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Armstrongs To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: Backpacking with QRP Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-To: "QRP-L List" X-Sender: barmstrong@mail.SISNA.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO Some comments about backpacking: I agree with most of the comments made earlier. Tiny rigs have made these the golden days of QRP backpacking. I packed a Power Mite, and then a HW7, a HW8 and a HW9 in the past. They were all too heavy for comfort. The new ultralight monobanders are fabulous - I love my SST collection. Think first about backpacking skills and equipment, and then add radios. Learn about sunburn, poison plants, dehydration, exposure and hypothermia. Know your limits, and keep your gear light. It's no fun to pack a heavy load, and it's not necessary, either. Day hikes with QRP are great fun. I have my QRP gear loaded in a day pack with some basic survival gear, an antenna, tuner, log and rig. My water bottles and a hiking lunch is packed and ready to go all the time (literally). The pack sits by my desk in the shack waiting for me. A ten mile day hike with a small pack is a delight, and this distance allows an hour or two of QRP operating. For any kind of an extended trip check the propagation forecasts and chose your rig and antennas based on band openings. Miniprop or a similar program helps a great deal. Re: Solar power. I use an AA battery pack. I split the pack in half and use a miniature DPDT switch to allow me to charge the pack with the halves in series (high voltage) or in parallel (lower voltage needed). My solar panel with a 9 volt output is much smaller/lighter to carry than one putting out enough voltage to charge a 12 - 14 volt battery pack. I am amazed at how often I contact other campers/hikers when I am on the trail with my QRP gear. I've never actually SEEN another QRP backpacker, but this list and the Adventure Radio Society convinces me that they actually exist. de N7XJ (Bob - Central Utah) From owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Mon Jun 22 20:43:08 1998 Received: from fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU (fidoii.CC.lehigh.EDU [128.180.1.4]) by oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id UAA09613 for ; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 20:43:08 -0400 (EDT) Received: from Lehigh.EDU ([127.0.0.1]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with SMTP id <12880-45262>; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 20:42:43 -0400 Received: from nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU ([128.180.1.13]) by fidoii.cc.Lehigh.EDU with ESMTP id <12722-45262>; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 20:41:57 -0400 Received: from mail.sisna.com (smtp1.sisna.com [209.210.176.4]) by nss4.cc.Lehigh.EDU (8.8.8/8.8.5) with SMTP id UAA56308 for ; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 20:40:57 -0400 Received: from anonymous [209.210.180.206] by mail.sisna.com (SMTPD32-4.03) id A907226013E; Mon, 22 Jun 1998 18:38:31 MDT Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.19980612101234.006aa348@mail.SISNA.com> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 04:12:34 -0600 Reply-To: barmstrong@mail.SISNA.com Sender: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Precedence: bulk From: Armstrongs To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP backpacking Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-To: "QRP-L List" X-Sender: barmstrong@mail.SISNA.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (32) X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 beta -- ListProcessor(tm) by CREN Status: RO N7XJ's complete QRP list for backpacking: SST (appropriate band) Whiterook keyer + cable (24 guage wire) Ear buds (High quality ... the junk ones are junk) a few 3X5 cards to use as a log book + pencil AA nicad battery pack Solar panel (if needed) and hookups Ultralight tuner (Homebrew) with Dan Tayloe SWR bridge - 3 oz. RG 174 interconnect cable with miniature BNC connectors 2 6 inch wire leads with alligator clips on each end for emergency use 2 ounce RS pocket digital multimeter ... if I'm going to be gone more than a few days. Antenna: As appropriate for band. Lately I have returned to simple dipoles. I make them out of insulated wire and put a loop in the end to act as an insulator. Coax if needed. (I use lightweight RG58) String to hold up the antenna. Safety pins provide an easy way to attach string to the "insulator" loops in my antenna. I put my rig in a Tupperware (R) type food container with foam in the bottom to protect it from being bounced and smashed. The battery and antenna are the heavy parts. Tnx to Joe G. for the idea of using teflon wire to make antennas ... except I don't know where to find any. I've used 28 guage magnet wire successfully. It is very light but it breaks too easily. Stranded hookup wire is also very satisfactory, but is hard for me to find. The solid stuff is no good at all. If anyone knows a source of small guage teflon wire, send it to the list!