Comet HFJ-350M Toy Box 9 Band Portable Telescopic Antenna

[@simontemplar0468]

Hi Mike. Greetings from Portland, Oregon. I have that antenna with a G90 in an Apache 3800 case. A few months ago I was in my backyard with the G90 and the Comet antenna. I made a contact from home at the base of Mount Hood to an Italian freighter radio op on his ship coming into port in Miami Beach, FL. They were still 10 miles out from port. Works pretty good. We were using 20 meters sideband. 73 Mike

[@hamradiotube]

Holy crap! That’s a contact for the record books indeed. How cool is that?!

[@BobPlank_KK4DIV]

Neat little antenna. It can be fun to see what you can do with a compromised antenna sometimes, but it sure makes for a slow POTA activation. Thanks for the shoutout there in the video.

[@mikegassman3593]

Mike, I’ve found that it works better tuning the counterpoise rather than the whip. I look at it almost like a dipole with one side tuned to length (counterpoise) and the other side shorter but with a loading coil. I put the whip fully extended and adjust the counterpoise length. Very similar to the Buddistick.

[@osculant]

@7:43 I always love hearing my buddy Neil K7SEN. Nicest hunter you’ll ever talk to. 73 K9MKE

[@okierebel3278]

I remember the "other brand" video. This antenna seems to work better than the other one. I doubt I will be buying it but it could have a place as a last ditch antenna. You did manage to activate the park so it's not a dummy load lol. Thanks for the review.

[@motorvids]

I have actually had good luck with this antenna. I have it on a 1 foot high tripod and I use two counterpoises. They are made out of 25 foot tape measures. For 20 meters I have 5 .5 feet of tape measure out on each side. On 40 I have more length out but still 2 tape measures. I use a Rig expert and dial in a 1.1 to 1.4 SWR. The SWR is perfected by getting the counterpoises the best length and the antenna the best length. On 20 meters I have contacts all over the north American continent. On 40 I don't get much further out then about 1500 miles. I use a 45W MX-P50M amp with it. BTW that amp produces 35 w max. Stay safe, KJ7PRS

[@temporarilyoffline]

When I got mine, I don't even think the counterpoise kit was available. I bought it on amazon and then went on a trip. I didn't expect to be buying "half" an antenna and I was on the road away from home. When I got back, I added counterpoise... counterpoises... counterpi?? COUNTERPICES! and I was able to get it to work, but like you, I figure there are easier/better/more portable antennas to pack - and I LOVE verticals. I offered it up for sale in my video and nobody offered... sad ham was I! The case is NICE!

[@w4grw]

How much you want for it?

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@w4grw it sold, but not as a result of the video.

[@TK4619]

I have had this same antenna for a while and used on my 705 and my xiegu. I found leaving the antenna fully extended and adjusting the counterpoise got much better results. I have several counterpoise wires setup with alligator clips and adjust accordingly

[@hkmp5s]

Glad to see the g90 out on a pota. Great first radio for a new ham.

[@Lymansradio]

These type antennas work excellent for shortwave radio listening

[@SimonWilton]

I have used this and I found its a compromise too. It does work just not as good as others. I noticed the same about not having all the telescopic elements out which i agree is a waste. I also put a short one inch piece of cable with an Anderson Powerpole connector on the black counterpoise screw near the base of the antenna. Then I made a pair of radials for each band with thinner wire. Very easy to connect and swap using the powerpoles. (You could use crimps) I modellled too in Eznec. One counterpoise gives near omni, and two counterpoises opposite directions almost perfect omni. Really you'd get away with just one. I did do a youtube explaining it. Thanks for another great informative video. 73 Simon VA3SII G7HCD

[@K5KTM]

Tried this on my G90 a few months back. It was a complete exercise in frustration. Tried to get it to work for about two weeks (return period) and having zero luck with it sent it back before I got stuck with it. Buddistick works so much better and is so much more convenient. I usually use and EFHW (homebrew) but the buddistick is good to play with too.

