Lynn mentioned at the Station Meeting on Saturday that we’re looking for portable systems that take up a very minimal amount of space (and weight) so we can “grab & go” into SUVs or fire trucks when we need to ride along with for something like a windshield survey.
For starters, I would probably use a small netbook, hopefully something 12v compatible. Windows 7 or Windows 8. If needed, a 12v to 18v boost converter could be built.
A Kenwood TH-D72A handheld radio: This has a built-in TNC and a 12v jack.
Some type of external 2m/70cm mag-mount antenna.
For power, I would suggest the Hardened Power Systems BatPac MK1. This uses a standard 15 Ah battery and has a fused (for regular use) and unfused (for charging) PowerPole connections.
And finally, for charging, I recommend the Battery Tender 800.
I’d put everything in a tough backpack so it could easily be carried into action.
