Off-Grid Ham Radio with a Microsoft Surface

Episode notes are up: Setting up a Microsoft Surface Go for Portable Ham Radio Data Modes. Blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2024/04/20/microsoft-surface-for-p… Video: youtu.be/-XXpvZ2ifh4 73 Julian oh8stn

I love watching your videos on this topic, I just got into HAM 2 months ago. Got my General License a modeling my setup after your setup. Thanks

You are one of my favorites to come to for help. Concise. Knowlegeable. Practical. Thanks for doing these.

Awesome stuff, thanks for the info on GPSGate, seems like a great software package to use for getting position (and time) data for Surface tablets. Really handy!

I really like these types of projects. Last summer, I got to about 90% of the way to getting everything to run on Android phones by using a custom kernel and installing a Linux distro as a chroot. The last remaining hurdle to overcome was compiling and installing drivers for a virtual audio cable. Unfortunately, I had to take a step back from the project, but if it works, I should be able to get all modes with just the phone and a USB cable to the radio. If I finally have some time to finish the project, I'll post it on FB and QRZ.

You have certainly done your homework on this video. Thanks for all you do!

I took a leap of faith and spend a bit of change to acquired a refurbished MS Surface 2 instead of an Evolve III Maestro laptop; this was the best decision I made. Not only can I use the Surface to support my ham radio hobby for digital operations, it also supports my DJ hobby as a controller for my Hercules DJ rig, plus the Surface now replaces the old and slow Chromebook I used when I travel away from home :)

Great job Julian! N6ABE, 73

Thanks for the update on gaining access to surface go gps.

Always the best!!

Thank you. I am in the market for a 12vdc computer to use with IC-705, so this video was very helpful. Thanks Julian

Thanks for another well prepared and presented topic. I suspect that just as you would choose your TX-500 for a mission requiring something more rugged than an IC-705, you probably have experience and insight to share on what you might choose other than a MS Surface. I would be very interested in seeing you present on this in a future video. Thanks for keeping us inspired to get outdoors and operate!

Hi Julian, Greetings from Essex County, England! Great video, I'm still learning thanks to you. I currently run my IC-705 from our small garden, I'm using a Chameleon MPAS mounted on a 2.5m tall wooden pergola, using the Cha clamp. Unfortunately it's made of cheese, it bends as soon as you screw it on... but Chameleon USA tell me I'm doing it wrong. What a joke... Anyway, last weekend I had my first ever voice contact on 5w, all the way to Italy (Marconi 150th Award) about 678 miles away. I was a very happy ham!!! Thanks again for all your tips, hopefully I'll invest in a solar setup soon and take all my gear on my bike... Take care, stay safe. 73 de 2E0HJN - Manny

Good stuff, Julian! I've been thinking about switching over from the gaming laptop I've been using over to a Surface Go. Thanks for doing whatcher doing, man! 😁

Another great video Julian! I always enjoy your presentations and topics.

Great video as usual Julian! Very informative too! Thank you for all you do for the ham and prepping communities!

Julian, another great video. Two comments. First, avoid the Surface Go 3. Microsoft botched that release - no new features (that matter), but much worse battery life over the Surface Go2. I managed a small fleet of them for my employer and we traded them for iPads as soon as we could. Second, it looks like Microsoft skipped any Surface Go updates or new releases for this current product cycle. However, there should be plenty of good used or NOS Go 2's still on the market. And you are right - go for the more capable processor and more system RAM.

Thanks, Julian. It was a great overview

Man, I'm getting hooked on your channel. Excellent video's. Keep it up! Thanks for doing this!

Another cool vid man! I always want to get out and do what you do. I even have most of the equipment I need. But as far as I get is an afternoon of POTA once in a while.