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HFPACK
PRIMARY FREQS
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14342.5 kHz USB
14346.0 kHz USB
18157.5 kHz USB
18117.5 kHz USB
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NVIS / Evening
5371.5kHz USB
5403.5kHz USB
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VHF FM Simplex
144.300 MHz
PL tone=151.4
51.000 MHz
PL tone=151.4
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Official HFpack Member Store

As an HFpack Member, you can support HFpack by wearing
an HFpack T-shirt or hat at hamfests or when operating portable. Show
your HF spirit! For members, there are HFpack bumper stickers, HFpack
radio
gear bags, and all the HFpack stuff you've seen HFpackers with in the field, at
hamfests, and club meetings. These are now available online to HFpack members. Just a
click of your mouse at the Official HFpack Member Store. Over 100 cool items, including clocks, mugs,
field notebooks, camo/green stuff, accessory bags, buttons, stickers,
mousepads, frequency list stickers, license plate frames, and many other things for your shack or
portable operation. Great for gifts... Immediate
delivery... fast shipping.

Article: Kachina MP-25 Scientific Radio Systems SR-MP-25 HF SSB Manpack Radio
Article: Icom IC-F8101
Article: Icom IC-F7000
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HFpack Eyeball QSO Rally and Portable Pedestrian Mobile Net at Hamvention
At 1:15 pm local time on Saturday at the Hamvention in Xenia, HFpackers will be on
the air for the HFpack Portable Pedestrian Mobile Net. Operators
from all around converge
on the HFpack Eyeball QSO Rally. For over a decade, HFpack
enthusiasts continue to make this the largest gathering of active HF
backpack
operators in the world. 
HFpack Annual Eyeball QSO Rally at Dayton
At the annual event in May, the members of the HFpack Portable Pedestrian Mobile Net fire up their HF pack radios again
at Dayton Hamvention, for an event that has become internationally known among ham
radio operators as the largest gathering of HF backpack operators in the world.
The HFpack Email-Web Forum Is Moving to Groups.io Server HFpack started 16 years ago and currently has about 10700 members. Our
email/web forum has 50,000 message postings with hundreds of files and
photos in its archives. The forum began using the eGroups server in
2000, then moved to Yahoo Groups. Now we are migrating from Yahoo to our
new forum on Groups.io
JOIN HFPACK
During the migration process, you will receive an email from groups.io to set you up on the new server.
HFpack also has a Community Group on Google+
https://plus.google.com/communities/111866946791506611165
I hope that you will continue to stay with the HFpack forums through this server transition.
-Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA
HFpack Founder and Co-Moderator
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HFpack 10,000 Members...
Will they gawk at your backpack?
Did
you know there are several great nets every portable operator can check
into
on Saturday afternoon at the Dayton Hamvention? Ever worked a bunch of
ancient 80meter AM phone HTs? How about classic mil FM 6meter packsets?
Enjoy the fun, with the
rest of the HFpack group while walking around the flea market on
Saturday... Mark KI0PF gives you the inside scoop, in this next
article.
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Operating the Hamvention Saturday Afternoon
FM, AM, SSB
Pedestrian & Portable Nets
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an article by
Mark Francis KI0PF
HFpack Net Control
and author of the book:
"MIL SPEC RADIO GEAR" |
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12:00 Noon is the AM Net on 3885kc AM.
.. Any radio is okay, as long as the mode is good olde Amplitude Modulation. Vintage military gear (any country of
origin) is especially appreciated. Joe WA4VAG will be Net Control, operating
from his space (usually 3415). After the QSO, gather at his space for pix and
ratchet-jawing. Those of you who are /PM (pedestrian mobile) during any of
these nets, please try not to converge on the net control gathering spot until after the
net check-ins are done [spread out... try walking around the flea
market during the net] Mass de-sensing is not the object here :)
At 1:15PM of course, the
HFpack Net is on 18157.5kc USB with Net Out-Of-Control yours truly for this one!
If we happen to get hammered by QRM (you never know -- the bands are getting better),
we'll use the alternate of 18117.5 USB.
At 2:30PM the Cold War Net is on 51.0Mc/s
FM. Wideband or narrowband, we'll figure it out. Net control will be John K9WT.
This net is primarily for military FM sets (any country of origin) from the
Cold War period. Any radio that can hit 51.000MHz on 6 meters with an understandable
sig is welcome [such as FT-817, IC-703, or HTs], and the older FM mil stuff is always appreciated. Meet back at Joe's spot (around 3415)
afterwards for yet more pix and swapping of lies if yer batteries (camera,
radio, and tall-tale) haven't gone kaput by this time.
73 - Mark KI0PF
HFpack Welcomes All New HF Operators
We are now witnessing one of the largest increases in HF portable operators in ham radio history in the past 50 years. The number of hams trying out portable HF is growing rapidly. This is the
start of a huge boost to a new generation of HF amateur radio
operators... breathing new life into amateur radio for 2012!
