17' Whip Resonant ~ NO Antenna Tuner Needed! ~ QRP Mountain Topper MTR 3B

[@danielzdanowicz6899]

Great Video. I use the MFJ-1979 with one suspended counterpoise on a 3 foot wooden dowel as a resonant half wave bent vertical dipole. 7000 miles QRP. It works awesome. To tune to resonance just roll in or roll out counterpoise a few inches this or that way to perfect SWR. With the Rig Expert AA50 Analyzer is takes five minutes and you have a perfect antenna. Also switch bands works quickly too. I marked the whip for the various bands from 20 up and just pull out to the mark, Put some shrink tube on the counterpoise and just roll out to the specific marker. The rolled up counterpoise work like a choke and so the rig does not see the coiled up wire on the kite winder. Try it you might like it. Less ground loss with no ground radials and no rats nest with the radial wire(s). To go down to 40 and 80 I use the Wolf River Silver Bullet 1000. It is a great minimal field antenna that work relatively well, as you have proven. Thanks for the video.

[@hamradiocq]

Great comment I like hearing your story about using this style antenna!

[@hectortobias8840]

Instablaster...

[@survivaloutdoors9694]

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR LIFE ON KZbin.

[@hamradiocq]

My pleasure!! I almost feel a Need to share everything. Is that weird?

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiocq No! We are glad you do share!

[@Bob814u]

I have been working to learn CW for a while. It is funny as I was listening and looking at the letters my fingers were twitching to the beat like there was a key (pico) there. Once I realized it, it was funny. Love the videos!!! Well done!

[@hamradiocq]

That's hilarious, awesome comment. I have this weird habit, whenever I see a sign or lettering I do CW in my head to tap it out. It comes from many hours of practicing that way when I'm bored.

[@k6kwi]

I have been using an MFJ-1979 for a number of years for portable. I made a ground mount with four 16’ radials. It’s spot on for 20m. I have had 12,000 mile QSOs on that antenna, NZ to the UK. It’s simply my best 20m portable antenna! Excellent video!!! 73, K6KWI

[@hamradiocq]

Right on! I just discovered this. Much more to come. I cut 40 meter radials at 1/4 wave. Can't wait to get back out there.

[@davidtheriault7652]

Thanks for doing the build and video. Appreciate the words with the CW. I was following along trying to relive my AF CW days. 73 KO4KHb

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Tom, That was a nice QSO. Glad that Chameleon whip worked out so well. I think those radials helped. Looking forward to their use out in the field. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks so much Don. I think this is the rapid deploy antenna I have been looking for. 73 N9YO

[@Linas_LY2H]

Perfect test! This is a very good quality whip! I use the same with great success mounted on my Radio Van with one elevated counterpoise. For 40 and 30 m bands I load the whip at the base with the MFJ coil, also no tuner required. And it stands perfectly full 100W from my FT-891 trx. I also made a video and put it on my YT channel , I thought it could encourage other people to use this simple set-up in their ham radio activities! BTW I also use the Begalli Traveller :)! 73! Linas LY2H

[@hamradiocq]

Great comment too, man you and me know what's goin on. I'll def check out your radio van!

[@joecraft4409]

I was thinking that heart shrink would be great. You're a thinker, nice job brother!

[@hamradiocq]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Whenthehooddrops]

Your call sign on the radio in the intro was pretty cool.

[@hamradiocq]

Oh I bought that at a craft fair rusty old letters.

[@wushock92]

Good video, Tommy! Good timing too as I"m thinking about adding that 17' whip to my portable arsenal. 73

[@hamradiocq]

Well, what I was looking for was a rapid deployment antenna. I'm always looking for an easier HF setup on the road. I think this thing is golden. Next thing I'm going to do is add a coil to it and test out 30 and 40 meters.

[@F8FCA]

thank's for video Tom , Always like to see ur qrp experience 73

[@hamradiocq]

More to come!

