[ARC5] Care and feeding of radios in the field

[Bob kb8tq]

Hi

About the only thing I can think of would be garbage bags. 

The “dash to the truck” when loading is always a weak point. Tossing a cheap garbage bag over the stack of radios you are “dashing with” is about the only way I know to easily address that.

Not that it ever might rain in PA again …. still worth considering :) :) 

Bob

> On Sep 21, 2026, at 11:36 AM, Mark K3MSB via ARC5 <arc5 at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> I just returned from another reenactor weekend at the Eisenhower Farms WW II weekend in Gettysburg PA.   I had a great time and will provide an AAR later.
> 
> The temps during the days varied from the mid 70s to low 80s,  but at night the temp dropped into the 60's with intermittent light rain.
> 
> Each day when I terminate operations I place a tarp over the entire display.  It completely covers all sides down to the ground.    I do this for two reasons.  Our tents are old and have small holes and I don't want the radios to get wet if it rains.   Secondly, it keeps dew from forming on the radios, even though this really doesn't happen all that much as the tents are completely closed up at night.
> 
> So, I think I've addressed rain / dew issues.
> 
> But what about overall moisture?   
> 
> I put my (carbon mic) T-17s in a plastic bag overnight.
> 
> After each reenactment event, the radios are stored in my temperature / humidity controlled shack.  If the weather was damp or rainy,  I put all radios on any available surface to ensure they are “aired -out” sufficiently for several days (with the dehumidifier running......).
> 
> What can I further do to take better care of my radios in a setup/teardown field environment?
> 
> Thanks & 73
> 
> Mark K3MSB
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