Ham Radio All Portable Discussion Zone

High adventure trips are physically demanding and have inherent risks.  Ham radio operators who choose to combine high adventure with ham radio need to know how to mitigate these risks.  Tim N7KOM joins us for this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone to talk about some of his high adventure trips and how he prepares for them. Tim's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@N7KOM Whether it’s Summits on the Air, Parks on the Air or other outdoor ham radio programs and activities, you may choose to increase the difficulty of your trip.  We might only think of SOTA as high adventure but there have been some amazing POTA or Field Day trips that would be considered high adventure as well.  It’s all about what you make it! Join us as we talk about how YOU can better prepare for your high adventures in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. Twitter: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET   Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Donate https://www.patreon.com/redsummitrf Obtain a sticker https://redsummitrf.blogspot.com Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf   #APDZ #SOTA #PortableOps #HamRadio

In this video, Dan Koellen (AI6XG) shares the stories behind some of his most creative homebrew radio and electronics projects.Dan has spent years building, modifying, and perfecting gear for ham radio, portable operations like SOTA (Summits On The Air), and experimental electronics. From modified QRP rigs and custom vacuum-tube transmitters to clever antenna transformers and portable stations, this is a look at some of his work.Learn more about Dan’s projects on his website: https://www.ai6xg.com/Dan's Four Days in May Presentation: https://youtu.be/xd09y6QnFxc?si=wm9gbwUYFLoGpMT1Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

In this episode we gather around the workbench to talk about what we’re currently building, experimenting with, and learning in our ham radio shacks. Then we announce something new: **group homebrew scratch-build projects** that we’ll be working on together over the coming episodes. If you enjoy building your own ham radio gear, experimenting with electronics, and learning by doing, we invite you to build along with us.*New Group Build - Signal Generator: https://tinyurl.com/y3pfaz2j*SolderSmke Podcast Discord Invite (Expires 12Mar26): https://discord.gg/dvb2fY7XCharlie's Workbench Mentions*Ozarkon 2026 Wacky Key: http://www.ozarkcon.com/wackyKey/index.php*Quansheng Morse Code Mod: https://youtu.be/zi35aTjEppQ?si=wJqzy5XxFdxoCvbK*Ham Radio Duo Tools: https://hamradioduo.com/tools/*VE2ZDX Searchable YouTube QSOs: https://ve2zdx.com/toolkit/youtube/videos/ALL?callsign=NJ7V*Adams Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/K6ARKPortableRadio*Adam's Store: https://k6ark.com/Tobias's Tools:*Knipex 15 11 120 enamel wire strippers (digikey 2172-1511120-ND)*Knipex 1/64" blades for the above (digikey 2172-1519005-ND)*Tsunoda KBN-150 flush cut with grip for tightening cable ties (https://tinyurl.com/4uhcjf6x)*LC Meter https://tinyurl.com/mvyxe9z7Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA #HomebrewRadio #AmateurRadio #HamRadioProjects #ElectronicsWorkbench

In this video, Rex Harper (W1REX) shares the remarkable history of the Tuna Tin II, one of the most beloved homebrew QRP radios in amateur radio.Originally designed by Doug DeMaw (W1CER), the Tuna Tin II began as a simple, clever transceiver built into a literal tuna can. Over the years, the design was adopted by multiple ham radio clubs, evolving into a variety of kits as different organizations took on production and sales.Rextells how the design changed hands, how the kits evolved, and how the Tuna Tin II ultimately ended up under his stewardship. He also tells the story of taking the original Tuna Tin II on the road—touring ham radio events and sharing its history with fellow operators.Rex's QRPme website: https://www.qrpme.com/Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.GQRP Club: https://www.gqrp.com/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

Discover Vince VE6LK, a ham radio educator and electronics experimenter, as he shares hands-on projects, DIY experiments, and practical tips for getting on the air. Perfect for beginners and seasoned hams alike, this video shows how Vince blends teaching, tinkering, and innovation to make amateur radio exciting and accessible.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.GQRP Club: https://www.gqrp.com/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

