Building and Testing the Hamstick Mag Mount Commander!

[@Inkling777]

For those who don't have access to 3D printers, from online and at some home improvement stores you can get rectangular metal and nylon plates that can drilled to create something similar. A thicker aluminum plate might be easier to drill and stiffer than a stainless steel one and would eliminate the need for a nylon one. (I hate to drill SS steel.) And rather than deal with multiple antennas in such close proximity, you might opt for quick-release connectors for 3/8-24 antenna mounts.

[@markdoyle8713]

1600 + mile contact from your tailgate. Is what I call proof of concept. The rest is dialing in the details.great work. Mine will be starboard because I have plenty of it.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Starboard, what do you use to cut it? That may be something I look into. I'm looking forward to hearing how yours comes along!

[@markdoyle8713]

@@HAMRADIODUDE cuts with wood tools. Just go a little slower. The orange home supply store has it. It’s dense don’t use the light weight vinyl. To soft .

[@LUTZRICH6487]

I ordered a 12 in disk of 1/4 in aluminum. Center to the mag mount, though I’m using the bottom of a pac12 antenna. Then drilled for 4 sticks, I think 5 would be doable.

[@derk-w9rdy887]

Dude! Your creativity and design skills are excellent.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks Derk!

[@don_n5skt]

I really want to try this with my 650W Ham Sticks. I have a 40m and 20m. Just need the 10m. Then I want a 75m. Great invention. Many possibilities. Also, try this with the Stainless steel whips. They make multiple sizes. For no printer, maybe a cutting board from the Dollar store.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

That is so awfully cool! Good job and great contacts. Thanks for sharing.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@EricMethven]

I made something similar with an old thick bottomed aluminium saucepan and a jigsaw with a hacksaw blade. Got the saucepan from goodwill.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Excellent! I was just at Goodwill and picked up a pie pan which is a little larger in diameter. It's really awesome to hear other people doing similar stuff. I really think it helps others use their creative mindset and give something a shot

[@Mike-2422]

How about using bayonet quick disconnects on the ham sticks. With two mag mounts put 20 and 10 meters on one and 40 ,15,17, and 12 on the other .

[@wesr.e.3909]

Dude, You could also use copper roof flashing in place of the stainless X. As I print ONLY in PLA, I would go with a higher infill density and maybe a more exotic infill pattern. I'm pleasantly surprised that you were able to couple the ground-side of the antenna to your truck bed thru the bed liner...but then again, you were using 3 big magnets. Good job!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks! I'll go check it out. I think one of the main reasons I got the part fabricated was I already had a design in mind and was working off that design. But also, I wanted that designed to be uniform with the metal plate, and I don't know anything about cutting metal or shaping it. However, there's been a lot of pretty similar suggestions, so maybe I need to look into this as a do-it-yourself build for anybody. B thanks much! Take care

[@0150r]

Would love to see a vertical dipole version. Bonus points if you can mount it to a painters extension pole. It would be pretty tall, but should only take a minute or two to setup and take down.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I actually have something really interesting coming out soon, I just need to finish some testing. I think you're going to enjoy it!

[@NeoWolfsOutdoorAdventures]

Man I love this! Just found you from the original build! I am recent Tech going for general next week and am looking for ideas for antennas! THANK YOU! New Sub here!

[@wushock92]

Nice work, Sean!

[@tswitz65]

That's awesome! Nice job!

[@TFuzz58]

If you want to make it even stronger, double up the plastic plate so you have stainless, plastic, plastic, stainless. You will need longer bolts (nuts are the things with threaded holes in them) but it won’t cost a lot. Also, lock washers got under the nut, not under the bolt. Cheers Tim

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

with the hamsticks in that close proximity you are going to get some mutual coupling and that will cause them to need to be shorter than normal. I am surprised you don't get a tune for 15 on the 40 stick. with the 10, 20 and 40 on the setup. One other thought is maybe a stainless plate above and below the 3D printed form to provide more rigidity.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I figured I didn't get a tune on 15 from 40 due to the narrow bandwidth on a hamstick. However, you are correct about the coupling issue. That explains why 4 antennas didn't work well. Realistically 3 was okay, but if I spread out the Antenna spacing , we'll probably have 4 antennas. Thanks for the suggestions, I really appreciate hearing the suggestions and other people reading this may get some useful information as well! Take care!

[@davidenglund]

I just love it when a plan comes together! Well done Dude. 😁 Yea, a trip to the hardware store is now inevitable. 😏

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@AmateurRadioClub]

Badass Video Ham Radio Dude!!!!!

[@Ebacherville]

Next make a 1/2 wave hamstick commander dipole setup. Could be great for attic setups etc.

