Maco BA 1 Flat Side CB Radio Antenna

I used the center section of a Maco 3 element Yagi, to make this antenna.
I will be installing the rest of the beam, When I get the rest of the parts I need to finish it.
paypal.me/Mowe...
email
[e-mail]

[@gliderrider]

Your channel is a treasure trove of just about anything CB related I am interested in. Quite a nice service. I’m a ham since 1989 but still love CB stuff. CBer since 1976!

[@MowerJunkie]

Awesome! I'm happy to have You here. Thanks for the kind words, Take care.

[@TC-487]

I hope your set up has brought you great success when transmitting 🎉

[@45AMT]

Interesting antenna. Kinda reminds me of a horizontal dipole. I have one in my garage for 6 meters, I made from wood and some old 3/8 copper pipe.

[@arconeagain]

It is a dipole.

[@freepressright]

Its a horizontal dipole with a gamma match

[@1975napier]

Nice looking President Adams! You sure do have a nice selection to choose from.

[@user-su5sq5ib3i]

Flat side is quieter than verticals. Enjoy. I own a 3 elememt flat side beam. Love it

[@LEEBO-56]

VERY INTERESTING VIDEO MY FRIEND..THX FOR SHARING ..BE SAFE AND STAY WELL EVERYONE.( DESPERADO 56 NORTH OF TAMPA FL. JUST PASSING THRU ) 73's

[@cbradioghosttalk1986]

Thanks for another great show. Jealous of your weather right now. Northern Adirondack mtns NY. much snow and 0 deg today. Skip is starting to get better in the north. Have a great day and 73. NY202

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks NY202, Take care, 73's from 151 SC.

[@robertruth3281]

Mower Junkie, I couldn't find any other way... so I wanted to tell you here.... I really enjoy your video content here. So much fun to watch YOU having so much fun. You make me want to get back into this hobby for this upcoming solar cycle!!!!! Thanks for what you do!!!

[@MowerJunkie]

Thank You so much! I hope You get back into the hobby soon. Take care, 73's from 151 SC.

[@TruckerOak]

I was thinking about trying that antenna in my attic! Might work locally. Great video.

[@ericzerkle5214]

Im like you, i love to experiment with antennas!

[@miltonball2591]

Good luck with it but can't wait for you to put it all up on a rotater 👍would be great for the summer skip 73's from the UK

[@MowerJunkie]

I know it! I can't wait, it's going to be great when it's complete. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

Pretty crafty !!! Nice looking mobile President Grant radio 👏 👏

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Dallas. I'll have more videos soon, using that old President Adams. Stay warm, Thanks for watching.

[@tf7274]

I have a Smokin Joe 2...I had so much swr issues over the 3 years I had it up that it is now a permanent fixture of the shop. It was an awesome scanner antenna...it worked amazing when it worked...having had an Imax up for a decade...it was a no brainer to take it down and put the imax back up...water tight connections and tm lmr-400 didn't solve the swr issues.

[@663rainmaker]

🧼 cleaN 🧽 it up and good coax

[@663rainmaker]

BeTTer YeT I like Smoking Jo antenna they work … and well… Thank You Jo Gunn … but you have a great antenna… my uncle used his for years world 🌎 wide radio 📻 and that same antenna still up there twenty years old

[@tf7274]

@@663rainmaker Thanks Paul. I understand it's a learning curve. Taking it down and putting it back up took the joy out of ownership.

[@fernandoscrenci4874]

The Flat Side, is the Best Side!! 😏👍 Once Go flat you never go back!!👍

[@pontiacreddz4021]

Nice I might get one of those and tune it for 26.805 To do FM Dxing

[@jonm8672]

151 I have a ba-1 mounted in my attic of a 2 story condo. It works great I’m pointed SE/NW and I have talked coast to coast on it. My dad 52 and I made another from a driven element from an old set beams and are currently waiting on My buddy to mount it up and try it we already tested it thou so I know it works :)it’s a good hoa solution imo 73’s 136 central Ohio waving!

