Preparedness

Optimized and Ready: Final Tweaks to Radio & Tablet Setup (Part 3)

Final prep for radio and tablet before Brushbeater radio training courses in Montana. Settings optimized, mindset shifted, ready for the bush.

(Skip the first 12 minutes if you don't want to hear me talk about the 61 billion dollar aid package to Ukraine.)

Sitrep

This is my third and final outing before I attend the Brushbeater radio training courses in Montana later this week. (Read part 1 and part 2)

In part 3, I share my observations, learnings, and final tweaks to the radio and tablet setup for the upcoming Brushbeater radio training courses.

Let's review what steps I've completed to get to this point.

Guide:

✅ I completed the How to Set Up an Android Tablet for Use in the Field for Burst Digital RF Communications guide part 1 & part 2 by X account @4nt1p4tt3rn Appalachistan Wolf Lodge #47

Prep tablet:

✅ Android tablet settings are ready for field use.
✅ The Android tablet has an anti-glare screen and protective case on it.

Prep Baofeng radio:

✅ Baofeng is programmed and ready for use in the field.

Download Apps:

✅ Downloaded APK andFLmsg, and it's ready for operations.
✅ Downloaded APK Drone Scanner, and it's ready for operations.
✅ Downloaded APK SDRTouch, updated driver, and I must buy a dongle to operate this app.

The Shift to Operational Thinking

The only one you can count on is yourself out here.

During parts 1 and 2 of the radio and tablet prep, I walked around in a local park, focusing only on comms tools. When I went into the mountains, I immediately noticed a shift in my mindset. My focus shifted to an operational mindset.

I spent four hours hiking the hills with my oldest boy and now had to contend with operating out in the elements. How do my comms tools merge with other tasks I must complete in the field? I started to think about the bigger picture.

Lessons

I must be outside every week and train; otherwise, I will lose my progress.
Being out in the elements wears you out very quickly. Preparation involves spending a lot of time outside.
When in the bush, it forces you to think beyond just comms and consider all the gear you require to survive and thrive.

There is no substitute for being out in the bush. (Gunrunner, Minimalist Lightweight Rifle Pack - Eberlestock)

Using a Tablet in the Shade

I found a shady spot to test the tablet.

I made the following observations when using a tablet in the shade in the mountains: It works well, and the tablet's interface is easy to use. However, I wondered if my location would be easily located once I had sent a burst transmission. You start thinking about these things when in the bush.

Lessons

Take off your sunglasses. It will give you that extra screen visibility.
Set your screen to 90% visibility before you go out in the bush. Avoid fiddling with screen display settings when you are trying to transmit.

Working in the shade, the tablet screen was easily read without sunglasses.

Working Under a Blanket/Poncho

I am transmitting under a camouflage blanket.

I have some observations. Working under a blanket was awkward. Every time I moved, it made a sound. Sitting on my knees wasn't that comfortable. I saw the light seeping in on the sides.

I have learned that a noisy blanket is a problem. A blanket that is too thin will let the light from the tablet screen be seen around you.

I'm looking for the perfect blanket/poncho I can take out in the bush.

Lessons

I realized I should have been prone (lying on my stomach, face down) while operating the tablet.
Light seeps on the sides, which is fine during the day.
This setup would be catastrophic at night because they can see my light.
I need a poncho/blanket that is heavy, thick, and quiet when operating a tablet outside.