1/4 Wave Antenna Epiphany for Portable POTA Deployments (PPD)

[@turinskiboy]

That tripod looks good. I need to find one of them. Thanks for the informative presentation.

[@Inkling777]

For antennas like this 17-foot whip, the tripods that photographers use for lighting can work well. They're sturdy, since they hold lights. Some extend as high as 10-feet, which puts an antenna above the clutter. And because they're mass produced for demanding customers, they're competitively priced. One good source is B&H Photo.

[@sparty837]

Yep I use a 17ft wip small tripod with screen. It is perfect for the sub 2hr activations which is 90% of what I do.

[@ramerrick1]

I agree completely on the loading coil. If you can avoid it…avoid it!

[@georgeetherege8347]

Having good luck with a “ham stick” - more convenient than a base loaded (coil loaded) short vertical. I like the idea of a consistent, set-it-up-and-transmit device when in a park. The more thing’s in there that get around using a full size vertical, the more things to adjust and maintain, i.e., have to repair in the field.

[@kevinrhodes9329]

Where did you get that tripod I like it ? Thanks Kevin

[@Clark-N1NVK]

I agree 100% This is what I use. I added a cross-bubble level to the top for quick setup, and hang a weight from the center on windy days.

[@mcarroll5885]

Elevated radials are far superior if antenna location permits.

[@howardsawyer6529]

This is my setup, too!

[@charlesdup6803]

So my question is when can you avoid using the loading coil? I am a newby!!

[@JasonTurnage]

if using a 1/4 wave vertical like this, you have a radiating element (the telescopic whip) that's a 1/4 wave in length. In this case for 20m, a 5m whip. To work 40m, it'd need to be 10m long which is available isn't very practical especially for pota so you'd likely need a coil of some kind. And if you want to work 15, or 30, or 17, or ... gasp... 80, something else. I'm in a different camp, I'd much rather use a coil system than a full length whip, so much more convenient. Especially if you want to work more than one specific band. That said, you can use that 5m whip with something like a Chameleon coil on most any band (including 20, but best leave off the coil when using it because it's not needed), as it's not a true resonant coil, but that just muddies the waters. But to each his own, no two ops are going to have the same exact setup or preferences, kinda what makes it all fun. Good luck on whatever adventure you choose. Jason KO4NDP