[Elecraft] KX3 Amp

[Edward R Cole]

Hmm, reading all this and wondering (wanting) more clarification of 
what is meant by "We are going out over 200 mi. from
the nearest real town...".

That would describe 75% or maybe 90% of Alaska.  If this is a 
short-term camping trip or vacation it will be a bit different from 
living full-time (Off the grid).   I know a little bit about both 
situations (serious backpacker in the Sierras in the 1970's; lived 
totally off the grid for ten years in "near" bush Alaska.  I did have 
a dirt road but no electricity, phone, running water, etc.  Three 
years of that I lived in a 8x10 foot wall tent.  But I had a 1700w 
gas generator, 100AH marine battery, HF and 2m radios, battery TV and 
car stereo.  I was 25 air miles (and 90 road miles) from a large city.

I used my 2m radio to access a repeater with a phone patch or walked 
to a neighbor that had telephone.  Nearest ambulance service was 50 
two-lane mountain road miles away (took 1-hour response time after 
contact).  Fire dept was also that far away.  GPS had not been 
invented, yet.  Marine rescue was via VHF channel-21.  Loran-C was 
the standard navigation tool.

Today, I would probably consider having both ham radio and an 
alternative (just in case).  What I got would depend if this is a 
short trip or living full-time.  People in bush AK often have 
satellite internet and TV, and/or sat-phone.  The "old days" in AK HF 
ham radio was a major communication link (for everything).

When living out in the bush one develops good neighbors and a lot of 
self-sufficiency (and being very careful).  I lived alone so no one 
would likely come looking for a couple weeks or more.  This is more 
so if a backcountry traveler.


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa at gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"