Super Antenna MP1 | Ham Radio Antenna

[@OH8STN]

Here are the episode notes. They include additional notes, images, videos and links related to this video. oh8stn.org/blog/2018/10/30/super-antenna-mp1-ham-radio-go-kit-episode-notes/

[@o00scorpion00o]

I got the MP1 about 3 months ago, and I love it, it breaks down into an incredibly small size. I use the supplied tripod. I have no problem making contacts with the Yaesu FT-891 and MP1 and even made it from Ireland to Canada on 20 meters @100 watts about a month ago. I have not used the 80 meter coil yet, when I go out portable it's usually during the day so I wouldn't be using the 80 M band. It's a great high quality product, I love it. It has greatly exceeded my expectations.

[@VIRGONOMICS]

Hello I’m a new fan - I’m not an operator but grew up playing with HAM Radio and used Walkie Talkie / CB Radio for kicks . I appreciate the efficiency and precision in getting involved in this - It’s fascinating, thanks very much .

[@SteveAlbano]

Great video, very informative! I use the MP1 and FT-891 portable. I'm a full time RV'er and having an antenna like the MP1 is important because space is at a premium in a 33' motorhome. So far I've been pleased with its performance.

[@myballwilson]

I bought this antenna based on this helpful review. Another useful tutorial as well.

[@Redhawk03a]

So helpful. I’m brand new to emcomm and ham at large. Love this account

[@gsouth13yahoo]

Thanks for the video Julian. I purchased this antenna after hearing you liked it a little over a year ago I guess. I’ve been all sorts of busy and have only used it twice, but watching this video of course makes me want to get it out and play with it again. You do so many things that I would like to emulate when I can find the time and the money.

[@chriswesney]

Great video. I purchased the same antenna for my trips to Kauai. I have made contacts on 40, 10 and 2 meters running portable (2 meters was obviously local FM). The system is very well built but no match for a long wire if you can get some elevation. If you are running from the ground or a hotel balcony this is the best solution that I have found. The threads on the base work great with your camera tripod. 73's KK6FGM.

[@paulandrews171]

Julian: With my kits, to separate the solar connection, I color code the connections using green and black powerpoles , reversed standard setup (two points of confusion covered, especially in low light, or colored headlamp). Works well at identifying the correct cable to plug into and limits the chance of mistakes, especially if someone I am working with hooks something up on my gear.

[@johnkershaw9575]

Julian, you are amazing. I simply love your videos. I always learn something. OBTW I ordered my Elecraft KX3 and SotaBeams antenna. You certainly have encouraged me to get out in this wonderful world we live in. All the best. JJK

[@OH8STN]

You'll be extremely happy with the kx3. Thanks for the comment and the kindness. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@psjarvin]

@@OH8STN I'll continue here since this is related to KX3 too. I've watched a good number of the videos and really like the content. Especially the trip reports off grid. I was wondering why did you choose the FT-891 instead of something like KX3? I am relatively new Ham and looking into different HF rigs that would be easily portable. You may have mentioned this somewhere and I have just missed that particular video. 73.

[@jameskeough4620]

You're right, it sounds more complicated than it really is once you've done it a couple of times!

[@bodstrup]

Thanks for your always no BS, practical videos. Much better than those sitting in the office discussing stuff they have not yet tried… On counterpoises/radials. Just read the very comprehensive guide on counterpoises from DX engineering (Hustler antenna instructions). They suggest running radials ON the ground - in which case they do not have to be resonant (making them multi band). As soon as you raise them, they need to be resonant. Have you experience with on/in ground counterpoises ? Btw, initial impressions of you on video is a slightly intimidating look with those glasses - but quickly offset by your very friendly and helpful attitude :-)

[@chrisvddrift2595]

Thank you for sharing - very informative - considering to become active again after 12 years.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

That spot is beautiful! Also, super glad you're making this antenna video, I've been thinking about picking it up. Thanks!