[@miker1473]

I second the comments about a single, elevated, tuned, counterpoise. I also use a wolf river coil to work 30, and 40. I use a bigger tripod, that has a 2 section vertical post. Gets me up to 6 feet above ground. Tuned counterpoise is on a kite winder. It's white wire, marked to resonant points with a sharpie. The end is hung on a 4 foot fiberglass driveway marker. Stick it in the grass angled back, to tug the counterpoise slightly, to keep it from sagging.

[@hamradiocq]

Hey, Mike. I hear where you are going with this. First off, what tripod do you use? I'm thinking about elevated counter poises, but how to? Remember, I'm looking for fast and easy. I want to get on the air at a park or on a vacation in minutes. I've done the thing where I mess around with wires in trees for 20 minutes and it's frustrating. In and out. Thanks for great comment friend, 73.

[@miker1473]

@@hamradiocq Hi Tom. Yes, fast and easy is good! I just use a single tuned counterpoise. I suppose the more you put out, the better it'll work, but....I've never failed a pota activation running just one. The higher above ground you get, the better. Less ground losses. However, if you get it tuned up down where you can reach it, running it up too high will change the tuning. Fast and easy just went out the window. I found 6 foot wasn't going to change it that much. I don't do QRP, so, I'm all over the band. Some SSB, some CW. So, I just marked my counter poise for center of the band tuning, and touch it up with the built in tuner on the 7300. I have 60 ft of LMR400 coax attached and weather sealed to the jaw clamp mount, on a round extension cord winder. I have the kite winder with counterpoise attached to the 4 ft driveway marker. I take out the tripod, run the coax, attach the jaw clamp, screw on the antenna, attach the counterpoise and unwind and stick the fiberglass marker. Plug in the coax to the radio, and go. 10 min would be a "problem spot", where I'd need to adjust for the size of the location. Just stretch your counterpoise out towards the direction you want to favor. There is a slight rf lobe in that direction...but not much. I've always made contacts off the "back side" as well. Here are a few links to the equipment. Any stage speaker stand will work. Bigger ones tend to have a wider base. Learn how to tie a self locking truckers hitch, and you can quickly guy a smaller tripod. I forgot to get a link for that, before I started....can't do it now...lol. I can make you a video. It's an indispensable knot for a radio op. I've guyed 40' poles with that knot for over a year, and it ties in seconds. It's a knot and a "come along" all in one. OK....here's the gear: Tripod www.rockvilleaudio.com/rves05/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuL_8BRCXARIsAGiC51A92ZPM8Vq4U66qGpcXc11Mewi_pUTE2Kp-QbLRnBgGzxLpzGm-q20aAq3jEALw_wcB Wider base www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SS7762B--on-stage-stands-ss7762b-speaker-stand-with-adjustable-leg-single?mrkgadid=3248788045&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=livesound&lighting&&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700046934980829&lid=92700046934980829&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283820789&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=373841928163&product_id=SS7762B&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=g&matchtype=&locationid=9005565&creative=226299461198&targetid=pla-373841928163&campaignid=953755110&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuL_8BRCXARIsAGiC51B_BhiVXSj6r5ru4oWwkUJvlhL2DFChHwCLSZg70zPyDAbPSfKvixYaAkiMEALw_wcB Jaw clamp www.walcottradio.com/qrcs3-quick-mirror-antenna-mount-p-267.html?Shopping%20|%20Sales%20|%20Cadabra%20Digital%20|%20March%202020%20|%20High%20Performing%20States&AdPos=&device=m&GeoLoc=9005565&placement=&matchtype=&network=u&keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuL_8BRCXARIsAGiC51BqxOwwE11YPcpDUqvNY_TYR0BRGwSbwAtD697vtVQprbEkdQm1JooaAuvCEALw_wcB Shoot me an email off QRZ. I can send you a few "1000 word pictures". Callsign N4ZN

[@WKMG365]

Excellent video and QSO. I used to live and run EMS in that area of NJ. Cool to see you make a contact with someone from my old area. I’m in TN now. I added your call to ham alert to try to catch you on the air. Good luck!

