Portable Ham Radio Antenna Strategy | OH8STN Off Grid
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- čas přidán 9. 02. 2023
- A Portable Ham Radio HF antenna should be lightweight, easy to carry and easy to deploy. Operating QRP while man-portable requires a portable HF antenna to reach an even higher level of ultra-portability and efficiency. When we enter the emergency communications and survival radio space, we simply can't waste our output power on an inefficient broadband antenna. Broadband antennas have their place, but I am changing my antenna strategy. This is my new man-portable HF antenna strategy. Let me know what you think.
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Julian oh8stn
Video URL: • Portable Ham Radio Ant...
Blog post: oh8stn.org/blog/2023/02/03/ma...
Items mentioned in the video:
80-6 meter Off Center Fed Dipole: (Ebay affiliate link) ebay.us/sw1M1U
40-6 meter off center fed dipole:(Ebay affiliate link) ebay.us/SoPiyb
N9SAB eBay store: (Ebay affiliate link) ebay.us/OVVZcG
Original QCF40 video: • Ultimate Portable Ham ...
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I have to say this dude is maybe the most chill amatuer radio presenter on CZcams. The uploads are always interesting even if I don't quite understand everything or perhaps have little interest in doing what he is explaining myself. Side note those crazy glasses are awesome. Keep posting!
😂👍73
Julian oh8stn
That chill comes from experience while serving in the Corp. You keep your cool to analyze and attack a problem head on from what you have learned in training and by experience in the field. Semper Fi
You put an enormous amount of work into your blog and videos. Thank you for all your work
Just giving back to the community which has given so much to me.
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Julian oh8stn
Absolutely love this video Julian! This exemplifies the differences between SOTA'esque and POTA'esque emcomm approaches. The POTA station mentality often means 100W, super heavy verticals, huge batteries, clunky computers, etc., mainly because when you're driving up to a park you can easily carry all that stuff. SOTA, on the other hand, is all about minimizing weight, maximizing efficiency, and lightning fast set up and tear down. I think the mindset begins developing the first time you freeze your butt off on mountain summit with winds blowing right through you - with miles of foot travel, thousands of feet in vert, and a long car ride between you and central heating... under those conditions, you tend to rethink your gear strategy REAL quick. In the event of a major emcomm situation, even the availability of fossil fuels is something you have to seriously consider, meaning we should take our learnings from SOTA, i.e., lightweight and efficient rigs.
There's a convergence happening right now in the SOTA space around microportable antennas like the K6ARK transformer kit and N9SAB antennas, which are quickly becoming the new standard as the desire grows for lighter gear with lightnings fast setup and teardown times. Currently, I see operators converging on the EFHW and random wire configurations, mainly because of ease of deployment and minimizing guy points. I see less and less dipole-style configurations, mainly I think due to the additional setup time required (additional guy points, etc.). I haven't seen anything definitive comparing an OCF dipole vs. a random wire that would lead me to believe one is necessarily more better than the other, though there could be. There is an article by UZ2UUF comparing SYMMETRIC dipoles to random wire antennas, but that is like comparing apples to avocados and doesn't really apply to an OCF vs random wire discussion. For example, the night ops random wire that I'm using now is 5/8 wavelength on 40m and is SUPER performant. A 5/8 wavelength random wire provides a theoretical 2.5 dB gain on 40m. I'm not sure if there's an OCF geometry that can claim the same, though again, there might be.
When it comes to verticals like the AX1, Buddipoles, etc., while convenient, don't really fulfill the efficiency requirement for emcomm, particularly the NVIS requirement. In the field for emcomm, nothing beats the versatility and efficiency of a wire antenna.
Excellent Comment.
Still the best HAM/Communications channel on the internet.
Thank You for telling the truth about the bulk, weight and inefficiency of the Chameleon antennas. They are great when needed for very specialized use as they were designed for, but for regular portable use, there are far better options. Too many channels promote them and don't give all the facts as you have done. A tough, resonate wire antenna will always be one of your best options. Love your content....Thank You !
I had one of Tim's antennas for about 5 months....just put it up this weekend. It is working amazingly on 10m!! Great product, very small and now I can't wait to get off the grid with it and see what it can do in a remote area. Great video!
Tim's antennas are definitely the best performing an easiest to carry that I have. In fact it's because of this performance, lower output power remains effective. Wherever we can gain efficiency, saves in storage consumption.
Thanks for watching and commenting. It's greatly appreciated.
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Julian oh8stn
I started out as a OCFD fan about 20 years ago. I love frequency agility and efficiency.
In recent years I've gotten onboard with EFHW antennas, especially the 80m-10m varieties. When I first field my EFHW I found it to be mediocre in performance, but testing done by Steve Ellington has helped me learn how to deploy the EFHW for optimal performance. Steve has several videos testing with field strength meters and RF ammeters. Now the EFHW is my go to antenna.
Based on some of your reviews I've tried the Emcom III P, and it has satisfactory performance above 40m, however at 40m and below so far performance has been mediocre, but I am still experimenting with counterpoise wires and choking.
