JS8Call + QDX - After Action Report

Рет қаралды 7,012

Күн бұрын

Let's reflect on the field exercise that I executed at the Grand Canyon a couple of weeks back.
SUPPORT
Membership - www.buymeacoffee.com/thetechp...
GEAR
* TTP EmComm Linked Dipole -
* QDX - qrp-labs.com/qdx.html
* Panasonic FZ-M1 - amzn.to/43j9tYe
* EDC Bag - amzn.to/3ZHa0jI
* Battery Pack - amzn.to/3UdnNNR
* Battery Pack Cable - amzn.to/3ZMXLBY
* USB Cable - amzn.to/3UcSUZM
0:00 Intro & Gear Overview
2:01 TTP EmComm LInked Dipole
2:53 Why JS8Call
3:36 Comms Plan
9:52 Issues in the Field
11:45 Observations & Take Aways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#thetechprepper #js8call #hamradio #qrplabs

Пікірлер: 83

@jeffallen6459 Жыл бұрын

Please do the JS8 call for dummies series…👍

@tjman4943 Жыл бұрын

100% this. As a dummy, I need

@ke8mattj Жыл бұрын

Thirding this.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

I guess the people of spoken. I am a big dumb gorilla when it comes to radio, so I will be happy to make a simple, down-to-earth, 101 JS8Call introduction video next. Thanks guys!

@ke8mattj Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper That would be so great! You tend to show things in a way and make it understandable. It might be that "big dumb gorilla" aspect that allows you to dumb stuff down for the rest of us.

@pale_2111 Жыл бұрын

If you run FT8 with WSJT-X, JS8 is the exact same settings with the same radio.

@user-hh4ly2xy6s Жыл бұрын

Would love to see some JS8Call 101 videos!

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

You got it. Next video up.

@KM4ACK Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to how you use JS8. It’s a fabulous mode

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

It's a great mode.

@Liberty4Ever Жыл бұрын

Message storage and retrieval is an underutilized aspect of JS8 that would be very useful in personal EmComm. I was excited to hear that you are planning to implement intelligent message routing in EmComm Tools. That's a much needed feature. I also wish there was a packet resend feature where the receiving station could request a packet that didn't decode to be resent for more reliable communications. That would allow longer messages to be sent. Because it's not live communication, the operator doesn't need to be fully involved as the slow but reliable messages could be delivered or routed automatically. The routing concept is similar to ALE - automatic link establishment. I also wish JS8 used another few bits for error detection to avoid the false decodes to improve message integrity.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Really? I can't believe that this feature is under utilized. Honesely, that is the most powerful feature. Well, the plan is to implement more streamlined routing and messaging just by automating some of the manual steps. I have no intention of forking or rewriting anything in the core application. Theoretically, adding this higher level of abstraction seems possible. Stay tuned for a future demo. ALE is still on my to-do list...I am waiting for ion2g to hit Ubuntu. Cheers!

@lmcalhoun Жыл бұрын

Awesome! I love the "No Random Contacts" series! Already ordered my QDX and another for my brother about 200 miles away from me. :) Keep up the awesome work! Thanks!

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mike. You guys are the ideal distance to exploit the benefits of an NVIS antenna deployment. I had a feeling that the QDX, JS8Call and little bit of wire would be a winning combo for simple and effective regional communications. Keep us updated on your progress.

@Liberty4Ever Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper - I'm in central Kentucky and with 20W and a low end fed random wire with a tuner, I was able to make fairly consistent JS8 contacts with some stations (probably with good antenna) in Texas, Florida, Colorado and random contacts in Canada and the UK... and that was a couple of years ago when the band conditions sucked.

@tookthe5th182 Жыл бұрын

Great Video.... I have 3 QDX's, 1 high band and 2 low band all built by myself. I have also built several for friends and repaired a few to boot. You need to be very careful and make sure you have a good antenna match before transmitting or you will cook the finals. There is zero protection and the BS170 Fet's are not tolerant of even a mismatch of 2:1 for very long.. If you are lucky, it will just blow the 4 finals or the damage can be much worse to the point of not being repairable. I do maintain a stock of BS170's (dirt cheap) but replacing them requires a certain level of skill. It is easy to trash the board if you don't know what you are doing You can lower the output power by reducing the input voltage all the way down to 7 volts. Don't go below that because the 5V LDO needs at least 2 volts across it for stable operation. Typical output power at 7 volts is around 1 watt on a properly tuned QDX and the finals are much more tolerant of a higher mismatch. Also do not exceed 12v(if possible) input to the QDX. Bad things can happen also. I just finished my 2nd QCX Mini and this version was built for 10m. Besides being a great CW rig, they do a great job running WSPR (and other beaconing modes). I have this new one running WSPR on 10m at 1W output and was spotted in VK land, KH6, all afternoon as well as all around the US into an OCFD @40ft. I suggest you join the QRP Labs groups IO. groups.io/g/QRPLabs/topics Lots of good info on the QRP Labs line of products. Plenty of experts to answer questions and even Han's, the owner of QRP Labs is very active in the forum. The only downside in dealing with QRP Labs is that they are in Turkey and they are very busy and some component availability is an issue and cause delays. My last order took 5 weeks to get to Phoenix. 4 of which was them waiting for parts for the various kits I ordered. If you are into building kits, their kits and documentation are the best I have seen anywhere in my 50 years of kit building. 73 de N5AQM