[@zs1ml-mariuslubbe505]

Nice solution. Get your own name drop the commander. It deserves an original name.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks. That's a good idea and I appreciate it. I'll think about what to name it but also, maybe others here can suggest names. Have a great one!

[@CruiseControlMotoring]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Hamstick Crossfire!

[@Aimsport-video]

Great seeing how you are proving things out. I wonder if order of placement influences tune ( eg 40 across from 20 vs next to 20 )

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Good question. I did change the order around and don't recall seeing it change. However, I'll go back and try again. Thanks, it's a fun little series/ build and I'm looking forward to the next build

[@jackK5FIT]

Great project. Nicely done. Jack K5FIT

[@j.d.-alawyerexplains5064]

Okay, Sean, I have a question. I have a 40 meter hamstick, and a 20 meter hamstick. I use a mag mount and switch them out. On my Rig Expert I get a very good, almost flat SWR for the 20 meter. On the 40 meter, I get a V shaped SWR and can't seem to get it lower than 2.0. Do we just have to settle for that SWR, or would a set of radials help? I wouldn't think you'd need one with a mag mount, but what do I know. Great video here.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

JD, I was thinking about this recently at well. What kind of vehicle do you have and where is the magmount mounted? I'm not positive I have an answer but may have a suspicion

[@j.d.-alawyerexplains5064]

@@HAMRADIODUDE It's a Kia Niro, and it was in the middle of the vehicle measuring across, and at the rear quarter measuring front to back. I put a set of radial wires under the magnet and that did nothing. I am strongly considering building the Ham Stick Commander though. By the way, I'm sending you a copy of my new book when it gets here from Amazon.

[@wjess3569]

Great idea, Sean.. Why not make the whole thing out of a piece of stainless or aluminum? I'd love to see if/when you get the 4th antenna figured out? Possibly making the four ears longer to lessen the interaction? My choices are 15, 17, 20 and 40 ATM for POTA. WA7WS

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Good call on the spacing. It's probable that's the reasoning. Ill see what I can do!

[@DanielWiley]

Awesomeness!

[@K9TPT]

Did you cut the stinger off that was down into the fiberglass portion? That really affects tuning

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

This is slicker than snot.

[@Mike-2422]

By the way use a plastic cutting board 1/2 inch thick As a base use some 1 1/4 Inch wide copper or brass Strips soldered in the middle in lieu of the stainless steel. This can be built without a 3D printer for maybe 10 to 20 bucks.

[@jwilly5336]

Do you notice a difference in transmission and reception with the mount in the back of your truck vs on the roof top?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

It's better on the back for me because the roof is really thin garbage metal..

[@jwilly5336]

@@HAMRADIODUDE thanks. I just wondered if the side of the truck beds interfered. I would prefer to use my truck bed instead of the roof

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

It definitely could cause some issues. I have been known to put it at the end of the truck bed tailgate... And that seems to work pretty well. My buddy Dave did extremely well this weekend with contacts and he had the same thing a ham stick in the truck bed. If you have better metal on your roof, I'd give it a shot for sure. That would be the ideal location

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

Awesome stuff.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@garyclark4930]

I love your idea and obviously it works. Someone else may have suggested this, but why don't you replace the plastic part and metal plate and make the whole antenna mount out of aluminum plate. This would make it more ridged. Maybe spacing them out just a little more might help with tuning. Just a thought, great idea. 73's Gary KF6EWO

[@ke0ourwilliam982]

This why I still watch your channel. You make stuff and not try to sell me stuff. I am into making things not buying what others make.

[@kx4zcradio17]

Very awesome man!! 73

[@TFuzz58]

Dude, just watched your video. If you want to stiffen up the X, just add a second one of those thin stainless X plates one the bottom of your plastic one to create a sandwich. That’s how a lot of composite parts on aircraft are made to be strong and light. By itself, one thin stainless plate is easy to bend (so is the plastic), but by spacing two stainless plates apart with the plastic as a core, it changes the bending load to put the top and bottom plates in tension and compressive loading. And those stainless plates are a lot stronger in those loads. They looked thin enough that you wouldn’t have to change any other hardware by adding a second plate. Cheers from Moose Jaw Tim VE5THF

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm going to try this tomorrow. Thank you

[@TFuzz58]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I was wondering how adding the second X plate went. I don’t think there’s sufficient stiffness increase that you could drive down the highway with the array on the roof because the sticks have a lot of leverage, but it should be better. Tim

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@TFuzz58 I just made a whole aluminum plate. Didn't arrive until yesterday. twitter.com/HamRadioDude/status/1523378548303872000?t=FNfrQKh5xd8J0YpaaQvHTQ&s=19

[@lawrence3242]

I live in a condo and your multi ham stick vertical looks promising. Are you still working with this antenna?

