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Center Loading the Wolf River Silver Bullet 1000 - Ham Radio Q&A
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- čas přidán 15. 08. 2024
- Wolf River Coils has a new accessory for Silver Bullet 500 & 1000 coils called the UAFI or You Asked For It kit. The UAFI is a pair of extension rods that convert your base loaded antenna into a center loaded antenna. Here I test the rods and give you my impression of their performance.
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Michael, I absolutely love Wolf River Coils (WRC) antennas. I have both the Silver Bullet 1000 (full size) coil and the Silver Bullet Mini. I strongly recommend using the WRC Mega Pod, two 24" extenders and the Silver Bullet Mini coil so it doesn't wobble so much. I also created my own radials out of silicon-coated wire (so it doesn't tangle) and used six 33' radials. Not only was the ENTIRE 40M band below 1.5:1 SWR, but at resonance, it was 1.02:1 SWR. I am a huge fan of WRC antenna components, especially for portable POTA. 73 KJ6ER, Silicon Valley
Michael, thank you for your time and energy in making these videos. You provide a great service to hams! Keep up the good work! 73 Bret/AC0AE
I know this video is a few years old but TY. Your a great teacher. I learn a lot from your videos.
I too am a Wolf River convert, I like their products, own both coils and the multitap option on the 1000 platinum, did my own extentions with some high strength aluminum rod, when I go "portable" I will set up the 2 verticals so I have 20,40, and 80 covered, I even manufactured my own guying bracket if I use the big coil as a center load. I like your explanations Michael, you keep it simple so us rf heads can understand.
Great video Michael. I'm surprised you couldn't get the SWR lower though. I've gotten the UAFI down to 1.0:1 when I had it mounted from the tripod. I've used the SB1000 and the SB Mini with it. I love me some Wolf River Coils Antennas!! 73
I could most certainly get it lower by tweaking the collar and adjusting the length of my radials (they were set at the full 32 feet). I think the antenna's list also was a factor in the higher than average SWR. But the reactance was very low so I left it. The radio was happy at 1.6:1 it put out full power without complaining- so low SWR isn't always the end-all of antenna efficiency. But like you said- I do love those coils.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Oh absolutely. 1.6:1 is just fine. I'll usually get it somewhere around there when I'm portable and get on the air just because it's good enough and spending the time to fine tune it isn't usually worth it for an hour or 2 of operating.
3:38 you are one of the few youtubers to mention oxgard...many people don't know about this! It is very important when using aluminum and steel parts together which will be exposed to the elements. I actually even use it on the wire for crimp terminals (like for radial wires).
great review where you actually use the antenna not just unbox it and explain a brochure. Thanks for keeping it real while the others beg for Paetreon money
Maybe a 4 foot piece of thick wall PVC slid over the two 2 foot rods from top of mount to bottom of antenna would be helpful in eliminating some of the bending action.
As a new Amateur Operator I enjoy your videos. By the way, my wife is from West Milwaukee so the first time I heard your accent I new you had to be from Wisconsin ;0) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 73 KI5HII
True story: I was once in California for a conference and I was checking in at the desk. I told the attendant my name and company and the first thing she said was "Oh My God. I love your accent!"
Actually because of this video I bought the Wolf River Coils TIA antenna. I had a little trouble with the SWR and found my configuration was long. I shortened the antenna and everything came around. I have the antenna on my deck, up about 10 feet with 3 radials and the mini coil. Thanks for the video. It really helped in my decision. MikeinMinnesota N0WDM
Love my Silver Bullet when I operate mobile portable. Great antenna but I don't think the extenders will be good mounted on my parked car. Angles would probably be off like yours was. Great video as always. 73s from Appleton, WI.
I just received my WRC 'TIA' antenna a few weeks ago, and love it! I'll be placing another order in the near future. (Don't overlook their $20 'Dual Collar' Option)
I'm going to pick up a dual collar next time I see the Wolf River Guys at a hamfest. It will make my winter operating so much easier.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Indeed! I was thinking about those cold winter nights when I ordered mine. :-)
@@KB9VBRAntennas I have them. Great for EmComm work. I can quickly switch from 40 to 80 meters.