[@hamradiocq]

Very cool! ha! Thanks so much for the comment WKM.

[@mattwin1986]

I like the cinematic shots. its a nice change of pace in the video. good job on the 1.02swr.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks! That 1.02 was shocking. I figured I"d have to mess around forever (Like I have had to do with wires before). The cinematic shots, I hope, are there to show (entertaining) closeups of the stuff I'm using. I do that because it's exactly what I also want to see when I watch other videos. I want to see the equipment. T

[@mattwin1986]

@@hamradiocq lol. ya. I film everything in 120P so i can slow it down. lol. Life is much better in slow mo. lol.

[@sphexes]

Kite string winders for those radials!

[@hamradiocq]

Great idea friend

[@larrytruesdellsr.809]

That was the best bug I have heard.

[@hamradiocq]

I know right. He was very easy to copy.

[@larrytruesdellsr.809]

Thanks for the videos. I have no hf gear, so it is nice to hear cw gso's

[@hamradiocq]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@johnmarron1944]

Hi tom great vid i have got the same antenna and did an experiment with the radials on mine I had 4 connected and did a few reverse beacon tests then did a few with just 2 radials running east/west and another with just 2 radials running north/south and reverse beacon tests on all different configurations absolutely no difference the hits were pretty much the same. So it actually only needs 2 radials down for same result. I do have my radials 6ft going along garden fencing in the horizontal position..regards from England Tom. And 73 john m0asn

[@hamradiocq]

Great idea and thank you for watching!

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Nice one Tom, I have the same whip, but never attached a counterpoise/radials, will do on my next outing, cheers n 73

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, it makes a big difference I think to 'balance' the antenna

[@k2jwd]

Impressive antenna array at K2FW (see his QRZ page) really helps his reception as well as transmitted signal (not to mention the 500w). I have the MFJ version. Used it with the WRC Silver Bullet 1000 on 40 SSB. Got 1:1 swr. Did a comparison with my resonant 80meter EFHW longwire and signals were about 2 S Units lower on both receive and transmit with the whip. Have fun with it. Thanks for the video. Mel, K2JWD

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks, Melvin!

[@4428314]

This is just so good! I have been thinking about that seventeen foot antenna for a good while. I must have one. Thank you for your time and patience in making your videos. 73. KG5OBD

[@hamradiocq]

Glad it was helpful! I think this is the key to rapid deployment antenna I was looking for.

[@radioactive8772]

Keep an eye on your swr when using a long whip. My mfj 1979 has a section that is loose and it slips and gets shorter. I use some tape to hold it. Thanks KG7CQG.

[@oldpreach]

I've heard some reports of this. 2 years in with mine and thankfully, no loose sections yet.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the tip! This one is pretty darn tight for now.

[@thuff3207]

Thank you for showing to me I like my shock cord whips for this same height. There are more robust. On radials they just improve antenna efficiency. If you elevated with that few would help.

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah, I have some shock cord whips also from Chameleon. I might test those out as well.

[@thuff3207]

@@hamradiocq IF you can elevate the radials since you have 4 that improves efficiency.

[@RobPetty622]

Chameleon mil whip vs. Chameleon telescopic whip. That would be a great comparison. Then send it to Carl at Chameleon or post it to the Vertical Antennas FB group that he is an admin for, and you’ll get way more exposure for your channel.

[@thuff3207]

@@RobPetty622 I have not tried the Chameleon but I have the Rigid Shock-cord Adjustable Whip from buddipole. They work for my very well.

[@gt3940]

@@hamradiocq tractor supply has 4' fiberglass poles for $1.99 each and the have 4 levels of wire holders on them , if you got eight of them it would be about $15.92 plus tax. since they have 4 levels you could tinker for the best SWR. just type in "Electric" and the electric fence option will come up in the search box of their web site or look for SKU: 360223399

[@oldpreach]

Mfj-2286 takes the place of all these other vertical set ups (10-40) for a fraction of the price. $99 for the 17ft whip, radials, coil and bracket.