[@W9HJBill]

Damn you! You are gonna make me go pull out my "Toybox" antenna again and mess with it. I can't remember if it's the Comet or not and I'm not sure if it has the 160M loading coil. :D

[@duanehendrickson4023]

Give it a try on FT8. I've used the MFJ 1899t with IC-705 for a quick FT8 activation at a park. It was the quickest setup, tear down and activation of a park I ever had.

[@davidwilcox9110]

Mike, I think if you shortened or rearranged the counterpoise you would have found the antenna would resonate better with the full extension of the whip. Looks like a well loaded short antenna something like we have for HF mobile. Not great but it worked…. Adds to the fun.

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

Hey Mike, I have to comment. You really did that aerial justice. You took a lot of time on that video to carefully set up on every single band and prove it on the analyser. I have had a huge amount of experience with this type of Aerial . Over the years, I have probably tested about seven different brands. and it can be very fiddly. You may get it working on one band, but getting it going on another one takes time. I think you will find anything less than 20 m will be a huge compromise. And when you get up to 10 m, it will be rather good. As you know, a counterpoise is essential when portable. I use the formula, 180 divided by the frequency gives the length in feet. When I first got started I also spotted this aerial and thought it was going to do everything. am my favourite mobile aerials that do everything HF are currently the following. Hf100 Moonraker Coil set. And also the MD 7400 which I’ve got to Australia on. And also the MD, 3500 mobile aerial, which I spoke to Ireland quite easily on 80 m.

[@stevewheatstone1856]

I think every qrp/portable operator likes the idea of a super small quick to deploy, whip antenna. Most hams know the reality I expect. If I go portable I want to enjoy myself and make contacts. Yes you can make some qso, but even 25ft of wire thrown into a tree with another for a counterpoise and the awesome g90 tuner is going to get you way more enjoyment. Saying that I have an Elecraft AX1 more because it’s a thing of beauty 😂. I’m impressed you qualified the park, I suspect this was on 20m or higher. Cheers for the videos. 73 from Wales. Steve MW0SAW

[@RicSpivey]

I think a small tripod with a direct so239 with the counterpoise wires spread out might work a little better, but it's certainly a compromise. Small package that CAN work, bands willing. Thanks for the video Mike!

[@o00scorpion00o]

I have good success with the MFJ-935C loop tuner. With just 4 meters of 10 mm soft copper pipe bent into a loop I manage to get from Ireland to US and 20 watts on 20 meters, I've managed to get tonnes of contacts also with 2 meters of the same pipe bent into a loop and it's quite a compact setup. The MFJ-935C will also handle 150 watts, I have tested it at 100 watts without issue. They also have a smaller loop tuner I have but have not tried out yet. The MFJ-9232 that will handle up to 25 watts. You can bring wire loops either for the likes of 40 m where a copper pipe would be too large but I've had a lot of fun with the 935C tuner and a tiny loop for 10 meters and just 5 watts. No radials or counterpoise needed. For the 9232 loop it would have been good if MFJ had a camera mount on it so you could fit it on a tripod but it wouldn't be too difficult to mod. That tuner is tiny.

[@ki4ttl]

I purchased the antenna but haven’t used it just yet. As a trucker, imma try it out one day at a rest area, truck stop, scenic view or our terminal when I have some down time. I will definitely try to remember to keep you informed on how it performs. De KA4YMC 73 😇

[@viccruikshank6918]

Hey Mike, how do you think it compares to the old Buddistick? Love you vids.

[@k2cjbradio]

In my early days with the 817 I tried an MFJ 20M whip that sits on the back of the rig and threw out a counterpoise. It worked…not great, but it did work. I agree that collapsing it at all is not good. It should be able to load up with the whip fully extended. The more metal in the air the better. But, hey you activated a park! 73 de K2CJB

[@N4XTL]

Mike, this is asking a lot, but I would love to see you try a 160m late shift activation later this year with this antenna. If we're gonna go ridiculous, let's go full scale. :)

[@walteredwards544]

I have virtually the same set-up. G-90, Toy Box, with an L shaped connector for the antenna. From my QTH in Georgia, I've reached Los Angeles and Nova Scotia but I rarely haven't tried below 40. With my 705, I've rarely reached anyone but when I do it's usually close (Like an NVIS antenna). I still like it but I usually use it as a Listening Antenna, especially for Shortwave stations. I'll normally carry a wire antenna for my primary.

