This COULD Be The Most Universal Ham Radio Antenna I have Ever Built

[@cdorcey1735]

Would it be too much trouble to tell us which bands your antenna will be designed for? After 2 minutes, I don't even know whether you're talking HF or VHF.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm not sure I didn't do that, indirectly. But let me summarize. Any HF band, or VHF/ UHF band you desire. In this, I speak about the 10m link, that would give you 10m. of course you could add links for 1/4 wave verticals on any band, as well as 5/8, like I had mentioned. Also, you could do a delta loop antenna and that would give you whatever band you make it for and a half wave of that. For example, a 20m delta loop will also give you 10. a 40 should give you 40, 20, 15, 10. You could choose to make a 12m delta loop If you decide to build this with an EFHW or EFRW configuration, you could get many different bands. Finally, I believe I spoke about a dipole antenna configuration. The dipole would work for whatever band you choose and if you add the links I mentioned and showed, you could have a dipole that could theoretically do multiple bands by adding and removing the links. I'm not trying to beat around the bush, but more so explain that this is a very universal antenna as explained throughout the episode. I do this in a way which engages the viewer to think outside the box, thus making amateur radio experimental again. Best wishes and good luck if you choose to build it. Also in the first 26 seconds I spoke about the antenna being multi configuration and very universal. Going on around 43 seconds speaking about Multi bands and explaining I would discuss it more in a moment (i believe there was a caption on the screen which stated "and throughout the episode)). ALSO, the description states the following: The Chucktenna (Named after the companies Chief Executive Pup (CEP)) is what I believe could become one of the most universal portable antennas out there. It is my opinion this antenna has the flexibility to meet many demands of portable use. In this video, I’ll walk you the basics of building the CHUCKtenna, all while explaining different options and configurations this antenna COULD be capable of. I truly know there are some AMAZING people in the community who will roll with this and make something great. Different configurations possible: 1. Vertical 1/4 or 5/8 wave on Multi bands (THIS IS WHAT I SHOW YOU TODAY) 2. 9:1, 4:1, 49:1 End Fed configurations 3. Dipole 4. Delta DUDE (Portable Delta Loop) Antenna. Keep experimenting.... So yeah, there isn't much more I can do, but I hope this helps you and I will pin the comment to ensure anyone else who has the question can reference this.

[@cdorcey1735]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Many thanks! I'd still be careful of the word "universal", though. Have you seen the "Machining and Microwaves" KZbin channel? That guy goes into some of the less popular super-high frequency bands. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXisf6SFo9yrecU

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@cdorcey1735 Fair point. thanks.

[@dougdaniels]

Thanks for making a shortened version of this build. I stared watching the live stream but my attention span - oh look, a squirrel!

[@EricMarshallva]

great ideas man, thank you for sharing them with us. that idea for the slidy jumper thing is so simple but blew my mind.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Another option is a paperclip, but that doesn't hold in as well. Enjoy!

[@markr9895]

Awesome antenna. This is a great, compact set up for hiking to a remote location.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks! I am glad people see the usefulness of this!

[@seller559]

Very clever. I love the mobility 👍

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank You :)

[@traceyisom6681]

Nice video!!!! Just ordered a Lil Dude 6. This would be a sweet QRP kit addition to the G106. This, the G106, a faraday cloth, and a 3-4ah lifepo4 could fit in a shoulder sling pack. Also, the feed point, I’d use a washer on each side for better connection. Nice work!!!!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Washer would work really well! Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy your ld6. For the qrp kit, you may also consider my Wago dipole. Have a good one!

[@HowToHam_Tom]

There's a box? :) Dude, another GREAT video and your summary was exactly what I was thinking. I built my Dude Spike back after your 1st video about it but very differently. The videos like this stimulate the brain. Don't build it like you see it, but use the ideas in the vid to create one's own FrankenTenna (or whatever). Thanks my friend and keep 'em coming!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

My appreciation. Thanks for watching, thanks for learning! Hope you're well :)

[@robcarnaroli269]

I have the same spike setup but I used shorter bolts and put the extra on the other side. Two benefits are easier to attach the coax and I used some wingnuts on the excess threads for counterpoise wires when needed.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

It's a great point, that works well! Thanks!

[@3henry214]

And... if you have a small triangular file, file the holes in the bracket square (doesn't take much) so carriage bolts can be driven into them. The carriage bolts will be locked into place and won't rotate when you're screwing on the wingnuts and or nuts.

