PackTenna Mini Ham Radio Antenna Re-Review with the Icom IC-7300 portable.

A letter from George with PackTenna, and tuning with the internal tuner, 40-6 meters!!
www.packtenna.c...
Here's a link to the 2mm banana plugs: hobbyking.com/...
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[@AdamBoettiger]

Great job. Sounds like Packtenna can't keep them in stock. Instead of showing zero on their site they should add an email waiting list folks can subscribe to.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah thats a good problem to have. I think they just make them in batches and sell through them, not really sure though. I doubt its their full time job. I can attest that they def work great and are worth the wait.

[@marcinmichigan2772]

Looks like a neat setup, I still lean towards an EFHW (49:1). Appreciate the emergency mode info de K8MH

[@Lifeguard326]

How long did you make the 3 counter poise?

[@hamradiotube]

I'm not really sure to be honest with you and I don't have them at the moment as I lent an antenna to a friend and those were part of it. I feel they are either 13 or 15 feet. I'm leaning a little more towards 13 though.

[@brianpietrzyk8945]

@@hamradiotube I think I heard you say 13 feet in the video

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Hopefully they'll get the PackTenna Mini back in stock soon. George sent me an email, and said it would be about (6) weeks, but that's probably been about (3) weeks ago. I got the 'Linked-Dipole,' and it's a fine antenna too, but I'll still be ordering a Mini when they're available....maybe (2).

[@robertmeyer4744]

out of stock at this time. I have the IC 7300. I normally run 50% power . using the MFJ off center fed dipole . only tunes 4 bands just fine. that the trick with 9:1 . non resonant length on any ham band. going to try Pack Tenna with DX commander DX 50 wire. the green stuff. maybe even a kite antenna . 73's

[@hamradiotube]

Best way to find out availability is through packtenna.groups.io/g/main

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

If this was the activation you did on the 29th, I’m bummed I missed it. People right on top of you doing a net.

[@hamradiotube]

Nope, this was recorded on Monday.

[@lucianokendall9291]

You probably dont give a shit but does anybody know a way to log back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@eastoncolt8767]

@Luciano Kendall Instablaster =)

[@lucianokendall9291]

@Easton Colt Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and im in the hacking process now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@lucianokendall9291]

@Easton Colt it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D

[@k2wo1]

Nice job as always. Great video. Keep it up. 73, George K2WO

[@thuff3207]

Had no idea you could get a 10:1 tuner in the 7300 at reduced power. Cool thank you for sharing.

[@hamradiotube]

There seem to be mixed feelings about using that as it is an "emergency" tuner. The advanced manual doesn't say much about it. It would be nice to know if it was actually safe to run that mode at will.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I feel like I mentioned the need for 10:1 tuner in an after chat. 🧐

[@hamradiotube]

Indeed you did. But since not everybody is in the after chat I thought I’d go ahead and post this for the rest 🤓

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great video. Glad you got that antenna to work.

[@KF4LXS]

Dude. Can I use your intro music as a ringtone?

[@hamradiotube]

If you can tell me what it is I'll email you the file.

[@billryland6199]

You could also just make a 9:1 UNUN and put 41' of wire on the output. It would work the same and be a lot cheaper. Any time you operate coax at other than 50 ohms there will be extra losses in the dielectric.

[@sphexes]

Nice one Mike. Great information. I like that mast as well.

[@davidg5308]

Bueno! I need to add counterpoises to mine. Thanks for the video! Dave AI6OU

[@rayettinger5892]

What is the manufacture and model of the mast used in this video?

[@Brian424]

Question for ya. I just received my Packtenna 9:1 mini random today. I checked it over and I like the construction. I haven't hooked it up yet but I'm very pleased with it so far. My question is: What is the banana connector on the top of the antenna body for? It says it's for a second antenna element. This is a quote from the owner's manual, talking about the connector I'm asking about: "Banana socket for optional antenna element. This is connected to the output of the transformer and is in parallel with the supplied antenna wire." I'm relatively new to the ham world, but nothing I have read makes this click in my head. What purpose does a second, parallel antenna element serve? It's not a dipole, it's not anything that I understand. Could you shed any light on why Packtenna included that connector?

[@Kinetic79]

That second element you're referring to is not the primary radiating element. (The main antenna wire--the radiating element--you'll seek to get as high into the air as you can, even if just one end of that wire). The OTHER element you're talking about is referred to as the 'counterpoise' in the video. It's somewhat optional--as stated in the video, 'sometimes it helps (to achieve a better match in terms of impedance and/or SWR), and sometimes it's not necessary.' If you do attach the counterpoise, you can allow it to lay on the ground. It's stated that it's perhaps not as necessary if you're running a longer length of coaxial cable from the matching transformer (the guts of that transformer being the wound toroid that is under the shrink wrap) back to your radio--something closer to 15-25 ft or greater. in that scenario, the outer braid on the coaxial cable can often stand in as the counterpoise. While these antennas are referred to as 'end-fed,' the alternating current still seeks the other electrical half of the antenna--being the second element connected to the ground. (or braid of the coax). Some of that current can make it back to the radio--and if it is causing problems, you can try adding the (somewhat optional) counterpoise, or you can try adding a "common mode choke" to choke off some of the RF energy, keeping it from flowing all the way back to the radio. Hope that helps

