How To Use a 17 Foot Telescopic Whip for Ham Radio

How to make a 17’ telescopic whip antenna resonant on any band and different methods of mounting the antenna. #hamradioantenna #hamradio #amateurradio

[@Inkling777]

With telescoping whips there's a useful tip that saves time getting the length right. Establish the number of thicker sections to get just short of the right length and pull those out. Then you only need to do the measuring with the last section. A cord with knots is also less clumsy than a tape measure. Put a loop in the end to attach to the base and add a knot for each band.

[@RadioReporter]

Great ideas! Thank You!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome, Thanks for the idea!

[@petemillis4666]

Or, extended the thinner sections and make adjustment with the fat bottom sections. Save taking the antenna down and putting up again! 73 M3KXZ

[@GeorgeAdams]

I might try marking one of my radials with a label maker. I have to carry them anyway.

[@bodstrup]

Gives 5+9 a new meaning :-) 5 sections + 5 centimeters

[@goeministriesnc]

Walt, I find that your channel is one of the most helpful ones on KZbin for amateur radio stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so very much! 73

[@NC1F_Matt]

I am all about the whips in the field personally, but there is something pretty important to remember. That guide to resonant length assumes a good ground plane and good ground under your ground plane. If you are placing everything on dry sand with no salt water on site, the ground will suck regardless of what you put down for a ground plane. This means that you will have to extend your whip more to actually get resonant. The more conductive the ground under your ground plane, the shorter the whip can be and reach resonance. I generally use the Wolf River whip because it is slightly longer than the other 17' whips, for just that reason, though I have a Chameleon whip as well. If all else fails, clip an extra length of solid copper wire to the end of your whip if things are really bad on the ground. Walt avoids all this by habitually setting up by the saltwater and running a counterpoise/radial down to it. That makes for a fantastic ground plane and thus avoids the problems I just talked about. For my own part, I have just gotten used to knowing about how long a whip I need and using a NanoVNA to dial it in once I am in the ballpark.

[@WECB640]

Spot on Matt. Really good comment. I'll add that a 1/4 wave vertical over a proper groundplane generally measures about 36 ohms +J0 (ie it is resonant). But 36 ohms is going to show some SWR to the coax because it's not 50 ohms at the antenna. SO, what I do is make the antenna a bit LONGER. This raises the feedpoint impedance up to 50, but it also adds inductance (perhaps 36+J15). Then I attach a capacitor in shunt (across) the coax where it connects to the antenna, and this makes a very simple "L match" and now I can get a perfect 1:1 SWR, 50+J0 at the antenna end. What I describe is probably overkill if you have a short feedline, but I present it here as a teaching tool for those who want to learn more. 73 OM

[@Kinetic79]

@@WECB640interesting. I have, in the past, run one of the extension legs (like the ones that come with the Buddipole and Buddistick Pro) under the 17’ whip to get closer to 1:1. Not always needed, though. Like you say, you can get close enough without the shunt. But your comment interested me bc I’d usually understood shunts as typically being employed as a coil across the feed point (between center & shield), which would be an inductor (as all coils are… right?!)… for the purposes of raising the feed point impedance (as low feed point impedence almost always occurs with physically short vertical antennas). So wouldn’t we expect additional capacitance in shunt to raise the feed point impedance..? Or are you perhaps not running the capacitor across the two coaxial conductors, and rather have it only inline with the center of the coax and the radiating element?

[@WECB640]

Yes correct. If the radiator is a bit short it has capacitive reactance and we use a shunt inductor to form the "L match". If the radiator is a bit long, it then has inductive reactance and we use a shunt capacitor to form the "L match". Either way works. BTW, MFJ (much as I don't like the quality control) sells both types of shunt but IMO they are overpriced, so I make my own. 73@@Kinetic79

[@NC1F_Matt]

Oh, now that's a very good suggestion! It never occurred to me to try. I've just kinda been ok with whatever SWR I end up with as it is generally pretty darn good already. I am definitely going to look into that. If it does not add much hassle to the set up time and gets a better result, I can't think of a reason not to try it! Thank you!@@WECB640

[@marcelookunz-lu1fk]

Se agradecer el que digas también las medidas en metros! (Me evitas hacer cálculos o preguntarle a Luzia 😀)

[@Rickharlow94]

Hey Walt, Just wanted to say I’ve been watching your channel for a few months now and your my favorite ham radio KZbinr, no bs and straight to point, I learn something everytime I watch your videos, thanks for making them!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much for the kind words and most of all thanks for watching! 73 my friend

[@sm6yec]

I got mine today 🎉

[@lawrence3242]

Was that a 1:1 balun on your quarter wave vertical?