@bradl2636 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

@ Took The 5th, I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. What are the indicators that you have blown the finals? I'm running the QDX daily for 12-hours at a time, with a heartbeat every 15 minutes on normal mode. For power, I am exclusively running the TalentCell 3,000mAh battery pack. I connected it to my power meter yesterday and with a full charge (5 indicator bars), it's running at ~11.8 volts and by the end of the day (3 indicator bars), it's running at ~10.8 volts. I am getting anywhere from 3.2 to 3.8 watts RF output according to my MFJ meter. Should I be concerned? I plan to capture more metrics today. 73 de KT7RUN

@tookthe5th182 Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Under your stated parameters, you should be just fine as long as you maintain a good antenna match. They can tolerate very brief bad mis matches. I have transmitted without an antenna for about 2 seconds without failure. I have also run the pants off mine on FT8 untill it got warm to the touch(not hot) and give it a rest but that is after 15min of back and forth at about 3.5w out on 20m. The Failure modes can vary when you cook the finals. 1.) Just no power out, not getting hot while transmitting. 2.) Above plus getting hot when trying to transmit. 3.) Above plus smoke. it will take out the reverse polarity FET, Q7 which I just jumper around plus literally smoke the power FET's. I think this(Q7) is only on Rev 4 and later PCB's but not sure on that. 4.) Above and it takes out the driver IC ACT08 and other devices. A goner if the 5v regulator fails. 12V on the 5v logic bus. Pretty rare though. I have been lucky with my 2 failures where it smoke Q7 and just the finals on the newest one and just the FET's on my Rev 1. Both times were my fault because of a bad antenna match As a side note, I have used the QDX to download beautiful Satellite Weather maps using FlDigi on 12mhz out of point loma in Ca. It also makes a great band hopping WSPR transceiver at reduced power(~1w) I run it thru a LDG Z-11 pro... There are other things you can do with it like RTTY(I have not tried it yet) making it a most versatile unit for the field. Wish it did PSK31... BTW, We met at the Quartzfest. I pulled up to Jason and Frank's camp on a minibike for an eyeball. I think you were about to leave to head back to the Valley at the time. I hope I answered your questions/concerns and feel free to contact me if you have other QDX questions. I am good in QRZ 73 -Mike N5AQM

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

@@tookthe5th182 Morning, Mike. Yes, you did. Thank you. I've read so many stories of cooked QDX transceivers when fed with bench top power supplies, that I got concerned. According to the product description, it looks like voltages between 12v and 13v are fine. I just switched to a regulated 12V power supply and the QDX is very happy and putting out 5 watts. I think I recall you and your mini bike. I think Jason was joking and commented that you need a bigger bike. ;-) Thanks for taking the time to respond. 73, Gaston

@jamesyoung159 Жыл бұрын

Just set up my 857 with CF20 for JS8 call and made my first contact. No i did not RTFM 🤣 I need to do that to figure out what i did and how to effectively work this. Yes a 101 would be great. Keep them coming. I left a photo on discord

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your first contact. That is exciting. Roger on the 101 video.

@vironpayne3405 Жыл бұрын

Gaston, you are a beast having more fun than any man should be allowed to have. Keep it up! Yes, JS8Call is an ECOM bomb mode!

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Not a beast, just someone looking for simple, effective gear. More on the way.

@stevenray7898 Жыл бұрын

Just ordered my second FZ-G1 and second QDX. I also would like to see a JS8 call video from you. Just Upgraded to Silver Membership on Buy me a coffee. I'm happy that I can help support the work you are doing, keep up the good work.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Excellent. Enjoy the FZ-G1. I've had one sitting on my desk to evaluate for two weeks now. Also, thanks for upgrading. You'll have a much high success rate of picking up the small batch product releases. Thanks for the support. 73

@warplanner8852 4 ай бұрын

The QDX _will_ fldo other modes besides FT8/JS8 and use other software. Take a moment to review Hans Somers' 2022 Four Days in May (FDIM) presentation to see how much truly genius engineering went into the development of that little unit. The genius involved is astounding. Also, LY2H does a series of videos explaining how the QDX can be repurposed with different software.

