Easiest PackTenna EFHW Antenna Deployment Ever

[@robbiemorrison89]

Thanks for the QSO, I had a crazy pile-up non stop for 2 1/2 hours, 233 QSO from the park in the East Kootenays, BC, near Cranbrook. 73, de VE7NB. (I was running my 20m EFHW into my IC-7300 inside my campervan parked along the picnic site)

[@neubert500]

Good to hear KM4ZOZ from "Maryville Tennesse" at the 9:30ish mark. This and the news that Smith and Wesson is moving here have made my day!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey sweet, more guns for you!!

[@jbird4h30]

Just found your channel. I find most ham content vids are just plain tough to watch without falling asleep, but you keep things very interesting and watchable. Love it.!

[@MrButterpantz]

I haven't used anything but a Packtenna EFHW sloper on a 20' fiberglass mast since seeing you do it in a video bout a year ago. I bungee my mast to trees or jam it in rocks on a summit because of big winds...rarely ever guy. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@clyde1406]

Can't wait to work POTA !! really enjoy parks so.....plus love portability of your set up...

[@Sonicgott]

I seriously love these POTA videos. Something satisfying about getting your own antenna up and being able to talk to the world. Beautiful work as always, and I hope to eventually hunt you! Love your content and your charisma. Keep being awesome, and 73! - KF0QNM ❤

[@PaulTaylor1]

I watched this video last week, and ordered a 49:1 unun, a pole, and some wire and put up an EFHW for 40m in exactly the way you showed here... I was only experimenting with WSPR to see how it did, so I left my amp at home and could only put out about 3W on my SSB rig. Immediately got a 57 report to Cambridge (about 500 miles) and a 33 to Wales, similar distance, both voice QSOs on SSB. Also, it gives perfect SWR on 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m, 1.5:1 on 12m, and 2:1 on 17m without a tuner. I'm stunned! Thank you so much for presenting this, I now feel I can start participating in all kinds of events that were out of reach previously! 🙂 73 de 2M0OQR

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thats awesome. I'm surprised you got on 17 and 12 though. Thats unusual, but go with it! Have fun and I hope to catch you on the air!

[@thelandrethfarm4782]

Just returned from my activation of K-3257 With the same antenna! Super easy to deploy. Activation only took 21 min. Thanks Mike, K7DFL (the most dangerous farmer on ham radio)! Lol

[@joekn6nastyasf234]

I used the same antenna today when I contacted you

[@hamradiotube]

Right on! Great minds think alike.

[@hamradiotube]

Nice

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

Sorry we missed you. Like my Packtenna end fed and linked dipole. Had I not been working would have tried to put Canada ,or at least Thunder Bay, Ontario on that map. Great job

[@hamradiotube]

That pesky work thing has a way of hindering things doesn't it? We've done it before, we'll do it again.

[@davidmackenzie5332]

Still a good video two years later. There are a bunch, A BUNCH, of videos about building the ARRL EFHW, but almost none of them talk about the deployment. They should link to this.

[@pd9rd]

POTA is a whole bunch of fun! Thanks for taking us with you Mike. 73

[@hamradiotube]

You got that right. Thanks for watching.

[@DK9CA]

Hi Mike, tnx and have a nice weekend. ☺️🤘I am going for an activation on sunday with my 705. 73 and stay safe buddy!

[@hamradiotube]

Have fun on your activation, although you prob already did it by now lol! 73

[@Frisky0563]

Mike you have so many people that really care about you! It's truly touching we do have a great community!

[@hamradiotube]

It sure is and I'm very grateful. Thanks for watching. 73

[@chrismosquad1056]

Love your content. Hope to hear you on the air some day. - 73, Chris de AC3Q

[@vicowen3032]

Nice job, Mike. The PackTenna lends itself well to a quick set-up. I have a Jackite 10M pole and it has a small eyelet at the tip, to which I attach the S-clip. Looks like the Texas outdoors is providing nice escapes. 73, Vic KB7GL

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Vic. Yeah a lot of people have commented about the Jackite poles. I've not used one myself but I hear good things. And yes, the Texas outdoors has been great for me. If I were still in Michigan, I'd be freezing already!

[@miken8yo4]

Yay! KZbin proof I do operate SSB at 12:15. Great video as always Mike.

[@hamradiotube]

It sure is. No one would believe otherwise lol!

