Wolf River Coils Center Loaded TIA Antenna

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

Great job! Nothing makes me want to POTA more than watching POTA videos 😃 eventually I'll make a trip to get in on the action!

[@hamradiotube]

I hear ya, that's how I got the disease! Hope you get out soon. Its finally nice out so there's not too many excuses now.

[@kg5pte]

Say good to see you at Dayton in May, I hope to see you in Belton TX October 6, 7 I purchased one of those Wolf river coil antennas (The center loaded TIA) there at Dayton. And used it for field day. Thanks for the video. 73.

[@kc8bdr]

I enjoy the parks on the air videos.

[@hamradiotube]

I enjoy making them so that works out great!

[@michaelparker6218]

Awesome Mike. Glad to see WRC still innovating. I took my mini and 1000 to the Outerbanks last week. It was really hard to tune on the dry sand. I spread out 6 total counter poise and it was a lot better.

[@walteredwards544]

Last month I reached Rome Italy from my QTH in Georgia on 40 meters and using 20 watts SSB with this set-up, except I used the Silver Bullet 1000. Almost fell out of my chair I could never reach him before.

[@hamradiotube]

That's great. It doesn't take much to get out. I got Costa Rica on about 5 watts with the SB mini when I was in FL in February. Had about the same reaction as you. Couldn't believe I broke the pileup with qrp but it happens.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great job! I tried out my TIA 1000. I got it to tune to 80 meters. Good SWR, but no one to talk to in the daytime. This antenna has a learning curve, but when the weather is cooler I will work on it more.

[@hamradiotube]

Just keep at it and tuning will get easier once you kinda get a feel for where the collar should be.

[@donaldsmith3048]

I have a Wolf River Coil, They like a lot of wires out. That drops the SWR.

[@k2wo1]

Nice job Mike. Thanks for the demo of the new Wolf River antenna. Looks like a winner. 73, George K2WO

[@hamradiotube]

It is so far. I need to get out and play more but the weather is not cooperating.

[@n8tuwstevenewland933]

Used this coil on the mobile. With 54in mast. And steel whip cut at 66in . now that I'm not useing it for anything. Guess what. Thanks Mike enjoy your video's.

[@BargainBasementHamRadio]

Looked pretty successful! Those Wolf River Coils seem to work well for you!

[@hamradiotube]

They are absolutely fantastic yes.

[@americaswayout4489]

Is the entire antenna radiating both below and above the coil? Your videos are always fun, thanks !1

[@dannyboydkj7bpn]

Nicely done.. specially for 50W.

[@BradSnyder1]

That design looks promising. It’ll be interesting to see your take on it after a few more tries. I still love my WRC although I haven’t been able to use it much lately because of the weather. Thanks for your awesome videos Mike! 73

[@hamradiotube]

No prob Brad. I have to play with this a bit more too. I've only used it once.

[@woodrow6611]

Great video Mike! Thanks for all you do for Ham Radio.

[@hamradiotube]

Roger Roger. Thanks good buddy!

[@W8MJL]

I was activating memorial day too got in a double park, made a 2 hour drive to get the second one but it was worth it.

[@hamradiotube]

Thats what its all about man! I still need to do a double activation. The goal is RADAR. 5 parks in one day.

[@dlweeksjr]

I was able to get this at Hamcom in Plano. Thanks Mike. This is a great antenna and I told them where I heard about it ;).

[@hamradiotube]

Oh awesome, I'm glad to hear that!

[@jasonschultz637]

Did I miss the Wolf River Coils contest? Didn't see a video, but then again, I've watched a ton lately, so maybe I did and didn't notice it... sounded like a great antenna, so may have to add it to my Santa List.

[@hamradiotube]

No we still haven't don't it yet. That reminds me I need to get ahold of them.

[@sk8crk]

Their website has been down for too long i have lost interest and ordered a competing product..... they said they would be back on the 18th but weren't.... I understand they went to hamcation and vacation and turned off ordering but they also turned off any pricing and order details in the process. So whatever, i'm sure they wont miss my order.

[@exhaustedSpark]

I love my wolf tiger coils.

[@Chris-in-ky-ky4ckp]

Hey Mike, I spoke with Terry at WRCs at Hamvention about this new antenna version as well. It sounds cool but so far I am enjoying the SB1000 TIA. I did find threaded rod at lowes that works so if anyone wants longer legs you should be able to find something at either of the big box stores. They said they are working on a SB1000 type version, that will be cool. Thanks for the review! KY4CKP

[@hamradiotube]

I love my TIA to man! Most of my activations are with that antenna. It's all about experimenting and seeing what works.