[@Tommyr]

Hi Walt, I have the Wolf River coils long whip with their Silver bullet 1000 set up. Works great. Having a blast the past 2 weeks on 12 and 10m!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Those bands have been great the past few weeks! 73

[@marcelookunz-lu1fk]

Hablando de Idiomas! "Yo no hablo Ingles!" bajo un poco el volumen del audio original, y utilizo el lector de sub-títulos de KZbin. O sea colega, a mi me estas hablando en español! es Genial! 73 desde Argentina .

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Muchas gracias mi amigo! 73 de K4OGO

[@mjcz5853]

Hey Walt, hope all is well. Got a question for you. My SS 17 telescopic antenna is mounted to a 24”, 1 3/4” piece of PVC and I just put that into the ground. Is there any advantage to using a metal ground rod instead of the PVC?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

As long as you have a good counterpoise or ground radial system below it the PVC is great and really not a big change by using a metal support.

[@ianbardell8030]

Nice video. I'd love one of those tape measures. Where can I buy one from? I'm another antenna nerd from the UK 😂 M0JTL

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Here’s a link: chameleonantenna.com/shop-here/ols/products/cha-ant-tape

[@JReed305]

On my whips after I get them tuned for length I mark the whip with a sharpie marker, that way I just extend them till the mark shows when I setup at the park. The sharpie does wear over time but it's quick to freshen it up.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great idea, thanks for sharing!

[@placeholder-065]

Hello, do the elements of the whip stay firm the one connecting to the 2 other elements? Does the SWR stays put when operating the antenna in the wind? 73 es dx Gust ON6KE

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes in my experience the whip stays firm and stays put in the wind. 73, Walt

[@JamesHindsW5ATJ]

Great video. How close do you have to be with the antenna measurement? Is a 1/4 inch going to make a difference? When you are making adjustments to the antenna and using a Rig Expert in what increments should you be adjusting the antenna? Thanks

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

1/4 will make a small difference. I typically adjust in 1/8 inch increments once I see the SWR getting close

[@RingwayManchester]

Brilliant video Walt as always. Enjoy every one you do!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much my friend! I say the same for every video you do! They’re the best!

[@kd5aj]

UPDATE: Hi Walt; I use the buddie pole 9.5 foot telescoping whip with a magnetic mount and a common mode choke from the car; just like you did in a previous video.. using a 12 V 6 AH LiFePO4 battery. It works great and its working on 40 thru 6 with the wolf river coil SB1000. Easy to tune with the NanoVna to get it resonant with a light touchup from the xiegu 6100!!! Here is the video that i based it off of . kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHmxk3iEeZKHqpI

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Excellent setup!!! Thanks for sharing. 73, Walt

[@JulietNovember9]

Thank you for your operating experience with all of the options. I have both the MFJ 1979 and the Chameleon SS17 and for anyone interested in getting one, definitely get the Chameleon. It's much more robust in construction and also the upper segments are much thicker. The 1979 is a bit flimsy up top and probably will wear out more quickly despite both being the same price. For awhile there the SS17 was sold out and was hard to get (I became impatient and got the 1979 first). Another great video that makes my day! Always appreciate your vibe that keeps up the HAM spirit! 73!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much! I agree and as I mentioned in the video the Chameleon is for sure the better of the two. All the best and 73 my friend!

[@CQBlindHams]

Just a thought Walt. What if you connected a say, 4 to 1 UNUN and a counter pois to one of the 17ft. whips. Would it be multi band with one length without adjusting?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That's a great idea and should work well.