[@haramanggapuja]

I got one of those. Played with it & the VNA. Nice piece. I worked up a chart for the extendo bit. Pleased, really. Much mure husky & better built than the “other” QRP version. But in the end, a wire up a pole & the AH705 work just as well 7 MHz & up. So now I have to mess with it some more on POTA. Thanks for the review. 73 de W8IJN

[@haramanggapuja]

By the way, 20 didn’t tune unless you use one of the band above or below.

[@barrykaufman6238]

Mike. Excellent review. You are always truthful and always do a great job! 73

[@rbryanhull]

Anyone tried it with a wire screen counterpoise?

[@oostrich1]

Basic antenna theory tells us that a plain old dipole in free space is around 97% or so efficient as a radiator of electromagnetic energy. Anything less is a compromise. A 6 foot helical wound mobile whip on 40 metres will have efficiency of around 4 or 5 %? maximum. This antenna smells like it has 50 ohm resistors of varying lengths inside those ""coil"" casings. Take an Xray of the coil casings and you will see what i mean. The counterpoise wires will be doing most of the work in your video.

[@MikeN2MAK]

Good review, Mike. I'm glad you got it to work enough to get the park activated. It's definitely not going to win any awards, but I'm sure this antenna has it's place for some portable ops, like as an alternative or back up when traveling.

[@SimonWilton]

totally agree for travelling backup if no high support for efhw etc Simon VA3SII

[@deetdustandblood7906]

As a few others have said, not ideal, but it does tune and function as advertised. My first try with it on a picnic table and a little tripod got to Alaska from Washington state(vid posted on my channel), not bad, but only one example. Have a great day and help someone smile today! 73.

[@stationvictormike3415]

Though I barely bought mine in April, I haven't made a contact yet. Hope to one of these days. I used an MP1 back in my brother's RV in Santa Rita NM and made good contact to WA, in August 2012. So I'm anxious to soon.

[@Photomanguru]

Thanks, I'm a beginner so this review helps understand the antenna's limitations. I tried it today and couldn't get my SWR below infinity on the IC-705 even though I adjusted the antenna height, the tripod height and used from 1 to 6 counterpoise. Given your test I don't see a lot of value in making this my go-to antenna.

[@hamradiotube]

This wouldn't be an antenna I would want to rely on. It has it's place but there are a lot of better antennas. Get yourself an End Fed Half Wave for a good multi band resonant antenna.

[@voodoo4426]

“Big bad Jackson !” Quote of the year !!

[@keithfrost1268]

I have a similar MFJ mobile antenna on my truck. it's not great, but it's reached Canadian stations and even Mexico City with an IC-7100. Currently I'm looking for options to reduce my carried mass so I can take my QRP radio (6100) with me when I ride dirt trails on the bike. This is one that I'm looking at, so thank you. Good timing.

[@johnk23705]

I'd go with a 17' telescoping whip and a ground spike mount with several radials. Easily fit in a small back pack and it will get far better results on 20 meters on up. Want 40 meters, add a short Wolf River Coil. Not much to carry on a bike and it will many times out perform the little Comet. The Buddistick Pro is another option that will get far better results in a very small package.

[@stevekemp9029]

Weak transmit performance may be due to your being at ground level in a shady grove. I wonder if top deck on a beach house might work better? I need something like this and am tempted to buy one! And, I wonder if getting a little hoist on it, maybe fibreglass pole on a tripod or top of a camper or box truck--even mag mount on car rooftop at a scenic overlook might work? Maybe you could do a follow-up? You spoke well of the antenna, rating it a compromise and not a dud. Thank you for a highly professional demo.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm at one of the highest points in the park where I operate. It's just a hugely compromised antenna. It is what it is. I would suspect it might work a little better with some more elevation, but I'd keep my hopes to a minimum. You would honestly be better with almost any other antenna. Get a few ham sticks. They will work exponentially better and you can have multiples (meaning different bands) of them for the same price if not cheaper. The trade off there would just be the size. This antenna has a place, but if you can use anything else, I would suggest it.