Made it early to the vid!
Edit: I'm getting my ham license soon!
I like the new accessory and an thinking of ordering it. I have the WRC Mega-pod tripod and it is quite stable.
I think this would work much better with the mega-pod. For my needs‚ the fence post keeps the antenna out of the snow.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Glad the fencepost works.
It does annoy me when manufacturers supply electrically dissimilar metal parts, there really is no need for this to occur with our knowledge of materials. Further, wouldn't it be easier to buy a 4ft length from your local metal shop rather than 2x 2ft joined pieces.
It does concern me the loading coil moving in the breeze and the strain on the couplings.
Once again, an informative and we'll presented video Martin.
73s John
I thought the exact same thing. The company certainly knew this...why make them that way. Really makes me wonder about the company altogether and if I will ever purchase from them.
@@nr3rful Fortunately, with a simple workshop most antenna parts can be made at home. I tend to over engineer to make items to the quality I prefer..
I think the aluminum rods are plenty fine for portable and occasional use- but otherwise I am in full agreement. You could easily pick up a length of chrome steel rod and tap the ends with a 3/8x24 thread. That would make it much more durable for long term use.
Hi John. I have one of these and love it. The reason for two 2ft sections rather then 1 4ft. Is most people bye this antenna for portable use. So the 2x2ft sections make it easier to put into a Backpack. 73's
@@paulebelmesser2699 Yes from that point of view I understand you...
Great videos Michael,I keep watching them over and over. Your are one of the more educated hams I have watched and respect that. I have the wolf river coil systems, I did not have the center loaded kit so I picked up two 3ft sections of 3/8 aluminum rod and threaded them to work as the center loaded section. The total length is 6ft instead of 4 ft. I use a 102” cb whip on top. My question is will the 6 ft over the 4 ft make a difference in performance. Is there a ratio of length between base and center loaded coil or to the size whip. I don’t have the Test equipment like you have
Thank you !!! So much for your expertise it is very well appreciated
73’s
Kf4imv
I think the extension rods were more suited for use with the tripod. I don't mean that from a stability standpoint... I mean it from a height standpoint. it was a good video, Michael, but I would have preferred seeing the performance differences between a tripod height and the extension height. Basically you already had the extension height with your fence post. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work!
I know where you are getting at‚ the purpose of the rods is to move the coil up the radiator and not to add height to the overall system. My fence post isn't part of the antenna system as it doesn't radiate‚ per se. Stability issues aside‚ I agree with you that they are better suited to be used with the tripod base than in the configuration I tested them on.
Greetings from Chile, wouldn't it be better to compare the same length of antenna with the coil in the middle and then in the base. Of course if a shortened antenna is compared with a longer one will always give you a better low SRW range not for the location of the coil, best wishes regards!
I put Super Lube, it is with Syncolon (PTFR) It works good .
Great informative video! May purchase one of these antennas. Enjoy the holidays!
I just talked with the guys before you put the video out and I'm going to order the extensions and 6 more radials. I've already replaced their whip with the 200"+ MFJ model so I'll be using the coil and extension for 40 meters and below and just the plain ole whip for 20 meters and above.
Why did you not get the WRC 213" whip?
@@williamstaylor5449 because the standard WRC whip was kinda fragial so I opted for tnmfn.one
@@walteredwards544 Thank you for the information. I was looking at getting their 213" whip, along with a coil. Now, I will look at the MFJ whip.
I'll agree that the MFJ whip is a bit more rugged- that's what I have for portable use. When I set the antenna outside for the winter I use a stainless 102 inch solid whip.
