The PackTenna Mini 9:1 Random Wire Ham Radio Antenna

Reviewing the PackTenna Mini antenna with a POTA activation.
www.packtenna.com/store/p1/Pac...
Heres where you can get the little 2mm banana plugs: hobbyking.com/en_us/2mm-gold-...
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[@davidvaughn7752]

PackTenna 9:1 is my main antenna for SOTA. With 72 ft. of wire and 17 ft. of coax it tunes up great with my external tuner - all QRP work.

[@CanadianMakerProject]

Nice to see you using your 7300 and “making contact like a boss” with it. Also great video too.

[@hamradiotube]

I love that radio so much. Thanks for watching

[@223Nebraska]

Mike I'm still enjoying you're old vids Camping this weekend in Nebraska and needed this tutorial $

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome, glad to help.

[@W6RIPRadioAdventures]

Nice Job on your channel Mike! Killing It!!

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Kevin.

[@WJ6FRadio]

Killer video! I am quite impressed to see how well the IC-7300's tuner did. Think I am going to have to give POTA a try. Keep up the great work!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah it worked better than I thought. Now get out there and get some parks activated!

[@WJ6FRadio]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF Believe it or not I am planning on doing that for the next couple of weeks. I have several state beaches near me, and I signed up for POTA last night. Plan on filming each of them as well.

[@hamradiotube]

@@WJ6FRadio Thats great to hear, I can't wait to see the videos.

[@glp2000]

Really enjoyed your video. I have a 7300 too. I use a homebrew version of MyAntennas EFHW 80-10. The 7300 only needs to tune on one band - the voice end of 80m. The antenna is made with 134' lightweight wire from Sotabeams, deployed as an inverted-V raised on a lightweight Sotabeam mast. The torroids fit in a small prescription pill container. It is a really small package. My friend made a similar 40-10 antenna 67' long. I enjoyed your other videos too.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah the EFHW 80 meter antenna is a great one for sure. I did a video on one a few months ago. My thing with it is it's so darn long! Not the most practical antenna for portable use.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

When I see one of your videos, I hit the thumbs up button and then watch the video. I NEVER had to change it to thumbs down. I really love watching your videos. 👍👍👍

[@hamradiotube]

Well thumbs up to you good sir!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Looks good Mike! I saw you were out activating this weekend but I was busy with family stuff and couldn't get to a radio to chase you...maybe next time. 73!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah we had an absolute blast. I was wondering if I was gonna hear you. Got quite a few qso's from your neck of the woods. Bands were fantastic. Looks like you may have to get the family licensed so you can have an excuse to get on the air haha!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Great idea with that counterpoise.

[@hamradiotube]

I stole it from Johnny W5KV haha!

[@kc2bpp]

Thanks for picking me up and making me youtube famous! Catch you on the next activation. KC2BPP

[@hamradiotube]

Hey, thats what I'm here for. Just want to make everyone famous haha. Thanks for the contact!

[@javajoe668]

That pack is an IFAK. Good use to pack hot gear also. Thanks for posting!

[@hamradiotube]

You bet!

[@N4KRX]

Nice contacts! It's fun to see how different antennas work out. I agree that a 3:1 tuner isn't of much use, it's merely there to touch up a slightly off antenna in order to keep the radio happy. It's not just Icom, but others as well only offer up to a 3:1 with their inboard tuners. It's nice to have up to a 10:1, but keep in mind if your antenna is that far off and you are running 100 watts, then only about 32 watts actually makes it to the antenna. However, in your case your SWR was not that far off.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I have a few new products up my sleeve that are going to pair very well with this antenna. Stay tuned! 73

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Jerry nice video very good very good and good luck

[@BradSnyder1]

Another great video Mike! Pretty cool antenna. 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Brad.

[@grsnow]

It's not just a limitation of the IC-7300. Almost all internal radio tuners will only do 3:1 SWR max.