[@Flatus4La]

@@hamradiotube I have one of those MFJ style loaded antennas (similar design) and a magnetic loop antenna. I wonder which would work better? The mag loop antenna always impresses me on its versatility but its not very portable. I am currently working through hamsticks until my OCFD comes in but that will require a pole and rigging ... no shortcuts unfortunately!

[@peterwei]

I connect the Toy Box antenna and counterpoise to the AH705 and get tremendous results. It means I don't have to adjust the whip length very time I change frequency, very convenient. VK1PDW, Peter

[@dougdaniels]

Just a thought, maybe messing with the radials (length and placement) along with extending the whip completely might make a difference.

[@hamradiotube]

Who knows?? Though given my experimenting with radials/counterpoise wires, I kinda doubt it. Would be nice though.

[@SimonWilton]

See my other comment on radials. Yes for sure will affect. Its half the antenna lol Simon VA3SII G7HCD

[@FraterAlex]

At least with mine you absolutely need to use a counterpoise. If this is done it is good within realistic expectations, of such a compact antenna.

[@norrinradd8952]

Interesting coverage of a heavily mocked antenna system. Thanks for the video. This would make a great gift for the ham that has the antenna farm of tower beams. For a granny smith to red delicious comparison, I own a VHF discone that receives 20 meters all day and 40 meters all night. I suppose this has it's place if you have almost zero room to set up an antenna. Personally, I've had better luck with a piece of speaker wire up a tree trunk.

[@josempantaleon]

Nice job Mike, If you do a part 2, can I suggest a clip lead or other means of making a more positive connection between your radials and the radio. I am pretty certain that that will make a notable difference. 😎👍

[@paulplack490]

If you anticipate doing this often, consider putting a ground lug with a wingnut on your go-box panel, next to the BNC. Almost any compromised vertical you can take portable will require a good counterpoise.

[@hamradiotube]

That is actually a really good idea. When I feel like taking the box apart I just might do that. Good thinkin!

[@kd8opi]

A brief calculation based on the maximum length of this antenna (1.9m) shows that this antenna is less than 1% efficient on 160, less than 2% efficient on 80, 2% efficient on 40m, 4% (let’s call it 5%) efficient on 20m, and somewhere in the neighborhood of 10% efficient on 10m. Yup, it has a coil(s) that lets it not reflect much power back to your radio to keep the SWR low. So do dummy loads. It’s just getting burned up heating the coil. Effectively useless on 160, 80, and 40, maybe putting out 10w on 20m to get 0.5w effective radiated power (ERP) on CW or FT8 may make a contact. You might be heard on 12 or 10m, but who cares when on 10 you could easily deploy 5m of wire vertical from almost any tree, toss a few radials on the ground and get better than 80% efficiency? That same 5m of wire would act as a 1/4 wave on 20m and get you 50% ERP..

[@hamradiotube]

So you’re saying there’s a chance 🤣

[@kd8opi]

@@hamradiotube Well played, sir. Yes, a chance. Three true QSO’s I made at/near the peak of the last solar cycle: 1) The country of Turkey, from indoors in the Midwest , on a mag loop in my bedroom hooked up to my 817 on 20m SSB, probably half a watt out ERP. 2). Montana to Dayton on 10m FM, 5X9+ each way for 5 min, it was like he was 5 ft away. I was backyard portable, probably running no more than 20w, I think on my Icom 7000, don’t remember the antenna, but I remember that it was less than ideal. Neither of us could believe it, total fluke as the cycle had just begun ramping up. 3) hitting a repeater in Alabama on 2m from Dayton on a rare e-skip opening with my FT-60. A lot of “cool” stuff can happen anytime you put a signal out there, but most of the time cool flukes don’t happen. Like a lot of short things, short antennas tend to disappoint; and you’re better of with a few meters of wire and an auto-tuner compared to this product or the MFJ version. Good video Mike, real world results showing it works-but just kinda.

