https://www.facebook.com/reel/2255747055221397
This entire HF messaging station fits in the palm of my hand. 📻📱 No laptop. No tablet. No cell service. No internet. A 5-watt truSDX, Digirig and Android phone running JS8Call let me send actual free-text messages over HF — type whatever you need to say, just like a text message. Phone-based radio apps keep getting better, eliminating the need to carry a computer or tablet into the field. For this setup I’m using the incredibly compact SPOOLTENNA Ultra EFHW. The entire station — radio, battery, DigiRig, cables AND antenna — fits inside a lesterriverbushcraft utility pouch with room to spare. Five watts isn't much for HF voice, but weak-signal digital is a different story. Under the right conditions, JS8Call can exchange messages hundreds or even thousands of miles. For preparedness, my focus is NVIS — roughly 0–300 miles. That can mean a local, statewide or regional network, or reaching outside a disaster area when normal infrastructure is down. With the right band, antenna and conditions, 5 watts can get that job done. This test: 5 watts • 84 miles • Message sent • Reply received ✓ No towers. No internet. No computer. Just radio. 📡