[@M7BXR]

Nice idea, why not just get these Lasered out of some 10mm aluminium plate and thread the outer holes?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

The price was significantly less just to do a thin segment of stainless steel. But ultimately, that would be nice, and lightweight.

[@iPigee]

Awesome!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@duaneshuster6366]

Nice keep on plugging away gr weat ideas maybe use short ham sticks . I thing 10-20 meters is best bet LLower b sands ok ack of counterpoise makes swr range to narrow. Good luck .

[@DonzLockz]

Nice work, you won't know if you don't make it. 👍🤓

[@ericlessard4406]

20 meter should be thr easiest band to tune for hamsticks

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

What an antenna designed by (SK) W5JGV that uses a tree as an active element which would have to be made in two parts so that the tuning circuit clamps around the trunk of the tree which will become the radiating element what about it.

[@pen25]

suggesting as to how you can make that stronger without doing anything really and pretty cheap to do is under each arm instead of a short bolt make them longer using a nut under allowing them to be adjustable to keep them from bending, think of them like machinists jacks. another thing you can do is print a ring along the outside or legs. if the legs had threaded holes you can then use the bolts like levelers. one other thing is asa is a great abs replacement and has a much higher melt point then abs pet-g or pla. no need for higher infill add another outer shell. if you havent watched cnc kitchen and his filament tests and how he has used an oven to harden prints check him out.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Oh there is so much good information and suggestions. Thank you!

[@jeffmay1024]

Do you carry the template of the mount that I can print up?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

www.thingiverse.com/thing:5341713

[@paulhastings3109]

I just love it to those headphones fit tight on your head just wondering. Also you didn't have a ball cap on I guess the hat was too small high high. I believe that cross bar in angle iron aluminum. 73 KQ4CD Paul 👍

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Yeah the headphones fit real nice! Somertimes I try not to wear a hat lol

[@paulhastings3109]

@@HAMRADIODUDE you are one outstanding person. Keep up the good work. I know we have some things in common The side effects are not happy, alot of times I just want to go hide. So glad that you understand my thinking. Chat later KQ4CD Paul

[@marcr1230]

What was your swr?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Sorry, this was 6 months ago or more. I'd assume Under 2:1 if I was operating

[@marcr1230]

Thanks Sean - I was trying a single whip setup on a mag mount(15m) and swr was silly high, single magnet , not 3

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@marcr1230 what kind of vehicle are you operating, and where in the vehicle was it? I just wonder if there's not a lot of metal or if that metal you're attached to isn't connected to the whole frame, thus reducing your ground plane. You could try to run a couple radio wires off of the antenna or run a ground strap from the magmount to a different part of the vehicle? I'm just thinking that if you don't have that ground plane maybe that's why you're standing wave ratio is high. , Assuming you already tried to tune the actual hamstick

[@marcr1230]

@@HAMRADIODUDE it's a Chevy equinox, I had it on the roof but close to the side so I could work with the whip I will try either a better connection to the chassis, or radials- minor problem is that there's no exposed connection to the antenna ground, just a 3/8" socket for the whip

[@1958johndeere620]

I would bet if you had a stainless plate top and bottom it would stiffen up big time.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I have extra plates, I'll give it a shot!

[@phildurall7466]

Nice vid Sean! 73 - KF6IF

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you Phil!

[@timbookedtwo2375]

Darn! I cut it three times and it's still too short!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Cut again

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

I was so bummed you could only hear half my call. Next time bud! KI5SXE, see you l8ter triple fox!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Next time I'll test a better antenna. I will say though, I was so close to getting it... Still, thanks for trying, what a blast... Right?!

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

@@HAMRADIODUDE yes sir! Had a good time trying! Hope to do it again soon!

[@skeets6060]

Ya gota love skip

[@knikk77]

Hams like us are too lazy on 10m. 11m is open so often.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I love 10m contacts and did spend time trying to make them just no luck. Maybe next time I compete a 1/4 and 1/2 wave 10m antenna.

[@K9TPT]

How can I email you ?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

On my KZbin channel www. KZbin.Com/c/hamradiodude, you can click the "about" ab and when you're signed in to KZbin and click About, you should see a section for "contact information" you should be able to reach me that way, thanks

[@awesomeinforensics]

Um call me or ShootersStandby again for POTA, you have my email.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Absolutely. We are going to after the fest Sunday, if you want to go

[@awesomeinforensics]

@@HAMRADIODUDE i’m in!

[@awesomeinforensics]

Email me the details.