[@kylefreemason]

@@hamradiotube Always so positive lol

[@3dPrint_and_chill]

@@hamradiotube "what was all that one in a million talk?" ... Nice reference 🤣

[@joekrepps]

At 2:23, he literally says, “I want to be perfectly clear-this is a highly compromised antenna.”. You know what’s a highly compromised antenna? The 4 magnet, mag mount, one-off Diamond antenna I ran with my FT-817ND for about 6 years. Yup. QRP HF Mobile with a center loaded, mag mount on a Subaru Outback wagon roof, at 2.5w-5w, SSB on 20m. It was about 5’ tall with the 20m element or 6’ tall with the 40m element (great for finding your car in a parking lot!). Still racked up several Europeans, S. America and across the country. Busted a 20m pileup for a special event station in Germany, 5 minutes before the battery died. ANY antenna is better than no antenna. Mike was very clear this antenna wasn’t going to work well. However… For us HOA folks, it might be an alternative to not operating at all. I haven’t ruled out putting an ATAS-120A in the crawl space above our 2nd floor. Right now, I only operate mobile with the 891/ATAS-120A combo. Would I try a Toybox with a decent radial field up there? Maybe! It’d be a heck of a lot more cheaper than an ATAS and I plan on CW only in the house. Pennsylvania winters aren’t outdoor antenna friendly, especially for temporary antennas. Grateful for the review, Mike! Tnx de WB3CFN.. dit dit

[@johnk23705]

Yes, it would be a big NO. Thanks for reviewing the antenna. It will save some people money. Just a shorty Wolf River Coil, table clamp and whip with the same radials will yield far better results in a slightly larger package. OK, maybe 80 and 160 would be tough. But lets face it, you're not getting contacts on 80 or 160 with this antenna unless the stars align and all is right in the world. This Comet antenna would be of use to only a very select few on a very special basis. Good job on getting the 10 to put the park in the books. You worked for this one....lol And, as you said, it may be a option in digital modes, so there is that. Time will tell. When the SSN numbers are up, coat hangers twisted together will get you contacts.

[@hamradiotube]

I fully agree with you. I absolutely love my WRC antennas and can't recommend them enough.

[@Dusty_Ham]

Great video Mike, I'm in the snake oil camp myself. I guess if it's a place like I'm in where you simply cannot put something up it might be okay, however if you have literally any other option they'll be a bit better I'm sure.

[@hamradiotube]

I would prob chose this over a mag loop I think. Maybe. That's a tough call.

[@Dusty_Ham]

@@hamradiotube it will be interesting to see how it fits with digital modes, that may be where it really shines like you said

[@Sky1]

It might be good for a bedside radio if you just want to listen the short wave at night

[@hamradiotube]

Maybe?? You'd still need to have all the radials though. A tuned antenna is going to hear way better than not.

[@Johnyrocket70]

I had to use mine yesterday. My main antenna connection broke off internally It worked with counterpoise wires. Tape measure works good too. 10 meters worked fine.

[@USAisAFK]

I brought my xiegu x5105 (5 watts max) and the hfj350m on vacation. I got from Waikiki Beach in Hawaii to multiple different states here in the U.S. I was on 20 meters. With a single counterpoise that was about 16ft long. The hfj350m was barely extended for the best SWR, which is pretty short on 20m. I twist tied the antenna to a bush that was maybe 3 feet off the ground. Haven't successfully made a contact since, can hear pretty good with it; but just can't get out with it from my RF noisy neighborhood. Once in a blue moon I can get out to Utah SDR with it pumpin 5 watts.

[@o00scorpion00o]

I have good success with the MFJ-935C loop tuner. With just 4 meters of 10 mm soft copper pipe bent into a loop I manage to get from Ireland to US and 20 watts on 20 meters, I've managed to get tonnes of contacts also with 2 meters of the same pipe bent into a loop and it's quite a compact setup. The MFJ-935C will also handle 150 watts, I have tested it at 100 watts without issue. They also have a smaller loop tuner I have but have not tried out yet. The MFJ-9232 that will handle up to 25 watts. You can bring wire loops either for the likes of 40 m where a copper pipe would be too large but I've had a lot of fun with the 935C tuner and a tiny loop for 10 meters and just 5 watts. No radials or counterpoise needed. For the 9232 loop it would have been good if MFJ had a camera mount on it so you could fit it on a tripod but it wouldn't be too difficult to mod. That tuner is tiny.