[@OH8STN]

It's two key features are it's incredibly small breakdown size, and it's modularity. It's performance is pretty much on par with the Yaesu screwdriver antennas, and other antennas of the type. I doubt I would be doing any DX contests with it, but as a rapid deployment antenna where space is critical, it's not bad at all. I think I'm going to try it with a collapsible whip antenna to get more aluminum above the coil.

[@mdouble100]

Thanks for this video. I am not familiar with the Super Antenna, as I already have the Cameleon system. Having seen the Super Antenna in use now, my interest is peaked. I'm working on my own portable/mobile Raspberry Pi and Yaesu FT-891 based go station. I'm still missing a few bits and pieces but hope to have it completed in the next few months. Your videos have been very useful as guides when selecting gear. I've elected to use a dedicated RPi screen rather than use the headless connection to a tablet. I like having a fully self-contained computer and screen combination. Mine is mounted in a purpose-built stand which folds down for storage and pops up when in use. This slightly more complicated system works better for me. Your setup is excellent but I have somewhat different requirements for a station that works as a base station as well as being portable.

[@erockinoh]

Thanks for the tip on rewinding the counterpoise wire.

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. There's an incredibly funny story behind it 😀

[@JohnTarbox]

Another great episode. This portable packaging is really coming together.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks John. You'll be surprised with the next episode in this series. We'll go back to a qrp kit with an 817. Thanks for the kindness 👍👍👍

[@justanumber427]

Fantastic vid! Keep up the great work! Looking forward to seeing more like this one.

[@OH8STN]

Your wish is incoming 👍👍👍

[@WJ6FRadio]

Outstanding video! Great timing as well! I have been looking at getting this antenna for when I am in the desert doing portable work!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Actually I have other videos of this antenna system up but apparently I have not promoted them enough

[@WJ6FRadio]

@@OH8STN I have watched them some time ago. I am currently rewatching them to pick up any extra info from them. This antenna from I have seen has a lot of add-ons!

[@willian.direction6740]

Thanks Julian great set up , I wind my radials and extensions the same way on SOTA KX0R showed me that method never fails. cheers from vk5cz ..

[@mo1tard743]

Enjoyed the video! Very practical.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks 73 Julian oh8stn

[@kevinb4783]

I just wanted to pop in and say I really enjoy your channel Julian, been watching your videos for some time. I need to get outside and try out some of your great ideas.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Kevin 😊

[@o00scorpion00o]

Just an update to my earlier post, I used the 80m coil a few nights ago and made a contact with a station 1000 miles away, a 7 foot long antenna I was amazed. It works. SWR was hard to get below 2.1:1 so I was not outputting more than about 50-60 watts on the FT-891 but I still made a contact 1000 miles away, yes, a 7 foot antenna......... I've heard the much longer MFJ-1979 whip improves this antenna a lot especially on 20m, I haven't tried it yet.

[@OH8STN]

KZbin didnt like your comment :D Yeah the 80m coil works. The mp1 surprises me every now and again.

[@o00scorpion00o]

@@OH8STN "youtube didn't like your comment" what do you mean ? Yes for a compromised antenna it works well.

[@OH8STN]

Sorry I was too cryptic. KZbin moderated your comment automatically for some reason. I don't quite get it since you've commented quite a few times on the channel.

[@o00scorpion00o]

@@OH8STN Oh that's strange, how did they moderate it ? I ordered the MPAS 2.0 recently, (out of stock and will probably take a month to get it but I can't wait to try it out. The real benefit will be not having to go back to the antenna, hook up analyser and adjust for each band change. The MP1 breaks down into an incredibly small size and from all the videos I've seen much smaller than the MPAS 2.0 but this level of compactness is not my main concern. when I get a window to go out be it rain, wind or cold I want to spend less time messing around with the antenna and more time on the radio especially when the weather is bad. How long can the MPAS 2.0 vertical be left out in the rain ?

