Island Setup - Maestro with a Touch Screen ToughBook

Steve K9ZW

Here is a quick shot of what I am working on for the Washington Island - Wisconsin QTH's portable operating position.

This is what I will be able to operate from (adding a headset & PTT in many cases) from anywhere I connect with my wireless system there.

Paired with the Maestro is a Touchscreen Toughbook laptop to do logging and other site-mobility chores.  They will be wireless to the new Flex-6700.

For activation of smaller islands the Maestro & Flex-6700 will stay behind, with the Flex-6300 then being paired with the Toughbook via SmartSDR for Windows.

Still to come is a mobilization preparation of the Flex-6300 to keep everything needed together and protect it from some level of adverse weather while out on the smaller islands.

73

Steve K9ZW

W9OY

Very cool Steve

Philip KA4KOE

I've always wanted a Toughbook! Which model is that? Never mind...zoomed in and see it is a CF-30.

Steve K9ZW

These are available refurbished under $300 with licensed operating system from Toughbook Tech.

Built strong enough to be a aircraft wheel-chock!

Ruggedized touchscreen does better with the stylus than finger jabs, which is a contrast to the Maestro touch screen sensitivity.

73

Steve K9ZW

Bernie W7DMC

Great setup. Hope to get on some islands out this way this summer. Antennas ?

Steve K9ZW

Hi Bernie W7DMC

I have choices there. Typically I have been using a SteppIR CrankIR with the Flex-6300 for island activations other than the main island.  I have several other portable antenna options.  Depends on what Island access I'm allowed (full setup on the activated Island or using one of the US Island Programs alternative rules when not allowed to completely disembark. http://www.usislands.org I think is the URL.)

On Washington Island itself I have a proper antenna farm in the works.  As I am rethinking this whole setup I'll offer that you can follow the progress at http://k9zw.wordpress.com   

73

Steve
K9ZW