[AMRadio] "AM Ghetto"

[Robert Nickels]

On 11/10/2013 10:22 AM, Jim Wilhite wrote:
> It isn't????
>
I really don't want to sound like a zealot because I enjoy many modes of 
operation, but since I started this, I figure I should make clear what 
I'm talking about.

HF Pack is "portable HF operation", regardless of mode.   We all know 
what "mobile" and "maratime mobile are, so the best defintion of HF Pack 
is probably "everything other than operating from a fixed station or a 
vehicle".  Most often that means pedestrian, bicycle, or occasionally 
horse/mule/goat-mobile ;-)  It also includes portable operation from a 
temporary location while hiking, camping, etc, as well as emergency 
communication on HF (although it's certainly no limited to that).  I 
guess you could say that Field Day was the original HF Pack operation.

Common aspects include low power, battery power (sometimes with solar, 
wind, hand/foot, etc assistance), and the use of portable antennas.   
All modes are used, but HF Pack operation has certainly become more 
popular with the emergence of small lightweight all-mode radios like the 
FT-817 (which makes pretty good AM!) although military pack sets and 
even HF handie-talkies are in also used. To get the most out of low 
powered gear,  HF Pack operators tend to be pretty sharp when it comes 
to antennas and propagation, and having a known starting point (calling 
frequency) where others might be monitoring is helpful.     USB is used 
because it has become the global standard for non-amateur HF voice, and 
is the "common denominator" mode supported by all radios typically used.

It would be pretty futile for a low-power HF Pack operator try to "chase 
someone off THEIR frequency" as it's understood that even 
internationally-recognized calling frequencies are shared by all 
amateurs.   My point was only that it would be a courtesy to steer clear 
of 7296 if possible,  or better yet, give a holler if you hear a weak 
USB station calling CQ HF Pack.  I'm sure he'd appreciate the contact 
and probably would get a kick out of switching to the AM mode for a  QSO 
with you.

73, Bob W9RAN