[@KS0JD]

A standard canvas grommet might be a good option to connect to the fairaday cloth. 73

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I think that you are correct! I have plastic ones here, but maybe later, i'll grab some metal ones.

[@hamradiotube]

That’s pretty slick how you made that link. Are there still openings in the HRD School of Design?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

If you think about the link a little more, it could be longer and it has a secondary use as a fine tuning adjustment (More or less faraday cloth until it hits the other side) Kind of like a telescopic antenna. As far as enrollment goes, would you like to be an instructor? You get a name tag and a phone extension

[@Robbbbooo]

Thanks for all the content. Your videos have taught me a ton. I have a question... Which antenna would you bring for international travel? I am headed down under and am torn on whether to bring an EFHW, vertical or other. Size and weight obviously a consideration. Bands I want to work are 40, 20 mostly. The place I'm staying at does have some trees but they aren't that high (20ft at most), and they are not that close to the house. Ideally don't want to bring a tuner... Thanks!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank You. In the aspect of keeping it small and lightweight with travel, I usually just carry a 49:1 EFHW. if you can manage to get the wire 20ft into the tree and slope it, it'll probably be fine. However Verticals can be rewarding. a 17ft telescopic would get you 20-10 (6 even), but you lose the 40 capability without a coil. a 1/4 wave vertical has a better take off angle, typically beneficial for DX. If you go with a vertical ground antenna, you will need radial wires. Traveling with all this can be a bit much. a EFHW is really just two pieces of wire (antenna and counterpoise, can fit into a bag nicely, and will allow 4 bands without a tuner (about 65-68 ft of wire). One thing to mention also, if you are staying by an ocean, the 1/4-wave vertical is could be better because the saltwater will act as a ground plane, which may mean more contacts. When I travel, I travel VERY light, so the EFHW is always my go to. If you have the room,. for a 1/4 vertical antenna with radials, you could probably sneak the efhw in there also :). kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHuWd5mAmp6Lopo Have a great one!

[@Robbbbooo]

@@HAMRADIODUDE thanks for the thorough answer. I will build an EFHW for this trip. I do a lot of JS8call and other digital modes so I am thinking an FT240-43 should do it as long as I keep my digital power below 50ish. Regarding the ground spike - using the CB mount is fantastic. I am currently using a Wilson Stainless Heavy duty stub mount to build my truck HF vertical mount. I'm going to acquire a 17ft whip and build that spike, do some testing and comparison with the EFHW to see if it's worth bringing. Thanks a lot for your sage advice :)

[@Robbbbooo]

@@HAMRADIODUDE do you find that you can get a good tune and low SWR with the 17ft whip and radials? Have you tested the Chameleon, or have any other recommendations? The vertical with 40m loading coil looks tempting...

[@mrkopecky]

always thinking outside the box. sweet.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank You, just having fun

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

Have you thought about using 2 LD-6 poles to make a rotatable dipole?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

This could be done. hmmmm, nice idea.

[@bigfootape]

Do you get wider bandwidth than a standard 1/4 wave wire vertical?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I felt like I did. I will have to get back out there and officially test.

[@markanderson8066]

Try a washer under the bolt head, no spinning.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

great idea

[@derwerd]

Chuck, how do you make that little yellow 10M slider thingy to add or take away continuity?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@derwerd one side of the cover has a piece of conductive tape on it. When slid over the other one and secured in the case, the gap gets bridged. Additionally, it could be used for fine tuning . Have a great one

[@Aimsport-video]

Video Part 7: SWR as antenna dries after a drenching of rain.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Yeah, totally. I encourage others to set it up and experiment with their results too. It is possible Ham Radio Rookie, may have these results. Good call!

[@PatAutrey]

Would you consider making a follow-up video on the sliding device, and providing a link of where to purchase that,

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

sure. there's not much to it , but i can make a quick video or send you some photos

[@WECB640]

This is very creative. Good job Dude. HEY KZbin - stop pushing guns and knives ads that I see when watching this channel. Oh, and that salt additive that keeps you pounding her all day long. WTF?

[@markr9895]

@@WECB640 KZbin didn’t show me any ads about guns, knives, and whatever additive you saw. Ads are based on your viewing history and preferences, nothing to do with this channel.

[@WECB640]

@@markr9895 I appreciate your comment, and I agree it is not the content creator of the individual channel that picks the commercials. I ALWAYS click my browsers back button whenever I'm shown an ad for any such material. HRD is a friend and does an excellent job. The comment was written for the YT A.I. spider to read. 73