PSK31, 63, and all the other digital variants are really fun. Dragging a laptop/tablet around is too much power for me. However, staying at home during an emergency where its easier to have things like a generator or solar array makes it (HF digital) a good tool in the survival/emcomm toolbox.
I'm a network engineer. My laptop comes with me almost everywhere. Part of our CERTs comms plan calls for me to bring my laptop and my wireless hotspot to any scene that we're working as well as my ham gear.
If we're packing light or needing to run on lower power, there is software for my iPad that would do it. Where my laptop runs for a couple of hours without mains power, my iPad could operate far longer. A spare battery that recharges my iPad is also a lot smaller and lighter than anything similar for my laptop.
I forgot to mention that the
Elecraft KX3 is a really nice station to put in a BOB. It is a little pricey but all the goods are there. Even PSK. It can connect to software but also of note is the text input via the CW key for PSK, no need for PC.
That looks really nice. I need to save my pennies.
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