Satellite APRS for the backpacker pt2

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Testing the prototype

So it has been a little while since I published pt 1 - Satellite APRS for the backpacker? the Idea, and I wanted to give you a bit of an update.

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I have been testing a prototype antenna built by my good friend Andrew VK1AD with some good success now that the ISS has returned to APRS operations following a period of crossbanding.


Last night I was able to get into VK5ATN, roughly 1,100km away - not bad for my 5w handheld and the above antenna.

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A new backpack - and a look at all of my SOTA gear (summer 2020)

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So if you have been watching my most recent videos you would know that I am a little more chunky or ‘covid kgs’ have been found. My trusty 30L Berghous free flow backpack that I have been using ever since getting into SOTA has started to dig into my shoulders, as an ultralight pack (1.46kgs for 30L) it saves weight in not having extra padding for the shoulder straps and hip belt.

My good friend Andrew VK1AD had recently updated his pack and was giving it good comments.

He went with the 50L Caribee Ops day pack (below) - I couldn’t help but follow him down that path. I managed to snap up a “sand” coloured one from amazon.



While I was weighing and measuring packs etc, I thought it would also be a good idea to show you what I am carrying in this new pack.

My SOTA kit for summer 2020.

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So from the top row left to right:

  • Elecraft T1 Tuner w/ a short RG174 jumper

  • HF Antenna ZS6BKW - resonate on 80/40/20

  • Yaesu FT817, mic, SOTABEAMS inline compressor, Anderson jumper cable in a waterproof Plano 1460 waterproof case

  • Black pouch for mast mounting (more below)

  • Samsung Tablet for logging using VKPORTALOG and APRSDROID

  • Kenwood TH72A APRS enabled dual-band HT with BNC adapter (all my radios are now BNC - HATE SMA) BNC w/ dual-band whip

  • Small green lunch box with SG labs 1296 transverter, power cable, supplied PCB 2 el yagi antenna

  • Personal first aid kit, with snake bite bandages and other such items needed to look after yourself

  • Zippy 4200 Lifepo4 battery with Andersons fitted

  • Small stuff sack with outdoor toiletries (TP, mini trowel, hand sanitiser)

  • Buff/neck gaiter given to me by a diving client to cover my neck and ears in the sun

  • Pink trail marking tape to mark any off-trail expeditions

  • Mini survival / outdoor signaling kit

  • 8m Fiberglass pole - actually it comes as a 9m but you remove the top sections for strength.

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My mounting kit for the pole - with these items I can put the mast up anywhere:

  • 3D printed 3 points guying triangle

  • 2 friction grip straps to strap to any vertical trig or pole

  • Lightweight tent pegs to secure the triable mount, and the ends of the dipole

All told, the new pack (1.77Kgs) even with the new capacity dry loaded - no food or water brings me in at 8.24kgs