PB5X/P completly off-grid station
After a very busy period in my private life and especially with my work, I try to discover new things within our hobby.
So after this new adventure of going Portbale, I thought it was time to share a few words, because I have to say, going “Portable” and doing some HF experiments in the field is really awesome.
Before activating PB5X/P I had to define my expectations of what I wanted to achieve. Because I am normally used to work with a Yagi antenna and an amplifier, which makes a big difference compared to portable QRP operation. Something I already tried with PB5X/QRP first experience. In my profession and working abroad spending my “alone time” in hotel rooms, I had researched what kind of equipment I might use. So before choosing the right equipment, I had to set some criteria …
I found that QRP operation wasn’t quite my cup of tea and I rather would call CQ CQ with a minimum of 100 watts coming from an exciter. Also the antenna I wanted to use should be suitable to do the job. So no Mobile antenna for me hi..hi..
The type of power source should be suitable for the task and can power external devices like laptop for logging and others. Last but not least, I wanted to explore different options to operate from the “Car” or have more comfort like sitting in a “Tent” whereby a normal chair, having a table with all the equipment on it and sitting somewhere sheltered would be the way to go.
As the photos show, I chose the last option where the “Tent” option beat out the “Car” option. Another criteria was that the items to be used should be easy to carry and install. That is why I started looking at various internet sites for simple but effective equipment. For the folded chair I’ve found a nice on at DX Engineering. For the other items such as the folding Table, the folding Tent and most importantly, the Powersource (AFERIY 2000), I found it on Amazon.nl.
PB5X/P working DX
August 15, 2023 After working for the company in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) for several months and in parallel collecting all the equipment, it was time to test and go into the field. Near my QTH is a perfect area where nature does its thing and where peace and tranquillity are just perfect. Not only for nature lovers and birdwatchers, but also for us HAM Radio operators where no RFI and other influences can disturb our reception.
After setting up all the equipment I noticed that the tent, especially in an open field, can be a bit of a challenge to set up. The remaining items, such as the folding chair and table, were very easy to set up and took only 2 minutes. The 12 meter long Spiderbeam Pole stood in a specially designed antenna bracket which was clamped down underneath the car tire. The antenna itself used for the experiment was a 20mtr Monoband Hyendfed antenna of 10mtr long. The radio was the ICOM 7300 connected directly to the 2,000 Watt Portable power station (AFERIY 2000) by means of the XT60 connection cable. Since the whole point of this exercise was to experiment, I also brought a switching power supply that I could connect directly to the AC 230V outlet. The conclusion for the moment was that it is better to use the power supply between the radio and the Power station. Of course, future experiments will include grounding, using a Common choke, and more to prevent any selfmade RFI.
In the pre-evening of August 15 and knowing that there have been good openings to Asia and other places on 20m lately, it was nice to have worked some DX.
The first station was YB0IBM followed by YB2MVD where more stations from Asia and EU were logged in in the remaining 2 hours.
Also I would like to thank my good friend PD4AJM Toine for the assitance during the experiments we have done.
If you would like to know more about this topic please do not hestitate to drop me an email at roma-dx@ziggo.nl or just use the CONTACT form on this webpage.
73 Roberto PB5X
Special designed Antenna Bracket for Vertical Poles
Sitting comfortable and sheltered
PB5X/P calling CQ DX