[@kevinc9416]

Great video and thank you for the reply on the other video, what distance are we getting on 10 meter? This antenna design and a yagi do not use the atmosphere correct?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Both this and a yagi will use the ionosphere for skip. In the HF frequencies pretty much everything eventually skips. I’ve typically seen 400 to 600 miles on a first hop skip with a vertical, my longest DX with this type of whip on 10 meters is South Africa from Virginia. 73, Walt

[@blugoose86]

Hey Walt, did you use a balun or unun in your setup or was that blue box just a choke?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hi, sorry I missed this comment. The blue box is just a LDG 1:1 choke. 73, Walt

[@raymondmartin6737]

Yes, I have the Moonraker one, as I saw a UK amateur using one. I have used mine with a mag mount and on my car's mount. 😊

[@davidbrennan5]

I bought an ft891 and the fc50 tuner recently, I am using a hustler 6btv at home. I am looking for a portable antenna that can cover 20 and 40 meters that won't break the bank and can be easily deployed. I have heard performance on 40 is not good with a 1/4 wave vertical, what would you suggest?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Take a look at a Wolf River Coil setup, good performance in 40 and 20 and you won’t need a tuner. Perfect for a FT891

[@davidbrennan5]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES it says An essential employee is ill. For now we need to shut down this portion of the website when I try and order. I can get the slide-winder dx but its pricey after shipping. I know hams that have the 1979 and they say its not good on 40. I was trying to keep the cost around 200-300 dollars because I need to purchase an analyzer also. What do you think about the SE X80 Vertical? I could mount that to a construction tripod and lay out some ground radials or use a faraday blanket as a counterpoise.

[@nickattain]

Great point these 17 ft whips give great results. I use it with the MFJ tapped coil mounted directly to the SO239 on my car trunk. Not to drive mobile with!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JarlSeamus]

'MERICA! 5 Meters = 13.5 Corgies, 4.8 Savage Axis Rifles, 17 Hotdogs, or any other unit of measurement your 'Merican heart desires! (lol)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

LOL

[@JarlSeamus]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES And FWIW, I just pulled the trigger on the Chameleon tactical delta loop kit with 2 of these whips. Can't wait to pair them with my IC-705!

[@Loewenherz6183]

Wow, nice guy, nice video. Thank you. Also cool for mag mount on the car. I like the pac-12 Antenna, it's very easy to get a good swr by changing the position on the coil. How do you shorten the antenna? From the top or can you do it from the bottom? If you have to do it from the top you have to unscrew the antenna every time. The tape measure is great. I will buy one when I find a tape measure with frequencies on it and one which use the metric system. Because in Europe nobody uses inch, only UK. Thank you for the video and good explainings. 73 greetings from Austria. 👍🏻 Sorry for my english, it's not the best.

[@MikeN2MAK]

The 17' telescoping whip is easily my favorite antenna for portable use. I have the original and enhanced versions from WRC. They are so versatile, it's great to use mounted on the car, from a park bench, a stake in the ground or a tripod. Plus a 1/4-wave antenna is great.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Absolutely, there are so many cool different configurations and uses for them.

[@pauljones-f9b]

Hi Walt in VK land we can get 5.6 meter whips of eBay, just add a 49:1 and a tripod, great on 27 meg 😉

[@nickjh1968]

With a telescopic whip, or tank whip antenna, if using a ground stake what would suffice for a ground plane/counterpoise Walt?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

When I'm away from saltwater I typically just put 4 wires on the ground about 5 meters long each, if I can I'll add a couple more. I just put an alligator clip on the end and clamp them to my ground stake, When I'm by saltwater I just run one wire out to the damp sand or slightly into the water. Both ways work well for me.

[@nickjh1968]

Thanks for the reply Walt much appreciated.

[@t.j.speakman7723]

Thanks Walt. I don't have one yet but I've checked the price a hundred times. I may hit the buy button next time. Always good stuff here.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks so much!

[@allancopland1768]

A pair of these set up as a dipole or vee is great for 20M and up.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes they are!

[@mackgoodman]

love your channel, but also love imperial measurements, old engineer here, but never went metric. I don't consider myself a dumb american for that. 73

[@donmurphy3916]

The coil you mention at 3.25 with the 17M.. what is that? And I also notice something near the end of the cable ? Is that a 1:1?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That’s the Chameleon TDL in vertical position using the Chameleon coax which has a built in choke.