[@barrykery1175]

Really good video. I am impressed with the information they shared with you and you with hams watching the video. They were very honest and spot on. I only use resonant antenna but still want to make a non resonant antenna like you are using just to see how well or poorly they work compared to a resonant end fed half wave antenna. Thanks so much for sharing. 50 watts is only 3 db down from 100 watts. I never run 100 watts portable so that really is a perfect setup for that radio. Less current drain on the battery, the tuner works better and only 3 db down is really nothing. Thanks for taking the time to make and share your video. I really enjoyed watching. 73 de Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks so much for watching. It was fun experimenting with the 7300 in emergency mode. I didn’t even know it did that until I got this antenna and learned a little more about the radio. The nice thing about this antenna is it can tune up on all the bands and it works very well. I’ve had many a POTA activation with it. While I do prefer the PackTenna EFHW slightly more, this is a great antenna to have in your kit.

[@davidcline4286]

I just purchased a Nelson Antennas 9:1 UnUn. Ive found that a 41' wire with 2 / 17' counterpoises. Tunes 40 flat and about 1.5 on 20. 15 and 10 are also 1:1. I worked Italy on the G90 from my QTH in Ohio and he said I was 10 over 9. Lol prpogation was good but I was very impressed with this setup. 73s Mike great video.

[@hamradiotube]

Thats about the same setup as I use with this antenna. Pretty sure its ~41' of wire but I use 3 counterpoise wires. I think I cut them at 17' but I can't remember. Works great. I do prefer the PackTenna EFHW a little bit more just because its resonant.

[@WJ6FRadio]

Outstanding video! Which Packtenna do you recommend starting with? I would ideally like to start with both the mini end-fed half wave and mini random wire along with the mini in-line RF Choke. In a perfect world I would get all of them.

[@hamradiotube]

All of them is certainly nice. I'd say my favorite is the EFHW, followed by the mini 9:1 and the dipole. They all work great but I like the multi band resonance of the EFHW. If you make it long enough for 80 meters you pretty much get all the bands without the need for a tuner. It comes with enough wire for 20 meters but I linked another section for 40 so I get 40, 20, 15, and 10 I think. Cant remember off the top of my head, but you don't need a tuner, you don't need to link or unlink anything. It just works.

[@WJ6FRadio]

@@hamradiotube Thanks for the info! Now if they would get them back in stock i could order one!

[@gregorysmith3097]

@@WJ6FRadio My thoughts exactly. Went to buy today and not a single antenna in stock

[@WJ6FRadio]

@@gregorysmith3097 I was able to finally get one of the End-Fed Half Waves, and I couldn't be happier. First day using it I made a contact in Alaska!

[@gregorysmith3097]

@@WJ6FRadio Glad you were able to get one. I don't need one until July, so I will just make sure that I keep looking at availability. Just planning ahead. glad you like it, The groups.io says that it should be in stock in about a month.

[@axandio]

Well if this is the station you worked today, 40 something watts into that PacTenna Mini on 40 meters, it worked well into Louisiana , 55 and great audio. 73 de KX5JT John.

[@hamradiotube]

Same company different antenna. I was using the Linked Dipole today and 90 watts.

[@merylkk4hfg120]

Thank you. This answered a lot of quesrions I had about the Packtenna after two failed POTA attempts.

[@hamradiotube]

Glad it helped.

[@forgetyourlife]

What else you ask? Welp, I use the green power poles for ground lines. They also make grey and yellow.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah one of these days I really should get some more colors for power poles.

[@leitnerivan]

Hey Man ! I always watch your videos are really good ! keep going ! DO/KN4TOU

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Ivan!

[@monawarrajayki5445]

Great video Mike So if I have the FT-891 and the End Fed Half Wave Packtenna, will I need a tuner? Thank you KO4GBB

[@hamradiotube]

No you will not. I did a video on the efhw as well. I love all of the Packtennas but the efhw is quickly becoming my favorite.

[@monawarrajayki5445]

@@hamradiotube Thank you Mike I came across the video you made about the TIA 1000 Which do you prefer

[@mauricecraft890]

What kind of battery did you use to power your IC-7300?

[@hamradiotube]

A 20Ah Bioenno. There is an amazon link in the description.

[@danehanson688]

Hi mike I am Kristen Hansen son the one who came over with you to hang out for the day

[@hamradiotube]

Well I hope we didn't bore you too much haha! Thanks for coming out.