[@stevechannel7588]

Julian....as a fairly new Ham, I must say how impressed I've been with your approach and the detail that you provide in the videos. Sometimes I feel like I'm "drinking through a firehose" on some of the technical aspects, but I find if I watch a particular segment repeatedly, take notes, and then research what your saying, most times I can get the idea! That is the mark of an excellent teacher...I.e. one who does NOT "spoon feed" the students; rather one who inspired them to experiment. Just now trying to get hold of the raspberry pi "thing"...knew about them but only now hoping to emulate your system for use in my Park on the Air adventures. One question I did have: you mentioned that by elevating the counterpoise wires, better efficiency could be obtained. I'm going to replicate your approach using my Wolf River Coil TIA vertical by adding a couple extra wires the the three that come with the antenna ( the extras cut to 1/4 wave of the bands I want, right?), but how much elevation is useful ? Like the MP1, the WRC/TIA pretty much sits right on the ground as well. Thanks! Steve, KD9JTU

[@OH8STN]

Hello Steve. Although I appreciate everything you're saying you're far too kind. Everybody has a skill set and hopefully they're sharing what they know. So yes what we're talking about this elevated tuned counterpoise wires. Naturally the idea is to get the counterpoise wires up off the ground, at least the height of the feet point. In my example the feed point is basically on the ground, which means I accept the losses, but only because I was able to reach the station's I was trying to reach in this video. If I were to playing this antenna someplace else and wanted the higher efficiency I would put the tripod up on a rock for example, a tree stump, any improvised elevated space I could find. Then I would keep the counterpoise wires elevated as they spread out the way from the feed point. But here's the kick in the pants. We can read 20 different books and get 20 different answers about the right height. We're all of those books agree, is that the counterpoise wires and the feed Point need to be insulated from ground. By ground I mean literally insulated from ground. Now during my wspr testing I have found anyting above ground is an improvement. So I wouldn't worry about some specific height to shoot for, because in reality, the environment will dictate our antenna and counterpoise deployment. So bottom line Steve, it's not an exact science, and we're not too playing in free space. The most important thing is to get them up off the ground. If you can't get them off the ground, use more of them. I hope this helps. Thanks for the kindness and the questions. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@tankrust1]

Another great video. I really like the off grid set up and plan to mimic my setup with yours. Hope you had a great new year.

[@JohnTrefethen]

Julian, you mentioned a Powerpole mod for the G90. I can't seem to find that video. Would you point me in the right direction?

[@southjersey10]

Because of your videos I “pulled the trigger” and purchased the 80-6m package. I’ll be interested in how easy the adjustable coil will be for me. I did purchase a NanoVNA which should be enough for me to identify the lowest SWR within the portion of the band that I am interested in. At this point I care the most about voice/phone; CW and data is not in my wheelhouse at the moment. Thanks. Mark

[@VE3IPS]

This a great small antenna for the FT-891 and could simplify a day out operating in the field. I would consider guying the antenna as the tripod can be a bit flimsy. Try using computer ribbon cable for the counterpoise tuned to each band.

[@jasongodwin460]

Excellent video! I'm a somewhat new ham (technician license in 2017, general in 2018), and your channel has been an excellent learning resource. I've been particularly interested in field radio ops since I live in an apartment building in a crowded major city. I'm very interested in the antenna you showed here (I've watched your overview video of it), and I've been pleased with my Yaesu HT, so I'm definitely looking into a Yaesu HF radio. I don't have any experience yet with digital modes, but it's something I'd like to learn more about. Thanks for sharing! 73, KG5TMP.