[@donmurphy3916]

Thanks!!! @@COASTALWAVESWIRES

[@robertambrose2638]

So I see on car mag mount obviously no radials as the car is ground, but are you using cut length radials when in vertical ground spike? Would it work better if using radials? Thx 73 M7RWA

[@jneale5204]

Wolf River Coils also has a 17' telescopic whip. I have the Otophone with 2 Silver Bullet 1000s and two 17' telescopic whips. KM4NHN

[@nubsey7291]

The whip you are showing is £80 over here. You can get one off e bay but they all have a m10 thread and are not 3/8th thread. All expensive.

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

Awesome Walt!! Just ordered one this morning to use with my G106. Cant wait! 👍👍👍 p.s. 2:46 was that a sasquatch behind you?

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Walt, I finally picked up a Chameleon SS whip. Also found a great deal on a new ATAS 120a from Japan. Saved about $75 from buying it in the US. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome! Stay safe as well my friend! 73, Walt K4OGO

[@tinysolarshack9615]

Hey Walt I love the videos. Perhaps talk about the early submarine communication back in the WW2 era when subs pulled antennas behind them in the saltwater and used very low frequencies. 73 Bryan KC8HPS Colorado.

[@nxesr]

Can I use this antenna on CB Radio 11 meter band❓

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes

[@StevetheNPC1337]

"I say whip it, whip it good"

[@paulsengupta971]

Cool whip.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That's it, I'm getting a flower pot hat hahahaha

[@dadthejedi]

New ham here trying to drink from a firehose...at 1:25 in the video it looks like you've got an unun hanging off the vertical. Is that required? Also, at 3:23 you mentioin using a transformer. Is that another name for a loading coil? Thanks.

[@davidpatrick1813]

Interesting. I am looking into someone to put on the side of my old 1990 Chevy Van as a whip type thing and use my 857D and LDG Y100 tuner on it ... and listen and transmit at night when camping without making a whole scene .. .. but can if extended camping. someone said an 8" stainless whip ... but this looks interesting, adjusting to length ..

[@miketaylor6700]

I think if God wanted us to use the Metric system he would have given us 10 fingers!!! 😮😂

[@johnkaelberer237]

Another very good video Walt. I love using a vertical whip on a mag mount for quick POTA activations or just to rag chew. Great when it's raining or snowing and always pretty darn effective. I have a large SUV and use a mag mount right in the middle of the large roof. One thing I do that helps a little is to attach 4 quarter wave radials with a large clamp to the base of the mag mount. I'm in Idaho and I usually arrange the radials to face the direction I want the a little more of the signal to go to. About a 90 to 120 degree spread. Does it make a major difference....No, but from what I have observed, it does help a little. I manage to keep them off the ground most of the time. Give it a try and see if it adds a little bit of improvement. Being able to go to a RF quiet place also is a huge bonus. I have also clamped a 17' whip to the top of a stout 12 meter pole, set at about 10 meters and added another half wave of wire below it to make a vertical dipole. Very effective antenna and the added height of having 1/2 of the antenna above 10 meters also helps.

[@Kinetic79]

Hm cool. That’s quite a lot of height (clamped at 10-ish meters)! Just curious, did you run the coax vertically up as well, or did you try to pull it away at a sharp angle (of course unlikely to achieve totally perpendicular to the pole)? .. thinking about this, I think you could theoretically use the shield of the coax as the other half of the vertical dipole, and run the coax vertically down the pole, as long as the coax was choked very effectively (with a ft240-(31 or 43) toroid at the quarter wavelength point. That would give you an almost sleeve dipole or flowerpot type arrangement. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about the interaction between the coax and the wire element. :)

[@johnkaelberer237]

@Kinetic79 I put a 1 to 1 choke at the antenna feed point and when I have a tree available, run it as horizontally as possible. Otherwise, just bring it down at an angle.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks and thanks for the interesting comment!

[@loraz0]

Hey Walt! I mark my whips with a sharpie for each band. Saves carrying a tape measure, and even with different ground conditions, it gets you close enough to fine tune if you wish. Four 10 meter (33ft) harbor freight tape measures with wires and connectors soldered on make great radials for a whip, and are bright yellow for visibility if using them in a park. Same with the wolf river coil, I mark it as well, and it will be very close depending on ground conditions.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great tips, thanks for sharing

[@Proc3000]

I love using my WRC whips for dipoles.. Got into africa with that and my 991a on 10m on a 25ft pole.