For myself 80m NVIS for regional Ecom is the gold standard. It is predictable active regardless of the solar cycle, 40m is often not a NVIS frequency. 60m is almost reliable and predictable as 80m for NVIS propagation, but you pretty much have to have a purpose built 60m antenna or an antenna with compromised efficiency for 60m, and that is the delimma.
For 80m NVIS operators are stuck with 40m of wire and the easiest deployment is EFHW in my opinion.
I agree with your man-portable HF antenna strategy. EFHW & OCFD's seem to be the best tool for the man-portable mission in many cases. A lightweight resonant antenna offers many advantages for field use. I think a lot of folks have not really thought through or experienced the difference between truck-portable vs man-portable. There is a huge difference in carrying your gear a short distance from your vehicle to your operating location and true man-portable operations. I guess it all boils down to your philosophy of use.
Best comment of the day!
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Julian oh8stn
What would you recommend for a manpack antenna, I just got my technician license about a month ago ,running a ft891 , I've got a turner ,but I would rather not have to carry it ,Thanks for any info KD9WTH. 73
@@garytedlock7533 I think Julian pointed out the primary choices are EFHW and OCFD for band agility. The question is durability vs. weight. I personally favor EFHW for ease of setup and band agility. However, I do not have one that I consider to be man portable.
The EFHW I have been looking at are the Pactenna, MyAntenna, and K6ARK. For manportable I currently use a Cha Ecom III portable. Its not a stellar performer on 40m and 80m, but it is wellbuilt and it does great 20m and up.
I'm not a operator yet, but I'm loving whatching your videos, I'm learning a lot!!! GBY! From Brazil
Many thanks for that. I like resonant mono band HF antennas when using 5 or 10 watt radios. Simple to make yourself and make them as rugged or as lightweight as required. Thanks again.
57 yrs old, and zero discs left in my lower back. I have been using this strategy for awhile. Great for open areas. Long thin wire is frustrating in the woods though.
Try using a fly fishing reel, I've used them in some frustrating terrain. They work well with Di-poles and sloping long wires and such. It will keep your wire from looking like my bait casting reel.
LIttle late to comment on this but I agree with the OCFD strategy. I only had about 2 hours to play radio last Field Day and just sat in the backyard with the Cham version of Tim's 40m OCFD. It was like shooting fish in a barrel with my KX2 just on SSB. Clarity so much better than EFRW and great NVIS. Hit stations from 10 miles away to TX and CO from SoCal. Got to this vid from looking at the truSDX video and just checking out cables to use that for digital NVIS. Thank you Sir!
I agree the Chameleon antennas are inefficient and a little heavy. They are rugged and work as advertised. I agree with the change in strategy. More efficient antennas are key when working qrp
I like this route your going Julian. The one thing I could not understand previously is why you used "compromise" antennas, especially with QRP. My thing is building antennas as you probably know and my ethos is always high efficiency foremost. I think commercially built antennas are like fishing lures, there to catch the angler instead!
Few things that popped in mind: trap dipoles and fan dipoles.
Agreed. I remember the epic Koski fan dipoles from back in the Hiukkavaara days.
For trap dipoles, not sure if I'd want to deploy the 80m dipole just when I want to work 40. I'm not sure if the entire wire needs to be rolled out if we're just using 40. If not, the Trap dipole also sounds pretty amazing
Thanks for the video. Just getting involved in SOTA so I really appreciate the focus on a lightweight, man-portable setup.
I been using Tim's antenna for a year . Great investment
Thanks for another great presentation, with another potential tool in the toolbag. I have always been intrigued by the OCFD antennas because of their efficiency. My constraint when in the field is always footprint. I rarely have the environment and space to run two ends of the antenna 180* from the apex. Because of that, I almost exclusively run an EFHW with the apex away at 19.6' on a Tactical Mini, down to a 3' feed point close to my operating position. Fortunately, this has given me both DX capability, as well as NVIS. Without touching the configuration during an activation, I have made 3000+ mile contacts on 20m and
You're an absolute inspiration
I'm glad I ordered my antenna from Tim before this video! Had a 80/40/30/20m linked dipole made for my mountain Topper 4 and 818nd. Nvis all the way! Tim was awesome to work with.
Nice wrap up, with no major dissent. I've enjoyed watching previous posts with the Chameleon (and other) stuff, but as I am on foot 70% of the time and on the bike 30%, well, weight is important. MPAS and the other stuff is great, I've used it in the past and still do in the present, but if I'm humping a pack 30km up an incline, or spending a few days in the Japanese Alps, the MPAS isn't going to be in the pack. The 40-6 is a great little antenna: the build is solid and it works perfectly. It's a shame that Chameleon has no interest in it (even worse, that they killed off the monoband 20 and 40 dipoles, which were also nice antennas). The 40-6 works without a tuner on 40 and 20 (and so-so on 10), and with a tuner on other bands down to 6m. Personally, I prefer to cut my own dipoles for a resonant frequency. Yes, that means that there are some things that can't be done; on the other hand, I save weight by concentrating on the bands I need/want to work, and gain efficiency in the antenna. Are my antennas as nice as N9SAB's antennas? No. Tim does great work and his antennas are well worth the money. However, when (not if ) it goes pear-shaped and Tim isn't with me, then what? It takes only a few tools to either make repairs or even a whole new antenna out in the field. As I'm listening much more than broadcasting, I also string long listening antennas (with homemade transformers). I'm looking forward to seeing how this series grows over the next few months. There is a reason why there have been so many books and articles on wire antennas over the past decades: they work very well. Cheers. 73 Garu
The 80-6 N9SAB was the first antenna I ever purchased, it worked wonderfully, be advised that at anything much over qrp levels you'll want to incorporate a common mode choke. 73
RR, and great feedback.