[@mholman9711]

Outstanding, thanks most went over my head.. But that was no fault of yours,, excellent teacher,, thanks subscribed

[@glennarrant3743]

Have you considered the Wolf River Coil Antenna? Adding two Buddie Pole extenders to the base of the coil tends to improve bandwidth and tuning is a bit easier. 73 N6JAI

[@OH8STN]

I reached out because lots of my subscribers were interested in it. The company wasn't interested but a few of my subscribers got them anyway. They we're pretty disappointed with the quality, compared to Super antenna, chameleon antenna, and buddipole. Those three companies are really the quality standards. I think since it's just a garage made copy of the MP1, It's not so interesting anymore. Probably a pretty awesome antenna with some love and attention to detail. I like the concept though

[@TXLorenzo]

Nice little "cabin in the woods" Julian.

[@davidniemi4051]

For additional information and ideas on radial the Callum ("DX Commander") has done research into radials and cites some ham operator research papers on the real world effect of radials, lengths and numbers. You may get a few new ideas to improve things a little bit. Great informative videos, thanks de VA3NIE

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. I've seen the live discussion on the topic. In practice, some of the suggestions are too difficult for a temporary /P deployment at this latitude, but work extremely well in a fixed location. Perhaps he has something new on portable antennas with quarter wave radials. I'll have to check him out again. As a short vertical the mp1 relies on quarter wavelength tuned radials for each band. If we want to cover 6-40m, we need at least one tuned quarter wavelength wire for each of those bands. If we're sitting on a single band, 1 or more tuned quarter wavelength counterpoise wires, all spread evenly around the base of the antenna works well. There certainly are better ideas, but rarely do they consider the challenges of the portable operator :) I'll check in with Callum to ask him if he has come up with something new. Thanks for the comment 👍👍👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@OH8STN]

For anyone interested. Here's that video from DX Commander regarding ground radials we are talking about. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o16bgWRjhcuHb9U

[@OH8STN]

Hey David. I just watched that series of videos again. There is something useful. Callum suggest cutting the wavelength in half but doubling the number of radials. That might actually work extremely well for portable. I think I'll have to build a test rig and test it out. Thanks for the suggestion

[@davidniemi4051]

@@OH8STN Thanks, We all learn from others. Everyone does their own testing then after reviewing we pick what works best for us :) EDIT: Callum also wraps a bit of tape around the end of each set of radials before he coils them up so that they don't get all tangled up. This might help everyone keep things organized in one way or another. Have a great day.

[@forthy62]

Really nice setup! Good to see the MP1 in action. My HFP1 (same as MP1 but metric thread) always brings me close to murder while finding a good swr :-)...but I use the tripod for my own vertical antennas. Would like to see how the Raspberry is set up to do winlink email. Couldn't find any straight forward step by step guide for it. I really appreciate your videos

[@barrykery1175]

What a great, informative video. Good choice for a portable vertical antenna. Barry, KU3X

[@hemitj]

Great video. Thank you! Just found your channel and subscribed

[@hambone4495]

pretty nice gear, and setup.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Its always evolving. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@DanusMyName]

Great video!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 👍

[@davidpoolela]

This is really great information. Thanks for posting it online. You gave me a lot of really good ideas. David N4XRO

[@OH8STN]

Thx David. It's nice to know someone appreciates the effort goeing into these videos. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@timk7749]

Great video. I saw a response to your beacon from a French sta(can't recall the call sign) yesterday and tried to send a relay message to you through him from Montana USA. I don't think it made it but 20m was vy bad. Loving all that is being done with js8 and the possibilities of all it can do. 73 Tim KF7VUT

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Tim I don't think I received that message. When I do, I usually put them on Instagram as they come in. Please don't give up trying though. If you ever hear HB9AVK, give that station is shot as a relay. I can almost always hear him. Yes I'm really excited and happy with the capabilities of this mode. The utility aspects of amateur radio are being realized once again 👍

[@timk7749]

@@OH8STN will do and agree. Jordan is doing a great job at not only making this a fun mode but I believe one day it will be vitally useful in off grid and emergency comms. Keep up the good work!

[@philipchandler330]

Impressive and as always very thorough. I wish you were closer for about a week of classes for our club getting our own stuff set up

[@OH8STN]

You're too kind Philip. Where are you located?

