Hello Operators
This is Julian, a Ham Radio Operator and US Expat living in Finland. The channel focuses on portable, off-grid, grid down power and practical ham radio communications for preparedness. The goal is teaching operators to use portable power, HF radios and data mode communications as a utilities for off grid comms or during a grid down scenario at home or in the field. This usually translates into 2 videos, and 2 blog posts monthly.
I am most active on YouTube, Instagram, my Facebook fan page and blog.
So please do find me @oh8stn
The channel
- Ham Radio Off-grid
- Ham Radio Data Modes
- Portable Ham Radio
- DIY LiFePO4 batteries
- Portable solar power
- Tutorials
- Field tests and reviews.
- DIY Projects
The channel motto is Maximize Capability, Minimize Gear!
This is a family friendly channel.
Would you like to sponsor, collaborate or support the channel? Check out my FAQ at www.oh8stn.org/sponsorship
73
Julian OH8STN
SurvivalTech Nord
#oh8stn #hamradio
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
5 hours ago | [YT] | 48
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Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
The IC-705 changed portable radio. But it’s not finished. If I were Icom, I’d complete the circle. Fewer boxes. Fewer cables. More autonomy. Here’s my open letter to Icom: oh8stn.org/blog/2026/02/17/icom-ic-705-if-i-were-i… #Icom #IC705 #IcomIC705
73
Julian oh8stn
1 week ago | [YT] | 135
View 8 replies
Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
Grid-Down Emergency Communications is now available in print on Amazon. Focus: strategies, methods, and procedures for real grid-down comms. Soon also via PileupDX (Sweden) and DIY599 (Oliver DL4KA) in Germany.
This book focuses on the methods and strategies needed to keep your communications network working when the grid and normal infrastructure fail. It covers practical HF and VHF planning, fixed and field procedures, efficient data communications, power discipline, and group coordination, with the goal of giving you a reliable framework for real grid-down conditions.
Blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2026/01/07/book-release-grid-down-…
Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4JY2RLJ
73,
Julian OH8STN
#hamradio #emergencycommunications #griddown
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 122
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Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
Many amateur radio operators and those in the search and rescue community myself included use DJI drones in the United States. As far as I know, this video is the first one where a DJI representative speaks on the upcoming band of DJI products in the United States.
73
Julian oh8stn
Video url: https://youtu.be/XH143NPzsSk?si=ybZCZ...
@DJI
1 month ago | [YT] | 5
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Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
Just in case you missed it, this video discusses pragmatic cross-training with skills complementary to Ham Radio on HF. It's definitely worth your time.
73
Julian, oh8stn
Share video: https://youtu.be/jfLrER2OTbc
#oh8stn #hamradio #Preparedness
3 months ago | [YT] | 19
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Off-Grid Ham Radio OH8STN
As promised: Getting started with the Lab599 TX-500MP: oh8stn.org/blog/2025/11/10/lab599-tx-500mp-getting…
#oh8stn #tx500mp #hamradio #qrp
73
Julian, oh8stn
3 months ago | [YT] | 41
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