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Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN With anything other than resonant antennas I run 20W out of a G90 and in the field use a 14 turn Guanella 1:1 choke and and an FT114-43 toroid. I used to have RF issues (brings back painful memories) but no longer.
I like that introductory "High Contrast" look. Great and informative video. I'm a geologist who works in many remote Alaska mining camps (Think Brooks Range). I bring my HF radio and have tried Buddipole / Buddistick /Wolf River Coil/ and Home brew wire Dipole. Dipoles win every time. Wire wins every tie. End of story. Extreme portable and easy to put up and quite frankly - seem to work better.
Well said! 👍
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Julian oh8stn
Built my own linked dipole for a 40 mile Bob Marshall Wilderness backpack a few years ago. Lightweight dipoles really are the way for man portable operations.
40 meter off center fed antenna with 18 gauge copper clad steel cable makes for lighter weight and a resonant antenna except for 15 meters. Build your own balin or buy and string the wire yourself. Same goes for a 9:1 end fed. Use 18 gauge copper clad to lower weight
Love his work, I just have to find a starting point ;) sooo much to learn!
You’re right on. NVIS is so fun on these light wires.
Oorah Devil Dog, I just purchased my MPAS 2.0, and now gotta add this super portable to the kit! Remember "Blood makes the grass grow and RF warms the Soul!!!" Semper Fi and Can Do De WV1Q
I agree with you. Thats what I want when I go camping.
Thanks for all you do!
I’ve actually had a great experience with a SuperAntenna. Very compact and portable, easy to set up. It’s actually my “permanent” antenna at home because it’s so unobtrusive and I have limited space. It’s been outside clamped to my rear fence exposed to the elements for three years and still works great. Does not require an antenna tuner, though you need to adjust/slide the coil to change bands. Can function up to 80m, and all bands below that.
Agreed. The super antenna is small and light enough full stop although I do use a longer whip to reduce the loading. Even so, that's a great quarter wave antenna.
Another top notch video! You always address areas I struggle to understand fully, and give a well rounded perspective. It's always about rationalizing why one chooses their gear based on objectives and constraints. How you communicate your approach and your line of thinking on choices is so clear and useful, it really serves as a trusted guide in my own choices. Please do more antenna videos! I have the same goals, man portable, regional comms, light, efficient. You are my go-to Ham Radio CZcamsr! Thanks for all your work - it has impact!
This is absolutely AMAZING! Excellent video, this shows great dedication in one's passion.
One more thing about the MPAS is that most of the time you need a tuner. Sometimes depending on the ground, it works at 20 or higher - well like I said sometimes.
Great job
I always like seeing your setup and how and why you change it up. I haven't quite got to man portable but it is on the punch list. The considerations you give here are helpful, good vid sir
Great points Julian. I want to offer another perspective that is painfully obvious but one worth repeating and considering. Something really important to consider is where you will be operating and what the area is like. As an anecdotal story, when I first got into SOTA years ago, people in the SOTA community, many of whom are in the UK where SOTA originated, used and raved about linked dipole antennas. Many kept saying that they were the very best SOTA antenna for many of the reasons you list in the video. So I built one. When I went to deploy it on a couple of summits here in the southeast USA where there are tons of trees and bushes and thorns and etc., it was at best very frustrating and very time consuming to put up if not impossible. For me, the antenna was nearly useless. That is why, for years, I have used an EFHW. Besides being a great antenna, it is much easier to deploy in my area. If I lived in the UK with the wide-open bald mountains, I am sure the linked dipole might be the best choice but definitely not here. Keep up the great work! DE W2SWA
I completely agree with you. 👍
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Julian oh8stn
Keep up the videos, There GREAT
Rock and Roll always. Another Top Video Julian. 🙂
I love this strategy. I am currently building a gator case emcomm bks with my 891 and a 2900. For more ares type work. I plan on getting a 705 in the near future and running a very lightweight man porta le setup as well. So this is a great suggestion. I perfer resonant antennas and have heard of Tims antennas on different channels and will be looking him up.
Excellent video as always. Both very informative and introduces the concept well while being easy to understand enough that even a noob like me gets it.
I have a dual challenge in that I rent my place in addition to man portable capabilities. The other day I was toying with buying an extension ladder to lean against my home for a mast. Needless to say it could only be up when operating. The carbon mast would be an easier solution though.