[@philipchandler330]

@@OH8STN Rock Hill South Carolina

[@philipchandler330]

York County Amateur Radio Society

[@OH8STN]

@@philipchandler330 well I don't get back to the states that often these days. It would have been a hop skip and a jump from Lejeune back in the day.

[@neubert500]

I was going to ask how you have your Galaxy tab communnicate with your Raspbery Pi when avay from a router, thanks for answering that in this video! Excellent vid, they mean a lot to those of us learning from your example

[@OH8STN]

You're always too kind, but it's very much appreciated. Let me know if you have some other questions. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@TexasUrbanHunter]

I appreciate your videos greatly but you talked me out of this antenna for QRP for my Yaesu FT-818 but I may change my mind. It's a good thing though because it made me realize how simple the end fed antenna or loop fed antennas are. I'm using the MFJ telescopic antenna for quick QRP but it's finnicky.

[@OH8STN]

As I always say, the antenna we choose is based on our mission and requirements. The thing I love about the super antenna mp1 is operating from 80-2 meters coverage without a tuner. It also doesn't break when it falls down. Some operators have had good success with that mfj, but personally I'm never buying another product from mfj, since they screwed me on the antenna analyzer.

[@TheOutdoorFun]

Thanks for the video. How does this compare to a loop antenna and which one would you prefer

[@OH8STN]

I think it depends the operating location. The quarter wave vertical is nice but you have to have lots of counterpoise wires. If you've got a lot of people around or animals they can get in the way. The magic Loops are nice because it is what it is, there's nothing extra to trip over, and it's easy to set up. I've had good results with both. Anyway, take a look at this video of my favorite configuration for the quarter wave vertical kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpDaq5qdgpxgZqc

[@rah1420usa]

You mention the custom counterpoise sets. What bands are you using and can you give the dimensions? Thinking that’s my next step in evolving my Superantenna setup. Tnx

[@OH8STN]

Hi Rich I have multiple sets for different ops. I calculate 1/4 of the frequency length in meters. It will different slightly with wire used because of velocity factor, so start longer then shorten slightly. The counterpoint wires are 1/4 wavelength. Use this calculator to get close. www.csgnetwork.com/antennagpcalc.html 5he more counterpoint wires you have, the better the performance. Elevating the counterpoint wires will also increase performance. Let me know if this helps 👍

[@Hey_MGA]

Big fan! You really got me into ham radio. Picked up my Super Antenna and looking to build out my go-kit. QQ: some kits are modified pelican cases with installed various ports. Why did you choose to with a soft case vs a hard case?

[@OH8STN]

Great question and thanks for the kindness. I'm always trying to reduce the weight of my gear. Primarily operating them horrible, weight is a critical aspect of my field excursions. Pelican what case weighs more than the radio gear inside. A soft case with some padding May often be good enough. You have to make the decision on your own but that's the reason I have gone the way I did. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

I’m thinking of getting a Super Antenna but I’m not seeing any great advantage over my Wolf River Coils TIA. The coil looks better built and the hard points for the radials are a thoughtful feature. Anything else I should take into consideration? Thanks for another great video. MikeinMinnesota N0WDM

[@andrebagby9652]

Great video..

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Andre, very much appreciate it. 👍

[@anthonymitchell6831]

Great video I have subscribed to your channel.

[@nr3rful]

very entertaining, as usual. I use the Outbacker antennas for quick vertical set up. Have you ever tried one of the Outbackers ?

[@OH8STN]

Years ago I had a chance to use one. It was solid and performed well. I think they've come a long ways since then though. Is it working for you?