[@bilymac2321]

Hi Mike, Do you happen to know what wire you used for the counterpoise? Bill - W6BKM

[@hamradiotube]

Its the same wire used for the radiating elements. Its from The Wireman. I picked up a couple hundred feet at Dayton a couple years ago. Its 26awg I believe. I would really recommend a 22 or 26awg PolyStealth wire though. That stuff is awesome. .www.amateurradiosupplies.com/category-s/218.htm

[@bilymac2321]

Thanks for the info Mike.

[@themartian3366]

great video how long do the counterpoise need to be?

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I'd have to measure again but I think I cut all 3 17 feet long.

[@davequick3373]

Every time I try to order the packet antenna, they are out of stock!

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, they have been out for a while. All I can tell you is I do know they are currently making more so hopefully it won’t be much longer.

[@blackrazorus]

Great video, and super-useful! What is the antenna mast you are using? It looks amazing!

[@hamradiotube]

It's from MFJ. I did a video on it. It's a really nice telescopic mast.

[@blackrazorus]

Super! I will look for it- thanks for the response!

[@ve3bwp56]

Would have been nice to see more of how you had the antenna laid out. Did it go up the 30 ft pole then slope down to the ground? Was that 40m you made those contacts on?

[@hamradiotube]

The wire just goes all the way to the top. The pole is 43 feet so it is straight up. Contacts were on 20 and 40.

[@brianpietrzyk8945]

@@hamradiotube Nice! How long was the wire?

[@hamradiotube]

Brian Pietrzyk 39 feet or so. I’ve never measured but it’s just as it comes from Packtenna. The counterpoise wires I think I cut to 13’.

[@1958johndeere620]

Is it a good thing to use the emergency tune function on a regular basis?

[@de_w8tam]

The IC-7300 manual says to only use it in an emergency. A external 10:1 tuner isn't that much money considering the overall cost of an IC-7300. Rather than risk the radio, I'd just pick up an external tuner. 73 de w8tam

[@hamradiotube]

@@de_w8tam Well Tom, I'm glad you asked that. I don't know. I can't see how it would hurt it. Half power and all the meters look good. I'll have to ask Ray Novak at Hamcation. Better yet, I'm gonna hit up Icom on Twitter.

[@1958johndeere620]

@@de_w8tam I figured it wasn't a good regular practice. I don't have a 7300 just was curious. I would rather have the external tuner take the heat and abuse.

[@1958johndeere620]

@@hamradiotube You could just put a Palstar AT2K in your back pocket for portable work. LOL. Missed your activation again,,, O well I have caught you a couple of times before. Cheers from Maine.

[@de_w8tam]

​@@hamradiotube The rating on tuners (relays, inductors and capacitors) is rated both in duty cycle, and maximum voltages. If ICom wanted to put a 10:1 tuner in their radio, they would have. They choose to put an 'emergency' mode in, that is labeled emergency, not labeled 'activation without an external tuner'. High SWR can produce high voltages and break down insulation and overheat the ferrites. Adding a mode that you can abuse your components to save your life is a sellable feature. They didn't built it that way so you could use it whenever you like. I doubt they would provide warranty repair from a damaged tuner used regularly in emergency mode. That's my $0.02. 73 de w8tam

[@davidj.wilcox6053]

Why not put the choke next to the antenna, instead of at the half way point?

[@hamradiotube]

Not sure. I do neither and it works so I'm not gonna fuss with it.

[@jamescoffey5225]

Putting the choke at the mid-point allows the 1st 25-feet of coax coming off the antenna to act as a counterpoise while surpressing common mode currents coming back to the transceiver. If you put the choke at the transceiver you will have 50-feet of coax potentially acting as a counterpoise. For a 40 meter antenna, 25-ft is probably better than 50-ft for a counterpoise wire.

[@hamradiotube]

@@jamescoffey5225 Yes. Exactly, I was gonna say that but you beat me too it...darn haha! But that is why, except he was asking about the choke at the antenna, not the transceiver. But still the same answer just in backwards mode. Thanks for the comment. 73

[@jakep5121]

Do you have a video of your little laptop and what ever program your typing into?

[@hamradiotube]

I show it in my 3 parks in one day video but it's just an iPad mini with a bluetooth keyboard and HamAlert.

[@jakep5121]

@@hamradiotube ok thanks! I'll check it out. And on a side note. Dont feel bad about making your Vids a touch over 10 minutes and adding ads. You should get paid for this awesome service you provide the community. 73!

[@hamradiotube]

Jake P thanks Jake. The app is HamLog, not Ham Alert. But Ham Alert is a great app for notifying when people are spotted.

[@F1shifty50]

What length wire did you end up running on the PackTenna?

[@hamradiotube]

The full length.

[@paulkinas7926]

OK, check out the following link, it will explain exactly what was being talked about in the video and lengths of wire to use/not use. Hope the link comes through, otherwise copy and paste it. I homebrewed the packtenna mini and use 41" of wire, works great.... www.hamuniverse.com/randomwireantennalengths.html Paul NA9M

[@mrgorman365]

What length was ‘full length’? I’ve read it’s 29’ and I’ve seen 41’. Mine is 29’ is your’s the same 29’?