Great job Michael; thank you for the video! 73
Michael, this is really a great video, and a concept more wolf river coils owners should know about! A center loaded antenna has several advantages! I know it is esoteric, but I would like to see a video showing the actual dB increase by switching to a center loaded-style inductor, adding radials, and a combination of both....maybe I will make that video hi hi 73 de N2MXX
Happy Thanksgiving Micheal Aloha & 73
“We’re gonna get loaded and find out” 😂😂😂
A lot of us are already loaded. And lit too 😂
Michael, thanks for this fine and informative video. Happy New Year. CU on the radio :) Mel, K2JWD
I run Hustler centre loaded antennas on my car and have excellent results with them. Centre loading is much more efficient than base loading and is only really partially shown with an antenna analyser. You really can't demonstrate current and voltage patterns with the analyzer.
Worked VY0ERC last week on 40M from southern Ontario in.late afternoon. High Arctic station, tough to work for a base let alone a mobile with 100 watts.
@@ve3pcp I use a Hustler mounted on an MFJ 3magnet magmount on top of my SUV. Grounded the radio to the car frame. Worked all over Europe, as far as Finland, on a 20M POTA activation. Works well on 40M too. Narrow bandwidth on 80M. I bought an LDG auto tuner to solve that :). I own the Silver Bullet 1000 and mega tripod. I haven't tried using the 54 inch Hustler mast with it to use as a center loaded vertical. I'll try it when it warms up. Pictures on my QRZ page. Mel, K2JWD
What is the whip you have on the coil in this vid? Didn’t look like the standard collapsible whip.
It's an 102 inch stainless whip. When I set the antenna up in the backyard for the winter, I'll use a solid whip for better weather resistance.
I have the higher power coil. The different materials between the legs and the base makes it hard to screw in the legs into the base. It tunes fine for 20, 15, and 10 meters, but I have trouble tuning 40 meters. Not sure why. I use an antenna analyzer and can not get a good swr on 40 meters. I used the standard 30 feet radials and a good coax. The antenna is very touchy to tune up. It sets up quickly, but it takes too much time to tune it in my opinion. ke9le
Good video. Doesn’t a center loaded vertical have a lower takeoff angle and thus better for DX?
Yes it does. Center loading will increase your bandwidth, which is easy to show on the graphs, but also should give you a lower takeoff angle for better DX.
Way old video I know, but I have a question/observation. If you're adding 4 ft of length (with the extenders) below the coil, shouldn't you shorten the whip by 4 feet to keep the overall length of the antenna the same when comparing the two? (Maybe you said that in the video and I missed it?)
Mike what whip is that on top of the coil?
Great idea, thanks.
TUNING QUESTION. Great video as always. Here's my question... I operate digital modes only. I don't yet own an antenna analyzer. I'm wondering if I can use the "tune" button/feature in WSJT-X or JS8Call to tune this antenna?
yes, it will still put out a carrier so that you can check swr.
Do you ever plot smith charts? Likely the reason your SWR does not go all the way to 1:1 at resonance (no reactance) is because the radiation resistance is not 50 ohms. Since a smith chart shows both resistance and reactance, you can see exactly what's going on. I always feel like I'm guessing when presented with only an SWR plot.
Where you using a common mode choke with your setup? Thank you
No I wasn't. A choke would be helpful but I'm not sure if it is necessary for this style of antenna.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Blessings 🙏🙏
One thing about theses 'open faced' tapped coils.
While they seem to get the job done & work nicely for portable/temporary ops. Seems like a semi- or permanent setup in snow/rain is a bad idea; as in; how do you keep the coils from shorting? Snow/rain & high voltage tend not to play too nicely together.
Thanks for the review.
73
Hi Michael, I had the same reaction as JP. Skeptical about using WF style coils open to the weather, in a semi or a permanent setup. Also scratching my head as to why they would use dissimilar metals for the ext.
Thanks for your channel and efforts, always interesting topics you certainly achieve your objectives to educate and inspire hams.