[@seanfoley7097]

I just got the wolf river coil version I was wondering, I'm going to try using the auto tuner on it to hit 80 M have you tried? Maybe if I use the coil with it I might be able to get to 80 if I put the collar all the way at the bottom

[@mickeyzee43]

Add a Chameleon mil. Whip extension shorten about 10" and you have a Rybakov.

[@MikeN2MAK]

I just used my Wolf River Coils 213" whip for POTA today. The new one they came out with this year is awesome. It collapses smaller, so it'll fit in cary-on luggage. It's double crimped and more rugged than their previous one too. It's become my go-to antenna the last few months. It's easy to setup on a mag mount and switch bands. I memorized how many sections to drop between each bands, LOL.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I need to get one of those whips!

[@brianrozs3br]

No, Americans do not speak English! 😜😂🤣

[@joistein]

I have the MFJ 3 m whip and MFT ATU for 11 m ban and lysten to HF bands.

[@kellypaws]

My favourite antenna for a fair while. Performed quite well, but repeated exposure to moderate winds absolutely wrecked them. They slacken off and refuse to grip after a while.

[@StevetheNPC1337]

Which brand did you use? I wonder if some are sturdier than others?

[@kellypaws]

@@StevetheNPC1337 MFJ. Excellent when new, but they had a definite working life to them.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

good to know, thanks

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

No Imperial antennas at my QTH. More DX with metric antennas 😂... Thanks for video Walt. Telescopic whips are certainly useful.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

wow! metric antennas and DX, great to know hahahaha

[@vhfgamer]

Cool antenna. I'll have to give a hard pass on the metric thing though.

[@AI4QT]

Just a thought: I still find the metric-imperial system a non-conflict issue. Americans use metrics more than they think--from buying soda in liters, eye-glasses, audio equipment specs in Hz, medicine-milligrams, radio-KHz MHz, electrical units of 120/220 volts, heck, even our money is metric being base 10. I still find it interesting that in Canada and UK-- they interchange metrics and Imperial units in cooking and baking-- even measuring (one sure way to get in trouble). Keep up the great videos! de AI4QT

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I have actually been using the metric system in shipbuilding for almost 30 years. It really is used more here in the USA than people think. 73, Walt

[@RadioReporter]

Hi Walt, I watch about every episode and especially liked this one at about 4:28. You showed me an easier way to measure the antenna as it is extended. THANK YOU!!!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks so much for watching my videos! it takes a little practice but works well after you do it a few times.

[@cchalfantusa]

Walt, I really like your last two videos where you start out with what you were going to share with us. Also, these last two how to videos were desperately needed. They both fill a gap. There are many videos that review sliding coil antennas or telescopic whips. There are many videos showing people using them for POTA activations, but I haven’t found any that simply explain how to use them… until now!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I hope to keep making videos that help others in the hobby.All the best and 73, Walt

[@jimirvine763]

Great video Walt. I have the MFJ whip and I will start portable in the spring. Quick question. When you use the mag mount, do you need a counterpoise? Or is the vehicle a good enough ground plane on its own. Thanks de Jim VE3UZX

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’ve found that the vehicle is good enough on its own. 73, Walt

[@tlebryk]

Hi Walt, I have two sections of my MFJ 17' whip are stuck. I have tried two pliers and some WD40 but no way they will extend. It is thin and denting from the pliers. If I pull too hard, I fear it may come apart. So, for now it is a 13.5' whip. Any suggestions??

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yikes, I’m not sure. Sorry.

[@WilliamParmley]

Interesting, thanks! I may need to spend some money. 😁

[@JOHN_COSMO]

Get 80 m on your 891? With the magnet mount on your truck? Thank you.😊 Is there any way you could demonstrate that please? Using the mfj. I have atas 120a with my 891 and I obviously don't get 80 meters and I would love on the road even if I have to park. What kind of coil would you put at the top? I'm a novice just got into ham

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I’m sure this can be done with a Wolf River Coil Silver Bullet 1000 and a telescopic whip on a mag mount. I’ll give it a try.

