In his Power Tool Batteries for Portable or Emergency Operations article (a free preview from the July 2024 issue of QST Magazine), Gordon S. Novak, AF5KA, demonstrates how inexpensive DC–DC convertors can turn easily accessible lithium power tool batteries into a good backup or portable source for powering a radio.
This is a very timely and topical discussion in light of RRRA’s July Portable Operations July Activity.
In his A Sensitive Field Strength Meter for Foxhunting article (a free preview from the July 2021 issue of QST Magazine), Woody White, KZ4AK, presents the Field Strength Meter (FSM) for Foxhunting he built based on a design featured in the June 2001 QST article Simple RF-Power Measurement by Les Hayward, W7ZOI, and Bob Larking, W7PUA.
In his Welcome to Cycle 25 article (a free preview from the April 2021 issue of QST Magazine), Steve Ford, WB8IMY, discusses the new solar cycle that is under way and how it is having a positive effect on HF band conditions.
In his Augment Your ARES® Mission with FirstNet® article (a free preview from the September 2020 issue of QST Magazine), Randy Richmond, W7HMT, discusses how ARES members can apply for a subscription to FirstNet and use this tool for public service applications.
In his Bicycle Mobile on the HF Bands article (a free preview from the August 2020 issue of QST Magazine), Christian Bravo, W4ALF, discusses “an easy way to implement a mobile radio system, for the operator on two wheels.” 1
After experimenting with pedestrian mobile and being active with Summits on the Air (SOTA), I was looking for a new amateur radio challenge. My experiences with portable ham gear led me to the idea of adapting my mobile setup to fit on my bicycle. The two-wheel setup would allow me to be even more mobile, and still be able to communicate on the HF bands. 1