[@MowerJunkie]

That's great, We have to keep the hobby alive, even when an HOA is in the mix. I hope Your dad's stealth antenna sets up easy. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@663rainmaker]

Howdy 🤠 136

[@663rainmaker]

@@MowerJunkie howdy 👋 151 drink 🥤 a wee bit of Moonshine XXX HomiE BreW three element recycle ♻️ beam old school CB and wHo BreaK a BreaK a ch 11

[@663rainmaker]

Bug 🐜 juice 🥤 and Oh HomiE BreW mooN 🌙 sHiNe X X X … cB anT 🐜 TeN nA and PaR 3 CB golf ⛳️… 455 Radio man Videogates 663 San Joaquin Valley of California Dreamin USA 🇺🇸 CB and Incredible people all over

[@theodoreclennon1020]

sweeeeeet! i have never never gotten my maco 5 swr that low. Best i got was 1.2 to 1.

[@rocketc..968roscoeoscarcha5]

Nice it's about what works in the end sometimes when my vision gets better I'm gonna give it a go with a build for sure

[@jefffedele5002]

Nice job...i had a maco v58..30 years..until the wind took it down i have another one on the way..73 to you from 165 Bodean 20 miles east of pittsburgh Pennsylvania

[@MowerJunkie]

That V58 is a great antenna! I hope You can get it in the air soon. Take care 165, Thanks for watching.

[@victorgalagan1151]

nice job!!! Commander 105 in the Garden said that!!!!

[@MowerJunkie]

Take care 105. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@leolbenwayjr6561]

I've got one john . It's been in the box for 2 years cant put it up where I live. Moving in the spring. I used to have all the kinds of antennas where I used to live. . I will be back on air sometime... 613 vermont waving.

[@MowerJunkie]

Copy that 613! I hope Your moving to an antenna friendly house. I hope to hear You on the air soon. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@S4inc]

back and forth..LOL been there and done it...I like the pipe hammered in ground trick for testing

[@gkeyman565]

I'm gonna have to dig up my old CB's and see what i can hear! But I am a long way from you!

[@EdzashedFudwinkle]

Get it out and set up already mate 👌

[@125southernnh2]

Dang John..you aren't messin' around now! 73's from the frigid place.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks Chris. Stay indoors where it's warm! I hope to hear You on the air soon. 73's

[@edwardquimby1960]

Hello Southern New Hampshire I got Harry from Gary down hereDerry south Florida WOODSTOCK CH25

[@Scotscan]

You are an SWL perfectionist. Looks like you'll get some good contacts on that.

[@MowerJunkie]

I hope so! Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@letsgobrian9811]

Love it when are you gonna be on the radio I’m in NC above you so possibly we can hear each other sometimes anyways 73’s my friend BR-549 over and out!

[@MowerJunkie]

I'm on the radio at random times throughout the day, and usually on between 9 - 12pm at night, talking with locals. Take care BR-549, 73's from 151 SC.

[@les67b38]

I always like your Vedios. I'm a old CBer. I like talking the Side Bands. I'm hoping to get my Antenna up I bought house be trying maybe this year. I live in the southwest Missouri.

[@les67b38]

Oops videos lol

[@MowerJunkie]

Very cool! I hope You can get on the air soon. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@sparky5860]

Thanks for sharing.....Good information.... I like your jacket... Solidarity brother....

[@bobbydartonhricko4068]

Cool. 12ny walkin on threww.

[@arildoaparecidocosta5729]

Ótimo vídeo trabalho gualidade total bazuka Foz do Iguaçu pr Brasil 🇧🇷🇧🇷🦈🦈🦈🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@bobbydartonhricko4068]

Nice ADAMS. I have one in mint condition. 12ny...

[@sircedric5]

Where did you get it from think I might add one to my antron

[@ericdee6802]

Aaaahhh, thats what I thought you were using today MJ. 🤣👍

[@MowerJunkie]

it's very similar to this antenna.....But Better! I might make a video showing my current antenna, I think a few people are confused about it.