[@nr3rful]

@@OH8STN yes, love them. I have 3 including the little Joey for QRP

[@Oscaro9928]

Great video once again. One question i think you have mentioned in another video you could use your micro antenna analyzer to home in on coil tuning. Is there a brand and model number for the micro antenna analyzer? Thanks

[@OH8STN]

I'm using the Rig Expert Stick Pro for portable work. It weighs nothing, is usb rechargeable and operates from DC to 600mhz. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@konradritter7543]

Hey Julian, Really like those „break away“ LEGO antennas. Does the MP-1 have 3/8“ threads all over or just at the base? If Yes: Have you ever tried to use the MP-1 base and parts of the MPAS like the MIL-EXT with the MP-1 coil on top and any of the whips on that to make a longer antenna, that can still be made resonant without the tuner, but just the sliding coil of the MP-1? For lower bands this could increase the performance. Love the video. Keep it up! Thank you for the idea with the 8-winding around your hand! Cuts the wire winders ! 73 DJ6KR Konrad

[@OH8STN]

Actually someone in the ham radio go kits group on Facebook just suggested the same thing. This has standard 3/8 everywhere. I may set it up and do a test.

[@konradritter7543]

OH8STN that would be intriguing! I have used the more rugged parts of my buddipole (coil and arms) a chameleon jaw mount and a surplus military whip as my Lego blocks. It seems to work. 73

[@recumbentogiro26]

Great video. My question is how does this antenna compare to a buddipole or a chameleon F-Loop? Thank You in advance.

[@py2gta]

what is the total length of the wire radial for the 80m band?

[@OH8STN]

1/4 wavelength. Here is a 1/4 wavelength calculator www.66pacific.com/calculators/quarter-wave-vertical-antenna-calculator.aspx

[@Hypercubeaudio]

I have seen couple of ways to support a Super Antenna MP1 in a form of a tripod and always asked myself this question, are these metallic supports going to affect the radiation and performance of the antenna? or they become part of the ground plane? I own a Super Antenna MP1 and i am planning to support it with an heavy duty microphone stand which i can extend to a maximum height of 6 foot. basically the antenna base plate will be attached to the mic stand. Should i in this case isolate the antenna base plate from the stand ? obviously radials will be connected as normal , many thanks in advance 73 de 2E0RPS

[@OH8STN]

The antenna mount the base plate we call it is the cold side. Anything attached to it will become part of ground. The hot side (radiating element) has the MP1 itself. Your counterpoise wires also attach to the cold side.

[@k2icc]

Can you specify what bands it will cover and the counterpoise kit if included or not? I am planning to use outdoors in parks, but also on an attic. Interest for use on 2m, 70cm, and HF, 220? Thanks. 73. This model I saw, but not sure if it will do as I need. MP1DXTR80. PS. I can buy wire to make counterpoises too, but where do I get the formulas? Thanks.

[@OH8STN]

Hello. Here's a link to the kit you mentioned amzn.to/2MszRLZ According to the information from the super antenna website that's specific kit gets you on air from 80 meters to 70 cm. There is a counterpoise kit included, it includes 6-2m, 80/75 meters, and 40-10m. If you ever want to make them yourself, the MP1 uses quarter wavelength counterpoise wires. That's one quarter of the length of band you're operating on in meters. Then convert to feet/inches if required.

[@OH8STN]

I forgot to answer your other question. It says 80M through UHF. But that link I gave you covers all the details.

[@zanado11]

Great setup.. 73 deRoger W8RLP

[@vampolascott36]

Wouldn't it be more accurate to call them radial wires? I use a 1/4 wave counterpoise attached to the rig ground point for my 3rd storey apartment station and I have radial wires attached to my Super Antenna.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

nice video Julian73

[@Everett2015]

Good day I am a new ham and I have the super antenna and wondering how to tune for 70cm thank you Everett KN4TPQ

[@steventurner3766]

I have the same antenna and Yaesu FT-857D. Do I need a duplexer to transmit on HF and 2m /70 cm using this antenna.