[@tvcam32]

When you do POTA, and you say you activated a particular park, dies that mean no one else has activated that park and that since you activated it, it cannot be activated again? Is there a list on- line or a list filed with ARRL that says who activated what park and when? And also I am assuming when you say "you're coming in at a 5-9" is coming from a receive meter? It's cool when you do these POTA's and interesting. Thanks for the great videos you do, Mike.

[@hamradiotube]

A successful activation is making at least 10 contacts at a park. They can be activated more than once. The database is at parksontheair.com. The signal reports are how well you can hear and receive the station you are contacting. 1-5 how well you can understand them, and 1-9 for how strong their signal is coming into the radio. 5-9 is perfect readability, a 5, and a 9 on the radios signal meter. Sometimes you can hear them but their signal might be weak. With a low noise floor I have given quite a few 5-1's. Meaning I hear them just fine, but they aren't really moving my signal meter. Other times, I can mostly hear/understand them, and they also have a pretty weak signal so I might give a 35 or a 22. It's a little subjective but it gives the other station an idea of how well they are getting out.

[@GokhanKaya]

Thank you for this good video; this is what I needed. However, you raised another question in my mind: which one do you think is better 1) having a longer than 78" telescopic antenna like 102" or 213" or 2) making WRC a centre loaded antenna like shown in this video? Thanks in advance, 73.

[@hamradiotube]

I personally would go with the center loaded in this case. I have a longer 17' whip and I really don't like using it with the WRC. I really like it in the more stock configuration.

[@chrisgaeth]

Mike, did you happen to make any notes/measurements for how you tuned in the different bands? I think I have 20 & 40 meters dialed close but want to add 10 & 6 as well.

[@hamradiotube]

I have not. I started taking a portable analyzer with me when I use this antenna and it makes it way faster to tune. A lot of guys will mark the coils with a sharpie to speed it up though.

[@chrisgaeth]

@@hamradiotube Yeah, I was using my NanoVNAH4 to help tune. Still some work and learning to do then.

[@Aussat]

Great video, nice antenna.... 1st day of winter here in ZL so won't be out much.

[@hamradiotube]

Hey man I operated my frozen lake! You can do it!

[@aginnd5331]

Great video As usual Mike! Any plans on getting a or reviewing the Yaesu FT-DX10 ?

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks and nope. I've used one but it's not on my list of things to do.

[@K3RRR]

Enjoyed the video, Mike… Just got my WRC Mini TIA a couple of weeks ago with the idea that I will mostly use it mobile or mobile/P… I was specifically interested in this video because I'm considering adding the two extenders to raise the coil when parked. I'm going to be operating QRP with my ICOM 705 so I want all the help I can get! Your video also gave me an epiphany when I saw how you used a 1 inch PVC with end caps to protect the 102-inch telescoping stinger… Have been trying to figure out how to keep that from getting damaged and banged around in the car Too bad that I did not see this yesterday before I went to Home Depot! Anyway, I greatly appreciate the insight and will make another stop at Home Depot tomorrow! Thanks, Mike! 73 de Robert K3RRR

[@hamradiotube]

Oh yeah I learned that pvc trick from a fellow ham in my club, Mike W8MSC. I'll tell you though, I've had tremendous success with the WRC on a trunk mount. No counterpoise at all and I've worked clear across the country with the WRC mini and the 5' whip. I haven't tried it mobile with the extenders however. Congrats on the new antenna. It should do you quite well. 73

[@highlandkraftwerks]

Did you add the ground radials (counterpoise)? I didn't notice any in the video and that would explain the 'higher' SWR...

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, I had 3, 33' radials. It's way easier to tune it with an analyzer so I have started to take one with me when I use this antenna. It works great though.

[@byron-w9bcm313]

@hamradiotube what battery are you using for your Yaesu FT-891? I am looking at getting the same radio and antenna along with antenna tuner.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice work Mike!

[@AndyWragg]

Another great video promoting the hobby and POTA. I sit here immobile due to a pulled back, editing the England POTA database in readiness for some promotional activity in my club and my social media connections. I like the look of that antenna, seems to work well. ATB and 73 2E0UAW

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Andy, I appreciate your kind words. Hopefully your back gets better soon so you can go play radio. 73

[@cliffbarrett9471]

Very cool! I modified my sb 1000 with a camera tripod so I'm eye level with the coil lol!

[@hamradiotube]

There you go that will work. This is prob a little lighter than a tripod!