[@tangle70]

Would it make a difference if you spread the counterpoise wire out?

[@hamradiotube]

Marginal at best. I did some experimenting a while ago on sort of that topic. Can Vertical Antennas Be Directional? | Mad Ham Science!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGO4hJmslt5mh7c

[@W8MJL]

I've been wondering about these since they first came out and your the first tuber i've found that tested it on the air. I too, like you, was mystified by the MFJ 1899t antenna and found it to be a poor performer, ah the trials of a new ham, though this Comet antenna seems to be a somewhat better performer. I can see this being a light weight option for SOTA as they're more likely to be much higher while broadcasting than POTA, might make a good video Mike. Thanks for the informational video Mike, you keep making 'em and I'll keep watching. 73 de W8MJL

[@RichardDePas]

Have you tried a GRA-7350T? Would be interesting to see a comparison. The GRA lets you fully extend the whip and then adjust the loading coil more like a Wolf River Coil.

[@dwatson4]

No! Your not going to talk me into buying more radio stuff…. Nope nope nope. OooOOOooo shiney

[@patrickcoleman823]

Nice video man! Love the aviators!

[@hamradiotube]

That's how I roll brother! Thanks man.

[@andycampbell8476]

Cool! I'm very curious how this antenna does on a 705 with FT8. As an apartment dweller in RFI hell, I do lots of FT8 with my AlexLoop portable in a park or on a patio. I like my loop well enough, but this Comet antenna looks like it has more bands.

[@RandomWire107]

I use one with my FT817 when I’m too lazy to string up a wire or don’t have the space (hotel rooms, etc.) It’s not the best but it does work surprisingly well all things considered. Got Serbia from Illinois once on 20m. It doesn’t do to bad on 80 or 160 for local nets either. Mostly sits in the plastic pouch😂

[@Zyn88]

UPDATE: picked one up, and on two different analyzers (one via the G90 and the other a NanoVNA), the SWR was off the charts for everything I tried. Returning to Gigaparts shortly, but this thing is trash, so I'm going back to figuring out my homebrew dipole

[@hamradiotube]

did you use a counterpoise? If not, I would not expect this antenna to tune anywhere.

[@Zyn88]

@@hamradiotube I was trying on 10m, where the instructions mentioned a counterpoise wasn't needed.

[@Johnyrocket70]

Mine works fine. Gotta use counterpoise wires and adjust the height

[@jlca320]

Could be a back up antenna you keep in your go box??

[@stephenreilly2006]

Is there a way of using this antenna with out hooking up directly to the radio? Like hook it up to a mast and run the coax cable to the radio?

[@1polonium210]

How about a mag mount? I have a similar GRA antenna (80 - 6 m). Works well with a tri-mag mount.

[@skipkazmarek6334]

Mike -- thanks for doing that. We played around with the antenna at a rally recently and couldn't get it to tune at all, even messing with the counterpoise wires. But, oops, it never occurred to me to SHORTEN the whip. Not sure I understand the physics of what's going on, but apparently eeking out even low performance requires a very short radiator. Go figure. Thanks again. 73 Skip K4EAK

[@bruhzooka]

they say never go full reetarrd, but in this instance it worked. shoren the antenna, BOOM!

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

I Have just got back into Ham Radio last year. After a gap of many years. This aerial looks great. However I would like to try one and living in the UK makes things difficult. I have made my own aerials but find it difficult to make them lightweight and small. Especially as Hiking up hills carrying weight etc. Cheers from Mick G1BKI known as George on my channel.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Good review Mike, any advice on counterpoise length? I have a bunch of individual whips, 20 and 40 from MFJ, and a six and a 10 no brand from Thailand. I suppose I could make any counterpoise out of speaker wire or whatever, but how would I address the length?

[@thunderjagman]

I am curious about your portable case setup featured in the CEO with the antenna mount. I have not seen one like it. Do you have a video on it?

