Sub $100 "BORK" [first post]

[TacAir]

Semper, thanks for posting this! I take my Tech exam in 2 weeks and ordered 2 Baofeng UV-3R MIIs along with 2 extra batteries and 2 USB chargers from 409shop.

I also ordered one of these N9TAX Slim Jims to test out. The reviews for this thing are pretty much outstanding across the board and apparently, when rolled up, it fits into a small 4"x6" padded envelope (obviously, I'll find another Otterbox for it); seems perfect for a GHB/BOB antenna as part of a BORK. If it works as well as advertised, then I'll order one or two more.

Does anyone else have one of these?

- Alex

It is an antenna made from 450 ohm ladder line, a type of feedline for antennas.


Step by step directions to make one for about $3 - if you DIY, you can pick the connector type you need.
http://www.emcomm.org/projects/jpole.htm
For twin lead
http://www.ccares.net/Assets/roll%20up%20J%20pole.pdf


Here are the directions fro building a dual band J-pole from cheap 'twin lead' as used for TV sets.
http://harriscountyares.org/training/KNW/KNW-109.pdf

It you have soldering iron and a tape measure, you should be able to work one up for very little.


Hope this helps

[SemperAptum]

Which connector type would work for this radio

SMA, I'm assuming, but male/female I'm not sure about...

J

Yeah, I think it's male. If I remember correctly, most connectors go off the inner most element not the connector. The antenna has a little piece of metal (penis) that penetrates the radio (vagina.)

Anyway, 99% of SMA antennas are the same meaning that you probably have a 99% chance of getting a compatible antenna.

[KJ4VOV]

Mind you, all of my stuff is still in the mail, so I won't be able to 100% confirm this until it arrives in the next few days. However, my understanding is that the Baofeng accepts SMA male antennas. Additionally, I ordered the 3' jumper cable that N9TAX sells; the connectors that I selected were SMA Male and SO-239(female). For the connector on the Slim Jim antenna, I selected the PL-259 (male).

So in other words: Antenna out=PL-259 MALE--->Jumper cable in=SO-239 FEM--->Jumper cable out=SMA MALE---->HT in SMA FEM

- Alex

Bear in mind that you'll be taking about a -0.5db "hit" at each connection, so having two jumpers won't be the optimal setup. It would be better to use a single SMA-M to SO-239, or, even better, use an SMA-M on the antenna itself.

[AEuropa]

It is an antenna made from 450 ohm ladder line, a type of feedline for antennas.


Step by step directions to make one for about $3 - if you DIY, you can pick the connector type you need.
http://www.emcomm.org/projects/jpole.htm
For twin lead
http://www.ccares.net/Assets/roll%20up%20J%20pole.pdf


Here are the directions fro building a dual band J-pole from cheap 'twin lead' as used for TV sets.
http://harriscountyares.org/training/KNW/KNW-109.pdf

It you have soldering iron and a tape measure, you should be able to work one up for very little.


Hope this helps

From what I've read on a few different Ham forums, it would be difficult to recreate the product that he does for cheaper than he offers it; apparently he uses top-notch compenents. I'm not saying that you're wrong, I honestly have no idea. The main reason that I bought it instead of making my own is that it is inexpensive and (hopefully) does what I need it to and since I'm so new to the Ham world, I don't want to throw another cog into mix where I'm trying to work the kinks out of more parts.

Bear in mind that you'll be taking about a -0.5db "hit" at each connection, so having two jumpers won't be the optimal setup. It would be better to use a single SMA-M to SO-239, or, even better, use an SMA-M on the antenna itself.

Again, I'm not saying that you're wrong, you have way more experience with this stuff than I do, but here's my take. I believe that there's still only 1 jumper, the 16' cable is hardwired to the antenna. If that's the case, then the SMA to PL-259 jumper is the only jumper, correct? Regarding connecting the antenna directly to the SMA connector on the radio, I was under the impression that I should avoid doing that because the SMA connector is brittle and can be broken easily. Am I missing something?

- Alex

[KJ4VOV]

Bear in mind that you'll be taking about a -0.5db "hit" at each connection, so having two jumpers won't be the optimal setup. It would be better to use a single SMA-M to SO-239, or, even better, use an SMA-M on the antenna itself.

Again, I'm not saying that you're wrong, you have way more experience with this stuff than I do, but here's my take. I believe that there's still only 1 jumper, the 16' cable is hardwired to the antenna. If that's the case, then the SMA to PL-259 jumper is the only jumper, correct? Regarding connecting the antenna directly to the SMA connector on the radio, I was under the impression that I should avoid doing that because the SMA connector is brittle and can be broken easily. Am I missing something?

- Alex

Sorry, it appears that I misread your post as saying you were using two jumpers. You'll still take a small hit from the one jumper but it won't be that bad. And the goal with SMA connectors is to avoid adapters and connections that can place leverage and strain on the connector. The flexible connection direct from that antenna would have been fine going direct to the SMA. But, at least this way you can use the adapter to connect to any other (car mag mount dual for example) antenna you might want to use. I keep a shorter version of that jumper (6") in my kit for precisely that reason.