[@hamradiocq]

Your antenna is $120 on DX Engineering. The bracket it has requires a mount to something (still), mine does not. And it requires a coil and taps to worry about. My point in this 14.060 video is rapid deployment, easy to use and that antenna is versatile and effective.

[@oldpreach]

@@hamradiocq I hear you. You can set up the 1979 with no coil for 20 like you did...or put it with your WR Coil for 80. Lots of possibilities. I was just throwing that out there. I paid 99 at hro about 18 months ago. Didn't mean to sound curt. You do an amazing job, and take lots of time on your videos which I appreciate and get lots out of.

[@dangermandave67]

What formula do you use to estimate the length of radial needed for your chosen band?

[@hamradiocq]

I google antenna radial calculator and there are several out there for a given frequency.

[@va7dgp]

I use 4 19 ft radial with my Alpha Ez Miltary Antenna. Works great with Winlink

[@hamradiocq]

Nice 👍

[@Peacemaker29073]

Great video.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks!

[@kb5hxt]

Great vid, the antenna is probably what I will purchase for portable op''ing. I am re-learning CW, hope to be on the air soon. Due to HOA, am using EF-wire, mounted on top of the wooden privacy fence, so NVIS ant, and it's bent in the middle. Not running a counter poise, will try to piece one together and relocate the wire to go up onto the roof and be straight. Recently build a QCX+CW transciever from QRP labs, but can't align it, there's a software hang up.... Hope to work you some day.... 73 & gud dx

[@hamradiocq]

Hey, Michael thanks for the comment. Yeah, I like this setup, it's easy to resonate and fast deployment. Much easier than messing with a wire in a tree like i usually do. Hope to CU on the air buddy. 73

[@DAprod615]

Love my chameleon antennas. Get the extension to put it at 28 plus feet.

[@hamradiocq]

I have it. I fear it would be come a fall hazard without a hefty base.

[@DAprod615]

@@hamradiocq haven’t had that issue happen yet. I do drive the spike until 2-3 inches are viewable. Love the videos and the personality. Keep it up.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Another great video Tom, I'm sure you are aware of this fact, but just in case, keep in mind when evaluating ur antennas. when you are working someone with a yagi even if they are not running pwr the gain of their antenna is gong to make a significant difference to your qso/signals. vs working someone with an antenna equal to yours. in short their antenna makes yours look better than it might be. But still a nice video and informative antenna as to what your antenna is. what you did to make it perform. well done! keep em coming enjoy them a lot. 73 gud dx stay safe to you and the family. de Ellis/WA1RKS

[@hamradiocq]

Well, yeah, I addressed he had a great antenna in the end of the video..... 25:20

[@Oscaro9928]

I just got the chameleon 17’ whip. Got 20% off due to 4th of July sale. How is that traveler for portable (SOTA/POTA)? I was also looking at their adventure key since I have an ic705.

[@paulaubuchon2336]

What was the final adjusted length if the whip?? Paul. K1YOU

[@hamradiocq]

I believe it was 1/4 wave.... at 20M if I remember right. so 5 Meters.

[@mfhepp]

You seem to be using a pretty long 50 Ohms coax when measuring the feedpoint impedance. Note that any mismatch from 50 Ohms, which is likely due to the sensitivity of ground systems of a vertical etc, will be obscured by losses in the long mismatched coax from the antenna to the analyzer. You will be better off attaching a VNA directly at the feedpoint. Or at least the antenna analyzer.

[@hamradiocq]

agreed

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I thought the title said 17 inch when I first saw it. Totally thought this was gonna be about 2 meter ht’s. Lol

[@hamradiocq]

: )

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Hi agn Tom No my bad, I came down below to comment right after the part where you said you were so excited., I wanted to inject the comment I did so you would not be disapponted when and if you found out the difference. so you already did. Tnks for the reply and keep up the good work, and your cw format is getting much better. tnx agn will look forward to yournext video tnx 73 stay safe.de Ellis WA1RKS

[@hamradiocq]

It's fine no worries friend. I went out of my way to record that last section once I found out what gear he had.