This is the second winter that I'll have my WRC set up outside all season long. I haven't had any issue with the coil shorting- snow doesn't stick to it around here unless we get something heavy and wet and that can be brushed off before operating. I think for rain‚ the coil would need to be pretty well saturated for it to short out. I know the guys at Wolf River run mobile with their coils so that question might be better directed to them.
I can’t speak about snow, but I know my SWR goes crazy after the lawn sprinklers get the coil wet while set up in the back yard
Was thinking about center loading the sporty 40. It would be less weight in the air than the 80m coil. Have you tried that mike? Thanks
No I haven't, but I think the Sporty Forty would be a good candidate for center loading.
Great channel 👍
Did you wind up putting guy wires / ropes on it to keep it more stable?
Do you think the radiation angle also changes?
Good stuff!
thanks good video 73
Interesting. I have a buddipole and I am thinking of using the arms to mount the coil higher, and then use the whips/coil to adjust for resonance. That should also extend the bandwidth as the coil did here. Ever consider doing a how to video on the Antscope software?
Joe (you've seen him in previous videos) has a Buddistick that he finds maddening as it is so narrow when it is bottom loaded. Center loading the coil makes a big difference in just the ease of tuning it.
I've had a couple of requests for the Antscope software‚ so I'll add it to the list of videos.
Joe is fun to watch. I just got a RigExpert and I am looking forward to figuring out the tuning on my buddipole. I follow the directions explicitly and that darn thing won’t get to resonance. Tried it as a buddistick and as the dipole. Try as I might I can’t get it to an acceptable SWR using the MFJ analyzer. I am hoping the graphing feature makes it easier. Thanks for sharing the bandwidth issue.
Nice vid, sometime I replay and enjoy your clean explanation , clever then other and not too much tech!!! I think to buy but put coil at 1/4 so choice a good compromise from swr and bandspread without need of a tuner... A little curiosity: @10:40 when talk what happend at the clock? the second niddle jump up&down. 73 de IZ3QVB
At first I thought the battery died in my clock, but when I changed the battery, it didn't solve things. Come to find out the movement died. 24 hour movements are hard to come by, but I found one. Now I just have to take the time and to fix the clock.
you need some kind of VERTICAL multi band HF antenna and a UHF/VHF antenna. HEIGHT IS MIGHT.
That is definitely do the aluminum rods.
I use these... but better guide at the bottom of coil or I think the rods will bend w the wind .....de w3les
👍
Man I'm jealous. I should get a job and and a place to live
yea... join the many thousands DOWN BY THE RIVER.... infAlation...cost of everything .7 3
If you see this, what would be the absolute best antenna I could get for a handheld 5W VHF/UHF? I’m really leaning towards building a Yagi, thoughts?
Yagi antennas are directional so I don't know if they would be considered the absolute best antenna for an HT. I guess it depends if you are looking for portability or a fixed base antenna. If you are looking for a good base station antenna‚ something like the J-Pole is a good choice. It has medium gain‚ so it will receive and transmit very well yet it won't be so sensitive so that it overloads the frontend of your handheld radio: www.jpole-antenna.com/shop/2-meter-amateur-radio-j-pole-antenna/
KB9VBR Antennas thank you so much!! Yeah I am looking for something like a base station, I’ve heard of J poles but I’ve never really given them a chance, I’ve built a very simple inverted V and it works way better than I anticipated, I’ll check out a J pole next for sure! 73 to you sir!
Is the coil stainless or nickle plated?
Stainless steel. I haven't had any issues with corrosion on the coil.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I didn't expect you would, I wonder about the conductivity/resistance vs copper/silver though?
I'm Fourth ! Thanks for another great video.
Do you cover the coil part with anything? I hear there are issues when the coils are wet?
its not the base its the flimsy aluminum rods. too much load on top, no good for mobile that's for sure
Wolf River Does Not recommend the center loading rods, with the larger coils!
You are correct. This video was made when the rods were first introduced. As I noted in the video, there is too much sway with the large coil and subsequently they no longer recommend that use.
are your radials 33 feet?