[AEuropa]

Sorry, it appears that I misread your post as saying you were using two jumpers. You'll still take a small hit from the one jumper but it won't be that bad. And the goal with SMA connectors is to avoid adapters and connections that can place leverage and strain on the connector. The flexible connection direct from that antenna would have been fine going direct to the SMA. But, at least this way you can use the adapter to connect to any other (car mag mount dual for example) antenna you might want to use. I keep a shorter version of that jumper (6") in my kit for precisely that reason.

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

- Alex

[Jamie]

I'm using a Pelican 1010 for a bug out radio kit (BORK)...

Jamie

Got any pics? Do you use it for the main unit with a detachable antennae?

Here are some pics of my BORK!



I got this 1010 on eBay, and the $14 price included the cute printed tag



This is the HT mentioned in the thread: viewtopic.php?f=42&t=88470&hilit=Bork



Included in the kit is the Baofeng UV-3R, a spare battery, USB charging cable (it connects to my Brunton solar charger), and a list of the 20 repeaters/frequencies that I have programmed into the radio.

The total cost of the BORK was $68.



...for a waterproof and crushproof emergency/backup communications kit...

Jamie


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[NoAm]

Excellent find Jamie! Thank you!

[klrvagabond]

I just got the shipping notification from 409shop yesterday on mine. I'm looking forward to receiving it.
Thanks for the writeup; I wouldn't have heard about them otherwise. Looks like a great little HT.

[AEuropa]

I just got the shipping notification from 409shop yesterday on mine. I'm looking forward to receiving it.
Thanks for the writeup; I wouldn't have heard about them otherwise. Looks like a great little HT.

I'm so sad. I live in Hawaii and when I originally saw that they were shipping from Hong Kong, I was hoping that I would receive them really quickly. Well, it turns out that they were sent all the way to the processing facility in New York before they can make their way back across the country to get to Hawaii. Is it any wonder why the USPS is failing?

- Alex

[majorhavoc]

I just got the shipping notification from 409shop yesterday on mine. I'm looking forward to receiving it.
Thanks for the writeup; I wouldn't have heard about them otherwise. Looks like a great little HT.

I'm so sad. I live in Hawaii and when I originally saw that they were shipping from Hong Kong, I was hoping that I would receive them really quickly. Well, it turns out that they were sent all the way to the processing facility in New York before they can make their way back across the country to get to Hawaii. Is it any wonder why the USPS is failing?

- Alex

AEurposa: that just stinks on multiple levels. The only things that seem to be coming straight to you these days are tsunami ghost ships.

[aa1pr]

Nice review

let the whiners, whine LOL, only if you transmit out of band (which all hams never do)

icom, kenwood, yeasu & alinco & not to mention the others have to be wary about these & the wouxuns that are invading the market

for portable VHF & UHF roll up antennas I prefer a coaxial sleeve dipole, I have even made & used one with great success on 10m before

I trim back the shield and outer coating of a coax, trim the center conductor to 1/4 wavelength & then compress the braid over like a chinese finger trap, the coax braid down over the coax down past the center point and secure at 1/4 wavelength again & solder & your done

or if you want something a bit more stationary:
http://www.repeater-builder.com/antenna ... dipole.pdf

[neubert500]

Thank you SemperAptum, due to your post, I am now the proud owner of a Baofeng UV-3R and about to order a UV-5R. Several of both radios have been bought by co-workers and it looks like the ham radio ranks will swell.

Thanks again SemperAptum!

[SemperAptum]

Thank you SemperAptum, due to your post, I am now the proud owner of a Baofeng UV-3R and about to order a UV-5R. Several of both radios have been bought by co-workers and it looks like the ham radio ranks will swell.

Thanks again SemperAptum!

Awesome!

This is the first I've heard about the UV-5R. Looks like I may be getting one soon, so thank you!

[majorhavoc]

Thank you SemperAptum, due to your post, I am now the proud owner of a Baofeng UV-3R and about to order a UV-5R. Several of both radios have been bought by co-workers and it looks like the ham radio ranks will swell.

Thanks again SemperAptum!

Awesome!

This is the first I've heard about the UV-5R. Looks like I may be getting one soon, so thank you!

Wasn't starting this thread your very first post, SA? I'd say you hit the ball out of the park with this one. Baofeng should totally give you a commission.

[SemperAptum]

Wasn't starting this thread your very first post, SA? I'd say you hit the ball out of the park with this one. Baofeng should totally give you a commission.

Haha, yeah, thanks. I wish they did. I know of about 10 units sold to date from my word of mouth. I had no idea I could sell - I guess it's easy when I don't get any of it

[AEuropa]

Which connector type would work for this radio

SMA, I'm assuming, but male/female I'm not sure about...

J

Mind you, all of my stuff is still in the mail, so I won't be able to 100% confirm this until it arrives in the next few days. However, my understanding is that the Baofeng accepts SMA male antennas. Additionally, I ordered the 3' jumper cable that N9TAX sells; the connectors that I selected were SMA Male and SO-239(female). For the connector on the Slim Jim antenna, I selected the PL-259 (male).