@HorizonsleatherBlogspot2012 Жыл бұрын

I run a Panasonic FZ-M1 also and I recently got a really small bluetooth keyboard for it and will be trying it out. I like watching your setup walkthroughs, it's nice to see what other people are using. I strictly run GMRS, but all the basics are the same.

@bt1959 Жыл бұрын

looking forward to the remedial JS8 series.

@vironpayne3405 Жыл бұрын

I love what you are doing with your group. Keep up the good work! Practice makes perfect.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it. We'll keep you posted on our findings.

@homejamesglobalrealestater8518 Жыл бұрын

Another motivating vid. Thanks.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. More JS8Call coming.

@rwellitgoes7789 Жыл бұрын

Loved it. Thanks for this. I will be testing js8call this weekend. I have ordered a couple of QDX units for my set up!

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it, Richard. My station will be online in about 1-2 hours. Leave me a message! I hope you enjoy the QDX has much as I do.

@warplanner8852 5 ай бұрын

You are a pretty dedicated and ambitious young man and your comm plan and other organizational skills woukd be of greatness value to folks like RACES and similar. Keep up the good work, old son! 72/73 de William, k6whp dit dit

@AD6DMDennis Жыл бұрын

The only thing that holds me back from QDX is the lack of VARA/Winlink capability. However, your idea of having a small always-on JS8Call station is very appealing. I'd need to find another ham laptop to dedicate to it, though, and I'm not needing the rugged builds like your Panasonics. Maybe I can find another Maestro Evolve craptop on eBay.

@ethant7886 Жыл бұрын

Getac F110 G2 basically the Panasonic tough book but way cheaper and readily available, easy to find in the sub $150 range. Hot swap batteries and rugged, along with vehicle docks and other accessories

@tjman4943 Жыл бұрын

@@ethant7886 if this is for a base station would any old PC laptop do?

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

@TJ Man, yes any inexpensive laptop produced in the last 10 years will do.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Morning, Denis. Everyone seems to call out the lack of VARA on the QDX. Personally, I wish it had that support, but I look at this as a different class of radio. I really think it needs to be marketed as a persistent JS8Call (and fldigi/flmsg) transceiver for long-running nets. For our group, I am recommending a $200 "all-in" station setup and just pair it with a $50 used laptop and a simple, home-made dipole that is parked on a desired band.

@ethant7886 Жыл бұрын

@@tjman4943 pretty much, although it needs to have some bare minimum processing to run programs for digital modes

@jerintilson4043 Жыл бұрын

Just got my general ticket last month. I'm trying to learn as much as possible about HF. Thanks for another great video.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your upgrade ticket. General is where the action is. It's the best bang for your buck. 73's

@bhamptonkc7 Жыл бұрын

I love your approach, I am running a 100w mobile setup and I often turn down the power my philosophy of use is to push winlink 3rd party traffic.the RMS is ok for getting outside and effected area but disaster communications P2P comes into its own but coordinating random contacts is a chore, the radio only may have some use there.

@ericsolomon9522 Жыл бұрын

Great video - again!!! NEED a link for the keyboard. Estimate of next batch of dipoles ???

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Thanks. The prices have jumped since I started evaluating the keyboard. toughruggedlaptops.com/ikey-magnesium-folding-detachable-keyboard-for-fz-m1-with-back-lighting-usb-port-ik-pan-fzm1-c1.html We'll announce the next batch of the antennas later this month. I will send an email blast to each membership tier. We'll be making 50 mor units.

@Q1745 Жыл бұрын

There are no failures, just some very effective learning opportunities. I’ve had mixed results using JS8Call so I’ll be interested in your upcoming series if you do it! Nice AAR, thanks for sharing. 73 de N0SR

@Bob814u Жыл бұрын

On FT(anything) I used to get so mad if my time was off. I figured out watching the waterfall and clicking to set the clock (Raspberry Pi without an internal clock). Another option is 10 mhz and the clock there. Please keep up the great work! 73! de KE5ES

@dangermandave67 Жыл бұрын

Using the dipole antenna for digital modes is a good idea. I've tried EFHW but had trouble with RFI affecting my computer. As you are probably aware, the dipole is much less prone to that.

@yb7sqx747 Жыл бұрын

nice video my friend

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Have a good one!