Been away for quite a while and just starting to catch some of your videos again. Seem to be some slight format changes, but looking good, and content is still dead center in my area of interest: light weight man portable long range or regional NVIS comms.
I'll check to ensure I'm still subscribed, and I'll be watching (hopefully) more regularly.
Thank you for sharing your expertise and research.
Looks like a perfect SOTA solution light & efficient.
You are very welcome 🙏
Great ideas! I'm at the early stages of looking for something like an end-fed (maybe) 15-40 trap dipole. For backpacking that I can throw a paracord up into a tree, done. Thus, weight is first and foremost! John WA4JC
Very nice. Yes reconciling the weight is often a problem. Trap dipoles are awesome if the traps are small enough and waterproof. Otherwise they get caught on branches, and detuned in poor wx. Brilliant idea though since you don't have to fiddle with the wire for band changes.
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Julian oh8stn
You are an awesome Elmer. Thank you! Pounds equal pain. Makes complete sense to lighten the load.
Thank you 👍
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Julian oh8stn
N9SAB makes very nice kit. Good Vid!
SUPER thanks!!!! Shared
🙏
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Julian oh8stn
Always awesome. My portable goto at the moment is either a modified MP1 &/or a Telescoping Vert. At home I seem to get a little more reach out of an OCFD than an equivalent EFHW. So far my OCFD's seem to need a tuner more than an equivalent EFHW. So for simplicity I carry an EFHW as an alternate. Normally one of the ones from QRPguys.
Love the video Julian. I agree with you, the term portable is being attached to all kinds of antennas that are really not that portable. I suppose that you probably need to dwell down on the portable like, if you need emergency communications and how you would deploy that operation, you would probably get so many variations on this activity. My idea of portable is something that I can carry in a small backpack and be able to setup without much trouble. I don't mind if I have to buy a separate antenna for 40 or 20 but, it must be able to stand up to harsh weather conditions because you just never know and should be ready for anything that may present itself. Thank you for sharing Julian.
Thanks for the thought-provoking video Julian.
I have Tim Ortiz' 20m - 40m linked dipole and off-center fed 40m dipole antennas. They are excellent build quality and robust while being light weight.
It would be interesting to see an 80m off-center fed dipole with the same construction quality.
My preference is for an 80/75/40/20, probably linked. 80-40 for NVIS, but 20 for reaching out daytime. All the WARC bands are fluff. I regularly reach from Midwest USA to Europe, Africa, Australia on 40, at night with 200 mw WSPR on OC dipole.
Hi Julian,
Thank you for your post, I am now taking my first steps in the qrp portable world, with a (Tr)usdx from Dl2man.
I want to try to make qso during my 35 km walks with lightweight sets in my backpack.
I will definitely continue to follow your videos on this topic
Ron,Pd3ron
I'm hoping we get a chance to have a queue QSO portable two portable sometimes. Thanks for the comment, watching and for the kindness.
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Julian oh8stn
Good stuff.. i just went and ordered the 80-6M Ultralight Multi-Band Portable/Stealth/QRP antenna.. been using a windcamp, which is fine, but lighter is always better when you're hauling stuff on your back.
I just bought my first antenna from Tim, I'm excited for it to arrive I got the 40-10 multiband endfed antenna to mount to my house permanently.
Outstanding. Let us know how it works out👍
Great video and descriptions of the problems with a potential solution. Your recommendations are always taken seriously on my end. And great timing. I am currently using my manpack radio, the 818, in the shack so I can learn it inside and out. I have an old yaesu fm-110 amp that pairs with it perfectly for shack or vehicle portable use. My next tweaking project for my man portable setup is to lose the RG-8x and move to a slimmer, lighter coax and pairing down the antenna options. So right on time again, my friend.
I’m an army vet, my best pal is a jarhead, which y’all have in common, so I have to know.....what’s your favorite flavor of crayon? I keep the green ones in the shop for my buddy.
Followed the link and went to Tim’s eBay store, told him you sent me.
I always look forward to your posts Julian. The first thought that popped into my head was titanium wire, perhaps even NiTi, alhtough I have a NiTi whip for 2m and (wait for it ) - it goes limp in the cold weather😳, rendering the antenna sub-par for that application. Keep up the great work!
😂👍👍👍
Hi Julian, I know this is late, but I thought I'd chime in. Right now, when I'm backpacking, I take a Xiegu x6100 (only QRP radio with internal tuner - I'd rather use a IC705), a Chameleon MPAS2.0, and a long wire (plus, of course, solar, external battery, etc). I find that setting up the MPAS2.0 with an attached wire lets me very easily create a multiband inverted L configuration which works exactly for my needs. During the day, I tend to use the inverted L for 40M NVIS, and at night I like to be able to frequency hop as needed. The 40m during the day gets me a good wide range, and at night I can reach halfway across the US easily enough. While the MPAS2.0 is chunky, it isn't terrible, and adding a wire to the tip really makes it sing while staying lightweight. Just my thoughts.
