Well it might be….
If you check the Weather Network Website you will see that the best guess (prediction, forecast) for Saturday Jan 26th is a high of -14c and a low of -21c with a windchill of -23c
Now if you check the owners manual for the Yaesu FT 817 you find that -10c is the low end of the operating temps so I will be taking my radio out in conditions approximately 10 deg C colder than the good people at Yaesu recommend. Now because years ago I did go out in the cold ( look way back here ) I know what can happen….
AGAIN SORRY… I hit publish instead of preview so…. Here is the rest of the post
So seeing that I have proven once you can freeze a radio (but not the operator) I am having some concerns about trying it again. Granted I am thinking of replacing my FT 817 with a KX3 but I’m not sure if I want to take a chance… I still have a use for the FT 817 so….
I will be watching the weather predictions very closely before I commit to heading out
73bob
Tags: amateur radio, Amateur Radio Portable event, SPAR Winter Field Day, Yaesi FT 817
January 22, 2013 at 2:21 pm |
I’m not sure if my radio gear is rated down to -10c or not. . . . . but for outdoor games I’m quite sure that I’m not COMFORTABLY rated at that low a temperature.
Mike WN5PMR
Bainbridge Island, WA
January 22, 2013 at 2:34 pm |
Hi Mike…. Thanks for the comments and the visit…. Dressing with lots of layers seem to help with the cold,,,, But I don’t think it will help the radio much… I used to operate with it in an isulated bag thinking the heat of the radio transmitting wold keep it warm enough… I was wrong…. Of course…. its a hobby and if its too cold for the radio then its going to be uncomfortable for me sooner than later so… lets save the radio (and the operator) and stay warm
73bob
January 22, 2013 at 4:05 pm |
Hi Bob, tnx for letting us know. I operate the Yaesu FT817 as well. Not as cold as you, but you never know what’s next. Never read such things in the manual. You always look at the frequency and power and sometimes how well it receives and what the modes are. But temperature….no. I guess with the temperatures you have there you better stay inside and plug your rig there. 73, Bas
January 22, 2013 at 4:18 pm |
Hi Bas….
A couple of degrees either way could make the difference… will hope for something above -14c and i should be ok
Thanks for the visit and the comment…
73bob
January 22, 2013 at 7:25 pm |
Bob: Could you not operate the radio inside an insulated cooler with a hot water bottle? You only have to open the lid to QSY. The rest of the time only the mike and antenna cable exit the box so there is minimal heat loss. The other thing you could do is put it inside your parka somehow.
73,
Glenn
January 22, 2013 at 8:32 pm |
Hi Glenn…
Good answer….. I already use a insulated cooler bag… battery in bottom with radio on top (see picture here http://va3qv.wordpress.com/2009/01/11/testing-cf3rcs-equipment-and-operator/) but it did not work as well as planned. However something to hold the heat (nervous about hot water bottle) like a couple of warmer packs might do the trick or a hot towel could be just the thing… I’ll experiment over the next day or so…
Thanks for the visit and suggestion
73bob
January 23, 2013 at 12:00 am |
Well, you could always come to Kingston and spend the weekend with us at the cabin on Leggat Lake…….that’s where we will be. We’ll look for you on 40m.
January 23, 2013 at 12:04 am |
Hi Bill,
Think next year I will head down to W4Land for WFD and the FYBO and complain about heatstroke and sunburn rather than frostbite and hypothermia…
Will be listening for you on 40… good luck
73bob
ps… that cabin have a wood stove???
January 23, 2013 at 2:01 am
Yes, it has a BIG wood stove
Not sure if we’re using VE3FRG or VE3MNE, but I’ll have the guys listen for you.
January 23, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Hey Bob right now there are spots in 4-land which are darn near as cold as here, HI. Well maybe not quite as cold. We are at -28C right now. What is it with Canadians? After we reach a certain age, we turn wuss and escape to warmer climes. Personally, I like having 3-1/2 seasons and would rather curl up under a blanket with my beloved than trek 1500 miles to get a sunburn.
73,
Glenn
January 23, 2013 at 12:34 am |
Bob, Env Canada doesn’t look any better and if there is any breeze at all it will be too cold for me. I can’t see operating my 817 inside my coat and my cw is bad enough in warm weather! Hopefully FYBO will be mild and sunny.
January 23, 2013 at 3:44 pm |
Hi Glenn….
I don’t like the cold wx… especially since the Doc put me on blood thinners…. but I can survive fine outside as I dress for the cold… HOWEVER when its 2 cold outside for my hobby gear…. might as well stay inside or head someplace warmer to play radio from… Liz would not mind if we went south for a short trip… Its been a few years since I last operated /w4 and it was fun…
Besides…. I gotta have something to b!tch about
73bob