[@stevegriffin9552]

Hey Mike that was a fantastic video good to see you’re laughing And making contact with your friends that you haven’t heard in a while.. Tell you what that’s a heck of a set up with the antenna, and with your ICOM 705 and the bag what a great combination. And congratulations on the 67 contacts. One of these days I will work you. And isn’t it fun to have the extra company that you did not ask for (mosquitoes). Take care keep laughing it’s always good to see you still making fantastic videos. 73 WD5ENH Steve

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Steve. It was an absolute blast. Really good at lifting ones spirits too. I haven't had many mosquitos yet, though I'm sure they're coming as its getting cooler here. I do spray some off on usually when I go out though. I hate those little buggers. One day when the short skip is smiling on is in 5 land we will make a contact I'm sure.

[@theElderberryFarmer]

Thanks for another fun one, Mike! That is a really slick procedure for getting a wire up in the air in a hurry. Looking forward to catching you live on the air one of these days. 73, KO4AZY

[@hamradiotube]

You bet. Always a pleasure. One of these days we'll make that contact. 73

[@Tommyr]

That's how I put up my vertical wire. I use a Jackite pole. Works a treat as the brits say.

[@hamradiotube]

Good to know I'm not the only one!

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Nice! When I activated First Landing State Park at VA Beach I ended up tying my mast to a tree. I forgot my tent stakes 😱 I'll have to try your method out, less steps = more better 👍

[@hamradiotube]

Well if its windy that would be a good idea. I'm all about making the setup and teardown as quick as possible lately. I haven't guyed a mast in about a month now.

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

@@hamradiotube I'm definitely going to try it out. Great tip Mike!

[@kb6lcw99]

You are doing such a great job. Thanks for taking us along.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching!

[@seanfoley7097]

Great I'm getting one of these masts you can probably use bungee cords with it too

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great activation!!!

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks David

[@kennethblackwell1137]

Simplicity in ACTION..!!!!! kool.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks

[@aaronoxen]

Great video. Keep it up. And it's great to see you in good spirits.

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you!

[@JennyEverywhere]

I just found your channel by accident, Mike. I just got the lower power Spark Plug antenna, and was looking for usage tips. I got quite a few from your videos! I live about a mile from a truly fantastic POTA park, K-4363, but I have yet to try an activation. Maybe soon, though. I may try CW, but I do have a few radios I can try phone on. I've got one of Steve Weber's Tri-Banders that's been doing well for me, I may try that one again, or maybe one of my QCX's. Hope to work you down the log! 73 de NG3P

[@BikingHikingRadio]

Hey Mike - great idea. I'll try that trick next time I get out to POTA this weekend with my 17 ft. Shakespeare! Hiking and portable operating is always a great way to clear your head and put you in a better frame of mind. Hope things are going good down there. 73 de KN3A.

[@hamradiotube]

That was my first portable mast. I love that thing. Yes, being portable is a great way to clear your head. If only for a few hours, it's better than the alternative. 73

[@josempantaleon]

Love the video Mike. Your setup was very SOTA like, where you drilled the hole in the S-biner (very cool) I still use that triangle cutting board piece that you gave me a few years ago. It has been on every activation since then. 73 Buddy

[@hamradiotube]

Wow, I can't believe you still have that. I don't think I've ever used mine lol!

[@albertrivera3241]

Nice easy setup. Luv It POTA Daddy!

[@hamradiotube]

Glad you like it

[@Brianflys]

Looks like a great setup, Mike, for parks where there are trees. Using a MPAS 2.0 vertical for my POTA (just starting out based on your vids) in South Texas. But the two sets of folding poles, mini base, and ground stake take up alot of room and weight in a backpack. Excellent for emergencies at home or when at my vehicle. But the little EFHW and mast looks interesting. More to buy...😂😂😂

[@hamradiotube]

one of my favorite setups for sure. Look for the SotaBeams Carbon 6 mast along with this DX Commander one. The carbon 6 is super compact and light weight. Not nearly as tall but it has been doing a super job for me when weight is a big consideration like when I'm hiking.

[@ulperformance4087]

It takes time to run off the spool of wire and return it after QRPing. Why not a modelers DC motor with battery, pot for speed control & switch with a piece of tubing flange fitted from the motor with the wire mounted to the tube. Very easy to initially setting the wire to the motorized tubing. Just pull the wire off the tube w/out using the motor when outgoing from the tree and activate the motor when you want to retrieve the wire under speed control? Now you can set-up and go home or elsewhere earlier. Makes life easier or doesn't it?