Many operators and new hams have expressed their joy in finally
being able to join the ranks of HFpack on HF, and are planning to take
the tests for higher licenses. In
the longstanding Amateur Radio and HFpack tradition, experienced HF ops
will help and encourage our new wave of HF operators. Let's all show a
wholehearted HFpack welcome... on the HF bands, on QRS CW, and with
Elmer help on the group forums. Let's make 2009 a great year of growth
for HFpack and ham radio!
HFpack Antenna Shootouts
HF Portable Antennas are a big part of the HFpack scene. The HFpack HF Portable Antenna
Shootouts compare a variety of HF antennas for maximum gain and
performance in the typical HF Portable Antenna environment, applicable
to QRP and QRO power levels. The HFpack Antenna Shootouts have become a
standard benchmark for HF portable and QRP operators. HFpack is
dedicated to
furthering the state of the art for portable HF antennas and
communications. For the QRP antenna ham operator, it is important to
get the maximum signal radiated. Also, for QRO emergency portable
operations, the antenna efficiency for a small antenna that can be set
up on site is crucial to dependable HF and NVIS (Near Vertical
Incidence Skywave) regional communications. A pedestrian antenna is an
antenna that may be carried easily and set up quickly by the operator.
The HFpack Pedestrian
Shootouts measured pedestrian HF antenna systems to a fraction of a
decibel,
and the reports are presented as a service to radio operators around
the
world. Read more...
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Mark Francis KI0PF Receives Award for 10 Years of Service
The voice of Mark KI0PF/PM is well
known to all operators on the HFpack calling frequencies. Mark has been
running the HFpack Portable Pedestrian Mobile Net at Dayton for 10
years, and he was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his service. Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA, founder of HFpack, was
on hand to present the award, amidst a cheering group of HFpack members
and /Pedestrian Mobile operators.
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HFpack at Hamvention: 18157.5 kHz USB
Pacificon HFpack Zombie Flash Mob

Annual Event: The HFpack Zombies at Pacificon in Silicon Valley California
Saturday Night Late... in the dead of the night!
40 meters SSB
"Who knows what lurks in the backpacks of Pedestrian Mobiles ?"
- Ken Chong WB6MLC HFpack Events Coordinator
Report: HFpack Pacificon
Details of what happened at HFpack PACIFICON at the Marriott Santa Clara • Santa Clara, California... As usual, the
freqs: HFpack intercom, 144.300 FM Simplex PL151.4 and the HFpack
pedestrian mobile HF calling on 18157.5kHz USB were very active. On
Friday 14 October the HFpack Annual "No Host Dinner" was held at
Bennigans on Great America Parkway with NorCal QRP. The event was
arranged by James Bennett KA5DVS.
At 1PM on Saturday 15 October, a presentation at the HFpack Forum,
"Portable Magnetic Loop HF Antennas" with a Demo was given by Eric Noris WD6DBM. At 2PM Saturday 15 October, the presentation, "Elecraft KX3 and HFpack Lite" was given by by Wayne Burdick N6KR of Elecraft.
At 8PM to Midnight Saturday 15 October, the NorCal QRP &
HFpack Zombie Apocalypse Night and Hanging Eye Ball QSOs happened,
with Vendors, Auction, Show & Tell, and a presentation "Zombie 101
hints " and "How to be a Zombie /PM" was given by Ken Chong WB6MLC.
Saturday Night Zombie Apocalypse walking in the dark net was on 40
meters SSB this year, with many pedestrian mobiles roaming the grounds
of the event venue with large and dangerous-looking antennas!
Ancient Psychic Propagation Predictions came true in 2010-2014!
Back in 2009, what was predicted for our future? Read on...
by Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA
My
prediction visionary credentials are humble; as an oracle, I carry the
burden of The Transmission Of The Esoteric High Frequency Dharma,
having been passed down to me in secret ceremonies through the unbroken
lineage of Great HF Oracles, witnessed by The Ancient Order Of The High
Frequency Nuns, in the innermost faraday anechoic chambers of the
exalted stone observatory overlooking the ionosphere.
For Year 2010 I henceforth predict...
Good News for Solar Cycle 24
In our great and long HF journey of lifetimes...
having passed our darkest hour in March 2009; having dwelt in the
deepest chasm of the second valley of the bottom of Olde Sol 23; from
this point into future years of four; we shall venture upward on the
Slope of Flux!
Joy and Relief in March-May 2010
We shall climb the steep steps of the Mountain Of
New Sol 24 together, with ever greater momentum and strength. By the
moon of April 2010 we shall reach the average Solar Flux heights of 80
or more! The Fast Tiger of the east shall rise and pounce gracefully
upon the waves of 18MHz, yielding a time of spring health among the
Strong Portables and Quick Mobiles; The Pedestrians shall play in the
meadow again. With each sunset and sunrise, The Pack shall rejoice in
the DX of Higher Frequencies, taking leaps and bounds on the trail of
double hop. The Guardians of The Towers shall open The High Gates of
Ten Metres; The Pedestrians shall tread softly on the sand of the beach
in the realm of The Giants of Twenty.
