Name: Eric Pfeifer
Callsign: N1JUR
Kit Purpose: Beach Bag for FT8 / SSB at the beach.
Total Power: 20w
Additional Information:
Youtube Channel
Website

KIT Details

• BG2FX FX4CR 20w Radio

• 5.11 8qt Bag

• Bioeanno 9aH Battery

• Carbon Six 7mm Pole

• RG-316 20ft Coax

• Android Smartphone with FT8 software

• Misc Connectors/Wire

• Reliance Antenna 40-10 Bugout EFHW (not pictured)

My family and I love spending time at the beach during the summer. However, I often get bored within the first 30 minutes and wish I had a small portable radio to play with, similar to what I would use at a local park.

So, I was on the lookout for a radio that had a smaller footprint than the G-90 or FT-9891. Luckily, I came across the BG2FX's FX4CR and immediately joined the group buy. The FX4CR is the centerpiece of my beach go-bag as it offers 20 watts, a waterfall, and Bluetooth for FT8. It also has speaker-outs for headphones and a mic-level input, which allows me to use an external mic or a Heil headset for quiet operation.

I combined this with the 5.11 8qt Bag as it has a “plethora” of zip pockets and places to stick small parts.

I purchased the SotaBeams Carbon 6 mast for it compact and lightness. I also made a modification to the 5.11 bag to allow me to afix the carbon 6 to the bag with velcro so it all stays together when I’m on the road.

The radio works in sync with an Android smartphone, which serves as a dedicated wifi device for FT8 and Radio. To set up, I use a Reliance Antennas Bugout 40-10 EFHW, which I pair with an "inverted V" configuration to avoid the challenge of spreading out 60 feet of wire. The radio works flawlessly and can provide hours of contacts with the 9ah battery, as its receive draw is very low. While this kit can be used for park activation, I find it most suitable for beach trips, where my wife can soak up some much-needed vitamin D. If you're interested in seeing this radio in action, you can check out my video on my channel here.