I have been playing with different portable options. It's a tough choice between rugged and truly portable. I love the JPC-12 but my experience of 3 months at the beach with it changed my opinion. It's a rusted and pretty much end-of-life. Anything with telescoping antennas can't last in salt air. I feel my EFHW is now my main portable. I think the ruggedness factor can be mitigated by wire choice. Also, in the event you break a wire in an emergency situation it wouldn't be that difficult to source more wire. The weight is negligible so it comes down to elevating it. A simple arborist throw line gets it up most places.
All that said, if I had to choose a real man portable rugged antenna, I would build it myself. A DIY small Wolf river coil and a commonly available breakdown military whip would go a long way to accomplishing a great man portable vertical option.
I had similar thoughts about building it myself. The problem with the vertical is they can't do NVIS.
Regarding the jpc-12, wondering if they're all alike. I haven't had any resting issues, and I'm primarily deployed near the sea.
Regarding the rugged vs wire. I can always carry a redundant wire antenna, or spare wire. This is still lighter than many of the rugged options we have.
Keeps mentioning "surviving at 62 Deg N." I chuckle. I'm at 42 Deg so if it works for you it will defiantly work for me and then some.
65°N 😉😂
I'm a big fan of lightweight QRP setups. Especially for Emcomm. I'm testing the QRP labs 5w QDX on 80/40/20 meters. If the OCFD will run those without a tuner, I'm happy to jump in the pool. If not, I'll stay with my EFHW as I don't want the added weight of a tuner.
I think it is also important to remember that an efficient or broadband antenna with or without a transformer, is still only as good as how it is installed. Every horizontal antenna, sloper, vertical, etc has a strong point and a weak point. So be sure to install the antenna in a way that is best for your applied use case. Be sure you understand this, or the "efficient" antenna could be worse than the multiband, depending on how it is deployed.
Great video Julian. Have learnt a lot from all your videos. Off grid and using digital messaging systems, like Winlink that do not require you or your counterpart to be connected all the time, is the way to go. Now regarding antennas...
Yes, agree 100%! The way to go portable is via simple wire antennas. I have had great success with Sotabeams Linked Dipoles, since we, as Hams, are limited to use only our assigned Ham Radio bands, a linked dipole, already adjusted to our limited Ham bands is light, efficient and easy to deploy.
Why do I stick with the old dipole? Well, because if you take a look at the Military... they have all the budget in the world to test all kind of antennas you can imagine.
Yes! Using taxpayer's money, your money! Look at the antennas they use? Those are all dipoles! So, I have follow their example and built my own linked Dipoles.
Benefits:
-No tuner is needed at all so, less weight to carry around!
-You select the band you want to use and close or open the required link.
-Covers the whole band selected.
-Easy to deploy by one single person with no help.
-Tough simple design
-The wire thickness to support up to 125W remains thin.
-Can be installed with two support points (two trees as an example) in horizontal configuration.
-You need to reach very far? then install it at least 1/2 wavelength high for DX.
-Need Regional communications? Install low and use lower bands (80/40 meters) for NVIS configuration.
-Only one support? then use one mast and install as Inverted V or....
-that single support can be also used to install it as a Slant wire antenna, using one leg of the dipole as radiator and the other half of the dipole is used as counterpoise. The radiating element can thus be oriented in the direction of the destination we want to reach, and put the counterpoise in the opposite direction.
Now, with the Xiegu X6100 that has a tuner included.... I am taking advantage of that setup, at least trying, by using a Doublet. Just like the AN/PRC-74 doublet antenna. Works great and is so easy to use by just extending each leg of the Doublet to the different marked points in the wire. This covers all HF bands from 2-30 Mhz. This setup is great for emergencies but requires an antenna tuner. The Xiegu X6100 includes an ATU so, I am taking advantage of it. I am using a 72 Ohm ladder line. Almost no loss at all. You only extend it to cover the lowest frequency for the day and you are done. The rest is handled by the ATU. The PRC-74 had a tuner included and that is the antenna type selected by the designer of that baby.
Receive a hug from San Salvador.
73,
Rob
YS1RS
Aloha Julian. I have been using Tim's antenna systems for awhile now. Found out about them last year . At 21 N in almost the middle of the Pacific, it is imperative to have an efficient antenna system as almost all degrees of the compass is DX. Even surrounded by salt water it is not always possible to be at the waters edge (example: tsunami, high surf or hurricane type environments). So an efficient and effective light weight antenna systems have been on the top of my list for many years now. The modified Chameleon MPAS has worked well especially while using it with the 17' stainless steel collapse whip. Usable QRP 17m to 10m without a tuner VSWR 1.0 to 1.3. However it became a challenge QRO without the need of a tuner (extra baggage). I depend on SSB phone communications most of the time as I only need to carry the well built Lab 599. IC 705 tends to be bulky in size. Tim's antennas have been a great addition to my system. Carrying a set of dipoles only takes up minimal room. I also carry his linked system for 20 to 40m for those bands. I don't like tuners because it has been my experience, they take away from efficiency. Anyway, good job Julian! Mahalo Piha! KH6LH
Finally was able to get outside to test out the 10m QRP N9SAT dipole antenna. I was pleasantly surprised by the performance. Erected at about 15 feet in an inverted V configuration using the TX-500, 25 feet of RG 316 and was able to work CONUS AZ station that gave me a 5/3 followed by Australia also 5/3. Power output 10w with SWR 1.5 to 1. Environment was outside in a grass picnic area of my condo, 52 feet above sea-level, ½ mile N of Puuloa or Pearl Harbor. This is exactly where I have been using my Chameleon modified MPAS. The N9SAT was approximately 2 S units (12 db) louder or stronger then the MPAS. More testing is being done as time and weather permits. So far these antennas are a keeper. Thanks for the tip.