[@mattb7406]

great vid

[@n8nkqrp595]

Thanks! I think you should tweak it for best match at the lowest freq.. and the rest will fall in line. My last 80m EFHW is pruned for resonance at 3.800. Has an swr of < 2:1 on all bands and usually less than 1.5:1.. but then I use a multi-tap UNUN that I wound on an FT140-43 core. Using several different taps lets me get an excellent match on all bands. Packaged, its about the size a a pack of cigarettes. I can do 160 using it as a quarter wave without the UNUN and get an swr of 1.5:1. These antenna projects are easy and fun. If you wanna see my latest multiband vertical look for the Michigan cacti. It's on here. Thanks & 73 OM

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Another great video!!! That almost resembles my antenna that I have, of course mine is home brewed! That is what amateur radio is about! LOL. I have a 9:1 unun that I built then I found the info on the web for random wire lengths that are best to use. Right now I have 35.5 feet for the radiator, but I believe I will add a power pole connector on the end so I can add another 35.5 feet which will give me 71 feet. Then I will have a half wave for 40 meters instead of a quarter wave. Always enjoy your videos and thanks for the two Park activations yesterday 10-19-19!! Juddie WD8WV

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah you were that QRP station right?? Boy yesterday was a blast! We did 3 parks in total. I'm thinking of shortening the PackTenna Mini to be resonant on 40 meters and see what that does to the other bands. I'm hoping I can find a sweet spot where I can tune it up from 40-6 with the 7300. Otherwise I'll just use the external tuner. Not a big deal but it would be nice. Thanks for watching. 73

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF yep that was me. Actually I believed I worked you twice yesterday. You were in one park then found you at another park and I worked W8MSC and then you got on and I worked you again. My LDG Z-817 atu tunes my 35.5 for 40, but I also have a 26 foot counterpoise coming out of the 9:1 unun. Again you have great videos. Keep them coming! Juddie - WD8WV

[@hamradiotube]

@@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures Yep 2 times. You were coming in pretty good. I'll have to remember to get you on the video. I have a lot to edit!

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF yep I know how editing those videos are!! 73 Juddie WD8WV

[@davistroy]

Possibly do a video comparing all of your portable antennas, pluses and minuses, which ones you would choose in which situations. Especially interested in Wolf River Coils antenna vs. Packtenna antennas

[@hamradiotube]

Hmm...That could be an interesting subject. I'll make note of that. Thanks for the idea. You should just get both though haha!

[@N0SSC]

I’ve had good luck tuning mine with the 7300 in “emergency” mode, which cuts the power to 50w but cranks the tuning ratio to 10:1.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I need to look into that.

[@gutyup101]

Nice to see the pack antenna work so well with the 7300. You took one of the biggest possible portable radios out with one of the smallest most light weight antennas. Ha ha! Way to go... Thx for the vid. KD2QBV

[@hamradiotube]

Haha, yeah I didn't even think about that! I just love the 7300, I'm spoiled. But I really wanted to see if this multi band antenna would tune up with it. I'm gonna work on the antenna a bit more and see if I can't make it work. One antenna to rule them all!!!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiotube Let us know what you do to this antenna and how well it does after. Inquiring minds want to know!

[@hamradiotube]

@@davidsradioroom9678 I'll be doing a follow up to this very soon.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiotube Looking forward to it. 😊

[@gsansoucie]

Cutting a Random Wire antenna to “make it resonant” for a band, would render the unun useless as the impedance would increase drastically, you’d need a 49:1 autotransformer as you would now have a monoband End Fed Half Wave antenna. I have Elecraft rigs, so I’m a huge Random Wire fan for simplicity and a way to feed my band hopping habit. A 17’ - 18’ counterpoise will give you 10-80 (though you might need a CMC on 80) for 28’ - 84’ Random Wires. I have a counterpoise bundle on my 124.5’ Random Wire at home so I can get onto 160m (great DX already). My 7300 tuner has been next to useless tuning any of my Random Wires though. Also, for a Random Wire antenna, the shield on your coax will act as a counterpoise as well.

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, so I have learned and did not do that. This is one of my fav antennas though. I have a tuner that will handle it now (and several radios that will too). The 7300 will tune it but you have to put it in emergency mode that gives it a 10:1 tuner at reduced power. I did a video on that too. I've learned a lot and used this antenna in the year or so that I've had it and I love it. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching.