[@N0SSC]

Sick bunny hop at 0:46

[@hamradiotube]

Hahah I didn’t even notice that!

[@zanado11]

Great job Mike, looks like you had a lot of fun. 73 Roger w8rlp

[@OH8STN]

Excellent setup 👍

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Julian!

[@K6TJO]

Great video!

[@James_Bowie]

Thanks for the demo/review. (I like your on air style.)

[@happyending486]

nice working portable Mike

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Galih.

[@scottlindquist8628]

Awesome video Mike. Keep up the good work.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Scott. I do it for you haha!

[@jimgoldwinger422]

Will adding extra extender rods allow greater transmit power?

[@hamradiotube]

No, it just affects the take off angle.

How critical is the length of the lower extensions?

[@hamradiotube]

I honestly couldn't tell you.

[@markanderson8066]

Since you are going to use the coil to do the tuning - not very. +/- 6" shouldn't matter. At worst you might have to retract the upper section slightly. I have the WRC TIA 1000 unit & like it alot.

[@johnstephenson165]

Ordered the TIA 100 today. Probably would have waited to order the center loaded, but maybe later

[@hamradiotube]

You can always have more than one.

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

Mike, can I ask a couple of questions please? First, I used a nearly identical WRC antenna for Field Day and though I could hear stations all over the bands I could not get a return contact. I adjusted it for low SWR on 20 and 40 and even used an LDG auto tuner to smooth things out. Gary at WRC and I are mystified. The antenna was elevated on my deck with sloping radials 33 feet from 11 feet to 24 inches. Any ideas? I will ground mount it next time. 2. What is the laptop device you are logging with. I’m guessing it is an iPad with a keyboard. What software do you use? I’m a big fan of your videos and WRC antennas. Thanks for all the work you do. MikeinMinnesota N0WDM

[@hamradiotube]

It wasn’t just you, and it wasn’t the antenna. I’ve had the same conversation with lots of people who reported the same results. I would guess it was the abundance of “D” stations this year overpowering all the portable stations. I think everyone portable had the exact same experience. Yes I use an iPad with keyboard. The software is called HamLog. Thanks for watching and 73.

[@brianmadonna2873]

Question how are parks in Michigan about putting up an antenna there harsh in DC they want percents.

[@hamradiotube]

So long as you don't hang antennas in trees its ok. Michigan POTA actually has support from the DNR. So we got that going for us.

[@johnstephenson165]

would be great for field day

[@soundsauce653]

Gotta get my general and do a park to park with you............

[@SkyWire88]

Enjoyed the antenna demo. You looked like you were running from the law when you kept looking around you in the park.

[@hamradiotube]

Haha, no just enjoying the scenery.

[@dongibbskk4qam]

Nice Mike. Now I want one. You're gonna have to sell it to my XYL. How do you think it will stand up to a wind? I notised that it was swaying some in the breeze in the video. Do you think it would be easy to rig up some guy ropes? Keep 'em coming.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Don, I'm in sales but not to XYL's haha! The larger tripod on this one held up nicely. It was fairly windy when I was out and was quite impressed with it. When it is really windy I put some stakes over the legs of the tripod and that has worked well for me. You def could just loom some mason line over the coils though and guy it that way if you need too.

[@dongibbskk4qam]

@@hamradiotube Maybe we can get someone with a 3D printer to get some design from the internet and print us some.

[@hamradiotube]

@@dongibbskk4qam Hmmm, I wonder who could do something like that?

[@AD6DMDennis]

@@hamradiotube 🤔

[@BobPlank_KK4DIV]

Awesome antenna. You're going to make me spend more money...

[@hamradiotube]

Yes. Let those impulses guide you.

[@thormusique]

This is so cool, thanks! I'm curious about what your power output was? Love all your videos!

[@hamradiotube]

I usually use 90 watts when I'm portable but this time I was only using 50 just because.

[@thormusique]

@@hamradiotube Good to know that you're willing to "rough" it sometimes! ;-)

[@BretChilcott]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 73, Bret C/AC0AE

[@W6RIPRadioAdventures]

Nice Mike! Ohhh Julie! lol

[@hamradiotube]

Don't be jealous that I get to talk to the babes on the air!

[@w6wtg1]

Mike, Maybe I missed it on your videos, but what are you using for batteries for your rig?

[@hamradiotube]

I use a DIY LiFePO4 battery. I did a video on it called my portable power solution. I also have a new battery that I will be doing a review video on as well.