[@tomkortoian3964]

Great Video... I recently did my research and settled on purchasing the MFJ1979. Going to pickup a steel rod and attempt a set in my small Back Yard. Got some radials ready too and RigExpert to check it out before hooking it to my rig. I was wondering, what brand or where did you get that delta loop mount? Keep up the great videos... I enjoy them as newer ham, great to learn from others experiences/knowledge! 73!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Have fun with that antenna! 73, Walt

[@MattblankNG2Q]

Hi Walt, stumbled across your video looking for 17" whip antenna ideas. THANK YOU for inspiring people. If there were more operators like you in the ham radio community, it would be twice the size it is! De NG2Q

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@MattblankNG2Q thank you so much for the kind words! 73, Walt

[@Swamp-Fox]

I have had my eye on the 17' telescopic whips for a while. You have convinced me to get one!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

It's a great thing to have for a quick and easy setup. I love mine!

[@jtn104]

Great video Walt. I just recently bought the MFJ-1979 17ft whip (yeah MFJ uses feet not meters) I set it up according to Greg Mihrans KJ6ER POTA Performer setup and it is amazing the QRP results that I am getting. Multi pileups and more DX than I have ever had vs Inverted V dipoles and hamsticks. Easy and quick to set up and take down. AND it's doesn't require any long extention poles. kd9van

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Great setup, thanks for sharing!

[@lawrencethompson465]

Greg just released an update to his Performer setup. He shows how to build a linked radial wire(s).

[@garyclark4930]

Nice video. I like the stainless-steel whips and I need to get a couple. I have been using a pair of CB whips cut for 10 meters as a rotatable dipole. Also, I like using metric measurements building antennas. It's easier than trying to figure out what .346 inches is. I have a 10 and 25 ft tape measures with both Inches and metric on the same tapes. telescoping whips have so many uses. KF6EWO

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Yes metric is so much easier building antennas.

[@hedgiehogUK]

YES! YES! This is the video I've waited for 👍. Got my 17ft telescopics off AliExpress and ready to play 📡

[@Kinetic79]

Just be aware that the AliExpress ones often don’t use the 3/8” thread at the base, so you may need an adapter to use as flexibly (from a mounting perspective) as the usual American branded suspects.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Perfect timing! Thanks for watching!

[@StreakyP]

But when I put an SMA adapter on the bottom & tried to use it on my handheld it just tore the top off my rig. 😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣😁... we may laugh but I bet someone has done it

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Oh I’m sure lol

[@SuperCapsfan101]

Hi, Walt. I was thinking about buying one of these- sounds like a good investment! 73, Mike K3CXG who dat.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Well worth the investment my friend! 73

[@miketaylor6700]

Ok, quick question: will I have more success transmitting if I measure out a natural wavelength or if I extend the whip all the way and use a tuner (for SWR). Which will send signal out better???

[@miketaylor6700]

I read some comments: I think the answer is.. when I use the tuner to get the ‘match’ I lose a lot of my transmit power?! Right?

[@KC3UVF]

I have both the MFJ and the Wolf River 17ft whips. Both good pieces of kit. I never even thought of using them as a dipole. It'd be saggy as all get out, but a 40m dipole.... hmmmmm lol

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

A nice saggy directional dipole!

[@rudyackerman5747]

A black or red sharpie is a great way to mark the 6m, 10m 12m, 15m, 17m points on a whip antenna. While the exact point for each band may move a few inches depending where you set up. My marks always have a SWR of 1.5 or less. A quick adjustment of a couple inches will get your SWR under 1.1 depending on your location/setup. I can adjust the length with a NANO VNA in less then a minute,

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great advice, thanks!

[@georgeetherege8347]

Insanely jealous of your mag-mount on the Jeep hood. Just recently discovered the hood on my Jeep Gladiator pickup is PLASTIC! Bummer. I have a cover on the cargo bed so clamping to the edge messes up the waterproofing. BUT… a special mount for the outside of the bed can had so I now put verticals-ham sticks, Wolf River coils and short whips, and son-on that little gem. Going to get an extendable whip.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I'm jealous you have a Gladiator LOL I love those trucks!