Aloha KH6LH
Thanks for this video I always enjoy when you share the process you go through in pursuit of an objective. Getting lighter and more man/person portable is of course entirely desirable where carrying less weight is desireable. Having done backpacking when I was younger I can attest to the needed to take only the minimal gear required. Over many years I found various ways of trimming down my pack and I'm sure everyone who had packed a load into the back country or down some rural road by bike will relate. But, as noted reducing weight always involoves trade-off's, it is just the nature of that beast. Like you, I've also been on a quest to find a packable wire antenna that ticks all the boxes. At the end of the day, getting the signal out there, as you noted, is the one box that must be ticked or nothing else matters. I'm curious to know if the material used to make the wire radiators is significant in performance. What leaps to mind here is something exotic like Titanium wire? I have no idea if Titanium is a good radiator or if it would roll nicely. My idea is that because it is lighter than other materials but also stronger than steel the radiator could be quite thin. I will call this concept the ghost antenna. Would there be material characterists which would excude Titanium for technical reasons? I'm just thinking aloud so forgive me for floating an idea which might be entirely unsound. Thanks again for all the work you do to the benefit of others.
First off, just want to say I love your videos! Thanks so much for taking the time to create these! One question, I'm seeing around the 11 minute mark you have what looks like a stake intended to hold the telescoping pole in place in the ground, anodized orange on a portion of it. What stake is this? Custom that you made? Does anyone know what that is? I'm putting together my own telescoping pole style antenna and would love to know. Thanks!
You create such wonderful, educational and practical content. Thank you.
I do wonder though if you will produce a vid on prepping for an EMP event whether man made (malicious or accidental) Or natural like major solar flare that could overload electronics in space and here on Earth.
I'm thinking at the very minimum, what can one do to protect sensitive equipment from damage when not in use.
Thanks, John. 73
Hi John. Naturally the best thing to do is keep gear disconnected when you're not using it. It's also important to create a good ground system to drive any surge to ground rather than spiking inside a radio. It's really hit and miss but I've learned a lot from the CZcams channel disaster prepper. He's a former NASA researcher who's now teaching people about protection from EMP.
I am 100% in your corner! I use an EFHW, with 49:1 UNUN, tossing a wire up in a tree, and having the other end elsewhere. BTW, I used my VNA for the first time today. 40m CW section 1:1.6 or less & 20m section 1:1.5 or less. So, no tuner needed with my TR-25 or FT-891.
i go sometimes hiking in the norwegian mountains fishing and allways bring a radio and a battery in my backpack, the mcHF radio and two monoband resonant antennas one for 80m and one for 20m DX for and 80m for local both folded dipoles is made by ladderline with a 4:1 balun.. downside is have to bring minimum two bundles of 10m of coax even a barrel connector, upside is those dipoles gives 1.2:1 across the entire band. and is very good using QRP
Great report for us qrp backpackers. Only change would be the 705 is a little on the heavy side walking up mountain peaks
Agreed however, I give it some forgiveness for all of the things that brings to the table thanks for watching and commenting.
@@OH8STN True. 5 pounds at 10000 feet above sea level seems like 25 pounds. Even so I carry my Yaesu ft891 when I can
Wire antennas for short wave - like we've been doing in the Mil SF's for ages... For reasons.
✌️🐸
Great content as always Julian! Hope to see you on the bands! 73 De HI8ESF
Thank you 🙏
73
Julian oh8stn
Just a fan of HF Pedestrian Mobile operation here and I would love to see something I could operate on 10 meters while underway.
I currently run SuperAntenna MP1 strapped to backpack and drag wire counterpoise, but always looking for better!:)
Great thoughts and ideas! The debate of ruggedness versus portability will live on, but there are certainly ways we can get closer to having the best of both worlds. On a side note, does anybody know what ground spike mast holder was used in the clip at 05:47? I've been trying to find a ground spike mast holder for the carbon-6 for a long time, and that one looks awesome. Thanks!
It's just a fishing rod holder from Amazon
@@OH8STN Nice! Figured it was something simple haha Thanks again, and great work!
No problem. I would have put a link but I bought it from Amazon Germany. I think the keyword search is "Beach fishing rod holder".
Did you try a linked dipole? I think it's the best way to have a multiband antenna on a single wire. resonant, efficient, lightweight and very portable.
