1. Making HF portable operation a reality
Questions to ask
How?
Where?
What?
Why?

2. It doesn't have to be cold...

3. But a sense of adventure makes it special

4. Portable Transceivers
Method of achieving a portable rig
Off the shelf
Build it from kits
Home-brew it
Use something you already have
Mode
What do you use at home? SSB, Data, CW, FM.
The portable advantage(s) of CW -
quieter, goes further with QRP, simpler rig? Lighter package?

5. The “Sea Queue factor”

6. Portable radio options
How many bands do you want?
How many modes do you want?
What extras do you need?
Auto AMU?
Internal batteries - advantage or limitation?
Decent CW filtering or SSB filtering?
A stand for the radio?

7. DANGER! Man at work!

9. The Rx current of some portable rigs
Model Rx (mA) internal batt (//= option)
Icom IC mA (?)
Yaesu FT mA (8x AA)
Elecraft K mA (2.1Ah SLAB) //
Elecraft KX mA (8x AA)
Elecraft K mA (8x AA) //++
Elecraft KX mA (6x AA)

12. There will now be a short intermission.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There will now be a short intermission.

13. You got the power? Without it, rigs are dead weight!
Throw-away batteries?
Alkaline – possible for small rig, say 1-2 Watts out.
Rechargeable:
SLAB – reliable but heavy
LiPo – QRO? - But there are risks
NiMH – usually in AA size
Chargers

14. Is 'in the garden' really portable?

16. Minimum kit? How much should I take?

17. A minimum /p Kit List
Rig.
Battery.
Antenna – either self-supporting or wire. + Choc-block
Key or paddle (microphone?).
Feeder if required, + choc-block
Ear-phones/headphones.
Leads and Connectors - for aerial, power, key. + Choc-block
Tools. At least a screwdriver to fit the choc-block.
Log-book or paper, & pen/pencil. Clock or watch (UT/GMT?)
Comfort
A seat or cushioning, plus a “work-surface”.
A drink & snack
Hat + suitable clothing
possibly a groundsheet &/or shelter + pegs & cord?

19. An all-in-one set-up from KT5X

20. Thank you for your patience. Now go and play (radio) out doors
Thank you for your patience! Now go and play (radio) out doors. Next instalment on aerials and 'stuff' to follow soon.