Tony EI5EM is a long-time homebrew and QRP enthusiast with a passion for building radios from the ground up. In this interview, Tony talks about what draws him to homebrew radio, why QRP is so rewarding, and shares some of the projects he’s built and put on the air. He also offers encouragement for hams who are curious about building but aren’t sure where to start.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.GQRP Club: https://www.gqrp.com/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

Drawing loosely from two presentations delivered at Contest University 2022, roundtable members Dan KC7MSU, Brian W7JET, and Charlie NJ7V discuss some of the most important and commonly overlooked ham radio operating techniques. This is a practical, experience-driven conversation focused on what really makes a difference on the air.Referenced presentations:Contesting 101: Operating — Doug Grant, K1DGOperating Mechanics: The X Factor in Contesting Success — Pat Barkey, N9RVCW OPs What Makes a Good, Courteous CW Operator?: https://cwops.org/what-makes-a-good-cw-op/3830 Scores: https://www.3830scores.com/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

Brad, KA9JDE, is a Summits on the Air (SOTA) Mountain Goat. The stories behind his achievement are inspiring — and at times, downright harrowing. Join us as we dive into Brad’s journey through ham radio, how he discovered SOTA, the advice he has for outdoor radio operators, and even his side hobby of traveling the world in search of unforgettable scuba diving adventures.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.QRP Amateur Radio Club International: https://qrparci.org/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

This is the first in a series of special episodes on building and modifying your own ham radio gear - antennas, radios, equipment peripherals, and more.In this episode: * Adam (K6ARK) walks through the steps of designing a project * Charlie (NJ7V) covers different scratch-building methods * Tobias (KK7BCO) dives into antenna experimentationConnect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

Dan KC7MSU shares his progress with the Ham Shack Build Project, Brian W7JET talks about contesting and remote operation, and Charlie NJ7V talks about the Summits on the Air UHV/VHF SSB/CW Challenge.Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

Jeff VE3CW has wide-ranging interests in amateur radio, including contesting, homebrewing, QRP, and portable operations. In this episode, we dive into some of his current ham radio projects, and Jeff shares encouragement and tips for hams who are new to homebrewing and portable operating.Join us as we explore how you can get involved in portable radio, QRP, and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone (AP/DZ). Every aspect of portable operations is covered in this biweekly podcast, from news and gear to achievements, the workbench, contests, awards, and beyond.QRP Amateur Radio Club International: https://qrparci.org/Connect with us:* Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeH* TikTok: @redsummitrf* X (formerly Twitter): @NJ7V_Support the channel:* Buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF* Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#apdz #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbench #Electronics #POTA

Fred KT5X was the first person in North America to achieve Mountain Goat. He is an accomplished QRPer, having achieved numerous awards in the QRP world, including worked all continents and several DXCCs. He is a great ambassador of QRP portable ops. When operating SOTA, he often uses his clubs call sign, WS0TA.Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio, QRP and more in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly podcast as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here.Discord: https://discord.gg/YDeM3JeHTikTok: @redsummitrfX @NJ7V_Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRFRed Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#APDZ #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #QRP #Workbanch #Electronics #POTA

Season 5 of the All Portable Discussion Zone (APDZ) will resume on January 4th at 2300 UTC.Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here.X:Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSUBrian W7JET @BBW7JETHelp support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRFRed Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf#APDZ #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #POTA #QRP

Bruce WY7N has reached the status of Mountain Goat in the State of Utah, which has some difficult to traverse mountains. In this episode we will talk to Bruce about his challenges in reaching this milestone and what he has learned along the way.Bruce's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wy7n79 Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. X: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf #APDZ #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #POTA #QRP

If ever a person embodied Summits on the Air, it would be Paula K9IR. She is a very active participant, who has earned several Shack Sloth Awards and is over half way to earning her 3rd Mountain Goat Award. Paula is a dedicated person, not only to ham radio, but to the community and individual. She is service minded, always willing to help educate and further the SOTA cause. She is a true "Queen of the Mountains". Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. X: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf #APDZ #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #POTA #QRP