[@tobi13tangofoxtrott76]

Very nice, i hope we can speak this summer !! best regards from germany near Frankfurt 13TF19

[@eccarter]

I just got mine 2days ago and I’m shooting skip from Texas to Boston

[@eccarter]

I installed mine in a tree

[@goatsinker347]

At that lo of an altitude, it should be omni directional. I use one without a gamma match, just two 1/4λ aluminum pieces, isolated from each other, and fed with the coax directly. I get 150milliwatts reflected from 2000 watts going forward on 27.200Mhz. Mine stays below 1.5:1 from 26.500 to 28.300 Mhz.

[@joerowland7350]

I love my zero five it 5/8 wave it bit pricey but it built like a tank N it take a bit of power lol N I know it will take 100mph+ winds lol but not my roof I like making my own I have made a lot in 40+ years

[@EdzashedFudwinkle]

18ft silver rod SWR'd down to 1.1 from set up, still a few metres low at around 7/8m, but will carry me 20+ miles with 4w on Fm, terrible skip atm though, hopefully sort that by extending the mast another few metres, will let you know how I get on with it.

[@robertmethia7080]

keep having fun with antennas take care 73s n1hcw

[@ericdee6802]

With the property your on MJ, you can erect one of the greatest antennas known to Mankind, "The Mighty Rhombic"!

[@RidgeHikerAdventures]

I'm curious how your range will change when the antenna is orientated in a different direction. I'm going to build another dipole and see what happens. I'm jealous of your green yard. 73's from Northern Nevada.

[@americaswayout4489]

Just remember being horizonal the take-off point will be higher so for DX you might be better off making it vertical. Way back in the mid60s I had a 3 element up maybe 15 feet with a hinge set up to flip it flat or vertical, mistakingly thinking being flat would talk skip better. Back then the skip was nearly 24/7 and with everyone just running 5 watts in and maybe 3.5 out. I had a Comstat 25B Lafayette with the 2 business band channels 22a and 22b that oil companies used all over the world. I spent a lot of time calling them, talked to several with one being just north of Japan in Russia. anyway seeing you deal with the driven element from your beam reminded me of those days so long ago?

[@danieljohnson8437]

. Thank you, Dan. swr.73.

[@UDX4570PalmSprings-yh1mv]

Have you tried the fairly new Maco boomer kit? It is designed to be installed on "Fiberglass" verticles like the Antron, Solarcon, Tram base antennas. Like the Antron 99 ground plane kit, instead of having the ground radials swooping down, the Maco has their radials perpendicular 90° deg of the antennas feed point. Maco claims it will make the Fiberglass antenna perform like an all aluminum ground plane. Not sure what they mean by that? Iam thinking of purchasing one for my Gainmaster 5/8ths wave.

[@boblewis2892]

Hi John, hope to work you on it soon, 73 from 290 Bob in Illinois.

[@MowerJunkie]

That would be cool. Take care Bob, 73's from 151 SC.

[@trailertrashks.5327]

151 You have a nice place see you in skip land. Please keep up the good work..... 73s.... 103Ks......

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@Budro4764]

That's a great set up for skip....... Was your buddy on the flat side also ???? 20 miles is a very good distance , You are out in the country with a lot less noise than the bigger towns that have a lot of auto traffic right next to a interstate highway..... I like the flat side talking , way less noise that way......... I used to have a set of PDL II like your buddy has...... I could talk for MILES on that thing at 30 foot up........

[@fernandoscrenci9555]

This is getting Good!!🎧📡🤳

[@foxman362]

Can you try make homemade maco ba 1 out of 102 inches on two sides should work 12 gauge copper wire.

[@robertbianchi4450]

What type of coax i wonder

[@Bernard-John]

Hi,good video well explained, and you have so much space ,in Rotterdam it's way to crowded 🙃, keep up the good work, 73 from Rotterdam...

[@MowerJunkie]

Many thanks! Take care, 73's from 151 SC.

[@WiMichael]

How is the Maco Ba 1 on flat side talking skip. New to this .

