Never make this mistake with a HAM RADIO antenna

I got to learn something new about portable ham radio involving using your vehicle as a base :-)
I decided to try out the sotabeams linked dipole antenna (20m/40m) that I have in my collection. it's been a while since I used one. I very nearly skipped testing the antenna before using it, good job I didn't especially if i was going to turn up the power.
I also got to cook some yummy food so not all lost.
The iPad app is Rumlog 👍
I'm a licensed amateur radio operator from the United Kingdom. My KZbin channel features videos focusing on operating portable radio from various locations plus how to videos, tutorials, insights and conversations in the hobby.

[@robertjones5395]

Carl, I could (and do) watch these all day. I've very relaxing to see someone sharing the experiences and just getting on this it! Love it. 73, Rob, M0JWU

[@M0SZT]

Thank you 🙏

[@Aceman597]

I had horrible swr with my cb radio checking it while parked next to a metal barn 3 5. Ran same setup in open area with 1.2 . Lots of fun. Thanks for the videos.

[@vandersoninc]

Looks and sounds like you have your dipole setup for NVIS. Still good quality RX. Thanks again for another great video Carl. 73 de N3VAN (Matt)

[@Atomshamradio]

Awesome set up 👍

[@Patrickjdee66]

Class video mate , that’s what I call dedication 👍🏽

[@jonpg1jsf118]

Brilliant video Carl - great content as always, and nice to see some cooking 😄

[@wayneskiba1237]

Excellent video, Carl, I really had some situations just like you experienced out in the field with high swr, but I enjoyed the experience because I was out and playing radio, and enjoying our hobby! Also you had a great cooking segment and as usual, made me very hungry! Great scenery, and I learned something to boot! Thank you for sharing, Carl. See you on your next adventure.

[@gtretroworld]

Excellent variety as usual Carl.I too had some crazy noise a couple of days ago from a New LED bulb in the conservatory,a good distance from the shack too so i guess it was mains born..Thanks 73’s

[@NamasenITN]

You are very brave and it paid off. I would have packed up immediately and head back home, given the bad weather.

[@brianfields4479]

Good try Carl. Think a simple vertical type ant, as Tim g5tm uses would have made life easier, and maybe got that dx. No seat, no complaints with a vehicle full of seats. Tip for camping in rain or wind, sleep away from the sides with ear plugs in, no sound or flapping material to disturb you, old but simple camping tip. Keep on trucking Carl.

[@paule7837]

Carl, great video! I always enjoy your enthusiasm with cooking and radio! They go together like peas and carrots! Keep up the good work! 73 W5RDC

[@m0aze611]

Great Vid Carl, I do try where possible keep wires away from my vehicle. Even my trusty EFHW with a drive on support plus DX Commander pole same as you, the car has an effect so I only use 20 and above in close proximity. It works well in direct comparison with the SOTA Beams band hopper. Always a compromise 😝Brave man operating in these windy conditions. 73 Mike.

[@dennisjones8991]

The wet ground will provide for a better antenna ground, nearly as if you were operating on a vessel.

[@m0jzd799]

Videos like this one should be banned! They make me far too hungry ;-) Fascinating all the same though, Carl! When I came across this video, I fully expected just to dip in and out of it to find the best bits but you held my attention throughout all of it. I'm just starting to experiment with /P working (using 20 watts from my Xiegu G90) and it's always good to learn of other people's expereiences. My only problem now is to decide whether to spend some money on some antenna gear or to buy a tagine and a gas cooker instead ;-) Thanks, Carl. 73, Chris, M0JZD

[@leeharrell67]

It's 9AM and you're making me hungry for lamb! Thanks for the video!