[@markno5s161]

Another great video Tom. Nice rst for 3 watts ! Can you give some more info on those wire strippers ?

[@hamradiocq]

I do believe this is where I got them: amzn.to/37peVhy

[@Johnyrocket70]

Super antenna sells counterpoise wire in bulk.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for the info, I'll be buying it

[@joecraft4409]

What if you added the other radials, would it support resonance on 40 meters.

[@hamradiocq]

No I think it' not long enough. Would need a coil.

[@stevenbutler9191]

Great video keep them coming and out of interest what was the swr on the voice portion of the this band 73 2e0zwz Steve.

[@hamradiocq]

Sorry I didn't try that yet.

[@ralphnunn3]

Interesting. I worked him, too, about 3 weeks ago. I also agree with one of the commenters here - you really could not tell that he was using a bug!!! I don't think it was a Vibroplex, however that he was using, because he told me that it was an Italian bug (Begali, I'm guessing??) Also interesting that he hit me about 579 in Utah, while another station I worked on the East Coast hit me about 339. I'm sure that antenna array (and the power level) was the reason... I see that you guys exchanged SKCC numbers. However, I don't think that counts as an SKCC contact, because you were using a paddle. I was, too when I worked him, and I let him know that I was. Just an FYI there... Anyway, great video. Thanks for sharing!!! Ralph Nunn - K7RLN

[@hamradiocq]

I could not tell it was a bug also! He was very easy to copy. Interesting comment you just posted, I emailed him this comment.

[@paulaubuchon2336]

What formula did you use for coming up with radical lengths?? Paul K1YOU

[@hamradiocq]

I believe it was 1/4 wave.... at 20M if I remember right. so 5 Meters.

[@TridentMissileTech]

I know in the video you said 4 more radials. So how many toatal? Im thinking 8. And did you end up with 17ft or 16.5.

[@hamradiocq]

So 4 does really well. For me, I want to set it up in the field quickly so 4 is enough. It depends on how much you are willing to spend time on. 8 is probably better. 16 better. But remember how tangley these things are. I get frustrated spending a lot of time setting up.

[@Stuff_happens]

Sorry, maybe my up at 0300 brain is affecting me. Where did you get that 17’ telescoping antenna? And is the super antenna just an adaptor for a tripod, and a place to screw in the antenna attach the radials? Also, a 17’ telescoping whip sounds problematic. Time will tell.

[@hamradiocq]

I got it at Chameleon antennas. The super antenna is a full system, but I was using the base mount for it to hold this 17' telescope. The whip is easy.

[@donizzo8884]

Nice job! - W1FYG

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks Don. I like this setup.

[@hcy0]

Amazing. 73

[@hamradiocq]

Many thanks!

[@MrLittlmike22]

amazing video ! great content as always - could I ask how long your feedline is - would that make a difference ? 73s to you

[@hamradiocq]

I think it's 40 feet, and I do believe it does make a difference.

[@MrLittlmike22]

@@hamradiocq that's great thank uoi

[@warplanner8852]

Not to diminish your efforts nor your video but the resonant length of an antenna is 234 divided by the frequency in Mhz. Thus, 20m would be about 16 feet 6 inches and four radials of about that length would be adequate. Additionally, you could use the antenna on 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m by shortening the whip. Inductance increases the electrical length of an antenna which is why you use the coil. It's not magic, it's science.

[@hamradiocq]

Sure seems like magic...keeps me interested.

[@tommyboy9998]

GP rox!

[@hamradiocq]

GP?

[@mikebarnes9858]

Great video...Your blue handle crimpers in video ...where can I buy them? 73 KJ7AQB

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks so much! I always put products in links in video description. Terminal Set w/ Crimp: amzn.to/34dwYFi

[@dyolf1000]

FB. 73 de KI7GIE.