I use 30-50 braided fishing line for getting antennas up.

When I was in Alaska you could get 75 lb test fishing line that is nearly as strong as paracord and much smaller in diameter and still flexible.

Jason , we use mason's line or sometimes called construction twine . It wiil stand 100lb. pull without failure and will work great for temporary setups. Its available at Lowes or Home Depot and its cheap as dirt . 73 ve3mne

My throw line is 100' braided 36 lb bank line. I use a 12oz sinker and a LNR cord winder. My radios are the KX3 and Kenwood TH-D74. For antennas I use the EARCHI End Fed 6-40 meter, Ed Fong DBJ-2 UHF/VHF, and Tim Ortiz N9SAB, *K9ARV* 20 & 40 Linked Dipole. I recently added the KM4ACK EFHW Antenna Kit.

Weaver sells throwline along with their throw bags. It is thin and light, but very strong. It’s coated in urethane to reduce friction as you pull it through the tree. It’s what arborists use because it was specifically designed for this purpose.

You have the cleanest kitchen ever.

#36 Bank line is strong and light. Doesn't hang up when throwing through branches too badly either. I have a semi-permanent antenna out back now that it has held 6 months so far, even in today's heavy winds from the tropical storm down south of us.

Fishing line. The high test braided stuff for saltwater Fishing. Strong, small and not a lot of weight.

Enjoyed this! Really appreciate you being so attentive to weight. A lot of my AT guys swap paracord for 2mm accessory cord - smaller foot print & less weight, however will not cut into branches like bank line or stretch like fishing line. I personally have always been able to make a throw with a standard wire gate carabiner (adds some multi-purpose) or a rock/branch, either would give you 12 oz. back. Maybe swap those stakes for some MSR mini groundhogs to pick up a few more grams if experience keeps telling you the stakes are needed vs. preferred. Fun kit to build!

Great setup! I have a small amp MX-P50m, that I can toss in the bag with me if needed. It uses nothing on receive and offers 45 to 50w output depending on the band. I think it draws 10amps on max tx. It's small and nice to have when 5w just isn't cutting it. And I agree on the endfed. It's hard to beat when portable. 73 de KF7VUT.

For a throw line and weight, I use a bear bag kit from Z Packs. 1.2mm braided cord that’s slick so it slides on branches well. But it’s slick so knots might get loose. Mine haven’t yet with over a year of use. For weight, I use their rock sack. I just fill it up with rocks or dirt. There’s almost a pound in weight savings. Just don’t use your car keys!

For my throw line I use 3oz sinkers and $1 roll of nylon twine from Walmart. 60ft elevation is no problem. See my QRZ page for details. The real trick with QRP is a good antenna and paying attention to losses. Going portable, it is best to pick one or two bands and stick with them. Losses due to a tuner and non resonant antennas are real bummers. I like 40m as a primary. 20m also works but not as reliable. I am thinking of how to go portable with 80m, but since I’m most likely to be portable during the daylight hours, my motivation is lower. You can make a 40m ground plane vertical that needs no tuner and just works great. Drop the weight and get on the air. Best of luck. Charlie KM4ZZ

Maybe late to the line question but I use 200 feet of braided fishing line. 40 to 65lb - 5k meter spool is like $13. 200 feet wrapped around a pencil. If it get tangled as you pack up for home, just toss it and grab more for the next trip.

Those stakes and the throw bag look familiar. Oh yeah, that's what I use. With your antenna!

Net twine is strong and light. I know this is an older video, but that stuff is great.

I use construction nylon line. It is strong and is very strong enough to pull antenna up with. It comes in different colors! I like something that is bright orange because it is easy to see. You can order it online but I get my at Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot or where ever I happen to be shopping. I think it is something like 500 lb.

Zing-it throwline works great, nice and slick and very strong.

Be careful using the internal batteries ! The finals in OUR 817's are delicate ! They've been known to blow due to several reasons. Non-Resonant antennas, Auto tuners, Low batteries or Power spikes. The parts to replace are no longer available. Surprised that no one else mentioned it here ? Otherwise excellent channel ! Good info, all good stuff !!! I'm subbing !

Jason, great video .... thanks for sharing and keep them coming. I like mason layout string. Its available at most of the big box DIY stores. Its rugged for its small size and inexpensive. Its also available in bright colors and that can be handy when deployed in a tree. Thanks Pat

👍Good choices. Thought it might be the EFHW antenna that you would pull out the bag. In terms of more compact para cord, I have used 1.5mm micro cord or even nylon builders (brick) line which will easily hold that antenna up. In my bag, I keep my 817 sealed in a dry bag and accessories in zip bags. Although not completely waterproof, would hopefully save the equipment from short term submersion.

