Preparedness

First Time Outside With My Baofeng Radio & Android Tablet (Part 1)

Exploring outdoor comms with an Android tablet and Baofeng radio. Discovered the role of antenna size and the challenge of screen glare—lessons learned from a novice’s first field setup.

I went for a walk outside and took my Android tablet and Baofeng with me to get a feel for using these tools outdoors. I want to share some observations and quick lessons I learned while playing with my radio and tablet outside.

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N00B Alert

Please remember that this is my first time taking my radio/tablet outside after I set up my Android to send burst radio transmissions. (I'm new to comms)

Thanks to https://x.com/4nt1p4tt3rn and his precise instruction guide:

Tools

Tools I took with me:

Low Profile EDC Fanny Pack made by Ex Umbris (Veteran Biz)
Baofeng BF-F8HP* includes:
Onn 7" Android Tablet - Gen 3 (Walmart)

*I buy all my radio/comms gear from Brusbeater.store (Veteran Biz) because I support people who share my values of liberty and freedom.

ONN 7" Android tablet & Baofeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen)

Antenna Size Matters

OK, here are my immediate observations about the Baofeng radio and ONN 7" Android tablet in my EDC fanny pack: Antenna size is critical. I had read about antenna size, but now that I have seen it. It's essential.

I immediately realized the value of having a small rather than a massive antenna. The practical use is quite evident when you carry your radio outside your house.

The small stubby silicone antenna is the perfect size, and I'm glad I picked one up to test.

Lessons

Buy more stubby silicone antennas from Brushbeater for my other radios.
Justify why you need to bring a larger antenna and consider the tradeoffs.
Tools are scenario-based; what I am doing dictates what antenna size I'm bringing.

Low Profile EDC fanny pack made by Ex Umbris.

Daylight Glare on Screen

My Android tablet had a terrible glare, even with the brightness up during the day, so I needed to find something to cover it. I don’t know some shade or a poncho. Even with brightness at 100%, I could barely see the screen.

This seems obvious in hindsight, but it still surprised me because I am used to devices that are bright enough to operate during the day.

Lessons

Initially, I was more concerned about a protective case for the tablet. Now I realize I needed something to help me see my screen better during the day.
Any suggestions from guys who have a solution?
Thank you to https://x.com/justanauditor1 for the following recommendation:
- Supershieldz (3 Pack) Designed for Onn 7 inch Tablet Screen Protector, Anti Glare and Anti Fingerprint (Matte) Shield

Unfamiliarity With Android

I am unfamiliar with Android, so I need to rectify and fix it quickly. As a hardcore iOS user, I find the Android user experience confusing.

I also noticed differences between Android tablets in terms of user experience. This is foreign to me, but it should not have surprised me.

Lessons

Get familiar with the Android interface.
I need to become acclimatized to Android devices to succeed in using off-the-shelf hardware in comms.
Buy the same Android tablet in bulk to avoid different Android user experiences. I like the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7.
Here is another recommendation:

If you want a better tablet for running andflgmsg over your baofeng radios than the Walmart one, this is a good one.https://t.co/QtVql3lZiH
— Tactical Wisdom (@DolioJ) April 16, 2024

Meme highlighting the difference between using an iPhone and Android.

Traveling With a Radio

Programming a radio or setting up a tablet in your house is comfortable. But the minute you leave your home and are mobile, it's like, where do I stash all this stuff?

Today, I put my comms tools in an EDC fanny pack, but what if I wear a plate carrier? Or what about a chest rig? If I'm mobile, what are some excellent ways to stash my comms gear where it's still easy to access?

Lessons

It's easy to live with your gear but mentally never leave your house. I must be proactive, get out in the field, and start using it ASAP.

Conclusion

I spent an hour walking around and making observations about my comms gear and things I need to improve next time. I must spend more time with other men and run comms setups in the field. I will learn so much faster when working with different people through scenarios using comms gear.

At the end of this month, I will take two Brushbeater radio training courses to upskill my comms knowledge and practical application. I look forward to learning from a professional to improve my skills and transfer my skills and knowledge to those around me after I complete the courses.

I'll write another comms article once I've received further training.

~ FA