[@josephcooksley3219]

Ok Carl , what was your ASL and your 20 for your camp out ... obviously a Farmers Field or camp spot of a park ... with the collection of other Campers in the Frame ... As mentioned in another post the Rain would of improved the earthing conditions ... the axis of your inverted V would determine the direction of your signals ... I also have a ten meter fibre sectional pole ... but havent used it very much sadly but i intend to change that lol ... Your wheel traped mast base is an idea i hadnt considered I was thinking more of a towball mounted base ... however that interfers with the Rear door or hatch on my Subaru Shooting Break lol . Yes separate Tent with a cushion to lie down certainly great for a restful sleep ... i hadnt considered a fly tent cover over the rear of my vehical but you have showed its a great enhancement ... How many Contacts did you make one you ironed out your Antenna issues and were you just on 20m's ? Great effort Carl .. G1XZL/ZL2SCI

[@M0SZT]

The area is near Alton towers, not very high but clear take off. I only made a handful of European stations, very short distance whereas other days with the EFHW I have got much further, the band may have been flat

[@andy2E0JIU]

I could almost smell that cooking🤪🤪nice to see a bit of rain for you as you've been too spoilt lately ha ha.look forward to the next one mate 73

[@beemcbike]

Great Video Carl👍 Love QRP. Just did the Field day as single operator qrp. I’m 67 and guess what, I missed a chair.. What App are you running on the iPad? I did paper logging and I regret it . Thanks and 73 de HB3XBL 👍🇨🇭

[@johnnorth9355]

Ah so nearly right - if only you had remembered a seat ? Sorry Carl I could not resist. lol . I have always (in my 2.5 years M7) found dipoles not worth it compared to end fed verticals. Mind you I would not have got past the food and the booze before sleeping ! 73 M7BLC

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

Great video as always Carl, cheers. I love the QRP stuff. P.S. I can never work out it you really consider Stoke area to be "central UK" or if you mean central England? I live next to a town that calls itself the "Centre Of Britain" and I'm only 20 miles away from Scotland... Living on the border I notice that loads of English people say "UK" and "England" interchangeably, but the Scots - not so much ;)

[@M0SZT]

Good point! the centre of the UK is north of Lancashire, I do try and say in between Birmingham and Manchester

[@paulsradiohacks]

jees good fun though!

[@austieoutdoors9763]

hi carl as a ham and fello wild camper i want to ask wots the tent your testing my friend lol 73 from m7byf ste in skelmersdale

[@alessandroconcas]

Nice portable operations and icom 705 is in my next (dream) buy but in tandem with a power booster! Italian RM amplifier, in the range of "not expensives", are really good but not (enough) filtered, for sure better of ZG and even more of all cheap chinese... In your field experience prefer vox or ptt activated amplifier foe ssb-voice operations? I think in digital it's a must have ptt to not lost firts seconds 73 de IZ3QVB

[@johnrees44..G4EIJ]

Hi Carl..Great video, as always..Could you tell me what logging app you are using on your iPad, please?..73..John..G4EIJ

[@M0SZT]

Thanks, it’s Rumlog

[@johnrees44..G4EIJ]

@@M0SZT Thank you..

[@aarongriffin81]

sit in the passenger seat and use the dash for the radio.

[@M0SZT]

in the summer it get hot sitting in the vehicle, sometimes I do tend to use the seat behind the front passenger and use the bed base for radios.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Nothing like getting out into the fresh air and cooking. What’s the app you’re using for the iPad?

[@M0SZT]

Rumlog

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

@@M0SZT cheers I’ll take a look at it.

[@morayr6]

Did you have the lamb for breakfast as well

[@M0SZT]

I sometimes have to bin any leftovers during summer but when it gets colder I take leftovers home. I don’t tend to have carbs with the meal (pasta, rice potatoes etc) so I enjoy a bigger portion 👍

[@morayr6]

@@M0SZT aye looked lovely that I am the type to have leftover kebab for breakfast 🤣 can’t help myself

[@on4mgy_radioamateur]

Nice video. Never would have thought the dipole above the car would create such problems. Thanks for sharing, 73 de ON4MGY Nic