Hey Jason. Instead of paracord, this stuff called Handy Hundred cord works great. You can get a 2 pack of 100’ on Amazon for around $15. It’s about half the diameter.

Great video Jason!! I don't want to even weigh my bag!! I know I have overkill in my bag. I like that charge controller you showed, I have the Bioenno charge controller that I got when I got the fold up solar panel from Bioenno. I have a 4 amp hour Bioenno battery in my kit. As for my antenna I have the EF Random wire antenna with a 9:1 Unun. Of course I sent you all my info back when I sent you the photos. But, I really like your setup here, makes me want to rethink my setup. Getting ready here in a week to go our deer camp in the Monongahelia National Forest and I am think about taking my setup and one evening doing a POTA activation from deer camp. Not sure if I will or not due to the camping/hunting gear I will be taking, but I would love to do some HF from deer camp. Keep up the good work Jason. Stay safe and stay healthy! Juddie - WD8WV

I use the weaver throw line and I also recommend a throw line bag to prevent storage without tangles. It is a little thinner than paracord. Paracord will snag/drag on rough tree bark making it harder to get the weight to come down. Nice kit.

Instead of paraline, I've used fishing line but is too stretchy and tangles easily, so i now use brickies string line. It's light and plenty strong enough, and flouro pink or charteuse so easy to see when the light gets low.

Those are great portable J-poles. A big boost from the rubber duck.

Masons layout cord. 1/16th to 1/8th inch. Cheap, braided, strong enough, multiple bright colors, takes up very little space, and cheap (hint).

I love these gear dumps. You may want to consider carrying that 3Ah Bioenno battery with you as I believe the FT-817 reduces its power by as much as 2.5W when running off the battery pack. At least on my FT-818ND, I need to use an external 13.8V source to get the full power output. Keep up the great work!

I use "handy hundred" from R&W Enterprises, it's 100 lb synthetic line. Tom, N9YO from Ham Radio CQ suggested this stuff. It works great. I live in PA so there's always a small rock laying around somewhere to use for the weight!

You can get kevlar line, frequently used for high performance stunt kites, even the 200lb rated stuff is comically thin and lightweight compared to anything else in that weight rating range, pretty inexpensive too. That tied to good size fishing weight and launched from a Daisy B-52 slingshot will get you darn near anywhere you'd like to go 😉

Also, I am using 95 paracord instead of 550 cord. Works well and much less bulky.

Get you a roll of Zing-It, it's meant for tree throw lines. Its also used for hammocks and tarps. It's thin, light, and stronger than paracord.

Nice setup! I am looking for a few more of these myself - can't have too many...

I had to move away from the FireTab. We had used them for years, but the batteries in them just dont last. We moved to the Galaxy Tab 6 and Tab 6 lite (One has verizon service with hotspot and can feed my needs for connecting to my Pi and kiddo/wife's needs for shows. lol. Performance on them is nearly laptop. I really want some of the powerfilm solar panels. They just rock!

The throw line that you can get with the Weaver bag is well worth the bulk. It is very slick, and very good about not getting stuck! I also use the Arborist bag (cube) that collapses into a triangle. Very handy. 73 de W4XXV

Another fantastic video Jaison thanks 73

Great video Jason. Loving the new pack. As far as string/rope, I have seen some 1/8" parachord at various hamfests. As an option you could get some mason's twine and use, or if you could find one, get a chalk line at one of the big box hardware stores(Just make sure you can find one without chalk in it). Spool out what you need and reel it in when done.

Sir, I think you should check out SGT. Knots “bank line”. It comes in different sizes with different tensile strength. With different colors and it is a tarred line yet it is not sticky but it is some what water proof. I have left some hanging from a screw outside in all weather and sun, and it almost as strong as the first day I hung it. And best of all it’s cheap and lite in weigh! A lot of pepper’s care it!

You could pull the strands out of the 550 cord if you already have the cord either use the sheath or one of the strands.

As a paracord replacement you might look into Mastrant brand line. I use 2 and 3MM with excellent results and it would be smaller. It is a bit pricier, but I think it would last longer than run of the mill paracord. Very good video.

The Buddipole Power Mini is a fantastic charge controller

Great video...wish my Comms Bag was that organized...ive got all kinds of crap in mine. Mainly because everytime I do POTA I find I need something not in my bag...haha. Like the bag!