[@MowerJunkie]

The BA-1 is a great antenna for skip, when setup horizontal. It's also a great local antenna, when setup vertical.

[@WiMichael]

Have a Tram 1498 right now 53ft to tip and 1.1 SWR not having much luck . Going to order the Maco BA 1 and try it out. Any recommendations on how high to mount it? Thank you for your reply . 45 central North Carolina

[@foxman362]

These would good for portable setup would be good setup at local parks.

[@MowerJunkie]

probably not, this is a big antenna. it's over 17 feet long, and has a gamma match that could get damaged easily. Thanks for watching, 73's.

[@supercomando]

Really enjoy watching your videos, and the pussy cat makes them even better !

[@user-lu9vq2co8c]

Good antenna only 4 elements cool

[@williambowman7244]

Waiting to hear you on slip my do pole is sirio model ( I thought too flimsy ) but over 3 4 years winter storms and spring winds still shooting with antenna switch in line right at 1 to 1 at radio connector I'm set so/southwest. To north nor east my strongest east texas but your area comes in well Hope you and yours healthy wealthy and wise from 398 wis

[@MowerJunkie]

Copy that 398, I hope We get to make contact soon. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@francismcclaughry3794]

i WOULD BE HAPPY ON THE ONE TO ONE.

[@rudymoccia196]

What would have a better gain? The maco ba1 or a dipole built with the same materials ? If you have the answer please let me know,. both antennas are a half wave length . Thank you. 73

[@MowerJunkie]

the gain would be the same for both antennas.

[@DK5ONV]

You seem to have a lot of fun with this Antenna. Good job done. Greetings from the Heart of the Southwestern Part of Germany. 73's de Uncle Günter

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@psychobillypaul4172]

Hi from across the pond I’m looking to buy a 3 element yagi but I only want to use the section that has the gamma will this tune for 26 to 27.901. I will be using purely for static mobile from my car so needs to pack away . Many thanks 26dx720 uk🙏

[@junglejoecvideogates9705]

Very good video

[@jpbrown1963]

Great job

[@sramsdellwdm]

Ever heard of an MFJ antenna analyzer?

[@MowerJunkie]

If You want to donate one, I'd be more than happy to use it! Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@ironhead320]

73's 180 from the keystone said that hey how do you like the Maco ba-1 and you thoughts on it

[@LIVINGRETIRED310]

How was your DXing while using that antenna over others you made?

[@rjbradleyjr]

Great job I have a question 🤔 ? I have a 4 elements (yagi)dipole lol my problem is I had a match of ch1 of 1.2 and ch40 1.5 We had a lightning 🌩 and a rain storm 🌧 came through.... i had unhooked the coax from the radio just as a back up lol the next day hooked up the coax and check the SWR and set it on ch1 and ch40 it pinned the meter at 10 there is no shortage in the coax and the antenna.... i don't understand what's going on.... I tried my magnet mount antenna ch1 1.2 ch40 1.3 help please

[@803indan.w.corner3]

DX has been quiet here in the NW. . Cycle is building up tho. . 73's from 803 Washington State.

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@foxman362]

How many feet 3 element yagi is 3 copper wires or two?

[@MowerJunkie]

it's all aluminum. it's made out of rigid poles, with a gamma match.

[@freddie3159]

Are you still using the Maco BA1 antenna, and if so, how’s it working? Are you able to DX far with it. I am looking to buy a base antenna, and I am in between the Antron and the BA1 . Not sure which one . Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@deankoerner2436]

Good video I just supporting of it but it looks like this is the directional CB antenna is that correct

[@MowerJunkie]

Yes, it is directional. I have it set so that My signal radiates North and South. Take care, Thanks for watching.

[@arconeagain]

Look up basic dipole theory.

[@grumpy_ken]

if you were to turn it on it's side (90 degrees), wouldn't it then be omnidirectional without losing any gain? howdy from FL

[@MowerJunkie]

Yes, it can be used vertical or horizontal. I've run it both ways, horizontal is great for skip, and vertical is great for local. Take care, Thanks for watching.