So in other words: Antenna out=PL-259 MALE--->Jumper cable in=SO-239 FEM--->Jumper cable out=SMA MALE---->HT in SMA FEM

- Alex

I'm just following up to confirm that I received my radios and antenna and the information that I posted above is-indubitably-correct, good sir or madam.

- Alex

[klrvagabond]

Well, my Baogfeng arrived today and I'm pretty happy with it. I'd gone with the UV-3R+ because it looked a little sturdier, and so far it seems like a good little rig. Unfortunately, some of the accessories listed on its 409shop page appear to be for the UV-3R (not plus)- I now have a couple of USB charging cables that aren't doing me any good, but at least I lucked out and the programming cable came with a Kenwood adapter, so I was able to program in a few local repeaters.
I'll probably go ahead and order an appropriate USB charging cable if they have one, and use the others as an excuse to pick up a UV-3R Mark II.

[SemperAptum]

I'll probably go ahead and order an appropriate USB charging cable if they have one, and use the others as an excuse to pick up a UV-3R Mark II.

That's my number one question with the UV-3R+ and the UV-5R. It looks like they can *only* be charged in the dock Please let us know what you find.

[klrvagabond]

That appears to be the case. On the plus side, the dock will also charge a spare battery by itself, so it's not all bad.
The + is also set up for Kenwood speaker/mics, and apparently Kenwood programming cables. I was able to read from and write to it using chirp (which is free and open source) using the standard UV-3R settings.
The other noticeable difference is that the antenna connection is reverse SMA, which reduces your antenna options but does seem like a sturdier arrangement- I think you're much more likely to snap an antenna than break the connector on the radio, which is a plus in my book.
As cheap as they are I'll probably grab a mark II pretty soon as well; I think they both look like great radios. The mark II is probably a better bugout radio due to its USB charging, but the + will be nice around the place since you can top off your spare batteries while it's in use.

[SemperAptum]

That appears to be the case. On the plus side, the dock will also charge a spare battery by itself, so it's not all bad.

That's pretty much the only reason I'm not buying a UV-5R right now. I hope to see some sort of man portable solution in the near future.

I guess the other thing that bothers me is the Kenwood connector. Overall I think it's a good thing but for me, having universal parts for my cheap radios would have been nice. Also, for custom solutions the 1/8" connector is a lot easier to come by inexpensively.

[Showtime]

Just read this whole thread. Looks like I might have just found my next project, BORK building!

[neubert500]

Again my thanks to SemperAptum! I M NOW THE PROUD OWNER OF A 3R and a 5R. Both radios have their strengths and I love them. I have turned many co-workers and a few relatives on to these radios!
Had to buy a 3R from a co-worker to replace the one my nephew "appropriated" One BIG hint... Get the programing cable and the free "chirp" program.

Thanks again SemperAptum

[guyinnepa]

I've been a lurker here for quite a while, and I love the site, but I have to finally throw in my $.02 about something here...

First of all - great thread! I think I'll be purchasing one of these radios and a roll up J-pole in the near future.

Now on to my rant.... To the mod(s) who have to jump on the "discussion of illegal activity" soap box:

First of all, this site/group is called "Zombie Squad", and the information here focuses on the preparation for, survival of, as well as life after a "zombie" event. In other words a SHTF/PAW/TEOTWAWKI event of some sorts. Correct?

Secondly, this thread does not deal with black & white crimes with obvious moral, ethical, or religious foundation. We're not talking about murder, theft, rape, etc... We're talking about sending RF signals through the air! This is not illegal in and of itself, it is only MADE illegal by the existence in the US of the FCC. No FCC, specified acts are no longer illegal. Regulation of the airwaves was not established by, nor provided for in the Constitution. Correct?

So in the interest of supporting the very purpose and mission of this site and forum, are people not allowed to discuss contingencies, and plans for how they would cope with and communicate following the proverbial "zombie" event? Once the "event" happens and global communications networks have failed or been disabled, where are people to turn to get the information? The time is NOW, the place is HERE!

Most HAMs I know are very respectable, responsible people who take the rules seriously, and I don't think anyone here is talking about running around like an a-hole doing what they wish, NOW - while the FCC is in power. People are trying to discuss methods of survival communications that they could use, should we ever find ourselves in bad times, in a world without a FCC - possibly without ANY formal government for that matter. Does anyone think that in a TEOTWAKI scenerio the FCC will be the last agency standing? LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe after an EMP blows the grid to bits, some bored little FCC cronies will be out trying to DF the signal on the radio you had stashed in your faraday cage? Oh wait their equipment wasn't hardened and just got cooked too... Nevermind! Or maybe when the guard troops show up at your door to take your guns, they'll haul you off for having a detachable antenna on your FRS radio. In fact just last week I went through a checkpoint driving home. I thought it was going to be for DUI, but turns out they were measuring the output on my HT.

People... remember what this site is about! I completely understand the rule of talking about illegal activity, but PLEASE consider the context of the convo. Theft and murder will always be unacceptable government or not, but in the PAW there will be no band plan, and that's when the activities people speak of here will be taking place.

Keep this site great, let's not let ruin it by feeling we have to prove something to each other!