[@Cardassiaprime]

Hey there Walt, good concise video on the different configurations of the 17ft “Telewhip” I have the MRQ version and it’s great. Oh and BTW as a 60turns on the coil Englishman I use imperial and metric interchangeably esp when antenna building. 73. M7PBX.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching and for the great comment! 73, Walt K4OGO

[@donmertz2171]

Thanks from your Hampton Roads neighbor. I have both the MFJ-1979 and Chameleon SS17. I use both regularly with my triple mag mount on the truck and as part of "Frankenstein" antennas with my CHA EMCOM antenna and TM-1 Super Antenna. Will need to check it out on 80m and 40m with the analyzer this weekend. 73 DE KJ4MZ E E

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching my 757 neighbor! All the best and 73, Walt

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

The telescopic aerial. I use one on my campervan and also on a lighting tripod. Both have homemade bottom loading coils. Recently filmed it at Rutland Water. Yesterday. Cheers from old George in the UK 🇬🇧

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Cheers from Walt in the USA 🇺🇸

[@TravelinHam]

Love my Chameleon, usually magnet mounted on the roof of my 1-ton pickup. I’ve developed notes for tuning the whip that will tell me for example for 15m I need to collapse 3 3/4 sections if mag-mounted, or 3 5/8 sections if using a tripod. Then no tape necessary. Not that any one way is better. This is just an option.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Sounds like a great setup! 73

[@georgebradshaw474]

Hi Walt, went back to view this video once again. At HamCation, I purchased the MFJ version of the 17’ s/s telescopic antenna. I’m hoping in the very near future to utilize it for a POTA at Tomoko State Park (here in Florida), which sits adjacent to salt water. Sooo, I have to build my noodle radial, sand spike assembly and connect all to my FX4CR, or G-90. Thanks for these episodes of experimentation in our wonderful hobby. AC3EA. George.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks George! Have fun with that setup! 73, Walt

[@WillShattuck]

Thanks Walt. I’ve been trying to find a mast for my EARCHI efhw for POTA.l and portable. I think the whip and mag mount might be the easiest and fastest at this times thanks!!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching! the whip and a mag mount is very easy and quick for sure.

[@tronics666]

In terms of getting a stronger signal is it better to fully extend the antenna and use a ATU to tune it? Does the ATU attenuate the signal in any way?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

In my experience with low power it really isn't a big noticeable difference but in theory adjusting the antenna to resonant height is better.

[@normnpat]

Thanks for the video Walt, I purchased the MFJ 17' whip and use it alone, and with my Wolf River Coil. With my FX-4CR or my Xiego G90 it makes a very portable station. Use it for POTA , also just throw in the "boot" of the car and even when I'm away from my residence I have a station for vacation. Also great for BYOTA. (Back yard on the air.)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching! I've got mine in the "boot" as well. Should we call that GOTA? (Gardens on the air) hahahaha

[@PeterJavea]

Very interesting video I saw a very experienced ham using one at a ham meet (+ BBQ !) This summer here in Belgium. He had a long radial leading away, and quickly got going on his radio. I've got to get one for Christmas 😂

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Put one on your Christmas list!!! 73, Walt

[@dangermandave67]

I've got a little aluminum tripod that was made for the Super Antenna MP1DXTR80. It has connectors to attach radials and I throw out about 12 of those and mount either a 17 foot whip or a Hamstick on the tripod. Works really well. I carry a NanoVNA that I can use to quickly tune the antenna. I suppose I could use radials just as easily with the ground spike setup you describe, but when I'm doing SOTA activations it's usually too rocky to drive anything into the ground so the tripod is a good solution. Just needs to be weighted down with some rocks when the wind is strong.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great setup, thanks for sharing!

[@thork0tjt515]

Great video Walt! I have a Chameleon whip. Now I want another! 🤣. Was that a Sasquatch sighting at 2:41? 🤣

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

hahahaha probably Sasquatch, seems to make an appearance on that walking trail everytime I film a video LOL

[@johnnybigpotato2404]

Would have liked to have known which one does the least amount of bending or swaying in the wind. I had one many years ago at the end of a screwdriver and was considering another one for mobile QRP use . Cool toy for sure!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I've had both of mine in the wind and haven't had any issues yet.