Yes linked dipoles are extremely well performing. The only problem is band changes during poor weather. During the winter months here, It isn't desirable to leave the shelter in order to change bands. In summer months, the linked dipole is fine.
Nice
Interesting video, your coax cable looks cool and light as well, any link to purchase or specs/length would be awesome!! cheers
Thanks, it's RG-316U with BNC connectors. Length varies.
@@OH8STN Super, thanks for the details.
I really enjoy your videos! I thought the EFHW did all of this already? I'm not sure I understand the advantages of this off-center version... Is it the durability/rough use issue? Can the existing EFHW be made tough by simply potting the electronics? I have the ENDFEDZ 10/20/40 MkIIvp and have been very impressed with it.
This was all covered in the video. Finding the balance between efficiency, being waterproof, lightweight and fast to deploy. Definitely the efhw is one alternative. I'm just not going to go to the field with something which isn't waterproof anymore. Even a little moisture on the components can cause SWR variations while we're transmitting. Anyway I personally want something which is built rugged by design.
Hi Julian- Great content. Thank you. What is a great 20 meter antenna so I don't have to worry about an antenna tuner? Have a Lab599.
Hi Jeff. If you're just worried about twenty meters, A di pole with a telescopic pole would be your best bet. Second best would be a quarterwave vertical like the super antenna. Of course you could always make your own antenna with a telescopic fishing pole, A single vertical a few ground wires.
@@OH8STN Thank you for great advice and kindness Julian. The antenna system is always what seems most challenging to me. Kinda drive me nuts at times. Love the Lab599. Something about that radio!
Wow, your dog is also helping you to deploy your antenna.
I followed the link over here that you provided in the FT-818ND thread. I need to digest this information a bit. Car portable sounds like a more accurate characterisation of the degree of portability I’m looking for. Here in Western Australia the summer heat can get to 40-42C whilst in winter we can get rain but very rarely sub-freezing temperatures. I’m close to many beaches… we have a few hundred km of beaches N/S of my location so I’m probably going to be making beach activations… are #BeachesOnTheAir #BOTA a thing..? 😂 On a somewhat related subject can you recommend dummy antenna loads for the FT-818ND..?
Great presentation. Thanks Julian! You always make it interesting and real. De KM4SON
I have been looking at N9SAB antennas for awhile but seeing your video I went ahead and pulled the trigger bc I know its gonna sell out! Question ... I have an 817ND and if I switch to the thinner coax and run the feedpoint up a pole I worry I may loose a fair amount of signal ... whats the loss difference between RG8 and your thinner (316?) Coax? Thx
Can you please share the info on the telescoping mast setup you are using here?
My Spark Plug EFHW has been deployed in all seasons 24/7 and looks new. Performs measurably great.
I know you get a lot of comments, but I commented on one of your IG posts with the Chameleon MPAS many months back. I mentioned liking even the DX commander portable over the Chameleon stuff. You kind of dismissed it as being a Chinese fishing pole. Anyways, I have pretty much all of the Chameleon antennas, and have used them all. I also run an OCF dipole as my primary QTH antenna, and have a number of SOTA beam's fantastic dipoles. What I said in the IG post was that any of those wire antennas (including the DX commander vertical) vs any of Chameleon's antennas that use their balun (EMCOMM, MPAS, LITE, etc.) would smoke the Chameleon antennas in performance. The efficiency of radiated power of these wire antennas vs Chameleons balun based designs is night and day difference.
Here's more context for my attitude towards the DX commander. The DX commander was a real pain in the butt during one winter Lapland expedition. It was about -20 Celsius making the wires very difficult to work with. Ultimately they became a tangled mess. The telescopic pole part is made in China but that's not why I didn't like it. I didn't like it because it became frozen during the deployment, making it impossible to bring down and pack out. Ultimately I had to leave it there, retrieving it the following summer. So it wasn't a personal reply to your comment, it was just a bad experience with that particular antenna.
Regarding the broadband antennas, they have their place, I still like them. The weight savings of a wire antenna and carbon fibre mast makes using them no brainer, when weight is an issue.
Apologies for my crappy attitude on the DX commander. My hands suffered tremendously on the trip with frostbite. I even tried to explain to Calum about the mast getting seized, but he blew it off. I've been put off on it for portable ops ever sense.
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Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN Thanks for the reply, that makes sense. In the states, most of the U.S. wont see temps like that. Not really countering any argument. I think all these options have their place given a situation. I just think more often than not in the south east U.S., unless I'm on a summit, I'd reach for a wire antenna. Especially if I was serious about getting out on 40/60/80, the NVIS bands, where the multiband CHA antennas become less efficient.
You are very welcome.
I don't disagree with you. It's just more logical to use a simple dipole on 80/60/40m, rather than a DX Commander in the field. A DX Commander is not going to do well for NVIS unless it's in an inverted-L configuration. Even that's a compromise but better than a 1/4w vertical. Not trying to win an argument, just Think we should use the right tool for the job.
