WB4CDH                          

 

I was first licensed in Birmingham, Al as KB4SIW at The Birmingham Amateur Radio Club (BARC) on April 1st, 1986. I became WB4CDH on January 21, 2011.

In the Fall of 2016, I moved my station to my Harley trailer. After losing wire antennas to storms, I decided there had to be a better way! I added a Tarheel 100A-HP antenna to my little trailer and relocated my Kenwood TS-590, Heil PR-781 microphone and Tokyo High Power HL-1.5Kfx kilowatt amplifier. I already had an Icom ID-880 dual band DStar radio installed so this just completed the portable station. The trailer has four hundred watts of solar power on the roof with 310AH's of 12 volt AGM type batteries installed along wtih an AC inverter. The solar system will power the entire trailer with the exception of the air conditioner and the amplifier. I do have a generator to use when needed and no shore power is available to suplement the system. It makes a fun combination for camping and portable operation with the ability to operate from 10 through 80 meters, 2 meters and 70cm including DMR and DStar. All of the radios are operated directly from the 12 volt power supplied by the solar power system.

 

*Digital Information *

I am active in DMR also. My DMR ID is 3112006. I try to monitor the Gulf Coast TG (31011) but quite often just monitor in a local mode on my Shark Openspot so drop me a private call anytime. I typically operate DMR with a Hytera PD-682G handheld but also own a TYT MD-380 as well. In addition to DMR, I still use DStar occasionally even though after being an avid DStar operator for years, I believe DMR technology has passed DStar up and has became the digital technology of choice.

 

As you can see in the photos, this is an unusual set up but rather comfortable with all the comforts of home including two beds, a couch (converted from a bed), a refrigerator, television, microwave, coffee pot, heater (solar powered), air conditioner and a HD television antenna on the roof. Oh, there is a porta potti just incase you were wondering or the woods works quite well! The trailer has an RV type of awning on the front and a screen room enclosure that can easily be added when camping as needed doubling the enclosed living space under roof. 

 

 

 

When away from my radio hobby, I enjoy spending my time with my wonderful wife Teresa and our family dog Duncan. Teresa keeps me straight and I keep Duncan in line! Teresa is also a ham. Her call is WB4TCH so if you hear her on, please say Hello. We are blessed in many ways including living in a great area here in the Panhandle of Florida!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     < <   Rasberry PI with DVAP

 

 

 

 

73's and I hope to hear you on the air again soon or drop me an email at wb4cdh@gmail.com !

Doug

WB4CDH