Category Archives: Off-Grid

Archiving Helpful Videos

Guides Linux Off-Grid

Sometimes, YouTube tutorials are helpful for topics you are just beginning to learn about. Personally, I prefer text based documentation as it is easier to maintain for offline reference. However, the abundance of video content is hard to overlook. Consider your reliance on an internet connection to watch/re-watch a video. Also, consider your bandwidth usage, especially if you are on a metered data plan. If you found yourself without internet (or sufficient data for watching multiple videos), and therefore without access to some particular video, would you be able to remember the steps or commands from the tutorial? Let’s discuss a tool to help you save those helpful videos for offline use.

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Kiwix: Offline Knowledge

Guides Linux Off-Grid

Many of us take internet access for granted. Being a few keystrokes away from answering any question has become the norm. However, there are times when even the most reliable connections go down. There are also times when we intentionally venture beyond the bounds of civilization. For those times when the internet isn’t reachable, voluntarily or involuntarily, having knowledge available locally can be extremely valuable.

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POTA @ K-2499

Off-Grid Radios

On a beautiful morning/afternoon here in Middle TN, I took a day trip out to Edgar Evins State Park. I set up in a parking lot right next to the lake, looking out to the dam. Since it was a Monday, I was nearly by myself the entire time. I spotted myself on the website, and before I knew it, I had 102 QSOs logged.

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Winter Field Day 2022

Off-Grid Radios

This was my first year participating in the Winter Field Day activity, but it won’t be my last. I couldn’t get away from work long enough to go play radio overnight this time. I chose to set up at Prentice Cooper State Forest near Chattanooga, TN (POTA K-5499). The bands were VERY busy, and so I used the POTA web app to see spots for other stations, and then patiently waited in the pile-ups to get my needed contacts. I also got the opportunity to talk with some curious hikers about what I was doing.

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POTA RaDAR

Off-Grid Radios

I had an unexpected, though welcome, day off from work the other day. And, thought I’d use the opportunity to try for a POTA award that interested me. The RaDAR (Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio) award is available for stations moving a prescribed distance between locations, making contacts, then moving again. I initially planned to go for the “Ostrich” level award, but time constraints and one traffic jam limited me to “Cheetah”. I made 5 transitions and operated from multiple POTA entities in one Zulu day.

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POTA @ K-6276

Off-Grid Radios

Currently, I get to “enjoy” having off from work on Mondays. So, I took the opportunity to go try out a new tuner and antenna setup at a local park. Walter Hill Floodplain State Natural Area isn’t very big or scenic (just google Trash Mountain in TN). But, it is minutes from my home QTH, and there’s plenty of room to play radio. I took my Yaesu FT-891, a new LDG Z100 Plus tuner, and a lightweight EFHW for 40/20M with to give it a go.

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POTA @ K-5493

Off-Grid Radios

This is from an older activation I did at K-5493 (Franklin-Marion State Forest), and I honestly can’t remember when it was. I’ve activated this park several times, as it is one of my favorite places to camp. This bluff looks out over a valley, and the town of Kimball, TN is at the end. With my telescope, I am almost able to read the gas prices at the Wal-Mart gas station sign.

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