Excellent breakdown of your kit. I generally use a 75ft 3/16" diamond braid from Lowe's with a 16oz weaver throw weight. It's probably just as bulky as paracord but it comes on a nice winder that packs flat and it's pretty inexpensive. Atwood Rope makes a product called micro cord I haven't used as much but has proved to be quite strong for its size and it takes up very little space. To extend run time while out for a day I like using a Talentcell lithium ion battery bank. It's pretty light packs easily has a USB outlet and at 6Ah gives me several hours to play radio in a park etc..

fly line backer works pretty well but it gets tangled pretty easy

I‘d recommend some UHMWPE rope, brand names are Dyneema, Amsteel, Zing-it in your country. It is some special kind of HDPE, you could also get it in form of fishing lines (at some big far east shopping mall, for example). It is well known amongst the outdoor hammock community. Afaik, there is no stronger rope material except some infinite carbon fiber ropes. If you need something more heat resistant, think of pulling a thin rope over branches, you also might consider Aramide, also known as Kevlar. Both types of material are incredibly strong, you can easily pull far more than 200kg with a line 2mm in diameter. 73, Simon

Arborists line. Zig-it made by Samson. Expensive but lightweight, visible and durable.

Kevlar is light, cheap, and readily available. Our local model rocket shop sells 200# rated 50' spools for $7. You should stop by during Hamvention next year. I can share a link if you're interested.

Thanks for the shoutout at the beginning of the vid Jason, 73 de N2XU

Excellent pack! Well thought out. Yeah the paracord is bulky, but it won’t knot up on you. Some Dacron antenna rope maybe?

This is a great pack, items are finite and not too many. One thing I don’t like are tacticalcool type bags. A camera bag may be better, offer more padding and is generic. My justification is that cameras are just as expensive as a HF Radio. See Promaster Cityscape (i think that is the name)

Just ordered the nelson_antennas deluxe model jpole (thanks for the recommendation). It's rated at 60 watts.

Mason line works great.

You could use braided bank line for the throw bag.

I like using bank line. Amazon has a few choices.

I use kite string. It's not too heavy in regards to carry weight, and counterbalance. Also, I don't care if it breaks or gets lost. I can also cary a smaller weight.

I used 24 size nuts on the end of a fishing mono line. Swing it. Throw it. Pull it. Plus small climbing carabiners.

Nice video. I really liked the bag. Lots of room inside. I know you wanted smaller rope, but I take along two each lengths of 1/8" nylon rope. I don't mind the space it takes up. I also found the throw bag, the same one you have. I learned about it around 3 years ago and it's great. I have a spare just in case one gets stuck in the tree. I'll never be without one. Thanks for sharing and also thanks for posting all of the links. Barry, KU3X/QRP

Tarred bank line should be plenty tough for a throw line. #36 is rated somewhere in the 300lb range, and a good deal thinner than 550. You could go lighter if you wanted, I imagine. They make it in a variety of weights.

Nice kit. I look forward to seeing it in action.

I use nylon sash cord, you can put 100 foot of it in the space of 50 paracord.

Year old video but if someone is looking for line. Try Zing-It. It's smooth and slides through the trees. I use it all the time to pull antennas up.

Local hardware - curtain line. Nylon - slippery and light

Great job, Jason! For a sec there i thought i was hearing Keith Thurman talking HAM.

You could try micro cord I have a roll or 2 works with sail needles as well for patching

Jason, the absolute best thing you can use and though it is a little bit more money is to use arborist throw line it’s a very slick version of Dacron so it’s very strong normally around 200 pound test and it will last a very long time. Approximately 100 feet of it will fit in your fist, it’s lightweight, normally a hi-viz neon color, and best of all tangle resistant. Hope this helps. KI7NNS

Use bank line instead of paracord?

Paracord is extremely over rated. As you mentioned, it's bulky and stronger than what you need. I use braided Mason line in hot pink. You can get 500 feet for about $7 at Home Depot. Just ensure you get the BRAIDED version, not the twisted version. That way it won't snag on tree branches. A couple of fish weights and a strong arm, or one fish weight and an $8 sling shot and you're set!

Just use the arborist line that goes with the throw bag

power pro fishing line will work the best 100- 150 lb test.

Try Zing It, it’s a lightweight yellow cord.

You can also take the core out of the paracord

Additionally, Bank line can be found on Amazon!

Zing-it for throw line.

County comm 3/32 tether cord

Top equipament...the best qrp...PY2FG...73s ...

👍👏👏

Hey Jason. When using the Wincamp battery are you able to operate at the full wattage of the radio? I know that with the Yaesu battery for the 818nd you can't operate at the full 6 watts.

Good video🇺🇸

Seconding all the suggestions for Zing-It or Lash-it, which comes from the arborist world. Search for "Bear Bag Throw Kit" and you'll find this to be super common in the backpacking world. For example, this is a nice kit from a great USA cottage company dutchwaregear.com/product/bear-bag-throw-line/. Dutchware also sells lengths and entire rolls dutchwaregear.com/product-category/myg/rope/non-reflective/.

