Rockin’ Antenna QRP SSB 5w - Iowa

[@q07906]

Im using "tractor on a rock as an antenna" 😂 This has got to be the most original QRP channel on youtube!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hello VB.. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.. I'm glad you enjoy the channel content.. Thanks for your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@VE2FGJ]

May be ask Callum (DX Commander) to plot the radiation pattern/take off angle of a tractor on a rock? Would be interesting! Good job Kevin! 73

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Frank.. Would be interesting.. At least he knows this one wont be any competition for his antenna design, LOL.. Thanks for stopping by and watching.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

Kevin you can call your antenna the ROCKMITE. 👍👍

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

hahaha.. I like that.. as in, it mite radiate and it mite not, LOL.. Thanks for watching and commenting.. I appreciate your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

@@hamradioqrp-k0klb Oh and be sure to keep some common milkweed behind the barn, its the only plant that the monarch butterfly lay there eggs on! 🦋

[@rodgermckeon]

Nice job putting the Farmall to work, Kevin! Can't wait to see what you can do with that irrigation sprinkler! 160m maybe? The tuner on the G90 is amazing.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

That G90 has matched everything I've thrown at it so far.. I'm running out of options to see if it will finally fail, LOL.. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.. I appreciate it. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@45auto]

That G-90 is a dandy of a tuner. And there is even a radio as a bonus. 😉

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

hahaha.. I know, right.. I like that.. "its a tuner with a radio", LOL.. too funny.. Thanks for watching and commenting.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@williammyers-ka8gim978]

Hi Kevin, I'd think a bit of duct tape would fit that crack on the block and you could get that tractor running again ha ha ha. I love the QRP and TractorTenna. I also think you could do a dronetenna. Get a piece of 22 AWG wire and let the drone take it up. If Carlos can jump out a plane and operate for a couple minutes, I'd think your drone might be able to do like an upside down Zep antenna. Hmmm, I have a drone, I may have to try it myself. ha ha ha. Anyhow, thanks for another great video. Bill - KA8GIM

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Bill.. I have thought about the drone, but mine is pretty small and doesn't have much of a payload ability (DJI Mavic Mini) .. You might have better luck than me.. I do have some 22 awg wire so maybe I'll give it a try for 15 minutes... Thanks for watching and I appreciate your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Great video, Kevin! but I am glad you made it out of that place OK...I don't know if you noticed but that rock was right in the middle of a crop circle 👽 73 from VE3TWM!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Bwahahaha.. Crop Circle, LMAO.. I didn't think of that but you are sooo right.. Whew.. maybe you should come over and we can camp out at night and see what "really" goes on there, LOL.. Thanks for watching.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

@@hamradioqrp-k0klb Good plan, we can try loading up our tin foil hats!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir OMGosh.. soo funny.. thx for the laugh.

[@JT-py9lv]

That's gotta be a "SOTA" summit for IA....

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hahahaha.. I know, right?.. The air was pretty thin up there, LOL... Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@wesr.e.3909]

YES! Now you're talking...an EFHW antenna made from a center-pivot irrigation system. Maybe a full-wave?

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

haha.. That's what I'm thinking too, LOL.. I know there are electronics that regulate the speed of the wheels to keep it all lined up so I'm a little hesitant.. not sure if i would damage anything.. Thanks for watching.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@ReedAB8AS]

Hey Kevin. So cool to see you load up a tractor. Reminded me of Oliver Wendell Douglas riding his tractor :)

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Reed.. That's a compliment to be compared to OWD.. I'm a big fan of his, LOL.. Thanks for watching and commenting.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@stevenbata2336]

I have seen it all now. Tractor on a rock!!! Who da thunk it.. Great job Kevin. I love watching your clips with all the different things you use for an antenna. BTW, i bought the G90 and have had a blast with it this year. 73s and have a great day.. Steve

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Steven.. Sorry man, I just saw I missed your comment so am catching up (9 months late) LOL.. Thanks for stopping by.. Hope you're still enjoying your G90.. Love mine.. Thanks for your comment.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@KL7ECoutdoors]

Awesome Kevin! That’s amazing the tuner on the G90 can tune the tractor! Keep up the unique antennas! 73 my friend

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Jeramy.. The G90 tuner is amazing for sure.. and it even comes with a radio, LOL... Thanks for all your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@williampeacock9473]

That g90 is amazing radio. I want to buy one myself. Everyone I know that has one really loves the little radio. Keep up the great work. 73 WILLIAM Peacock EM~81uf Blackshear, GA😂