[@ReedAB8AS]

Always enjoy your videos Mike. Keep em coming. 73 Reed

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Reed. Always glad to have you here.

[@billcrow5403]

Great video! Amazing what 5-10 watts and a wire will do.!

[@forgetyourlife]

100w is pretty amazing after doing 5-10 for a few years.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Bill. I've only done 1 100 watt activation in at least the last month.

[@hamradiotube]

I would imagine that would be true too.

[@wild-radio7373]

What What! Absolutely Killin it KMURDER!♡♡♡ freaking loving your work! 🤜👍🤛❤❤❤

[@wild-radio7373]

Also... gotta say, the woods are doing you well fam! You got that wild glow on ya ;) ♡♡♡

[@hamradiotube]

Well when you use a good antenna good things usually happen lol!

[@hamradiotube]

It's helping to some degree. Still really lonely here not knowing anyone. I've been gettin out and trying to meet people but its very hard in this small town I live in.

[@derekvargason]

If only we had tall trees here 😂 good video though still working out the bugs with my first end fed half wave

[@lorencurtis2054]

Great video and love Tri-City Brewing!! 73 KF8F from Bay City, MI

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Loren. I think I've only had a couple beers from them years ago. I used to be in the craft beer industry and got the shirt somehow.

[@threadripper979]

Nice job, Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you

[@Tommy_Boy.]

Great video MRD! And, very entertaining as well as very motivating for a newer ham! Cheers Mike! WA7FLY 👍⚡️📻

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks so much, I appreciate that. 73

[@Jim.Hummel]

Such a nice quick setup! Perfect to get you radiating ASAP! What are you using for your feedline?? Home built or purchased?

[@hamradiotube]

Thats the goal. The feed line is RG-316 from PackTenna.

[@daveN2MXX]

For POTA, I have been connecting the efhw directly to my 20W radio (49:1 built into the male BNC), then extend the radiating element up to the top of the sotabeams pole right from the radio. To me, THAT is the easiest efhw deployment.....no coax! 😊👍 73

[@hamradiotube]

I've done that with my 9:1 but I still had a counterpoise. I'd be curious if you're getting any common mode current coming back. The coax on an EFHW acts as the counterpoise. But hey, if you're making contacts, thats all that matters!

[@daveN2MXX]

@@hamradiotube You are absolutely correct...a .05 lambda counertoise (required for an efhw) for 40M is 6ft of 22ga wire....it just lays on the table/ground. I would think a 9:1 might need a full-length counterpoise.

[@excellentdrone7929]

Missed you on this one. Perhaps next time

[@hamradiotube]

There will be plenty more I assure you.

[@brianbgarber]

Thanks for the setup demo! What'cha using for your feedline?

[@hamradiotube]

That is RG-316

[@brianbgarber]

@@hamradiotube 30' minimum?

[@kurt53641]

Hmm. This makes me thinking. What about mini throw weight w/ paracord?

[@hamradiotube]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJqlqIunp7WKaa8

[@J0HN3]

Great video Mike. Whats the lightweight coax you used in this vid? Thanks brother.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks J. It's RG-316.

[@1polonium210]

I've done that many times with a Packtenna. Never had a problem. 73 KI5KET

[@hamradiotube]

Nice!

[@georgekern1914]

Enjoy the pota and DX commander

[@hamradiotube]

2 very good things

[@denelson83]

I tried operating 40m off an EFHW on Field Day this year, and only got NVIS contacts.

[@stahpit1971]

Great video! I try to get a park or several every day at lunch time. Watching you guys pull out the 705 is like watching your neighbor pull out the brand new Ferrari. Very cool to look at but way way out of the budget. LOL 73

[@hamradiotube]

Now there's a goal, do a POTA activation with the 705, from inside a Ferrari!

[@willian.direction6740]

Thanks Mike where do you Spot for your parks we have Parks and Peaks in VK.

[@hamradiotube]

For POTA, here: pota.app/#/ No clue about parks and peaks though.

[@TheMrDrMs]

Great activation! So portability aside, dxcommander or wolf river coils?

[@hamradiotube]

DX Commander all the way.

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

I’m using the same configuration with the dx commander and the packtenna but with x6100. I built a pvc ground stake and stuck in the ground and placed the dx commander on top and it works and looks and works like a beauty

[@nicholaslindesmith166]

Dude, Hunstville Tx? Im down near Kemah.

