How to set up a restricted ham radio station using the Slidewinder coil antenna

I've got the chance to set up a ham radio in my office at Keele University to use when the weather is bad and I can't get out portable. I'm restricted to using a small antenna and have to be mindful of not causing any RF issues for other users of the building I'm in. This video is an introduction into the set up.
All the antenna kit used used was purchased from M1ECC antennas (apart from the coil):
Online store: www.m1ecc-antennas.co.uk/Slid...
Slidewinder coil antenna
Portable Tripod
Antenna bracket
Foldable mil whip
Feedline is Formula Zero F Zero Ultra Low Loss Coax from Radioworld
Radio is the Icom IC-705.

[@vinnyc365]

I love that courtyard.

[@TonyBlews]

I worked at various parts on the Keele Uni site back in the early 90s, but I never saw that place. We were putting network cabling in.

[@danielgiraud2192]

You make it look so easy Carl. Just subscribed to your Channel,I have a lot to learn when it comes to Antennas. 73 de ZS5DG in Durban.

[@siffler1234]

stealthy efhw wrapped over those trees carl

[@Ploggy.]

Interesting video as always Carl thanks for posting 😃👍

[@wayneskiba1237]

Carl, very nice setup at your work location, I use one of those window feed throughs for my home qth antenna set up and they work really nice for me. I have three coax ports with u 259 adapters and two feed throughs for end fed wire antennas. You really are doing a very nice job with your work radio station, thank you for sharing.

[@chasb441]

Stick with QRP Carl. Most satisfying when you get a contact IMHO. Also less chance of causing any interference to anyone.

[@stuartpalmer3404]

Thank you for another great video. I always enjoy them. On the echo question an alternative to the pads on the walls may be large-ish books and bookshelves. In a university you may be able to get those at low cost. I couldn’t see if there was carpet on the floor but carpets and rugs also help a lot, heavy curtains on the windows as well. If you have access to the roof it could be a great location for an antenna.

[@Jim_2E0HKM]

Great little work area that Carl, nice spot to mix work with a bit of radio. Pass Keele all the time, will have to pop in for a brew one day.. 73 Jim 2E0HKM

[@don_n5skt]

Carl, I use those through the window devices from MFJ. They can probably be recreated with wood and barrel connectors but the MFJ solutions are pretty good. I have been using them for several years.

[@andrewhill4226]

Loved Sir Patrick. I met him once at Birmingham Airport and when I was 14 he sent me a postcard autographed to say get binoculars rather than a more expensive telescope to view the moon, etc. Nice place to work and at least you have trees you maybe able to put an antenna in stealthwise ? 73's Andy M6APJ

[@101blog]

Yep that will make a great nearby remote station . You'll be able to do HF with out all the buzz from the neighbours ...have a good un Carl!!

[@A.R.O.T.A.]

The through window coax passthroughs are good but I would recommend only use them on windows that don't get opened very often as they are subject to wear and tear. Due to the location of the overhead telephone wires I also recommend the use of choke baluns at the antenna and the entrance to your office.

[@martin1698]

Hi Carl Great video given a few ideas for down the caravan Best of luck Chap Martin G1VYK

[@denniswofford]

Hi Carl. Thanks for your videos. They're always intriguing and helpful. Just wondering if it would be possible to string up one of your end fed antennas using the trees at the back of the property for support while hanging the feedpoint on or over the low wall. You'd have to keep the wire high enough to keep above the heads of any pedestians, but I would think such a setup would be less obtrusive and perform better. Just a thought. 73, K5OLV.

[@dxscotland5901]

Very nice view out the office Carl!! I noticed some big trees beyond the courtyard wall? I’d get a wire fired over the top! Good luck 73 Gm4zji Chris

[@desbelfastireland9982]

THANK YOU... DES CREAN, BELFAST ,, IRELAND

[@markramsay6399]

Great video Carl. Did not know office was based at Keele. I do training there a few times a year for Alliance. Maybe pop and and say hello next time! Mark, 2E0MSR

[@M0SZT]

Yes absolutely

[@yoki9743]

Hi Carl, Thats absolutely screaming out for an end fed... 49:1 and halfwave of wire jobbie... if you are looking to do some "propo" work you could always do a end fed horizontal and a end fed vertical to see the effects ...Personally I would keep with the qrp for at least the first couple of months till everyone gets used to seeing what it is you are doing.... I suppose the phrase, softly softly catcha monkey springs to mind matey.... Its also going to be a decent site I would of thought for remote working especially at weekends.... Looking forward to seeing it grow into a nice little unit... Kind regards Yoki..

[@M0SZT]

yes, I need to advance the setup carefully, key bit is keeping nasty RF out of the building

[@brianfields4479]

Interesting video, I hope it works out for you. I wonder , being a old building whether there is a air brick outside which allows access under the floor into your office for the coax. I will be interested to see what happens with rf flying around, especially as I notice , what seems to be telephone lines above your ant, and obviously lots of computers etc around. I remember callus putting isolating devices all over the place, but as you say, later , if possible the trees would be a perfect place for a ant, especially with the height keeping rf above and away from the buildings. New stations set up are always trial and error. I will keep watching to see your results. 73 brian.

[@M0SZT]

Yes, I think the telephone lines are unused as we are all fibre here, saying that, the wires terminate somewhere in the building, I need to take RF seriously with this setup

[@M7BXR]

I'm looking at that telegraph pole...😁 Interested on your thoughts on the formula zero, seen it, price seems a little to good to be true for the price. Simon M7BXR.

[@M0SZT]

yes the wires terminate in the building but are unused as we are all on fibre and underground connections, I wonder if there are some indepth measurements of the coax somewhere

[@M7BXR]

I did make a spreadsheet of available coax data and compared them and for the money it seems like a really good price.

[@M0PQA]

Hi Carl! Can I ask what are the radials that you are using in this video? These are not the ones that come with the antenna, right?

[@M0SZT]

I just used my own radials, can’t remember the exact length and number sorry

[@hectorpantalone3507]

Muybueno carlos de lw7evd ...73

[@pmsecretary52]

A lot of line loss??

[@jamescstanley5018]

Great possibilities Carl, but one problem! Does Ham Radio and work really go together? After all, work is the curse of the Radio Ham!! Jim M7BXT

[@M0SZT]

We work a lot on data, networks, some aspects of radio etc anyway so all these are part of modern ham radio. The main idea for the radio set up is to use it remotely anyway, hopefully do some propagation data gathering.

[@hectorpantalone3507]

😉

[@greggweber9967]

Any thievery/vandalism problems?

[@M0SZT]

It’s low on the campus, the building has 24 security but there’s always a risk same as home set ups

[@oldfartonabmx2122]

"nowhere is ideal when you're in a shared space" - I feel your pain. I share a space with my wife...... She doesn't like antennas......... No tower and yagi for me; at this stage it's an efhw wire antenna!