SESSION II
Like many of our other topics, this one required more than one session to cover the essentials. For those who camp and who want some of the comforts of home, without adding much bulk to your camping gear, alternate power is the answer. Join us for the conclusion to this topic.
ORIGINAL POSTS
Well, this year the camping season got a little weird due to the Wuhan. First, campsites were open, then they were closed, then they were open again (sort of.)
Even when open, there is a dizzying mix of rules and regs that dictate how we are to enjoy the outdoors. The real culprit however, seems to be the effect to which the public, in general, is scared to death of catching the virus. In spite of all this, there seems to be no way that the rulers of the kingdom can stamp out our need to get away, and enjoy the outdoors. So, for all you that are brave enough to get out, Its time to go camping. We hope that tonight's net will help all the campers out there to make the most of their outdoor time.
Like it, or not, electronics have crept into almost every corner of our lives, and that means that we need power to make these gadgets work.
For just about everyone who listens to these nets, we are already hooked on the various Ham radio gadgets that we use at home and on the trail. But, that's just the start. Wilderness travel requires that we also need to find a way to power what seems like an ever increasing number of devices that also require power, like:
- computers
- GPS units
- handheld transceivers (HTs)
- inverters
- air compressors
- air pumps (air mattresses)
- battery rechargers (flashlights, radios, headlamps, lanterns, etc
- APRS
- refrigerators
- and of course, Ham Radios
Our discussion during the net will be directed to they types of activities that we normally enjoy. With that in mind, here are some important limitations that you will need to consider.
- For the large majority of our adventures, we are vehicle dependent, meaning that our vehicles must have sufficient room for the gear that we bring, and that certainly includes alternative power items. Knowing how much room you have will determine what you buy.
- Speaking for my self, there is one factor that really deserves some thought - camp set-up and take down. There is no getting around the fact that one of the less enjoyable tasks of camping is getting camp ready and then putting it away. We are always thinking of ways to make these two tasks quicker and easier. For alternative power, having the most extensive and sophisticated set up is great, that is until you are the last guy to wrap things up when the group is waiting to move on to the next destination.
- Quality, quality, quality!!!! There are two components to this one: 1) buy good stuff and 2) buy American.