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi William.. It is a nice radio and has a great tuner.. so far it's matched everything I've thrown at it with no problem.. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Another fantastic video from Kevin Mr Qrp terrific job my friend 73 from kb2uew

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Alvaro.. Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment.. I appreciate all your support and encouragement.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@thehamjazz]

SENSATIONAL Kevin! Absolutely love it mate! Wooohooo. What's next antenna? Something musical!!?? 😉

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Thanks for watching Simon.. Trombones on the air coming this fall.. Thanks for all your encouragement and support. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@Locksnut]

Another enjoyable video, Kevin! At least you didn't get skunked. I LOL'd at your "Hmmmm"! Sorry I missed the last couple QRP Nets. Hope to catch y'all tomorrow. 73 de N4WLC Bill

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Bill.. The Net has been challenging that last two times.. The only thing you missed was a heap of QSB, LOL.. Thanks for watching to the end and leaving a comment.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Very cool that Ryan let you on his property and "use" the tractor. That rock probably got there by a glacier many many many many many and more many years ago. I might have to look that up. Nice work as always Kevin! 73!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Jeff.. I'd agree that the glaciers drug that one down.. It's one of a kind.. Ryan did say they have found many large rocks (like the size of Volkswagons) under the soil surface they would hit with farm machinery when tilling.. They used back hoes to remove them. Thx for watching.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Jeff.. I saw a message from you about an activation on Saturday, but I cannot find it now to respond.. I’ll be looking for the spot. thx for the heads up.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm just gonna say it. That antenna...rocks!!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hahaha Mike.. I see what you did there with the play on words, LOL.. too funny.. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.. Always fun to see the YT "Big Guns" stop by for a visit.. Thanks for your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@BRATTBOB]

You never stop surprising us Kevin....WC1N

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Thanks Bob.. We all just have fun and enjoy what ever happens. Love this hobby.. Thanks for watching. I appreciate all your support !! 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@airheadzradioadventures]

When the manure really hits the fan!?? Fantastic as always man!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Ya buddy ! !.. make sure you're up wind when it does, LOL.. Thanks for stopping by and watching.. I appreciate your comment.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@pcastonguay]

At the very end I saw you looking at that overhead irrigation system. Hmmm.... An irrigational antenna? I'm looking forward to your next antenna project.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Leon.. Yes, I sure would like to connect to one.. There are (3) of them within the mile.. I spoke to the owner of one and said I could use it.. I hesitate because there are electronics that control the wheel speed to keep it all lined up.. I'm still investigating.. Thanks for watching, commenting and for all your support.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@W6IWN_Radio]

I love your videos Kevin, great work!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Thanks Robert.. I appreciate you stopping by and watching.. You know how to make the rain gutters work as an antenna which is cool.. I've never tried those.. Thanks for your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@W6IWN_Radio]

@hamradioqrp-k0klb Thanks, sometimes you just have to use what's available for an antenna in an HOA. I love your creativity and experimenting with a bunch of different stuff to make antennas with, even water! Not to mention QRP... Keep up the epic work Kevin! 72, W6IWN

[@genekulp]

The exit music was the perfect touch! Since you have the drone, you should do a drone based antenna lifted up a couple wavelengths. See if you can reach EU.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Gene.. Glad you enjoyed the music.. It's a great classic tune.. I've often thought about the drone, but I'm limited to 20min or so flight time and mine wont hold much weight.. so I'm not sure how high I could get it.. but still worth considering some day.. Thanks for watching.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@stevea3498]

Another awesome video, I had no doubt that you could get that on the air. I don’t think conditions were great on the 4th so you did great.. VE1SK

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Thanks Steve.. It seemed like up till 10am signals were strong and I could hear stations well, but after 10, I couldn't hear much of anything.. I was hunting the POTA spot page and could hear a few hunters once in a while and that was it, activators were faint copy.. I wanted to hang till later in the evening to see if conditions changed but the weather pushed me out.. Thanks again for watching and your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@Jmart2111]

Keep making us Smile Kevin , Awesome Video , de KN4SWS and KO4FHS

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey John and Dianne ... Thanks for watching and commenting.. I appreciate your support ! !.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@bhall305]

Awesome job!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Thanks for stopping by Bill.. I appreciate your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@sleeve8651]