[@k2cjbradio]

Yup! Get a wire up in the air! Great vid Mike! 73 de Chris K2CJB

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Chris. We only got another couple weeks of nice weather to get you in the log. When you going out again?

[@marcwbrown]

Thanks for another great video. I just bought this Antenna and was wondering if you have to link to where you bought the counterpoise wire and how many feet is it. Thank you. Marc

[@hamradiotube]

Hi Mark, I got it from The Wireman at Dayton last year. I'm pretty sure its this: thewireman.com/product/antenna-wire-26-awg-copper-clad-steel-stranded-jacketed/ The 26awg PolyStealth wire from this place is really awesome too. This is what K6ARK uses to make his antennas. I actually like it better. www.amateurradiosupplies.com/category-s/218.htm I don't remember how long my counterpoise wire is but I feel 17' sounds about right.

[@denniskimrey4129]

Another great video. How much power were you running?

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Dennis. I was running 90 watts.

[@timmanwell2538]

Love your vids! I'm curious what power levels this antenna is rated at for digital modes? Say... if you were running FT8 all afternoon?? Thanks!

[@hamradiotube]

They are rated 100 watts CW and SSB, 50 watts digital.

[@leeharrell67]

Great video! I'm putting my antenna bag together as we speak. What assortment of extra connectors do you recommend? I plan on activating my first park this fall. Thank you in advance!

[@hamradiotube]

The first thing I recommend is when you are going to buy a connector, always buy at least 2. Off the top of my head I usually have an assortment of so-239 to male bnc, pl-259 to female bnc, a female bnc barrel connector, some so-239 barrel connectors, some so-239 to pl259 right angles, and a bnc female to binding post connector. Just get out every antenna you have and every coax you have and figure out every type of connection you could possibly make. Good luck on your activations. 73

[@leeharrell67]

@@hamradiotube Good advice! Thank you & 73!

[@leeharrell67]

$60 dollar worth are headed my way. Thanks again!

[@hamradiotube]

Lee Harrell [KI5GCF] Nice. That should keep you going for a while. At least until you discover the next connector you need haha. It’s a never ending saga.

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

The Packtenna site appears to be sold out of just about everything. I did find mini banana plugs on Amazon. I’m not sure of the size though. What is the size in mm of the banana plugs that you got for your Packtenna? You are right in saying the fault is with the tuner in your Icom. Like you said it only handles about a 3:1 mismatch even though it’s a fine radio. Thanks for the connector idea for the counterpoise wires. MikeinMinnesota N0WDM

[@hamradiotube]

Hi Michael. Boy they sure are sold out of everything. I checked the wireman website and couldn't find them there either. They used to have the banana plugs and the really thin wire. I looked at amazon and they look like the 2mm. They are very tiny. You could shoot PackTenna an email and ask, or hit them up on twitter @packtenna.

[@nr3rful]

Great ! I have that external tuner, you won't go wrong with it. What logger are you using ?

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah that tuner works great. I picked it up at a swap for a song. The logger is called HamLog, and I'm using an iPad mini with a bluetooth keyboard.

[@radioactive8772]

The 7300 has a 10:1 tuner it it if you put it into emergency mode but it will reduce power to 50w. KG7CQG

[@w9alk744]

We had a POTA contact today on 40m. I was surprised at how good your signal was, as I'm just across the lake in Wi and can rarely hear Mi stations. You were an solid 59 with good audio. What is the small computer you're using for logging? 73's de W9ALK

[@hamradiotube]

Well great working you for one! I was using the PackTenna Linked Dipole today and boy did it outperform!! The small computer I'm using is nothing but an iPad mini and a bluetooth keyboard with wifi tethered to my phone.

[@eduardopower5254]

Could be the NVIS config.

[@dannybryant4440]

when will this Packtenna be available again?? Great video. I got to have that for my KX3

[@hamradiotube]

That's a great question. You can keep up to date at [e-mail] I know they have more being made so hopefully not too much longer. They do go quick so I would hop on the groups.io to get updated.