[@k2cjbradio]

Pretty cool antenna. Love the tripod! Go hit the grill!

[@hamradiotube]

Right? I haven't BBQ'd in a while. I need to get my pork butt on!

[@rossbassette7518]

Any advantage to elevating radials with this setup?

[@hamradiotube]

You know some people talk about elevating radials. Not really sure what the benefit would be. I have always just ran them on the ground and never had any issues.

[@bertpayne8858]

what battery do you use?

[@hamradiotube]

Oh i have a bunch of batteries. I typically use a Bioenno 20AH but I also have a couple 3ah and a 6 ah bioenno, as well as a home brew 10ah made from Headway 38120S cells, and a Denco 7ah. Oh and a couple Miady 16ah. All Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.

[@donsilva4441]

POTA swag...I'm so jealous.

[@hamradiotube]

Haha, they are selling the flags on the POTA site for $25.

[@gabrielguzmann1ufo905]

Antenna sounds good 👌! What say you? Great 👍🏼 video!

[@hamradiotube]

So far so good. Can't wait to get out and play some more.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Mike, Nice video using the new coil. 73 WB3BJU

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks, I can't wait to play with it some more when the bands are cooperating.

[@marcinmichigan2772]

did you use counterpoises?

[@hamradiotube]

Yep. 3 of them.

[@donnymazon8516]

What is the website for that antenna

[@hamradiotube]

The link is in the description.

[@brianmoss5483]

Field day?

[@hamradiotube]

I’m going out with my club for field day and we set up towers! However, this would be a great all band antenna for someone looking to do field day.

[@Frisky0563]

Yes drinking beer I'll buy a battery I dont mind helping helping you out.

[@kazcat8096]

cool set up i have the same kit but for the coil i got the SB 1000 with mine i not tried it out portable yet covid is keeping me in doors and the cold i wish to do some parks in the uk nice job chris G0WFH

[@hamradiotube]

I got the 1000 first and used it many times with great success. I love the WRC antennas. One of the best out there in my opinion.

[@K9KMVTheUnluckyHam]

Do u prefer this over the TIA? I know how much you liked your TIA. Mike KD9KMV

[@hamradiotube]

I don't know yet. It weighs less so thats a perk. This is my first time using it and the bands sucked that day. More research to come...it does show promise though for sure.

[@K9KMVTheUnluckyHam]

Ok understood. Thanks for the video. I wonder can you use the regular silver bullet to extend band coverage. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet but do want a WRC of some type soon.

[@hamradiotube]

@@K9KMVTheUnluckyHam Oh sure I don't see why not. You could even add the longer whip if you want. It would just add more weight and prob be more prone to falling if you don't guy it or something.

[@dlweeksjr]

@@hamradiotube Late on this one but yes, I am using the 12 foot MFJ whip. I have made several contacts with it using the G90 20W QRP radio.

[@hamradiotube]

@@dlweeksjrVery nice. One of these days I might get a longer whip. I'm curious to hear if there really is any noticeable difference.

[@douglofreddo7886]

I didn't know I needed a POTA flag until I saw this.

[@hamradiotube]

The more you know :)

[@ethanmooberry5445]

Great video and good contact! You sounded a lot better on 40m than 20m, fyi. 73 - N9ZA

[@hamradiotube]

40 was way better. 20 signals were very weak. A contact is a contact though. Being out in the park helps so much though. I would not have made some a couple of those contacts if there was any noise.

[@TechGearJunkie]

So..its a buddistick? :)

[@hamradiotube]

No Greg, It's a Wolf River Coils. This one won't fall down in the slightest breeze and break like you had happen.

[@TechGearJunkie]

@@hamradiotube Don't blame them for that, that was operator error! No wonder no one sends me goodies to review.

[@donsilva4441]

K8VOX ! Queen of POTA. 2 park refs at once... Oy vey.

[@oldwolf1928]

Another great video! Pick up My new hf radio in a couple of days- Hopefully hear Ya on the air- KJ7DKM

[@hamradiotube]

I look forward to it

[@nr3rful]

Buddipole did this year's ago

[@hamradiotube]

They did. This isn't anything new design wise, it is new to WRC though. And it's a lot less expensive than Buddipole. I did have a great conversation with Bud at Hamvention though. He's a really great guy. I even talked to him on HF and we had a great qso about classic cars. Thats what I love about ham radio. We can all experiment and have our own ways of doing the same thing. Thanks for watching.

[@danchristopher9483]

Check out this one! The coil works great for portable use. and is weather proof! 73 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHaTZmeqfdWEj6c