Worked Finland a few days ago on 10M. Been getting a lot of Scandinavian stations in the morning here in downstate NY. You ever monitor 10M?
Thanks for video. I have a question. Does the carbon mast have any effect on the antenna parameters ? As far as I know, you need to use ordinary fiberglass masts for this.
It may have. However, I use it only to lift the apex of the dipole. There, the mast has no measurable effect on the dipole.
Awesome question.
73
Julian oh8stn
I got a 4X4X2 inch PVC electral box to put a toroid in. I want something that will do 100 watts. You could go smaller, but I am going with a 240-43. winding for 49:1, and 64:1 to giv some play in the setup. There are smaller ways to do this if you need to. But a EFHW is light and easy to put up. Silicone wire is light and easy to work with. I need to put some kind of wire winder glued to the back of it. The box is water proof and if i make sure I seal up around the conections it should hold up well. I don't know what ypu can get where you are but I can get down to 2X4X2 water proof boxes, maybe smaller if I look. Hope that gives some ideas. 73 W4DES
I agree with you, that there is a gap in the market. I must say, though, that the sotabeams antennas are ‘rugged enough’ unless you want to use them for weeks at a time. They are also very portable and light. Interesting video as always.
Is this a move away from amplification & back to qrp?
There was no move to amplification! Amps are just tools, we use for critical communications. Tools used in emergencies, when nothing else works. ~97% of my radio ops are pure QRP @ 5w.
Julian,
Curious to hear your views on the qrpzer 80m loop? Along with the even more untypical spiral loop antenna made by sa0pej. Are they a hoax or pushing 1% efficiency? Unsuitable for ragchewing.
Looking to hear your experience of portable HF 3.5 mhz antenna. Yours and kevin McLoughlins D loop have been an inspiration.
Best wishes
It has always seemed odd to me that you were using heavier antennas for portable ops Julian. Now about that OCF...why not an EFHW?
EFHW is another good option. One requiring an adequately long coax to keep strays in check. It's a journey. Different tools in the toolbox.
Julian, can you share what appears to be the orange anodized mast ground plate/spike that appears in your photos?
It's just a beach fishing rod holder from amazon. There are various styles , all pretty cheap. This one came from amazon in germany so you'll have to search your local amazon.
@@OH8STN
Thank you!
For maximum efficiency I would avoid using carbon masts. Just think about it a mo, conductive elements in the near field of the antenna reduce efficiency. Carbon is a conductive material. If You really want optimum antenna transmission efficiency use non conductive materials for the mast. :-) Just a thought.
Hi Julian, STN. This is Ralph, N5WPG. Are you in Finland???
What coax do use or recommend for low weight that could handle 100 watts?
Sorry for maybe a dumb question, I'm studying for my general and am trying to research to buy my first HF radio and off grid equipment. One thing that you said that I didn't know, why do you cut the tip of your mast off? At 11:13
TIA KI5JDZ
Awesome question. It's just because the tip breaks with too much weight. Lower it down one section, and it holds more weight 👍
By the way hamradioprep is an excellent study aid. You can get a discount using "julian20" as a coupon code.
Hello Julian, do you have the link for that OCF dipole antenna? Is this one made just for QRP or could handle 100 W?
All the links are in the description
Disagree on the buddipole. I've taken the mini-buddipole portable on a 250cc enduro bike. It's just a pain to tune. Easily stowed though. I did a big expedition to Scotland last year with the DX Commander expedition antenna in the panniers on a 250cc Honda CRF. DX Commander is my favourite as it's multiband without the need for a tuner and takes a kicking from the weather. Easily straps to a backpack for hiking with too.
If buddipole mini works for you, I think that's awesome 👍.
The DX Commander has been awful (for me). Performance is excellent, but it's really a home antenna. Too many wires, and the chinesium mast get frozen stuck in minus temps at 65°N. I ended up leaving it in Lapland after a winter deployment. Definitely a no go for winter portable.
73
Julian oh8stn
Another great video Julian. My opinion is even what you discuss here is way too much stuff and weight. There are much smaller and lighter radio configurations than an IC-705. Adding a computer to the mix, no matter how light is still extra stuff and weight. VARA HF, FT8, JS8CALL and WinLink aren’t the only form of communication & require too much extra stuff depending on what radio you’re using.
If you really want lightweight a 5 watt or less CW only transceiver with the smallest and lightest type of key or paddles, 3aH battery, a lightweight pole (if needed), & a very lightweight antenna is about as light as you’re gonna get.
Thanks for the comment.
A CW only rig critically limits ones ability to communicate. Moreover, it completely shuts down asynchronous messaging, reducing coordination of emergency group communications. In my niche, a tablet, radio, & wire antenna are the core station. Having less capability than this makes Ham radio completely ineffective.
73
Julian oh8stn
Julian, Only wire? A super antenna mp1 for portable HF is just a spike mount, a coil and a whip. That's not much to pack, have packed it myself. If it's tuned it's pretty efficient, you've even used it in older videos.
What am I missing that make this not an effective antenna for portable?