[@AlexTheAudiogen]

Can these be used for shortwave?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes, absolutely

[@AlexTheAudiogen]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES sweet

[@m7trsradio]

Great video Walt. I also have one of these type of antennas they are great. You can use a tape measure like you say or a length of para cord with knots for the bands you use. Or string what every you have. 73 👍🏽

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Para cord with a knot, great idea!

[@pasjeihobby]

This is one of few antennas I would buy. It's easy to make EF or dipols but I dare anyone to make own telescopic antenna :D

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

hahahaha yes that would be difficult

[@certinstructorron4050]

Thanks for posting enjoy your videos! Good info!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching!

[@janiceemery2008]

Thank you Walt for sharing. I am in the market for a wire antenna and just can't decide what to get. You have definitely made a case for the ones you show. Thank you for sharing.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching!

[@The3DPrintingWarrant]

Great video 🎉. I learn a lot from you

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@christophersmith1155]

WHY NOT USE IT AS A 1/2 WAVE ON 10 METERS. BETTER DB, GAIN RIGHT ?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Better gain for sure but the problem is the match at the feed point. Half wave antennas have very high resistance at the feed point and that's why end fed half wave antennas need a 49:1 unun to get a match. I can use a 17' telescopic whip on a mag mount with my G90's ATU but the amount of loss after tuning that thing means I'm not getting much power radiating from the antenna itself.

[@BradShoemakers]

Hi Walt - Is that transformer available or do I need to make it? 4:1?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

All my transformers are LDG brand. I got mine from DX Engineering.

[@gliderrider]

Im always on the hunt for that magical combination of efficiency and ease of deployment. Mostly for qrp use in the field.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

This is easy for sure.

[@toddhowell2299]

I've got the MFJ and I find it's a hair too short on 20m. I can use the very top end of the band, but not even the full voice portion. And I haven't been able to get a tune on 6m. I'm running it on a short (6"?) tripod with eight 10' radials. Kind of trying to mimic the DX Commander I use at home. But it is a great antenna; I love using it on 10-17m and 20m when I can.

[@Inkling777]

You might look around for 3/8-24 male-to-female, extension, tilt-over or spring to give you just enough added length to reach 20 meters. You might also try elevating the antenna. I use a tripod designed for camera lighting that can be extended up to 10 feet. I found that the higher I put it, the lower the resonant frequency. That six inches is really low. Try a camera tripod. Your tuning issue may also be why the Chinese-made telescoping antenna sold by vendors on eBay is 5.6m/18.4ft rather than 17ft. That makes it resonant down to 13.36 MHz, giving enough leeway to be sure of covering 20 meters. Fully telescoped down to 20" it resonants at 147.5 MHz, which is the high end of two meters. That makes me suspect it was designed by a ham who made sure it would tune 20 meter to 2 meters.

[@paulsengupta971]

If you're on a tripod, try using tuned radials, quarter wave.

[@TheWeasel606]

I have really been thinking of one I have looked at them several times and may get one by springtime here.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

They are great to have. Quick and easy to deploy.

[@RayAttardPrevi]

Great stuff Walt! Keep up the good work, 73 de 9H5TB

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so vey much!

[@trevorhaines2274]

Hi Walt. Loved today whip video. Just bought one myself but I find the threads on the Chinese whip have a much courser pitch than the Slidewinder coil I have. Any thoughts on adaptors? I don’t recall seeing anything in your vid’s re connectors to join the whip to the coil. Thanks Trevor VK3DCQ

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

Chinese whips use M10 thread (metric). USA and international amateur radio use the standard 3/8-24 thread.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hi Trevor, thanks for watching! As @Chameleon_Antenna mentioned you need a 3/8-24 thread for the Slidewinder as well as a Wolf River Coil or pretty much everything else.

[@Bdub1952]

There you go again, Walt, making me spend money, hi, hi! I've pondered getting one of these and after hearing some bad reports regarding the MFJ (imagine that!) I'm going to spring for the Chameleon. I'm not finding any alternatives to the Radiowavs tape measure (non-metric) via normal resources, though.

[@Kinetic79]

I have found the mfj-1979 to be pretty serviceable. It may be more readily available, which is the main reason I have it.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

haha sorry, I got my RadioWavz tape measure from Gigaparts. It looks like Chameleon is currently out of stock on their website.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

A lot of great information. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks for watching and commenting my friend!