Uncertainty in June-August 2010
By July 2010, the Feeble Bear of the summer west
shall obscure the gains of the previous moons; The Portables shall
quest for more DX; yet few sweet drops of the Elixir of Great
Propagation shall satiate their thirst. Driven from the Highest Bands,
The Portables shall again wander the land, seeking nourishment from
14MHz short hops, and taking flight with The Fleeting Bird of
trans-equatorial 21MHz multi-hops. In the midst of despair, The Great
Clouds Of The Sporadic-E shall unexpectedly appear over the fields,
irrigating the planet with ions; strong and powerful voices shall grow,
with even the Weakest Of Watts being rewarded on 21MHz and higher!
Greatness in September-December 2010
The eager Fast Tiger shall devour the tired Weak
Bear. By November 2010, the Warriors and Sages who fought so
triumphantly in the Battle of the Plateau shall find victorious comfort
in the multi-hop DX gardens of 14 to 24MHz. Having climbed past the
Solar Flux of 90, The Pack shall bask in the light of propagation
contentment, feasting daily on the green flora of 18MHz. Mobiles and
Portables shall roam the hills, exploring even the peaks of 28MHz.
Guardians Of The Towers shall breathe easier, having found solace
running barefoot through the wide open 5MHz and 7MHz bands; they shall
turn their beams on 21MHz; they shall chase the beast of Spectrum
Maximus and slaughter whole bands with Split Rare DX Pileups. The
Morsepounders and the Digirati shall seek freedom and fortitude in
10MHz throughout the night, and dream yea verily into the dawn of early
morning! The Emcomms shall drink ALE from The Chalice Of The High
Frequency.
Fullness Then Bleakness in Years 2011-2020
Year 2011 shall bring more health to The HF
Dwellers. The Pack shall climb to reach the Sol 24 Mountain Peak and
summit it in 2014; then light shall shine on all who venture forth into
HF Wilderness. The mountain peak shall not overlook the summits of past
quests. By 2019 the Sojourners of HF shall descend down the path, and
shall wallow in the depths of a deep canyon once again. Only the strong
and brave shall remain.
Incantation Quatrain of the HF Oracle
Solaris Minimus, Mega Hertzus;
Solaris Maximus, Radiati Potentius!
Longitudis Latitudus, Saltus Aqua Ampliphius;
Altus Frequencius, Ionospheri Reflectus!
...and so it was written, by her hand, on 17 December 2009.
Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA, Psychic Propagation Prognosticator
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Meet the
Moderators of HFpack Group
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HFpack
has become one of the largest fully-moderated groups of
this kind in the world. It remains a high quality group because a team
of skilled moderators makes it run smoothly and efficiently. Every day,
the volunteer moderators read every message posted by members. They
approve it, reject it, or clean it up before it goes out to the 8000+
members via email or the web. Moderators process new membership
applications, and help members who are having problems with their
messages or membership. Such a spammer-free and flame-free group would
not be possible on the internet without the watchful eyes of these
talented people. All of the moderators on the HFpack team possess a
unique combination of technical expertise, HF portable radio knowledge,
talent for writing/editing, and even-handed patience for interacting
with people. Every
moderator is also an active HF portable operator and radio enthusiast. We
hope the new Meet
the Moderators
section of the HFpack website gives you a little insight behind the
scenes, into the human beings that make HFpack Group an enjoyable
experience.
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Bonnie KQ6XA
Founder/Webmaster/Moderator
"I founded HFpack wondering if 25
operators in
the world might be interested in lightweight HF Portable. 65 joined the
first day and..." read more |
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Ken
N0VZ
Moderator
"I
first became
interested in amateur radio as a means of emergency
communications while hiking and four
wheeling in the back country of..." read
more |
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Bob
AB7ST
Moderator
"I became a DXer
as KA7RF while stationed in Fukuoka, Japan. Now in
Utah, USA, my portable activity even includes HF
Snowshoe Mobile and..." read
more
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Sasi
VK5SN
Moderator
“Starting out as VU3SNM in India, my work as a
marine biologist has since taken me all over the world for remote HF
portable on islands and..."read
more |
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John
K6ERO
Moderator
“My
first DX was Venezuela on 6 meters Pedestrian Mobile with an old
FT-690RII at 2 Watts!
From that point, I was hooked. I got into HF military packsets as...” read more
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Budd
W3FF
Backup
Moderator
"My main interest is modular portable
antennas. I've been operating HF
walking portable for many years, and joined HFpack when..." read
more |

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Oliver KB6BA
Hall
of Fame
Curator
“As
an avid trail hiker, I began taking radio gear to hilltops, my Portable
HF activity increased when I had HFpack friends to talk with while...” read more |
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Ken
WB6MLC (SK)
HFpack Events Director 2001-2016
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