If I'm not mistaken, you could have used 10 watts PEP for SSB, and still be considered QRP Phone ! With 5 Watts or less for C.W. QRP to QRPp for milliwatts ! I was shocked to see the radio tuner handle the SWR ! But have to wonder if the Tractor served only as a load, while the Coax did all the radiating ? Fun stuff ! 👍😉

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hello Sleeve.. Thanks for stopping by and watching.. I agree, its hard to say what was radiating.. but either way, it wasn't doing it very well, LOL.. It was a fun experiment and I got some good video of the ole tractor on the rock.. Thanks for your comment.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@ve7ajk]

Great stuff Kevin!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Thanks Bill.. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@ianmacleod3818]

I seriously lost it when you told that first contact "my antenna is a tractor on a rock" and he doesn't even acknowledge. This does allay some worries of mine on QRP, where folks have told me there's no hope for SSB and anything short of a perfect dipole. Picked up a used X5105 hoping to do some SOTA with an air-travel friendly kit and I think I breathed a sigh of relief.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Ian.. You have no worries.. QRP SSB is fantastic and you'll do fine with the x5105.. Experiment with different wire antennas.. "end feds, verticals, slopers, etc) Web SDR's are your friend.. use the ones you know will hear you and listen for your QRP audio to know you are getting out.. Calling CQ and not getting return calls does not necessarily mean your not being heard.. Good Luck and I'm sure you will have fun.. Thanks for you comment.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb PS, join our facebook "QRP SSB" group if your not already a member.. Lots of great QRP SSB success stories there..

[@SMShannon55]

I have boulders like that and I’m wondering if I could bolt a tower to the top of one. I would drill and epoxy in some anchors to connect the tower to the boulder.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hello Steve.. You probably could, but you'd want to look at the load capabilities of those anchors.. they might pull out with too much wind load on the tower.. Good luck and hope you are able to work something out.. Thanks for stopping by and watching.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@DK5ONV]

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey UG.. thanks for stopping by and watching.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@kennethblackwell1137]

Great fun, Kevin.....Thanks..!!!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Ken.. Thanks for stopping by.. glad you enjoyed it.. I appreciate your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@GiantSequoiaNation]

This just gave me such a great idea. There's a State Park here in GA named Clinton State Park. Pn a hike there we found that half the park is just granite. Loads and loads of flat, almost rolling granite. I bet that would make one hell of a ground plane. Thoughts?

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hello and thanks for watching.. That sounds like its worth a try.. I do know surface/ground conditions can make a difference in how an antenna radiates.. You might find the granite works very well.. Experiment with it and see what you find.. Good Luck and have fun !!.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@GiantSequoiaNation]

@hamradioqrp-k0klb I will make that future video as I started a prepping channel/ham/cb channel. Please Subscribe if interested. I'm definitely going to utilize your techniques for POTA one day. I'm now subscribed to you so I will follow up when I'm ready to make a cool video like yours! KD2MOT- Matt 73

[@milwman1958]

Nice- I ordered a QRP radio FX-4CR. May some day get you on the air. Scott KF0HRF

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Scott.. I ordered one as well.. back in April so I'm hoping for a email shipping notice soon.. Hope you receive yours soon too.. Thanks for stopping by and watching.. i appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@milwman1958]

@@hamradioqrp-k0klb Oh thats why its taking so long!

[@MikeN2MAK]

Maybe next time you try to put a bike on the air, you get it up on a rock first for a slight improvement in the signal? LOL. Good stuff, Kevin. I'm looking forward to what's next.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Mike.. That might work a little better I agree.. Good thinking.. I'll give it more thought.. Thanks for stopping by and for your support.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@jimnelson726]

So cool!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Jim.. Thanks for stopping by, watching and leaving a comment.. I appreciate it all your support !! .. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@davemaier7]

Loved it!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Dave.. Hope you enjoyed seeing Iowa again in July.. the corn is over head high and tasseling.. so it achieved the "knee high by the 4th of July" goal again this year, lol.. Thanks for stopping by.. Good to hear from you again.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@ew6x]

Hi, Kevin! One element tractor 🚜 antenna 😂,

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Yuri.. haha.. yes indeed, LOL.. I don't think the local radio store will be selling them any time soon, LOL.. Thanks for stopping by and watching.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@KU9L]

Signals were terrible on the 4th from Colorado, I worked one station on 30M, 4 on 20M, & 1 on 17M with 5 watts CW. I didn't get the activation, but a poor day of propagation is better than a good day of work, lol. Cheers, Davey - KU9L

