Portable Amateur Radio Operations and Field Deployment
Find resources for setting up and operating ham radio stations away from home, including antennas, power sources, and go-kits.
Portable operations involve setting up amateur radio stations away from a permanent shack, often in remote locations, parks, or during emergencies. Hams engage in portable activity for various reasons, including contesting, Summits On The Air (SOTA), Parks On The Air (POTA), or simply enjoying QSOs from a scenic spot. This mode of operating requires careful planning for power, antennas, and equipment to ensure reliable communication on the bands.
Operators frequently build custom gear for portable use, from compact magnetic loop antennas for HF pedestrian mobile setups to robust telescopic masts. Many projects focus on portable power sources, such as 12-volt DC battery packs or solar power solutions for transceivers like the Yaesu FT-817 or FT-857. This category also covers practical advice for building go-kits, selecting appropriate DXpedition antennas for challenging environments, and using specialized log sheets for field operations.
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This article explores the marriage of amateur radio and bushcraft, advocating the pleasure of setting up a portable station in nature rather than operating from the confines of a vehicle. The Parks on the Air (POTA) programme is highlighted as a catalyst for outdoor radio activities. The author shares his experiences and techniques, from transporting equipment into the wilderness to setting up shelters and antennas. Knot tying skills and the use of frogs are emphasized for efficiency, and a unique method for launching wire antennas is described. The article emphasizes the synergy between amateur radio and bushcraft skills, enhancing the enjoyment of radio operations in wilderness environments. -
A 13,8v/5Amp 78H05 based power supply for portable use. In this example used to power up a Yaesu FT-817 -
A small rig that you can take hiking and on business trips. -
A portable amateur radio station which the radio amateur can take when asked to go to an event which needs support with radio communication. -
Project with pictures and descriptions for building a portable 12 Volt DC power source by N1KXR. -
Which is better a 20m antenna for an island DXpedition: Yagi at 25', or a vertical or two on the beach? -
Operaring portable during field day by VK4ADC -
Interesting post with a practical video of using solar panel with a yaesu ft-857. -
A free to download and print, paper log sheet useful for portable amateur radio operations, in a PDF file. -
A magnetic loops for HF pedestrian mobile project by VK3YE -
Telescopic antenna mast for portable usage by PE1OPM -
Operating pedestrian mobile by G3XBM -
An interesting article on pedestrian portable HF DXing -
How to make a manpacke radio from ordinary FT-857. -
The site for dxers who like to travel The F in DXFC stands for Feet: countries in which you have stepped foot. This is for licensed radio amateurs who like travelling. -
An interesting Elecraft KX3 go box, for a total of 1,6 Kg 3,5 lbs with list of needed parts to build your own box by OE2ATN -
A Portable 100 watt radio station setup composed by a 706MKII transceiver, Z-100 antenna tuner and power supply by N1GY -
AA5TB portable station for 30 meter QRP operations -
Analyzes UK amateur radio license definitions for /M (mobile) and /P (portable) suffixes, offering interpretations and recommendations. -
An interesting article on choosing the right battery when operating in portable mode, considering charging time and modes, weight and size. -
In this article, the current consumption for a selection of popular HF transceiver was examined to determine, via an on the field comparison, whether they were right for portable operation. The radios evaluated include the Yaesu FT-857D, Kenwood TS-590SG, Icom IC-7100, and Kenwood TS-480SAT. The measurements were taken beginning frok 5W in 5W increments up to 100W. The results showed that the Kenwood TS-590SG had the highest current use while the Yaesu FT-857D had the lowest. The current consumption of all radios increased as the power output increased. -
An excellent and comprehensive article on portable HF operations with attention on selecting proper equipment -
A page with lots of pictures of John Moyle Field Day 2012 operating from 80 meters to 70 centimeters -
A portable operation experience with a SpiderBeam pole during a contest, testing wire antennas, like dipole and delta loops configurations on 20 40 and 80 meters band. -
In his POTA activation, WK4DS experimented with radials for hamstick antennas. Despite sun and RF noise challenges, successful connections were made. Surprisingly, tuned radials proved unnecessary, simplifying setup. Hamsticks demonstrated versatility across frequencies. Increased power improved signal quality, sparking his curiosity for further exploration in radio technology. -
An interesting article about amateur radio portable operations with excellent pictures. Setup includes a 60 watts of portable solar power being controlled by a charge controller, and a batteries powering an FT-897D. -
Magnetic loop for 20 to 6 metres pedestrian mobile by VK3YE -
Operating marine mobile with antennas for 15-17-20 meters band. -
A short introduction to amateur radio portable operations bu VKFAQ. -
This article discusses the evolution of portable amateur radio operations, focusing on optimizing backpack-carried equipment for outdoor use. The author shares his journey from using wheeled carts to developing an innovative backpack-mounted antenna system, emphasizing the transition from high-power (QRO) to low-power (QRP) operations to reduce weight. The piece details practical solutions for antenna mounting, equipment selection, and portable operations in challenging terrain, particularly along Ontario's Niagara Escarpment. The author's approach prioritizes mobility and functionality while maintaining effective radio communications in remote locations. -
This post describes how the newish Power Delivery (PD) mode mobile powerbanks can be used to power a SOTA transceiver as well as keeping your other hiking devices charged. -
Description of an optimal backpack used for pedetrian mobile operation both on HF and VHF bands. -
N5KGL interesting article on portable antennas. Greg report his experience on using several types of portable antennas. -
This article is from the book Ham Radio For Dummies and features some tips for portable amateur radio operations, on Field Day or generic outdoor operation, like selecting the proper antenna and portable power. -
Read about a ham radio operator's experience activating a POTA site at the Folk Art Center using the Chameleon MPAS Lite vertical antenna and the Chameleon Universal Clamp Mount (CHA UCM). Discover how the author carefully deploys antennas to avoid interference with other park visitors and learn about the features of the CHA UCM, a simple antenna clamp mount. Follow along as the author shares their setup and operating spot choices to maximize their portable radio experience while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Parkway. -
Details a QRP portable station setup for winter operations, including radio, power, and shelter considerations for cold weather field deployments. -
Personal web site by N9SKN about portable QRP operations with pictures of several portable setups and antenna solutions. -
Optimizing the cable connections for cat control and audio input output by implementing the digirig mobile. A small audio and rig control interface, with a single USB cable supports most QRP radios requiring external audio and CAT control facilities -
How to make your HT last for days and get out like crazy -
Learn about the POTA PERformer antenna, a portable, elevated, resonant whip designed by Greg Mihran KJ6ER. Discover how this unique antenna requires fewer radials to be efficient, making it ideal for portable operations. Explore the benefits of using two radials for a directional radiating pattern, compared to just one radial. Find out how computer modeling can help optimize the performance of the POTA PERformer antenna for your ham radio activities. -
Learn which are the top ten reason why you should operate in portable mode -
Amateur radio portable operation has a lot to offer, even if you are a shack sloth and have an awesome setup. -
Alan (W2AEW) shares his comprehensive portable field radio kit, showcasing various antenna options and accessories for POTA activations. The kit, housed in a repurposed camera bag, features the Elecraft KX2 Shack a Box, AX1 antenna kit, and additional accessories. With thoughtful organization and adaptability, the kit offers flexibility for different deployment scenarios, ensuring efficient operation in diverse field conditions -
W1PID's website details over 350 QRP portable operations, featuring stories, pictures, and logs from various outdoor locations in New Hampshire and beyond.