Hello Operators,
This is Julian, author, videographer, US expat, and ham radio operator living in Finland.
This channel focuses on portable, pragmatic off-grid and grid-down power and radio communications for preparedness. The goal is to help operators use portable power, HF radios, and data-mode communications as real-world utilities at home or in the field.
I usually publish two videos and two blog posts monthly. You can also find my work on YouTube, X, Instagram, my blog, and in my Grid-Down Emergency Communications book series on Amazon Kindle and in print.
The channel covers ham radio off-grid, solar-powered radio, data modes, portable radio, DIY LiFePO4 batteries, tutorials, field tests, reviews, and DIY projects.
Channel motto: Maximize Capability, Minimize Gear!
This is a family-friendly channel.
Sponsorship, collaboration, or support:
www.oh8stn.org/sponsorship
73,
Julian OH8STN
SurvivalTech Nord
#oh8stn #hamradio
Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
Hello Operators
Although the click bait title is garbage (and he mutilates my callsign 🤣) it's an excellent example of putting feelings aside, and focusing on the message I was trying to send in my video HamRadio: The Mission Defines the Methods and Tools: https://youtu.be/B-geLMmEHtE
So, watch the entire video, but do so with this context.
I said POTA isn't best for improving EMCOMM preparedness as its focus is on random QSOs. EMCOMM focuses on deliberate, directed communications.
POTA/SOTA can be great improving our setup fluency & on air skills, understanding antennas & propagation, but lack the "targeted" aspect of EMCOMM.
If you take nothing else from either of these videos, understand the difference between random QSO's in a grid down crisis versus reaching the exact station needed to improve your odds of survival.
#hamradio #oh8stn
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 10
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Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
Hello Operators.
NVIS is not about chasing distance. It is about reliable regional HF communications when terrain, distance, or a lack of infrastructure makes other options impractical.
In this field test, I connected to a Winlink gateway approximately 18 km away using 40 meter NVIS. The station included the Lab599 TX-500MP, LiNK500MP MK2, Microsoft Surface Go, VARA HF, and the N9SAB 80 m linked EFHW deployed low and nearly horizontal from a GigaParts carbon fiber mast.
Watch the Winlink NVIS session beginning at 09:13:
https://youtu.be/ddchbI5ds3k?t=553
What is the shortest practical NVIS path you have tested?
73
Julian oh8stn
#HamRadio #Winlink #NVIS
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 91
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Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
Considering how bad fuel prices are (and only getting worse), I remind you that e-bikes can be solar-powered, off-grid, for free, using the Sun. It can't replace a vehicle, but it can reduce your dependency on the electric grid or fuel pump.
https://youtu.be/sVArV6lEpKw?si=Ei8Gj...
#offgrid
2 months ago | [YT] | 10
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Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
Hello Operators
Radio Antenna Handbook for SHTF is now available on Amazon Kindle.
This handbook brings together the antenna systems covered throughout my field work and organizes them into a structured, practical reference. The focus is deployment under real conditions: limited power, limited supports, difficult terrain, harsh weather, and time constraints.
Inside you’ll find:
Practical dipole, OCFD, and EFHW deployments
NVIS configuration guidance for 80 m, 60 m, and 40 m
Portable vertical systems and shortened field antennas
Counterpoise management and ground considerations
Troubleshooting tools and field diagnostics
A physics-based look at 11-meter CB antennas and how to build them correctly
The emphasis is on selecting the right antenna for the mission, understanding trade-offs, and achieving repeatable results in the field.
If you operate HF or 11-meter CB and want a clear, pragmatic guide to antenna deployment in off-grid or emergency conditions, the Kindle edition is available now.
As is often the case, I’ll be fine-tuning the manuscript over the next few days before publishing the paperback. A print-ready PDF will also be published through Patreon and Ko-fi.
Europe: www.amazon.de/dp/B0G4KM81BD
USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4KM81BD
73
Julian OH8STN
6 months ago | [YT] | 169
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