[@charleswills4554]

The weather there looks pretty good. We have bone chilling cold here in Southwestern Ontario Canada. Too cold to be out working on antennas. Isnt that basically the same as a dipole ? 73's 514.

[@MowerJunkie]

It's cold here today too, it's below freezing here in the south. The antenna is similar to a dipole, but this does not have a break in the middle, and is not isolated from the mast. So far, it is working better than any dipole I've used. Take care 514, 73's from 151 SC.

[@foxman362]

Mower junkie should look up on eBay 10 Meter Rotating Dipole Ham Radio Antenna w/ 2 Workman WHF-10 Antennas & Mount

[@mikegianfrancesco7723]

the gama match is that the side were the signal will go like how you know which way rotor point thinkinh getting this

[@cbradioskipmacintosh219]

. Did you have problems with the top element moving up and down on the t bar?

[@MowerJunkie]

Nope, it always stayed where I put it, But was easy to move when I needed to.

[@cbradioskipmacintosh219]

I figured it out thx mower junkie! 73

[@llave25]

¿ Me puede dar las medidas del gamma y los materiales por favor ?

[@mikestone9129]

I've got a big problem I hope you can help with..I live in an upstairs apt with big covered patio. Which antenna is best for DX'ing, the Maco Balcony or the sirio Balcony? Either one would have to be extended out 5 feet to cleat roof overhang. I have building's around 3 sides so line of sight is blocked and I can't raise the antenna more than 6 feet or so. Help:-)

[@MowerJunkie]

I have not used the sirio antenna, But I can tell you the Maco BA-1 is a great antenna.

[@troy7128]

Try a simple inverted v dipole it worked for me

[@1teddy1979]

Very cool!

[@canalxadrezandrebk5401]

very nice

[@dxscotland5901]

Get that up on the roof on a rotator John it’ll be great

[@MowerJunkie]

That's what I'm hoping for! I'm sure it won't take long to find a rotator. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@josecostoya4316]

Question: do you think I can operate it just like that; however, with a rotator without the rest for sections? Can it directional?

[@MowerJunkie]

Yes this antenna can be used with a rotor, if mounted horizontally. It's bi-directional, so it transmits in 2 directions.

[@seeharvester]

You said the meter moved as much as a human hair. What kind of measurement is that!? I need something a little more precise. Like the color of that human hair, ie., Black, Red, Blond etc. 😁😁😁

[@bigdog911PAradio]

Thanks

[@bluesteel5841]

I use to shoot skip on ssb on a PDL2 on the flat side..

[@MowerJunkie]

Nice! Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@alvinpope9315]

Love this antenna could you give me the specs and also how to build a gamma match 73s from 416 to.

[@MowerJunkie]

Maco has all the specs for this antenna online. Thanks for watching, 73's from 151 SC.

[@Pioneer27185]

I can't get my SWR below 1.7 to 1 all around the dial!

[@foxman362]

Can make these homemade like did 102 homemade base antenna?

[@dx990uk5]

Second👱nice set up.🖐

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks 👍 73's from 151 SC.

[@stevenlightner1658]

What kind of pipe is that you are putting in the ground? I was looking at my local hardware store and they want $32.00 for a piece of steel pipe 11/2" by 36".

[@MowerJunkie]

it's the top rail for a chain link fence. Lowes has 20' top rail for about $25. and 10' for about $13.

[@IllinoisStormTracker32]

i was just wondering if i can use the Maco BA-1 horizontally and run its with my a99 for vertically with a switch box and run them both how you think it would match up 73. 505 land of Lincoln

[@MowerJunkie]

You can run it below an Antron. to keep good SWR readings, the A99 should be a minimum of 9 feet above the Maco BA-1. Take care 505, 73's from 151 SC.

[@IllinoisStormTracker32]

@@MowerJunkie thanks for responding do you happen to know how much db gain you can get from the Maco BA-1 ?

