Manpacks
Certainly, for amateur
Pedestrian Mobile, and travelling Portable rigs, the heavy weight issue
can be a major factor in practical use of standard ~10 kilogram (~22lb)
mil-type manpacks. The other mitigating factor is the method of frequency
selection for mil-type and commercialmanpacks is not optimal for "tuning
around" or
listening for stations
in the normalham way. The big advantage of the manpack is ready-to-go rock-solid
all weather performance and durability. |
Personpacks
The use of an FT-817
as the core module in a homebrew personpack probably combines theconvenience
and performance values for those
who are willing to put
the effort into making a modularized soft bag package. A small antenna
tuner, lightweight Lithium-Ion (or LiMetal or NiMH) battery pack, and 20W
linear amplifier can provide a versatile HF SSB portable package. The problem
of antenna and mounting for personpack Pedestrian Mobile operation has
been solved by the unique MP-1 mount for FT-817 which attaches directly
to the
side of the FT-817 case---providing
a stout 3/8-24 thread mount. Some form of the personpack is the most popular
current choice for hfpackers. It is usually assembled from various off-the-shelf
items. |
Docking Packs
The cost and weight of
a professional-looking homebrew aluminum or plastic enclosure FT-817 "Docking
Pack" with antenna mount,
4.8Ah NiMH battery pack,
20W amp, and auto-tuner is similar to that of a ready-to-go commercialVertex
VX-1200 manpack. For amateur radio use, the practical versatility and frequency
coverage agility of the FT-817 Docking Pack surpasses that
of the VX-1200. The capability
to remove the FT-817 itself from the battery/power/tuner module housing,
and use it stand-alone,
makes the Docking Pack system a very attractive unit for general amateur
operation. The durability of the Docking Pack is somewhat less than a mil-type
manpack, but better than a soft case
personpack. |