[@dannybryant4440]

@@hamradiotube thanks

[@Frisky0563]

Hi Mike, nice weather and those clouds man! When did you get a 7300? Where did those handles come from ? enjoyed 73's KC9DFK

[@hamradiotube]

Hi Donnie. I got the 7300 early this year. The handles are from portable zero. I did a video on them right before this video. Check it out.

[@OnTerraFirma]

I'm not sure if you are confused about how a 9:1 unun works. A 9:1 is not for fractional wavelengths but random wire lengths AKA 29, 35, 41, 58, 71, 84. All of those numbers are lengths of wire that are not resonant on any band. The length of wire you were using must be slightly resonant on 40m and that is why it was not tuning up. If you want to use a resonant halfwave wire length because the impedance is much higher you will need a 49:1 unun.

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, I am learning quite a bit about the 9:1 and will have a follow up to this video very soon.

[@paulkazjack]

So whats the best antenna? An end fed 9:1 non resonant or 49:1 resonant? What differentiates the two? Thanks.

[@paulpannell8724]

Hi Mike. It would be a interesting video to see what type coax you use for POTA activations and what your POTA gear is. Thanks for the great videos. I learn a lot from you. Paul K4XRA

[@hamradiotube]

I’ve gotten a few people asking that. Perhaps I’ll have to do a video on it.

[@1polonium210]

Where did you get the mini banana clips? I can't find any on Amazon or other online sites.

[@hamradiotube]

These are the ones PackTenna uses. hobbyking.com/en_us/2mm-gold-connectors-10-pairs-20pc-1.html. Looks like they're out of stock. I use these ones too amzn.to/4dU8hjh

[@rossbassette7518]

Raising radials off the ground should help

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I’m guessing they didn’t want to increase the case size on the 7300 by adding a more capable tuner?

[@hamradiotube]

Bollux. X5105 and the KX2-3 both have great tuners in it from what I've seen. It is typical for a "base" rig to not have the greatest internal tuners though I suppose...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@hamradiotube I'd say that is a byproduct of QRP. Size the tuner up to 100w and I'm sure it increases the size.

[@hamradiotube]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Could be. Curious why Icom didn't put a tuner in that 705 either. Seems pretty standard in most qrp radios these days. I wonder if they are just going for profits? Kind of a deal breaker for me. We'll have to find out when we geek out over it at Hamvention.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@hamradiotube I'm really curious about whats behind the case TBH. 705, all-band, all-mode and D-STAR AND the screen. It might also be that they ran out of room. I wonder if there was a board room discussion on "Screen or tuner?" If they had to chose and went tuner, they'd be awash in a sea of other QRP radios. They had to keep that ICOM "Sweet screen" training goin.

[@hamradiotube]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I know dude, I'm so spoiled because of that screen. I'd ditch the D-Star personally but I understand that's their baby. Everything is a compromise. Not a huge deal I guess as I mostly use resonant antennas. I feel they could have done it though. Perhaps Icom needs to take a cue from Apple. This is what we need in a radio. Make it happen.

[@walshgeo]

Mike, Did you have the antenna set up as a sloper ? From the video it looks like the pactenna is attached at the bottom of your mast. If not how was it set up? 73 George KB3WAQ

[@hamradiotube]

Not a sloper no. The mast I use with this antenna is the MFJ 1917 43'. It's the perfect size to get this antenna vertical. You can use it as a sloper, and I have, just not a lot. Just get it up and get on the air. That's really all that matters.

[@walshgeo]

@@hamradiotube Mike Thanks 73

[@makernoob3692]

I am just getting in to radio and actually own a Xiegu x5105 , not sure if you are familiar with this radio but if you are have you tried it on the PackTenna.

