Summary of "⭐ I Built a Complete Off-Grid Ham Radio Station for My Truck Camper! (Power Queen + 17ft Antenna)"
Summary of Video Content
Project Overview
The creator is building a complete off-grid portable ham radio station integrated into a truck camper setup. The focus is on creating a compact, mobile, and self-sufficient amateur radio station using specific equipment and power solutions.
Radio Equipment
- Main transceiver: Yaesu FT-857D (a versatile HF/VHF/UHF rig).
- Antenna tuner: ATU-100 from N7DDC for tuning different bands.
- Dual-band handheld (HT) radio: Used in the front of the truck for VHF/UHF operations.
- Antenna: A 17-foot carbon fiber vertical antenna from Gable Antennas, chosen for lightweight and ease of use.
- Coaxial cable: RG58U coax with SO239 connectors, matching the radio and antenna connections.
Power System
- Battery: A 125 Ah Power Queen lithium battery tested for capacity and performance using an electronic load device. The battery features a Bluetooth app for monitoring voltage, current, state of charge, and cell balancing.
- Battery testing: Demonstrated delivering slightly more than the rated 125 Ah capacity, confirming quality and reliability.
- Power distribution: Utilizes Anderson Power Pole connectors and a custom power pole distribution block with multiple outputs for radio, tuner, and USB charging.
- Other loads powered: Diesel heater and a winch in the truck camper.
- Solar panels: Two 400 W solar panels connected to a charge controller (yet to be fully tested), intended to recharge the battery off-grid.
Antenna Mounting
- Uses a suction cup mount from Look North Designs, made of high-quality cast aluminum with powder coating, adjustable tilt, and includes a 15-foot coax cable.
- The mount is designed to be strong enough to stay on the vehicle while driving, with safety tether recommendations to prevent loss if suction fails.
- Grounding: The mount includes a grounding bolt for attaching a ground radial system, which the creator adapts from existing radials for better antenna performance.
Setup and Operation
- The entire radio station is assembled and tested at base camp before heading out to avoid missing parts or equipment in the field.
- The radio, tuner, and power system are neatly arranged for easy transport and operation inside or near the truck camper.
- Demonstrated operation includes making FT8 digital contacts and voice QSOs (POTA hunting).
- Emphasizes the importance of planning and testing all components beforehand.
Additional Features and Future Plans
- The battery’s portability is enhanced by integrated handles and proper cable routing.
- Upcoming testing of the solar panel system to evaluate off-grid charging capability.
- Mention of other related content, such as a composting toilet review for camping and ongoing series of battery, radio, and antenna reviews and tutorials.
Key Product Features & Technological Concepts
- Portable off-grid ham radio station design for mobile use in a truck camper.
- Use of lithium battery technology with Bluetooth monitoring and electronic load testing for capacity validation.
- Integration of solar power for sustainable off-grid operation.
- High-quality suction mount antenna system with adjustable tilt and safety tethering.
- Use of power pole connectors and distribution blocks for modular, clean power management.
- Emphasis on pre-trip testing and setup to ensure reliability in the field.
Guides, Reviews, and Tutorials Highlighted
- Battery capacity testing and monitoring using electronic load and Bluetooth app.
- Antenna mounting solutions and grounding techniques for mobile setups.
- Power distribution system build and use of Anderson Power Poles.
- Radio and antenna setup for portable operation including FT8 digital mode demonstration.
- Recommendations for pre-trip station setup and component checks.
- Links promised for equipment used and build tutorials (e.g., power pole distribution block video).
Main Speaker / Source
- The video is presented by a ham radio enthusiast and content creator who also runs an RV/truck camper build channel. The speaker’s name is not explicitly given but is referred to as “I” throughout, indicating a personal build and review style.
- Mentions friends and collaborators such as “Paul the Southern Ham” and “Thump” (who made the power pole distribution block).
- Equipment brands mentioned:
- Power Queen (battery)
- Look North Designs (antenna mount)
- Gable Antennas (antenna)
- Yaesu (FT-857D radio)
- N7DDC (ATU-100 tuner)
This summary captures the technical details, product features, and practical guidance provided in the video about building and testing a portable off-grid ham radio station for a truck camper.
Category
Technology