How to Set Up a Simple Field Comms Station

Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster, participating in an ARES drill, or just heading out for a field day, a reliable and portable ham radio station is essential. A well-thought-out field communications (comms) station gives you the ability to operate completely off-grid, independent of commercial power and internet infrastructure. In this post, we’ll break down the essential components, recommended gear, and tips for setting up your own deployable field station.

📦 What Is a Field Comms Station?

A field comms station is a portable radio setup that can be quickly deployed in outdoor or remote environments. These stations are often used by:

• ARES and RACES teams during emergency activations
• Preppers and homesteaders for disaster communication
• Hams participating in SOTA/POTA (Summits or Parks on the Air)
• Field day events and HF contests

Unlike a home shack, a field station prioritizes mobility, power independence, and fast deployment.

🔌 Power: The Backbone of Your Setup

Your station is only as good as its power source. For true field operation, skip the wall plug and consider:

• Battery: Bioenno LiFePO4 12V Battery
• Solar panel: Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel
• Power management: Add an Anderson Powerpole distribution block

For more details on backup power, check out our post: The Best Battery Backups for Ham Radio.

📡 Radios and Antennas

Your choice of radio depends on your license and communication needs:

• VHF/UHF: For local comms and ARES nets, use a Yaesu FT-65 or Baofeng UV-5R
• HF: For long-distance emergency traffic, use a mobile HF radio like the Yaesu FT-891

Antennas: Choose something quick to deploy but effective. Consider a roll-up J-pole for VHF/UHF or a linked dipole or end-fed wire for HF. Don’t forget a small tripod mast or slingshot to get your wire in a tree.

🧰 Additional Gear to Pack

• Notepad, logbook, and pens
• Field manual and laminated frequency charts
• Headphones or earbuds for noisy environments
• Spare coax and patch cables
• Digital interface for Winlink or APRS

Looking for frequencies to program? Check out our frequency guide.

🏕️ Setup Tips for the Field

Here’s how to make setup easier and more reliable:

• Use a folding table and storage bin to organize gear
• Pre-label cables and connectors
• Test your full setup monthly — don’t wait until you need it!
• Protect against the elements: bring tarps, cable boots, and dry boxes

🛰️ Bonus: Add Digital Capabilities

A basic field station can be upgraded to handle digital traffic like Winlink, APRS, and FLDigi. Add a TNC (like the Mobilinkd TNC3) and a laptop or tablet with software pre-installed. With digital, you can send emails, GPS pings, or even images — all over RF, no internet required.

🎯 Final Thoughts

A field comms station is one of the most valuable tools a ham can build. It combines preparedness with practical experience. Whether you’re helping during an ARES deployment or just testing gear in the backyard, having a portable setup gives you confidence and capability in any scenario.

To go deeper, check out our other guides:

• Ham Radio Go-Kit: What to Pack
• How to Use APRS for Emergency Communication
• What Is ARES and How to Get Involved Locally

Stay ready. Stay radio-active. — 73 from Daniel (KI5QHC)