[@DK5ONV]

Hey Mikey I noticed this antenna already 5-6 Month ago at the Online Shop of my HAM Radio Dealer. As I looked at that ridiculous Price I head shaking kept on scrolling the Mouse. He asks 149,95€ . C'mon gimme a break. I had these Outbacker 1899 and 2000 Antennas a few Years ago before Comet came out with their HFJ-350M. 160 and 80m Band results with the Outbackers were ultra miserable. 40m Band Operation was in a OK Case didn't really ring a Bell at me. Only Bands which half way satisfied me were 20-6m Bands. Let me share with you that the Outbacker Antennas were just 75.-Bucks less off the Store Price of what the Comet HFJ-350M is. I don't think that the Comet can do magic but the Outbackers don't. In general I am a big Fan of Comet Products. But thx again for a great Documentary Video. Have a nice Weekend & 73 de YFUG from southwest Germany 💯👍🙋‍♂

[@K5QBF]

Great video Mike.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Shane 👍

[@Kevitivity]

Thank you Mike. Fun video.

[@phillyedhrj]

Great review!

[@cactusland88]

Are you using a counterpoise? I don't see one. That should certainly make a difference.

[@hamradiotube]

I literally talk about, show the installation, and have close up shots of the counterpoise. Those shots should be pretty hard to miss I would think.

[@Kinetic79]

It’s not a tuned counterpoise. As far as we can tell from the video, it’s basically 6 wires mostly laying on the ground that are probably not spread out… so you could think about it as a single, random length ground radial. You could look up the product details for the actually length.

[@W3GYV]

I have the MFJ Version for the FT-817 it does not tune up as far as I can see.

[@hamradiotube]

The MFJ version was the "other brand" I referenced in the video.

[@donnakano282]

With very short antennas, radiation resistance is very low, so DC resistance becomes an important factor.

[@hamradiobasics]

Mike well done. Seems at best it's a marginal performer. Keep up the great videos !

[@mattcero1]

Dude, this would have been so much better had you used this thing and then quickly thrown up a random wire and then got out and made some contacts. Unfortunately mine arrived a few days ago and I'm not one to return things if there's not a defect.

[@Starlite4321]

Thanks Mike ! What band did you make those 10 contacts on ?

[@DrKO2453]

I played around with it up by the St. Lawrence River in upstate NY. Made a couple of contacts in Pennsylvania from there, five watts on my 705. I usually a Chameleon F Loop, but keep this with me just in case I feel like playing 73 de K2KOH

[@Flatus4La]

I also have the F loop but my QTH has so much rf noise even it is frustrating

[@darrellbeard2799]

I use that antenna with a Ziegu X5105. It will work but trust me when I say you won't be chasing DX with it. The radials do need to be spread out a bit and that will help but, that being said, if you are in a position where any wire antenna can be put up, do it!

[@hamradiotube]

Oh you'll be chasing them alright. Just won't be working them lol!

[@darrellbeard2799]

@@hamradiotube Yeah it's their fault for not having a good enough receiver. LOL

[@hamradiotube]

@@darrellbeard2799 exactly lol.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I have one. Haven't managed to make any contacts with it yet but it does receive well.

[@michaelhargis7036]

Can someone recommend an aftermarket whip antenna I can use on my Bearcat Desktop Scanner? I get decent reception with the stop supplied whip antenna, but better reception wouldn't hurt my feelings.

[@hamradiotube]

I wouldn’t know anything about that.

[@N7SIX]

What was the length of the counterpoise sent to you?

[@kg4tri]

Mount it on a 12 ft painters pole and see it you get better preference. Elevation my compensate for the shortness of the whip

[@loyannmunyan1174]

I want to see it with the 705

[@Zyn88]

being newb to HF, I'll give it a shot. perhaps a bit of elevation will help

[@KN4RAY]

Nice to hear myself on the air. Good video. Ray - KN4RAY

[@DominicMazoch]

What happened to the Outbacker antennas?

[@redman840]

Terlin/Outbacker is still in business,but their products are excessive in price.

[@hamradiotube]

I have no idea.

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

Mike I got two cups and some string.