[@miltongarb8591]

Mike, thanks for another great P-P activation and video. Is this the 49:1 balun?

[@hamradiotube]

My pleasure. Yes, this is a 49:1. It's the PackTenna EFHW.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Nice work!

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you

[@OC-OUTDOORS]

Love the videos! What program do you use to map your contacts?

[@hamradiotube]

It's called HAMRS. Its built in to the program.

[@OC-OUTDOORS]

@@hamradiotube I didn't know that. I'll have to go play around with it some more now! Haha thanks!

[@JohnTrefethen]

Were you running 5w or battery-powered 10w during this activation? Nice job!

[@leskeegan9033]

Mike was is the name of the app you use?

[@itsallaboutshelby]

What do you use for your feed line? I now have the 705 and Packtenna 40/20

[@Oscaro9928]

I have a trail friendly antenna I have to try this on. What’s the carabiner brand and model?

[@tims.3204]

Thanks Mike... Why would you use the mast if you have all of those trees? But... if field expedients is your goal... without having to thread the needle... then OK! 73, DK8MT

[@hamradiotube]

Because this is faster and easier than throwing a rope over a branch. Plus you have to wind all that rope up again. I do that too, and it doesn't take much time, but it's a few more steps. I like simplicity.

[@JoJa015]

I tried searching for the "hammers" app you were talking about but could not find it. What is the exact name of the app? Is the app on iOS? Thx!

[@preppie478]

Was that a Spaceballs quote / reference when you were hoisting the mast?

[@hamradiotube]

It absolutely was. Glad you caught it.

[@maneroification]

@@hamradiotube I noticed the reference right away as well, haha.

[@bigdEnergy666]

What bag are you using for the radio?

[@randallhash9283]

I’d like to try a Packtenna but they are never in stock.

[@dannybryant4440]

another great video Mike, I need a link for this Mast your are using in this video. W5CI

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Danny. Here's the link: www.m0mcx.co.uk/store/products/10mdcx-sota-travel-pole/

[@alzeNL]

Very nice setup, really well done with the 705 and DX Commander mast. Whilst I have a few wire antennas already, I dont have the one you show which looks very good in the way you set it up. One I will look at doing in the future. Great video, thanks for uploading ! Subbed ! 73 2E0FWE

[@Ben-md9yx]

Hey Mike. Is that the antenna we were discussing about using for a SOTA activation? It looks like it goes up fast and just works.

[@hamradiotube]

one of the 3 I told you about, yes.

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

What was the app you referenced?

[@dougtaylor7724]

Are you running a 49:1 or 64:1? Great videos! Keep em coming!

[@hamradiotube]

49:1. Thanks for watching.

[@dougtaylor7724]

@@hamradiotube Thank you for the reply! I will give that a go.

[@gaptastic]

Mike, do you use masts more than throwing a line in a tree? Masts seem easier. I have yet to buy one, but want to cause I'm having a hella hard time getting a line in the tree up 40 feet.

[@hamradiotube]

I def use masts more than a throw line. I’ve got a weaver throwline and it works great but I like this method so much more.

[@MacsForever1]

What's the power rating on the packtenna. Can I use my Ft-891 for SSB with 100 watts with it?

[@almcrorie4132]

I suppose a shorter pole leaned up against the table would do the job on the other end if there were no suitable trees around. sure beats trying to throw something up into the trees. performance of that set up is proven by the many contacts you were able to make, on QRP no less, al ve3gam

[@hamradiotube]

Doesn't matter what it is so long as you have some bit of support. I've leaned my Sotabeams Carbon 6 mast against a wooden railing and it worked. Just have to balance the tension of the wire with the mast so it doesn't fall down.

[@KD2MIC]

I've been working my qrp POTA with a 6m crappie pole propped up against a tree and through some support branches and the qrpguys efhw cut to 20m. Other than lying on a blanket or bundle of paracord, the feed point has never been raised. Is there an advantage to that?

[@hamradiotube]

I'm sure there is some way to measure it scientifically, but honestly, I haven't seen a difference in the feed point being raised or lower to the ground.

[@KO4AFL]

lol i had the video playing and heard my call.

[@hamradiotube]

You made it. KZbin famous brother haha!

[@ERICtheLATE]

Holy Ham Pitcrew, Batman!!!

[@hamradiotube]

It's pretty quick!