[@joecampbell7430]

Awesome antenna, MowerJunkie could an old 2 meter copper JPole be extended and mounted on the flat much the same as what you’ve done with the yagi center?

[@deankoerner2436]

Do you have that antenna grounded or is it just the ground from the Pole being in the ground I should say in the Earth

[@48pluto]

It is a directional antenna indeed. It should not require any additional grounding. Easy to make from some pieces of wire also.

[@MowerJunkie]

it is grounded. actually, even the active element is grounded. the gamma match is the only part that is not grounded. Thanks for watching, Take care.

[@48pluto]

@@MowerJunkieGround doen't matter for a dipole. You make it isolated it works just as well. One end is connected to earth and the other end to hot. So its naturally in balance. Let me explain. If you make a 3 element beam. You can choose to isolate all elements from the boom. You can also connect all the elements to the boom. It doesn't matter. In both cases the antenna works.

[@meshue6419]

What is the length of the antenna rods?

[@blankcheck216]

73s my friend... could you post me the specs on the element and gamma match

[@MowerJunkie]

You can find all the info at www.macoantennas.net/

[@bobbydartonhricko4068]

I used to make them style of antennas. Ran them Vertical. It always outperformed a antron 99. Always. 12ny...

[@MowerJunkie]

Thanks for the info, I've been thinking of trying it vertical. Be safe, and stay warm. 73's from 151 SC.

[@freepressright]

It has been my experience that these antennas, run vertically and up high, outperform many other better known antennas on the market. The majority of stations that you talk to are polarized vertically.

[@bobbydartonhricko4068]

@@freepressright Exactly!!! I ran the one i had up roughly 60’ vertically and had a a99 same height. The dipole out performed the a99 both TX&RX hands down. Flat swr ran a Palomar 450 and rci 2950 threw it it never gave me any problems. 12ny...

[@bobbydartonhricko4068]

@@MowerJunkie sure thing brother. Its rated 1/2 wave. I heard you can stretch the element out to 5/8’s length and adjust gamma match accordingly. I never tryed it to see the truth of it. 12ny...

[@MowerJunkie]

@@bobbydartonhricko4068 Wow! That was a nice station! Thanks for sharing. Now I really want to try Mine vertically.

[@rickkaster6097]

Bom dia! Sou Henrique px2z4031 do Brasil, assisto todos os seus vídeos ,pode me dizer as medidas dessa antena,que tentar fazer no meu rádio.

[@MowerJunkie]

the antenna is made with 3 aluminum pipes, one 6' x 5/8", and two 6' x 1/2". it's tuned with a Gamma match. the assembled length is about 17'. Thanks fr watching, Take care.

[@clarenceswope6706]

Why does that look like a horizontal cactus j

[@done7352]

Hello everyone. I’m interested in the dipole antenna. What brand is it and is there any still out there? Thanks 5Watts Central Coast of California. I’m back quite

[@amdgamer1990]

Try the Sirio SD 27 Dipole look on Amazon for reviews

[@done7352]

@@amdgamer1990 thank you I’m going to check it out 👍🏻

[@cbradioskipmacintosh219]

hi mower junkie ! what's the weight on this antenna? thx Macintosh 219 SF

[@MowerJunkie]

it's very lightweight, just a couple of pounds. I heard you today on 27.555 usb, I tried to get you, But had no luck. Take care 219, 73's

[@cbradioskipmacintosh219]

What ? I missed your call??? Nooo. That would of been so cool. I heard someone calling me but the local guys were taking skip out ! We will try it again. I have a KZbin channel also. 73 Macintosh 219

[@MowerJunkie]

@@cbradioskipmacintosh219 Cool, I just subscribed to your channel. I hope I make it onto one of your video gates. 73's

[@cbradioskipmacintosh219]

I think you were in the last live video calling me. So much skip hard to tell. 73 big fan mower junkie!

[@moyamoyavaper5227]

420 likes.too perfect

[@cbradioskipmacintosh219]

Hey mower junkie ! Where did you buy this antenna from?

[@MowerJunkie]

Ebay, a few years ago.