[@DonzLockz]

I'm surprised it worked at all but great for an emergency. Yes it is very compromised but should do well on digital modes. I'm surprised with the good achievable SWR you got on it.🍻👍🤓

[@hamradiotube]

I don't know if this would be the antenna I would grab in an emergency. I want to actually have a fighting chance of making a contact lol!

[@alexahedo85]

How can I find the pouch for the antennas???

[@hamradiotube]

Good question. Mine just came with it, but they did send it to my as a review unit so they may have thrown it in. Maybe contact Comet?

[@ki4ttl]

My friend carries them in his shop at Chatt-Radio in Chattanooga Tennessee

[@pieterdutoit9642]

Hi Mike think you would have done better on piece of DRY String as you know can recieve any thing -- punt your mfj anlyser on see if you near to 50 ohm,s like 250 / 300 ohm, 73, Thank you

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

I may have missed it but how much power did you hit it with?

[@hamradiotube]

I think 15 watts maybe. I honestly don't remember.

[@kd8opi]

It’s not rocket science, it’s antenna science. Below about 1/2 wavelength, antenna efficiency is proportional to the length of the antenna. Yes, you can electrically “lengthen” an antenna by adding inductors or coils to fool your transmitter, or use a tuner (essentially the same thing); but these measures do not improve (and can harm) effective radiation power - or what your actually putting into space. So, if you want to work 20 meters with a 2 meter antenna, you can expect about 20% efficiency, 10% on 40m. This holds true for mag loops as well. I’ve used a version of this antenna, and it’s useless for SSB. For digital modes or CW, radiating 2 watts from 10w in is horrible, but you can make a few contacts. The reason Mike is have some success Is because he’s spotting himself on POTA, so he’s got people across the country specifically looking for him. 4x4 reports “in the weeds” generally mean he’s barely heard.

[@swenner64]

Its great on 10m

[@cazcov]

I love all your videos from Huntsville State Park. One of my favorite places on earth. Next time I go I’ll give you a shout. Ham Harder.

[@hamradiotube]

Sounds like a plan.

[@robertalmario]

No need for tuner?

[@hamradiotube]

Nope.

[@stevegriffin9552]

Hey Mike that’s an interesting antenna, like you said it’s compromised but if you could still make contacts and still get out and have fun I guess that’s what it’s all about. Thanks for the video it looks like it was a beautiful day at the park. Hope you have a great weekend and again thanks for the video. WD5ENH Steve

[@denelson83]

An extremely compromised antenna to say the least. Hope the radials were able to take up a lot of the slack. And perhaps if you raise the antenna feedpoint higher off the ground, that might improve your signal a bit.

[@bruhzooka]

Might be better off using the radials as the antenna and the stick as the counterpoise 🤪

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

Have you done a review of the: QRPGuys Portable 40/30/20m Tri-Band Vertical Antenna?

[@hamradiotube]

I have not. I bought one of their antennas, built it and couldn’t get it to tune to save my life so I gave up on it.

[@cwqrpportable]

FT8? What's FT8? Why didn't you try it with CW⁉

[@hamradiotube]

Because.

[@cwqrpportable]

@@hamradiotube Obviously

[@kevinwelch2885]

Nice review. I've always heard Toy box called a dummy load, so I'm glad you got decent results. Kevin. KD9VMP

[@redman840]

If one likes marginal signal reports,and continually having to repeat themselves,then this is the antenna for you.Using CW or digital modes may help a little,but short vertical antennas are always going to be a compromise.

[@hamradiotube]

Haha, yes. I love marginal signal reports 🤣

[@redman840]

@@hamradiotube It’ll test your skills as a radio operator.

[@Johnyrocket70]

Get that antenna up at least 13 feet

[@RustyOpel]

I'm hoping to make this antenna work while in a hotel room on 3rd or 4th floor; anyone else tried that?

[@peterdekeles.]

Great video. I vote for snake oil

[@zveck06]

I'd fry that toy fast with 100w FT-8.... I'll stick with my 17' whip or Hustler mobile on mag mount, and EFHW on 40' push-up pole when I have the room/time