[@KL3NCH]

Great video Julian. Inspirational but too many rlements to go wrong for me ;

[@Cris2Lin]

Julian excellent video as always. I do have a question unrelated. The FT817ND has been a staple in your arsenal of radio. With your new FT891 do you find yourself using the 891 exclusively? If not, what situation beside obvious size, power, and backup would you say keeping the FT817ND has a lot of benefit? Thank you, JonGiovanni

[@OH8STN]

That's a magnificent question but it's kind of complicated to answer. There is definitely a place in my gear for the 817. I think it's best that I come back to this question in the form of a video or blog post.

[@johncliff8164]

Hi there enjoyed your very interesting video of your very portable Go kit and antenna system. 73 de G0WXU - John.

[@TheLollisoft]

Hi, do you have any experience in CB bands using ROS? I am owning an Albrecht AE 5890 EU.

[@OH8STN]

Sorry, it's been over 20 years since I've used the RCI 2950. I really haven't kept up with CB.

[@reedr1659]

Nice portable set up. New ham. Hopefully I'll build a portable station that nice one day. 73. KE0VIY

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness Reed. Don't be in a hurry take your time and build up your station according to your needs. Congratulations on becoming a ham radio operator and I hope to see you around the channel

[@bentleys5059]

Another fine video! Thoughts on ideal height above ground for counter poises? Thx, and 73 WM1K

[@OH8STN]

When its convenient, I like them about 3ft 1 meter above ground. The point is to create that capacitance between the Earth and the counterpoise. In contrast, If we were using radials laying on the ground, I would use as many radials as possible, spreading them out evenly around the base of the antenna.

[@seangarrison1571]

Really like your videos just wondering why MP1 instead of buddiepole

[@OH8STN]

Only because the Buddy pull is so hard to tune. Because I live at 65 degrees north, much of the year I'm dealing with cold. So anything that takes me longer than a few seconds to tune up, is a no-go up here. I think the Buddy pull is a solid performer though

[@jurgen2596]

Hello Julian. Is the software for FT 8 running on the Android tablet? 73, Jürgen DK4BU

[@OH8STN]

It's running on the Raspberry Pi. Everything is running on the Raspberry Pi. The tablet is just a wireless screen. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

Need go thru all videos see links on different sites. Thanks

[@stephenburgess5109]

Hi Julian i use the older MP1 model antenna with the telescopic element can you tell me if there is any difference in using the MP1DXTR2 with the SW1 Whip thanks M0YCQ

[@OH8STN]

Hi Stephen. Performance wise, I have not noticed a difference. Deployment wise, the SW1 is more robust and won't break. Hope this helps. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@stephenburgess5109]

Hi Julian many thanks for the information and the quick response i will stick with the telescopic element for the time being but if it brakes i will get a SW1 hopefully the home made tie down consisting of a old plastic coffee jar top and three ring screws should be effective in roping down this lightweight tripod in windy conditions and hopefully stop it falling over. all the best 73 Steve M0YCQ

[@askabiophysicist]

Enjoyed it thanks. I am thinking of buying a raspberry pi to do this and I am wondering if you can use the rp audio to run the radio. I currently use super cheap external sound cards and the vox on my FT891 and it seems to work well. Have you tried that? Thanks Steve KN4GVV

[@OH8STN]

I have one set up with my 817 using the usb sound card. Some of those sound cards don't work I mean the really cheap ones. But the official one supported by Raspberry Pi should always work

[@si12volt1]

You mentioned putting the MP1 on a roof does that mean spreading out the radials on the roof ?..I'm asking cause i hoping to use this antenna on my roof but haven't seen anyone in youtube that did one on a roof with the radials or how they would spread them on a roof or drop them to the ground. limited ground space here

[@OH8STN]

yes we do use radials, but they do not need to reach the ground. Radials should be tuned quarter wave, for the band youll use teh antenna on. You can also make multiband radials for the most used bands. if you are using a single band, its easy. Iy you need to change bands, setup the mp1 for the highest band used (plus radials) and use your tuner for lower bands. More radials gives better efficiency, so dont be stingy with them :)

[@OH8STN]

I forgot to mention. The radials (actually counterpoise wires) are just wire. Nothing fancy like floating elements or anything :)

[@OH8STN]

Even one more tip. If you roof is metal, you can use the UM1 mount with the clamp to attack the base to your roof. No counterpoise requires since the roof becomes the earth for teh antenna.