@DK5ONV Жыл бұрын

Happy 1st of May EVERYONE 💯🙋‍♂

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Yes, happy May 1st. 73

@sanebedlam Жыл бұрын

Have you tried a USB to 9v power supply for the qdx? I've been considering using one to power my qdx utilizing the cf-20 I have coming in this week. It might be interesting to allow everything to run off the laptop in a pinch.

@DreamWithinReachYT 5 ай бұрын

Nice video. Love to get a QMX. But it has a long wait list. I have a question. With JS8, we can send location information to APRS on 30 m. I want to build something that can carry on my motorcycle and it can send my location every hour through JS8call. Can QDX work with a ham stick ?

@MikeSmithKF7LVH 7 ай бұрын

What "rig" selection did you use under the radio tab ?

@neiloppa2620 Ай бұрын

Is there a way to add a 20 watt amp to the QDX if you feel like it?

@PghJugrnot Жыл бұрын

Are there any weekly or monthly nets out there for the digital modes? My radio is ordered and should arrive end of may.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Yes. There are many. Check out AmRRON.

@user-hh4ly2xy6s Жыл бұрын

How is your antenna work at the 15 to 50 mile range? I have friend’s in this range that can’t here well with HF voice due to urban/city produced noise. Want to try this mode and antenna in this range with 3 to 5 watts of power.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

I have not retried that short of a range. All the literature around NVIS indicates a starting point of around 30 miles. Depending on the band used. You are more likely in ground wave range with those those distances which likely require more power. The antenna is rated up to 50 watts for voice and much less for digital modes. Remember, this antenna is designed for low power operation. You may want to try a different antenna and may want to look at a delta loop. They require a large area, but seem to work better in higher noise environments.

@user-tb4xx7hm5z 5 ай бұрын

how do you find a persistent js8 station to drop messages on?

@TheWingnut58 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see this implemented into Linux, most people have little to no clue how vulnerable Microshaft Winblows is since very few bother to read the EULA. They don't realize that, by simply using the OS, they're giving MS permission to connect to their system and do anything they please....without prior warning or consent....

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

The system shown is running on Linux. Personally, I am not a fan Microsoft.

@TheWingnut58 Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Sweet!....I may have to set up and learn JS8Call.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

@@TheWingnut58 It's worth the effort. Good luck!

@EdLiddle Жыл бұрын

Have you sent message exchanges with someone using the NTS (national traffic system) traffic nets that are already established? I'm curious how that would work compared to what you have already used with your comms plan.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Great question. I have not, but it is intentional. I'm trying to keep blinders on to how things have always been done, so that I can maintain an unbiased perspective with fresh lenses. This is how innovation can happen. I have been doing this with my EmComm Tools software project and it has payed off huge dividends. I would prefer to fail (a lot) along the way and even re-invent the wheel if needed. Once we have a process that works, I'll look at what other groups are doing. Cheers.

@28larrysjunkmail 3 ай бұрын

is the linked dipole antenna going back into production anytime soon? is there a waiting list?

@TheTechPrepper 3 ай бұрын

It's available again, but Tim N9SAB is now doing the distribution through his store on eBay. Search for N9SAB on eBay.

@yamez69 4 ай бұрын

Doesn't JS8Call need accurate time sync? We don't have that luxury in a full grid down situation. FSQ does not have that issue.

@TheTechPrepper 4 ай бұрын

There is a time sync feature built into JS8 that can synchronize the application's timing using heard signals. I use this in the field.

@joseng6259 Жыл бұрын

I find the QDX not reliable. You will end up blowing something inside and repairing it repeatedely. I blow the finals on the 2nd usage. Repaired it and set it aside in the storage box. Prefer a more reliable radio. HP2AT.

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Edited: What kind of power source/supply were you using? I've been reading that you need be careful not to provide more more than 12V of input. I put my TalentCell on the meter and it outputs about ~12.5V on a full charge and will dip down to about 10.8V (when there are 3 of 5 light indicators). When I finish out a 12 hour day running the QDX I am in at the 10.8 volt range. Given that the QDX is designed to work with exactly 12V or just a bit less, I am considering only charging the battery pack to about 80% capacity (i.e. 4 of 5 led light indicators).

@chuckchamplin6627 Жыл бұрын

@TheTechPrepper..... Gaston the less video's you make the less reason people will will want to sub to your channel.and yes i'm a youtuber under another name..I was going to get on your Silver Membership.not really enough content to to make it Werth it.ttyl Sorry

@TheTechPrepper Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. The upper membership tiers have more perks such as earlier access to the limited products that I produce. I am still trying to figure out how to keep all the initiatives going while still providing value to each tier. Cheers.