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Davey.. Thank you for letting me know about the conditions on the 4th.. I hunted the pota spotter page for activators and only heard faint copies if I could hear them at all.. I'd hear a few hunters once in a while and wished I could call them, LOL.. It seemed like at 10am, the lights went out on propagation for the day.. I think that's been a common theme lately.. it is what it is and we have fun anyway, right? NO WORK, LOL... Thanks for stopping by and watching.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@KU9L]

@@hamradioqrp-k0klb I was going to stick it out, but moma sent a message that she had a table waiting for us at the local cafe, lol. Propagation was so terrible I ordered an Icom IC-718 from HRO on an open box discount sale & since I just got a 20 AH Lion Energy Lifepo4 battery for $85 on closeout sale, I thought I could occasionally boost her to 50 watts when bands get touch, but I still love my Penntek TR-35 QRP CW radio.

[@natep121]

Using that Jackery, will it output a full 20w on the 13 or so volts?

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hello Natep.. Yes it will.. The Jackery will output up to 10 amps dc via the 12v port.. The G90 does not use that many amps at max 20w RF output.. It may pull around 3 or 4 amps at 20w.. (I know at 10w the G90 draws around 2.5 amps).. I would not expect the Jackery to support a 100w radio (FYI).. Thanks for watching.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@natep121]

@@hamradioqrp-k0klb Ok, thanks! I have seen that the G90 page says it needs at least 13.8v for a full 20w output, and I saw that your G90 said only 13.0v. I checked, and my Jackery does 13.3v, just wanted to make sure. Thanks!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

@@natep121 Oh, I see.. I didn't know it required 13.8 for full 20w output.. I don't use the G90 at 20w so i could not tell you how the jackery voltage affects the power.. You may want to do more research.. I only use my G90 at 10w or less.. thx again..

[@radioactive8772]

How did you get that rock underneath that tractor?

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hahaha.. Many years of Frost Heaving pushing it up.. LOL.. so funny.. Thanks for watching.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@billryland6199]

I did not see your counterpoise at the end of the coax.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hi Bill.. I tried it with and without and didn't notice any difference either way.. I think the band went down hill after 10am.. I was hearing stations pretty well up to then, but after that "poof", it got tough.. I wanted to stay late into the evening and see if conditions changed for the better, but the weather cut me short.. Thanks for watching and commenting.. I appreciate your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@johnsinclair3067]

Whoever said "life's too short for QRP" must not have had access to random farm implements to clamp on to

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey John.. you got that right.. QRP adds a "relaxing excitement" to life.. Thanks for stopping by and watching.. I appreciate all your support.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@Oregun]

You Rock! (Someone had to say it!) -don KI7ZRI

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hahahaha Don.. Thanks for the laugh.. I appreciate your support and thanks for watching.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke für das tolle Video.73,de Jozef OE1CJG,(S56CJG).😊😊😊

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Thank you for stopping by and watching Jozef.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@darrellbeard2799]

Hey Kevin, I got to ask, does the radiation pattern follow of the front tires? LOL You the man. Love what you do my friend, keep it up! 73's ---> N4ZDX

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hey Darrell.. Hahaha.. I wish I knew if it even had a radiation pattern, LOL.. It was a tough day.. but sooo fun ! !.. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.. I appreciate it !!.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@johnnorth9355]

I feel spinning a story about lots of drink and a night time tractor jaunt would be a much better explanation for the tractors resting place ! That rock looks totally out of place - glacial flood ?

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

That's funny John.. I thought about asking about the legend story of Ryan getting into Grandpa's ole corn still as a teenager with the boys in the hood and parking the tractor up there on the way home, LOL.. I agree, I would say it got stuck in a glacier and pulled in.. I know of one other huge rock like about 5 miles away that 99% of it was under ground so they hauled in more dirt to cover it and farm over it. Thanks for watching and commenting.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@eduardopower5254]

Unbelievable 😅😂

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hello Eduardo.. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@philipwells2793]

Why use a sparkplug antenna when you can have an entire tractor.

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

hahaha.. that's a good one Philip.. too funny.. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.. I appreciate it.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@temporarilyoffline]

Next up: Ford 8n

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Hahaha TO.. Great idea.. I'll leave that one for you to experiment with, LOL.. We're out of parking space on rocks around here, LOL... Thanks for stopping by.. Good to hear from you.. Hope all is going well.. 73, Kevin ~ k0klb

[@barrykery1175]

Good ATU. terrible antenna. Should be the other way around.