AE5X at POTA K-4622 with a cheap and effective antenna

[@AE5X]

Sharp-eyed viewers will notice something "wrong" at some point in the video (which I quickly corrected off-camera!) Here is a link to the antenna: www.ebay.com/itm/134194711835

[@loudounfisher9135]

I moto POTA too. In addition to a 150 or 300ft wire, I sometimes bring a magmount and some hamsticks. I put the hamsticks in a soft fishing rod case and bungee that across the seat and hard bags of my Triumph Sprint ST.

[@barrykery1175]

Great video. I have the same antenna. Its a great and simple antenna to erect. I also have the PAC-12. That is also a portable vertical antenna but covers 40 and 30 meters as well. Consider trying out an FT-710. It has an easier memory keyer to use as well as a built in ATU. By the way, nice, "Beamer !" Always fun to mix a motorcycle ride along with the radio hobby. Barry, KU3X

[@AE5X]

HRO is not too far away and I go there 3 or 4 times a year - next time I go I'll check out the FT-710. 73

[@oobihdahboobeeboppah]

I'm surprised the Icom case "allowed" the Yaesu inside... You had a pileup from the git go, that's an awesome set up.

[@AE5X]

Yep, the sacrilege!

[@johngriswold]

Perhaps you could affix the key to a plate held in place by that battery… or affix the key to the battery directly with hook&loop ?

[@nr3rful]

Great, nice to see someone using CW.....niced bike also

[@KU9L]

I wish my arthritic hands would let me send as fast as I can copy, but given time it may return, had a blast this summer in CO at 14 wpm nonetheless. My 1979 antenna has developed a loosened crimp at the bottom piece around the first section. It sometimes messes with the antenna analyzer until I play with it a bit. I was never happy with the 1-2 radials I used on my activations. Changing over to one or two 48" x 84" aluminum screen counterpoise felt like putting a 10dB amp on my QRP CW signal. It works for bringing the truck, but obviously not the motorcycle. KB9VBR switched to a highly foldable Faraday blanket at the counterpoise for similar results, really simplifies the setup when hikers love to trip on my radials, however I haven't tried the blanket idea myself. My XYL ham wife has fallen in our RV with a now repaired orthopedic surgical procedure to repair her spiral fracture so our POTA days are on hold for a while. Thanks for the code practice down in Winter Haven from Davey --KU9L

[@AE5X]

I've read a lot of good reports from people who use a mesh counterpoise. Seems like it could be rolled up for motorcycle travel as long as it is thin gauge material. I've started using existing wire on various wire fences that are available at some parks but have no way to compare its effectiveness over my own 1 or 2 radials. Best wishes to your bride for a speedy recovery. 73, John

[@KU9L]

@@AE5X I started using the mesh in our RV park in CO this summer because the head maintenance guy saw my 2 counterpoise wires & thought I was trying to inductively pickup free power from the electric pedestal, he also thought I was trying to talk to space aliens ... I do enjoy my DX, lol.

[@jasonmilldrum]

Impressive pileups! Honestly, you didn't really even need the memory keyer function. One or two CQs seemed to do the trick on each band. 👍

[@bmwrider1]

Looks like a good antenna to take on the bike. My r1150 and I have made several activations.

[@DK5ONV]

Neil Peart of RUSH made his Drum Kit fit in the Side Cases of his BMW Motorocycle when he went out to play on Concerts. How come the Antenna won't find no Room in htere? (HI) Merry Christmas to you and yours John. 73 de Uncle Günter 💯🙏🍀♥🛡🍻

[@JayN4GO]

Unruly pileups. Sometimes agitating sometimes fun. Cw on! 44

[@AE5X]

Yep...! Good practice though, I suppose.

[@jlca320]

I like the bag that you store your 891 in. Please let me know the make, model number and where you got it. Thanks

[@AE5X]

It's actually the Icom backpack made for the IC-705. It seems to not mind being used for Yaesu or Elecraft gear though...!

[@michael.meinhardt]

Why aren't the fans in your FT 891 coming on when operating at a 100 watts CW in 60+ degree weather? The fans in my 891 would be screaming. Thanks de Michael, DL2AKV

[@AE5X]

They do come on frequently, and usually stay on, if I'm operating from within a vehicle. They were probably right at the threshold during this operation. 73

[@melissasmess2773]

Interesting, could you please provide a link for your antenna? Thanking you in advance! ‘73

[@AE5X]

Link added to description

[@marcinmichigan2772]

sadly, the mount threads for the spike and whip are not the US std of 3/8x24 so all the buddipole whips/coils/arms etc are not directly compatible. Mine arrived with the insert for the spike is stripped, need to clean that up. Its worth the cost. K8MH

[@AE5X]

Here is a cheap fix: www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804850719409.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

[@marcinmichigan2772]

thank you! @@AE5X

[@dandypoint]

I could not find the link to the memory keyer in the description.

[@AE5X]

Added, thanks

[@dandypoint]

@@AE5Xthanks looks good.

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Links? Is the antenna an M10 stud?

[@AE5X]

Link added to description

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Thanks John!

[@notsogreat123]

All POTA is, is interference generators.

[@AE5X]

I'll alert the FCC immediately!