The "Five by Five Ham Radio Forum" is back! Join us for a captivating show hosted by five YouTubers, where ham radio apps and online tools take center stage. On every 5th Sunday, three popular YouTube channels combine their talents, bringing together a team of five hosts. Tank Radio and this channel take turns on 5th Sundays, adding an extra twist to the mix. In these special episodes, the spotlight shines on the hosts themselves as each of us brings a ham radio or electronics topic to the roundtable. From cutting-edge tech trends to exciting DIY projects, we cover it all. This interactive fusion showcases our unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise, creating an entertaining and enlightening experience. Links to resources discussed on the show: https://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ https://www.icqpodcast.com/ https://www.qsotoday.com/ https://soldersmoke.blogspot.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@w2aewhttps://www.youtube.com/@M0NTVHomebrewing https://sotawatch.sota.org.uk/en/ https://sotl.as/ https://fatmap.com/ https://n6qw.blogspot.com/ https://qrper.com/ https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/solar-activity/sunspot-regions.html https://morsle.fun/ https://hamrs.app/ https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app https://hamalert.org/ https://sotamat.com/ https://www.ham2k.com/apps/polo/ https://www.reversebeacon.net/ https://www.dxwatch.com/ https://www.voacap.com/ https://prop.kc2g.com/ https://aprs.fi/ https://discord.com/ https://app.slack.com/ Twitter: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET Frank KG5AHJ @KG5AHJ Scott @HamTechies Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf #APDZ #POTA #PortableOps #HamRadio #SOTA

I met Joshua N5FY at Hamvention 2024. I joined him and Thomas K4SWL for a couple of POTA activations following the hamfest. Joshua has designed some very nice 3D printed accessories for Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air stations. He designs the accessories and then uses them in the field, so they are thoroughly tested. Josh joins us today to talk a little bit about his SOTA and POTA adventures, as well as his business making 3D printed accessories. Joshua's Website: https://tufteln.com/ vfcomms VHF/UHF j-pole: https://vfcomms.com/ Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. X: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf #APDZ #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #POTA #QRP

Dan, Brian and I discuss ham radio "chasing", the often overlooked side of Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air. Both Dan and Brian discuss improvements to their stations which improve their chasing capabilities. I talk about the Miles Per Watt Award (KMPW) for the QRPp'er. Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. Join this channel and become a Premium Member for early access, behind-the scenes-content, and exclusive chats: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf X: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf #APDZ #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #POTA #QRP

I met Mike K4QU at Hamvention in 2024. This was the second time I come upon his display of some of the most amazing, professionally crafted Morse code paddles. I invited Mike to join us to find out more about "March Magnetic Paddles" and also a little about his ham radio journey. Mike's Website: https://sites.google.com/view/march-magnetic-paddles/home Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio communications in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. Join this channel and become a Premium Member for early access, behind-the scenes-content, and exclusive chats https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHriEQX4EK2b0QS7EgSvjmg/join X: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf #APDZ #SOTA #PortableOps #HamRadio #POTA #qrp #cw #MorseCode

Chris N1CLC joins me tonight to talk about equipment for ham radio QRP stations. We will dive into some of the more obscure equipment ideas that we have tried, and tell you how they worked in the field. This will be a modified version of the “what’s in your pack” or “SOTA pack loadout” topic, with special emphasis on gear that may not be very common across QRP stations. Dan KC7MSU and Brian W7JET each have a conflict so we invited Chris N1CLC to fill in for this episode. Chris's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHamNinja Chris's Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1T8n_dEHJp_vkEI-D4Qo8HeETh0sIHg5jwvRYNNN15gA/edit?usp=sharing My Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DS1mnrnK2_M35FRzdK3RFF1iHWs5fxz1/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=112972696570990398712&rtpof=true&sd=true Join us as we talk about how YOU can get involved in portable radio in this episode of the All Portable Discussion Zone “AP/DZ”. Every aspect of Portable Ops is explored in this biweekly live stream as we discuss news, gear, achievements, the workbench, contests, awards and more - find all Portable Ops related topics here. Join this channel and become a Premium Member for early access, behind-the scenes-content, and exclusive chats: https://www.youtube.com/c/redsummitrf X: Charlie NJ7V @NJ7V_ Dan KC7MSU @KC7MSU Brian W7JET @BBW7JET Help support this channel - buy us a Coke: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RedSummitRF Red Summit RF Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/redsummitrf #APDZ #SOTA #HamRadio #PortableOps #POTA #QRP