Below is a high-level overview of some of the situations one may encounter when operating in winter conditions, as well as some maintenance considerations.
Operating during winter can be challenging and potentially put equipment at risk due to the harsh conditions of that type of environment. Before you go out and operate in winter weather conditions, make sure you plan for rapidly changing conditions. Check the weather forecast. Avoid operating during storms or extreme weather events that could pose a danger to you or your equipment, or areas that are prone to flooding, avalanches, or falling trees.
Cold weather can affect both the performance and lifespan of radio equipment, especially batteries, LCD displays, and cables. Batteries can lose their capacity and efficiency in cold temperatures, so it’s important to keep them war. Insulated cases or pouches are helpful in protecting them from the elements. If you don’t have an insulated pouch or case, then wrapping them in a blanket is also effective. Another consideration for this type of climate is using lithium batteries instead of alkaline or NiMH batteries, as they perform better in cold conditions.
General Maintenance
Corrosion from condensation can form on your equipment when you move it from a cold environment to a warm one, or vice versa. Corrosion can create short circuits, and damage to sensitive components. One method to mitigate this is to seal your equipment in a plastic bag before exposing it to temperature changes. You can also use silica gel packets or desiccants to absorb moisture inside your equipment.
Cold temperatures can cause cables to become stiff and brittle, making them prone to cracking or breaking. Using a pliable cable is something you may want to consider in cold temperatures. You can also use heat shrink tubing, as well as electrical tape to protect the connectors and joints from moisture and damage.
Dust, dirt, grease, and moisture can accumulate on your equipment over time, affecting its performance and reliability. Cleaning your equipment regularly is an important preventative maintenance step you can take to keep your gear running in the field. Use a soft cloth or a brush to wipe off any dirt or dust from the surface of your equipment. You can use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the vents or openings. Use alcohol or contact cleaner to clean any contacts or switches, and avoid using water or harsh chemicals that could damage your equipment.
Check your equipment for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, loose connections, frayed wires, corroded terminals, or burned components. Replace any damaged or faulty parts as soon as possible.
Before you go out to operate on amateur radio in winter weather conditions, make sure your equipment is working properly and calibrated correctly. Use a multimeter to check the voltage and current of your power supply and batteries. Use an SWR meter to check the impedance match between your transmitter and antenna. Use an antenna analyzer to check the resonance and bandwidth of your antenna. Use a dummy load to test your transmitter output power and modulation.
When you are not using your equipment, store it in a dry, cool, and ventilated place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, humidity, or dust. Remove the batteries from your equipment and store them separately. Cover your equipment with a cloth or a plastic bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
Operating in the Field
Permafrost is defined solely by temperature, and any rock or soil that remains at or below 32°F (or 0°C) for two years or more is considered permafrost. Due to permafrost or deep snow conditions, it may be difficult to establish a good electrical ground in this type of environment. Sometimes the conductivity of the frozen ground can be too low to provide adequate ground wave propagation. To help overcome this, you can use a counterpose to help offset the effects of poor electrical ground conductivity.
One of the challenges winter conditions can present snow and other particles picked up by the wind which can get caught in your dials, or into your radio’s wiring and can lead to shorts. As mentioned earlier, you want to regularly inspect your equipment in austere environments. If you notice a piece of equipment starting to wear out, then replace any damaged or faulty parts as soon as possible.
Before heading out to the field, test your equipment before use, and ensure your equipment is working properly and calibrated correctly. You can use multimeters to check the current and voltage of batteries, and use an SWR meter to verify impedance matching between your radio and antenna. When setting up an antenna in this type of environment, you may want to consider using guy wires, and stakes to handle the load from ice, snow, and wind.
Operating on amateur radio in winter weather conditions can be challenging, but with some preparation you can be effective, and keep your equipment in good working order while operating in this type of austere environment.