[@hamradiotube]

Well first off, welcome to the hobby! Yes I am familiar with the X5105. I have one too. The PackTenna works great with it. I don't think I have any videos with the PackTenna 9:1 and the X5105 but I have done videos on them both separately. It would be a great combination

[@byd3k157]

Wow! Background looks like a green screen background.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah it kinda does. I assure you I’m really outside;)

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

How much power were u running into the PakTenna, seems you were vertical, so great takeoff angle, or mabe a sloper?,.. inverted L configs work great, i didnt catch ypur config, also, i have 5 HF Radios, 3 have internal tuners, and 3:1 is std it seems, most of the time, I just use an external tuner save the relays , cheers n 73s mate A92GW

[@hamradiotube]

I was running 90 watts. Thats usually what I run. I was vertical as well. I didn't really show the config because I need to do a review on the mast I'm using and didn't want to give too much away. It is a shame that they use 3:1 as standard. Not a big deal using an external tuner but that is just one more thing to carry. Well 2 as you need another bit of coax. Thanks for watching.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

@@hamradiotube thanks for the update, and reply. I just never considered the paktenna would take 100W. I use an endfed or a telescopic (mfj 1979) when portable, the HyEndFed as an inverted L or sloped is great, best contact on the endfed was Bulgaria to South Africa, n best contact on the telescopic was San Francisco to Australia on 50W... FT897D Keep the Videos Coming, cheers n Ceee Quuuu... 73s

[@dannyboydkj7bpn]

Mike, what is the size of that wire? You said you got it from wire man?

[@hamradiotube]

It's really thin. I believe 26 awg.

[@bradnicoll2282]

Hey Mike, where do you get those little banana plugs?

[@hamradiotube]

From little banana trees! Just kidding, I got them when George from PackTenna sent me the antenna. Not really sure where to just buy them. They don't seem to be on Amazon. Maybe check out PackTenna.com or email them.

[@James_Bowie]

hobbyking.com/en_us/2mm-gold-connectors-10-pairs-20pc-1.html?___store=en_us

[@Inkling777]

Like a lot of other electronic stuff, you can find them on ebay in various styles and quantities.

[@raykiii]

Are you saying you have a face made for radio? LOL I enjoy your videos. Thank you for making them. 73 --... ...--

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

I have a love/hate relationship with my EFRW.

[@eduardopower5254]

Cool video man. Hey all my 9:1 antennas must be grounded. It will lower the noise and the SWR. Test it and you will see. 73

[@hamradiotube]

How are you grounding them?

[@Mark300win]

How are you grounding them while operating portable?

[@TrinityBays]

try 124.5 feet and then thank me. it will work on 10 though 160 m on the built in tuner.

[@hamradiotube]

Oh I got one of them too. Just so darn long. PITA to set up.

[@Johnyrocket70]

Use a tape measure as a counterpoise.

[@hamradiotube]

I've seen people do that. I've got 3 ~15 foot wires I use for this antenna and it's been working great. I know guys that dont even use a counterpoise with this.

[@1958johndeere620]

I don't know of any radio's with internal tuners that will do better then 3 to 1. My 991A and FTDX 1200 are the same. EDIT, you say the Q TEL Ronco chinca radio will do it. Ha ha.

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, the Q TEL Ronco Chinca will, but only if you double dip the scooter stick into a vertical configuration!

[@eduardopower5254]

Old kenwood radios like Ts450 TS850 widely famous for a very long range AT. 73

[@davidj.wilcox6053]

All Elecraft rigs with internal tuners will tune 10:1 SWR antennas, the KX1, KX2, KX3, K1, K2 and K3. I think they will tune the proverbial wet noodle or paper clip too. Great rigs plus great tuners. The LDG tuners also are very wide banded and capable. Dave K8WPE since 1960.

[@1958johndeere620]

@@davidj.wilcox6053 Thats a great feature. I think all those are out of my price range, but I know they are very nice.

[@hamradiotube]

@@davidj.wilcox6053 Ive got a KX2 on my "Radios I don't need but really want" list. I struggle with the idea of spending that much for a qrp radio though. I'm so torn!!

[@thormusique]

Great video, thanks! de k1rsk

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

I’m guessing Packtenna is a victim of their own success. I hope they will recover and return to the marketplace. From everything I’ve seen it’s a really fine antenna and many hams, including me, would like to own one. MikeinMinnesota N0WDM

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

COOL BEANS DUDE

[@hamradiotube]

Cool Beans had by all.