I just watched about a dozen of your videos and see how you do the audio, but cannot find your cat control connection between the RPi and the FT817. Do you use a ct-62?

Bank line it's for catfishing it's tar covered 300lbs test

fantastic video Jaison 73 from kb2uew

Get masons string strong colorful I use it for many things

Hey Jason, What I use which I have decided is great, is spectra (stronger than steel by weight) braided 100lb fishing line. It is very light weight, compact, strong, slippery, low stretch and most important very cheap on ebay! I coil it on a cuban hand fishing reel which keeps it stored neatly and I can throw/"cast" over branches. If I have a really tall tree the reel also works with my air cannon which is handy. They sell it in many lengths (100-500m) and strengths up to 300lbs. Links provided are not the cheapest, just what I could find quickly off hand. -K2OTF Line options: www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Strong-PE-Spectra-8-Strands-300-500-1000M-12-300LB-Braided-Fishing-Line/153555466896?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180105095853%26meid%3D2b4fd1721db04db0ab4549f48f7dd973%26pid%3D100903%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D20%26mehot%3Dnone%26sd%3D153486848196%26itm%3D153555466896%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2510209&_trksid=p2510209.c100903.m5276 www.ebay.com/itm/1000M-4-Weave-Super-Strong-Testing-Spectra-Extreme-PE-Sea-Braided-Fishing-Lines/153486848196?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180105095853%26meid%3D2b4fd1721db04db0ab4549f48f7dd973%26pid%3D100903%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D20%26mehot%3Dnone%26sd%3D153486848196%26itm%3D153486848196%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2510209%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2510209.c100903.m5276 Hand Reel: www.ebay.com/itm/Cuban-fishing-YOYO-9-hand-fishing-reel-8-1-4-assorted-colors-FREE-SHIPPING/203195563925?hash=item2f4f663f95:g:i2UAAOSww5Rae4ZZ www.ebay.com/itm/1-HAND-REEL-CUBAN-YOYO-cubano-fishing-vintage-kite-line-plastic-GREEN-6-1-2/360500834814?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200520130048%26meid%3D1d89abaeced6467592aeecae67558bbc%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dco%26sd%3D192417162333%26itm%3D360500834814%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithDarwoV3BBEV2b%26brand%3DUnbranded%2FGeneric&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

What software are you running on the Fire Tablet and what do you use it for?

Check out Amazon for "Bank Line" it's strong and a lot less bulky than 550 cord.

How about 95 paracord or micro paracord? Both are thinner than 550 cord, still rated for 100 pounds give or take. Plenty for a throwback or antenna. Here is a chart to look at the different types of cordage: www.paracordplanet.com/cord-comparison-chart/

What wattage solar panel do you use? Thanks

I use Handy Hundred cord with a wristrocket/pvc T-assembly and zebco fishing reel. Launch 1oz weight + 20# test over the tree, pull back the handy-hundred cord with antenna wire attached. Used to be a youtube of the setup. It works. Russ KG4IIC videowww.amazon.com/Handy-Hundred-Cord-1-4mm-Accessory/dp/B00TSNZILG

Another great video! For throw line, I use real arborist throw line. Here is a link to what I got on amazon: smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3TCPZI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Yes, it is expensive! However, it is really slick, doesnt tangle when you flake it onto the ground to get ready to throw, and you are using it for its designed/intended purpose. I bought the roll and cut it in half, so I got two good throw lines for the price. Having deployed this line mant times and other types as well, I will say with full confidence that this line is the way to go. There is cheaper plain nylon or regular poly line sold as throw line, but you really want the dyneema aka UHMWPE like the one in the link for the slickness and lack of tangle. Another thing I do is instead of carrying a throw weight which is just dead weight, I use a skinny water bottle (like those "ice" carbonated drinks) as my throw weight. It is bulkier than a throw weight for sure, but when empty weighs nearly nothing, and has a purpose other than just being dead weight in the pack. If you drink all of the water or dont have any available, you can always put dirt or small rocks in it to get to the same purpose if needed. I have been using this throw setup for a long while and it has been very effective. 73! DE W2SWA

The TX500, by Tx599, has stopped production I hear. The 705 is too gimmicky. I am looking at the 818ND...all for CW. Run the 818 on a Bioenno Battery and you are good, the only other problem is the 818 radio is the lack of a CW filter. Yaesu stopped making them.

Bank line

Kevlar kite string

Here is your cord. www.knotandrope.com/collections/throw-line

What accent is that?