[@rickpellicciotti]

Curious as to what coax you were using with that antenna and radio. 73 KJ4NWQ

[@hamradiotube]

It is RG-316.

[@seniorchief48]

What size feed line are you using here?

[@hamradiotube]

That would be RG-316. You can get some at abrind.com and if you're into saving money, use code k8mrd10 and save 10%. Give them a call if you need any help. They'll make you anything you want. You can even have them put ferrite beads on the coax to use as an inline choke, and they can personalize it with your call sign. They're super awesome people and the coax is made in the USA. They are right here in Houston.

[@chobbalobbadingdong]

Qrp? How many watts?

[@BlackHamRadioUniversity]

Maybe I am just not seeing it but you have all these links but I do not see a link for the antenna. Do you have a link for the antenna?

[@hamradiotube]

I mentioned several different brands in this video, but this isn't about the brand antenna I'm using. It's about the TYPE of antenna I'm using. The 49:1 End Fed Half Wave antenna. Specifically, an easy way to deploy the antenna. The good ones are hard to come by, but here are some links. You'll most likely have to be patient for them to restock and it is not uncommon to wait months. Well worth it. www.packtenna.com/store/p25/EFHW-20%2F40_-_End_Fed_Half_Wave_20m_and_40m_Antenna.html#/ coffee-and-ham-radios.square.site/product/cahrtenna-apollo/8?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2 km4ack.square.site/product/49-1-efhw-antenna-kit/34?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false Hope this helps steer you in the right direction. 73

[@artadams1]

The Yoda of POTA with another great video - 73 KI5BXN

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks so much for watching!

[@KC1PSK]

How often does the Packtenna come in stock? Out of stock every time I check.

[@hamradiotube]

No clue. Best way to keep up to date is here: packtenna.groups.io/g/main

[@KC1PSK]

I got mine on order today. Lucky to get!

[@vicford4001]

Has a newbie. What about the SWR?

[@hamradiotube]

SWR? What is that? This antenna is all kinds of resonant.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Anyone know the coax type Mike is using here?

[@hamradiotube]

RG-316

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks mike 73 from kb2uew

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you as always!

[@alanbrockmeier6871]

Nice job! Good to see ya out there enjoying the hobby. Keep up the great work. 73 NM5SP

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks, will do!

[@qrptedmac]

I came in late. What antenna is it?

[@hamradiotube]

PackTenna EFHW

[@MrCharleyb]

Mark still hoping to work you on the air one day

[@hamradiotube]

One day it'll happen.

[@propagating-radio]

Nice!

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nr3rful]

say again the logging app, i can't understand it

[@hamradiotube]

HAMRS. Go to hamrs.app to download it. Or the App Store or whatever Android has.

[@bravo1xrayoutdoors625]

Lovin' the videos thank you! What logging software are you using?? 73 KE0DSD

[@hamradiotube]

It’s called HAMRS.

[@bravo1xrayoutdoors625]

Sweet thank you!! I'm going to give it a try. I plan to do a POTA on Sunday

[@1958johndeere620]

Can you tune in Paul Harvey? Good day!

[@forgetyourlife]

RIP the rest of the story.

[@hamradiotube]

Yes you can. And now you know the rest of the story.

[@hamradiotube]

haha

[@DaveW6OOD]

I guess the “Life is too short for QRP” mindset has gone by the wayside.

[@hamradiotube]

Qrp has been absolutely fantastic for me the last few weeks.

[@forgetyourlife]

@@hamradiotube The self spotting certainly helps.

[@toddbu-WK7L]

Why is a “fastest EFHW deployment ever” video 15 minutes long? I was hoping for something under five minutes

[@hamradiotube]

Well you could have stopped watching after I showed how to deploy the antenna. You know, when I said I was going to get on the air now?

[@toddbu-WK7L]

@@hamradiotube It may be unfair of me, but I quit eight seconds into the video, just after seeing the length. KZbinrs are good at stretching out videos to make the algorithm happy. I’m not saying that that is what you did here. The title of the video did set some expectations, however.

[@williampeacock9473]

I know you said that you have to get your DX Commander back out in the field don't for your little buddy Yaesu ft-891. That's the radio I love to see you use. I am definitely a YAESU RADIO LOVER . 73 AE4OY William Peacock 🦚 EM-81UF SOUTH EAST GEORGIA USA (OLDYELLA)🤓😎

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

Wheres the link for the packtenna ?