Skip to main content

Portable Station Setup

Field Operations

SOTA (Summits On The Air)

  • Radio: Xiegu G90
  • Antenna: Chameleon MPAS 2.0 / EFHW
  • Power: Bioenno 12V 9Ah LiFePO4
  • Accessories:
    • Chameleon Antenna Winders
    • SOTABeams Band Hopper End-Fed
    • 28.5' Packtenna EFHW

POTA (Parks On The Air)

  • Radio: Yaesu FT-710 Field
  • Antenna: Buckmaster OCF Dipole / EFHW
  • Power: XZNY 12V 20Ah LiFePO4
  • Accessories:
    • 31' Jackite Fiberglass Mast
    • 25' Collapsible Mast
    • 50' Paracord
    • Throw Line Set

Go-Kit

  • Radio: Yaesu FT5D / Quansheng UV-K5
  • Antenna: Signal Stick / N9TAX SlimJim
  • Power: USB Power Bank
  • Accessories:
    • Earbud Mic
    • Notebook & Pen
    • SWR/Power Meter
    • SMA/BNC Adapters

Portable Antennas

End-Fed Half Wave (EFHW)

  • Bands: 80m-10m
  • Power: 100W PEP
  • Length: ~41' (40m) / ~66' (80m)
  • Tuner: Built-in 49:1 transformer

Chameleon MPAS 2.0

  • Bands: 40m-6m
  • Power: 100W PEP
  • Height: 16-33' (adjustable)
  • Tuner: Required (internal or external)

Portable Dipole

  • Bands: Adjustable (40m-10m)
  • Power: 100W PEP
  • Setup Time: ~10 minutes
  • Portability: Fits in backpack

Power Solutions

Battery Options

  • Lightweight: Bioenno 12V 3Ah (1.5 lbs)
  • Standard: Bioenno 12V 9Ah (5.5 lbs)
  • Extended: XZNY 12V 20Ah (10.5 lbs)

Solar Charging

  • Panel: 30W Foldable Solar Panel
  • Controller: 10A MPPT
  • Battery: 12V LiFePO4

Packing List

  • Radio and accessories
  • Antenna system
  • Power supply
  • Coax and feedline
  • Notebook and pen
  • Weather protection
  • Tools (pliers, screwdrivers, tape)
  • First aid kit
  • Water and snacks

Operating Tips

  • Always check the weather forecast
  • Bring extra batteries/power
  • Test equipment before leaving
  • Follow LNT (Leave No Trace) principles
  • Log all contacts
  • Have fun and stay safe!