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Backpack Radio

This document describes an emergency communications backpack radio system consisting of a Yaesu FT-8900R 5-50 watt radio, Diamond CR-8900 antenna, and 12V lead acid battery. The system is mounted in a wooden box inside a backpack and uses a 17 foot ground plane of tinned copper braid for effective transmission over long distances when repeaters are unavailable. The total weight is 21 pounds and it can transmit for up to 56 minutes at 50 watts output or 25.9 hours in receive mode on a single battery charge.

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Arthur Imangulov
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50 views3 pages

Backpack Radio

This document describes an emergency communications backpack radio system consisting of a Yaesu FT-8900R 5-50 watt radio, Diamond CR-8900 antenna, and 12V lead acid battery. The system is mounted in a wooden box inside a backpack and uses a 17 foot ground plane of tinned copper braid for effective transmission over long distances when repeaters are unavailable. The total weight is 21 pounds and it can transmit for up to 56 minutes at 50 watts output or 25.9 hours in receive mode on a single battery charge.

Uploaded by

Arthur Imangulov
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Emergency Communications Backpack Radio

Dr. John A. Allocca, WB2LUA, May 2006

Introduction
What do you do if the repeaters are down or you can’t reach the repeaters or anyone with a 5
watt handheld radio in the middle of nowhere? You need a lightweight 5-50 watt portable radio with a
substantial antenna and ground system.

The high powered backpack radio consists of a Yaesu FT-8900R, 5-50 watt, 10 m / 6 m / 2 m /
70 cm, battery powered radio with a diamond CR-8900 10 m / 6 m / 2 m / 70 cm antenna at height of
about 9 feet and a 17 foot ground plane. The folder over antenna can be operated vertically or
horizontally depending upon whether or not there are obstructions in the way. Under normal conditions,
this radio and antenna combination does not require a tuner. It also does not require a duplexer.

There are a number of 10 meter FM repeaters that can be reached when VHF/UHF are not in the
line of sight. Ten meters can be used over long distances. This system can also be used as a stand
alone radio with the legs folded down as well as a cross band repeater along with several handheld
radios. If there is an AC outlet nearby, keep the charger connected so that the battery will charge as it
is used. Headphones will minimize environmental noise. The separation kit is used to bring the controls to
the front of the backpack. If it is raining, the controls must be covered with plastic.

Why not use an HF/VHF/UHF radio? It can be done. However, an HF/VHF/UHF radio will add extra
weight, a larger antenna, and a tuner, which will require tuning to a station whereas this configuration
will not require tuning if properly configured.

Construct a wooden box to fit snuggly inside the backpack. The battery, radio, and antenna
pole are mounted to the box. A 12 foot length of tinned copper flat braid is mounted on and around
the sides and bottom of the wooden box by looping it back and forth. Do not coil the braid. The tinned
copper brain is connected to the radio ground with a 15 inch piece of tinned copper braid. The
ground plane consists of the 5 foot pole and 12 feet of tinned copper flat braid, making a total ground
plane of 17 feet. Anderson power pole connectors are used to connect the radio, battery, and charger
together. Construct a bracket and legs as shown below. The total weight is 21 pounds.

Mode Measured Power Draw Estimated Battery Life


Receive 0.27 amps 25.9 hours
5 Watts Output 2.15 amps 3.26 hours
10 Watts Output 2.86 amps 2.45 hours
20 Watts Output 4.01 amps 1.75 hours
50 Watts Output 7.42 amps 0.94 hours (56 minutes)
Wooden Case & Battery Pole & UHF Connector Looped Tinned Copper Braid

Clamp, Bracket, and Legs

2
Parts List
Yaesu FT-8900R 10 m / 6 m / 2 m / 70 cm, 5-50 watt radio
Yaesu YSK-8900 separation kit
Diamond K550 rail mount
Comet 3D4M UHF mount with 13.5 feet of low loss cable and PL-259 connector
Diamond CR8900A, 10 m / 6 m / 2 m/ 70 cm, 50” fold over antenna
60 inch length of 1 inch O.D., 0.035” wall, aluminum tubing
Power Sonic PS-1270F1, 12 volt, 7.0 AH, sealed lead acid battery
Ault, Inc, BA500120500003BK, automatic 12 volt charger
6 sets of Anderson power pole connectors
2 female disconnects 0.25”
12 feet of 1/4 inch tinned copper flat braid
15 inches of 1/4 inch tinned copper flat braid
3/4 inch pine wood as needed
2 1/4-20 2.5 inch screws
6 1/4-20 washers
2 1/4-20 lock washers
2 1/4-20 nuts.
1/4 inch staples
1-5/8 inch wood screws
Backpack
Pair of over-the-ear headphones

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