[@si12volt1]

@@OH8STN thank you for the quick response tomorrow its going on the roof also installing a Tram 1411 while im up there

[@si12volt1]

@@OH8STN no my roof is not metal... so im guessing just spread the counterpoise wires on my roof as equal apart as possible? i may be mounting the antenna to a vent pipe that's a medal ill know more while im up there

[@patm5165]

What model is your tablet?

[@OH8STN]

Samsung galaxy tab t365

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

I think I missed hear what model android tablet you used, I would like to know, I’m working on building my system with a pi controller, FT-817, and a buddipole, it’s heavier, and bulkier, but I work in the heart of tornado alley Oklahoma so with the winds here , I just feel a bit more confident with heavier setup.... but that’s just me... but back to my question I’m curious about the model of your android tablet

[@OH8STN]

Hi Rodney The tablet is Samsung Galaxy Tab T365, but any tablet, laptop, or smartphone will work as a wireless screen using VNC. Have a look at my Ham Radio with a Raspberry Pi playlist kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJSwfp99q7V2qdk Thanks for the question 73 Julian oh8stn

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

OH8STN Thank you 🙏 so much! Keep the videos coming. 73’s KC5DZH

[@in3yks]

Where can I buy the tripod?

[@OH8STN]

www.amazon.com/dp/B014IJ2P5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ftdxCbGWGA76Q

[@Stevenfclark]

Just purchased a used 817nd and the windcamp 3000 mah battery option and have the super antenna max thanks for the inspiration 73 KC1HYM

[@OH8STN]

No problem. The point is to get out there, try, and have an absolute blast while learning👍

[@ke6ziu]

How susceptible to RFI is that tablet?

[@OH8STN]

It has no physical connection to the Radio or RPi, so it's completely free from interference.

[@ke6ziu]

@@OH8STN, I have a Samsung Galaxy e-lite tab, I use with wolphi droidpsk. If I use more than 20w on 40m, or 10m... it wipes out my tablet! de N6AMF.

[@OH8STN]

@@ke6ziu ok, now I understand. I've seen that happen in two different situations. Firstly on VHF with the Wolphilink, when the antenna is too close to the tablet. I've also seen that happen when there's some feedback or RFI is getting back into the system from the antenna. In that case I use a choke at the base of the antenna to reduce any RFI. I've also used some Snap-on toroids on all cables. Finally, reduced the length of cables where possible. In most cases the choke at the base the antenna does the trick. VHF is more difficult with the Wolphilink.

[@gblan]

I must be a weirdo. I would have assembled the antenna on the table that the bag was on instead of tossing it all on the ground.

[@skeets6060]

HAd you removed those gloves thing would have been much easier

[@georgeruge3586]

Too much complication.

[@OH8STN]

Ignorance should never be used as a reason to call something complicated.

[@CTB.N1SFT]

OH8STN de N1SFT... ignorance is part of it, but I’m trying to do a similar field setup, in fact I have the same antenna and rig and pi! My concern, like George, is all these interconnects are possible failure points. And with field gear, they need to be rugged. But complicated setups can turn off some hams. I don’t have any solutions to the multitude of interconnects, but I get where some can just say “too complicated” and turn away, missing the point of the station. (And the great capability of your field station.) The pi, GPS, and display in a single unit would simplify things and get many connections out of the weather. Unfortunately the 891 uses USB CAT control, so the BT CAT dongles for the 817 won’t work.

[@steveno.8248]

Appreciate this! 73 de WA5SAT