Both sides now. Anyone who experienced even modest exposure to amateur radio has probably seen many articles and videos about how to get started, what equipment to buy, reading material, etc. Whether or not this advice is good is outside our purpose here. I recently noticed that of all the… Read more »
The evolution is complete. The affordability of solar energy in the last twenty years or so has been nothing less than remarkable. What used to be a prohibitively expensive niche power generation method is now mainstream. The price of solar has reached a point where any radio amateur can implement… Read more »
We have no home of our own. The ham radio world has plenty of contests and events. Unfortunately, almost none of them are directly relevant to off grid and QRP operators. Field Day comes to mind first, yet it is hard for anyone but the biggest high-watt boomer stations to… Read more »
They are everywhere. If you haven’t already incorporated a gas powered generator into your off grid ham radio plans, you’re excluding a valuable resource. In the last decade or so, the variety and availability of generators has increased exponentially. Along with greater market penetration comes conflicting information and misunderstandings. Knowing… Read more »
Let’s focus on what we can change. The California wildfire has dominated the media for some time now. It seems these events happen monthly. We don’t want so many opportunities to learn, but as they occur we should examine them. Anyone even casually following the story knows, the breadth and… Read more »
Filling in the gap. Most ham radio enthusiasts who focus on off grid operations spend a lot of time working with solar panels, batteries, generators, and similar equipment with the end goal of having a fixed-or semi-fixed base station. Whether that station is a permanent installation, such as in a… Read more »
Been there, done that. Back in February 2020 we first discussed perovskite solar here on Off Grid Ham, and then again in July 2023. What has happened since then? At first glance the latest news seems frustrating and stagnant. The chatter continues but several years on we still have no… Read more »
Wishing the best to everyone. Fortunately, the worst of hurricanes Helene and Milton are in the past. The effected communities have had time to evaluate the damage and hopefully found reasons to be grateful. For the rest of us, we can assist as needed, pray for their recovery, and do… Read more »
Not clear on the concept. If you or someone you know has an HF station with a goal of DX communications in disaster situations, I have a question: What are you really trying to do? What is the need for very long distance communications in a SHTF scenario? Save for… Read more »
Everyone orders off the same menu. Anyone who has not been living under a rock since the pandemic knows full well that pretty much everything is getting crazy expensive. That would be bad enough except very few of us have increased our income accordingly. This is not a political statement…. Read more »
When the Sun lets you down. Loyal OGH reader Randy from Wisconsin recently commented that for several weeks in June and into July he barely got anything at all out of his well planned, high-budget home solar power system due to nearly constant clouds and rain. His dilemma highlights a… Read more »
The best of times. Battery technology has made huge advances in a relatively short amount of time. When batteries started being commercially produced in the early 1900s, lead acid or “wet cell” batteries were the only option. “Dry cell” batteries were made too, but they were for small applications such… Read more »