This is what I would DO to get ON THE AIR | K7SW Ham Radio

🔹 HF antenna bracket geni.us/SnKBracke
🔹21 foot telescopic mast - geni.us/oYMV0XA
🔹RG 174 COAX Cable - geni.us/06BzD0
🔹Chameleon 17 foot Whip geni.us/PjxdpAW
🔹15 foot RG8x Coax geni.us/VUsuf
🔹18 gauge wire ( 500 Feet) geni.us/vILzp
🔹3/8 Ring terminals geni.us/mnjIhE
🔹Eco Worth 20Ah Litium Battery geni.us/EcoWorthy2
🔹Powerwerx Watt Meter-PP geni.us/mRM01
Let me show you an easy to build 20 meter vertical antenna that can work very well in a pinch, or on Purpose!
If you live in a place unfriendly to Ham radio antennas or reside at a location with limited space where you can not put up a large antenna BUT still want or need a high performing temporary antenna for the 20 meter band, then you will want to see this.
Using the links below to purchase items in the video from my affiliate links below, this costs you nothing more and helps me to earn a small commission for the channel and supports making more videos like this.
Thanks for watching 👍

[@ham-radio]

I remember our QSO. This is a good video for those who live in an HOA with CC&R's. 73, Jim W6LG

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Jim, I hope your health is improving. I really enjoyed that QSO and really enjoy your videos. 73. Kevin K7SW

[@southernexposure123]

My 20 Meter Vertical is ground mounted with 3 radials about 13 feet long on top of the grass. The vertical element is an aluminum extension ladder leaned against the roof.. I use it on 30 Meters by extending the ladder.

[@ManuelGoicolea]

Love see you growing! Great video and so useful! Thank you Kevin!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Manu, I appreciate you ! Thank you for the support.

[@KS6DAY]

Loving your content on compact HF antenna solutions. They have helped answer a few critical questions and concerns for me in a very clear and concise manner. Keep up the good work! - Scott / KS6DAY

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Glad to help Scott ! Thanks and 73

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Excellent antenna! Wow, seems like you just blasted right through any QRM! Verticals seem really really practical. Also, great presentation. Really helpful. Thank you Kevin!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thank you Eric, you would love one of those just outside your house for that 20m winter action 👍

[@madcarew5168]

Did same with vert.wire & one raised rad. Just to try..worked well !!

[@garylanders1470]

Simple and sweet!

[@m0aze611]

Sound advice. Thanks for the vid. 73 Mike

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Great stuff!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Kev, 💪

[@mikeneale2459]

EXCELLENT! ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT ALL AROUND! THANK YOU!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

You're very welcome!

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

Might I suggest a telescoping fishing pole (crappie pole). Those things are taller than the telescoping whip and much, much lighter. That lets you reduce overall weight significantly. Run a wire up the pole and you have a vertical. Run a end fed half wave dipole up and you have a multiband vertical without need for radials. Run that same EFHW wire with the cable center raised on the pole and you’ve an inverted V. That wire itself is the guy. It also lets you run much longer wires. etc. etc.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Great idea, 👍

[@jimfischer4703]

Excellent!

[@rlscottsr]

Enjoyed this video a lot. Thanks 73

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Many thanks!

[@davidnelson6889]

Awesome video. I’m always inspired by your videos and encouraged to try something new. Your contacts were impressive. I see you using your FT-857D frequently. That is a great radio. I haven’t used mine as often because of my IC-7300 and IC-705. I guess I need to get it back out and give it some love. Thanks again. 73 W1UTE

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks David, the 857D has its place. Recently I thought It needed to see some airtime 😉. Thanks for being here, 73 Kevin

[@stephens8175]

K7SW, I've completed four POTA activations with this setup and it REALLY works well! I've made DX contacts out 4,000 miles with 70 watts and get outstanding signal reports all the time. Thank you! 73! KE8UFQ

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Excellent

[@vadvadventures9361]

Currently putting together this scenario and the Dipole setup. I ordered all the related adapters and have already have several tripod scenarios and clamps. I should get an antenna switcher !! I just passed my Technician and General so I’m just getting started. With these two scenarios I will be Abe to hit at least 10 repeaters in my area MN / WI on my FT-70D Yaesu HT. 73

[@5cyc]

Cool set up. I am currently working with the Chamlion MPAS 2.0 vertical setup in our herb garden

[@hamradiowithkevin]

That sounds really fun also. MPAS 2.0 thanks for sharing. 73

[@dandypoint]

I do something similar and use a Hustler Mobile antenna Quick Disconnect QD-2 so I don’t have to worry about the threads. It fits the 3/8-24 standard threads.

[@KE6DOA]

nice video and a nice surprise to hear Jim

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Jim as a Smart, FUN and easy going guy . That is what makes it so great to learn from him. I forgot to let him know the video was coming out today. 73 Kevin

[@nickl3872]

Good job

[@vinniec5286]

Thanks for the video. I have the equipment to do it but have not set it up yet. Nice treat speaking with W6LG! Liked and subbed.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks for the joining and yes Jim is a Fun guy to talk with

[@ThumpMaster6]

Awesome to hear the back-and-forth with you and Jim…two of my favorite KZbin “Elmers!” I gotta cut some wire! 73 de KN4HGI Alan

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Alan , yes, go cut some wire. Will catch you on the radio one day. 73

[@Ei2iP]

I use my Tarheel 200a in the garden, with the 17ft whip, easy work Mongolia, West Malaysia on 40m tonight albeit on ft8.. I use it for 30 to 80M.. easily work NA on all bands, enjoy your channel, de Ei2iP Robbie

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Robbie. Nice setup that you described. Having an antenna up is half the battle, I hope to work you one day. 73 Kevin

[@mattb7406]

Wow. Thats what i need!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Check that link in the description 👍

[@Ei2iP]

By the way if you elevate those radials 6ft from ground, it will actually work a little better..

[@R50_J0]

Yes, much better, but elevated radials need to be tuned. Not convenient for portable operation.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice job Kevin 👍

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks 👍 That means a lot man.

[@vadvadventures9361]

Thanks!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thank you I appreciate it. 👍

[@johnwest7993]

$6? What a steal on the tripod! Well done!

[@TR6Telos]

Great stuff, I am waiting for my telescopic from Cheeena, then the fun begins, as long as my wife does not see me!

[@1crazynordlander]

I ran into another POTA Ham Operator that use this configuration except used two longer radials 90 degrees apart. He was loud and clear. He called his configuration the Predator Antenna I believe. Wow it would be an honor to QSO with Jim W6LG. I watch his videos all the time. I have all the items to make this but I was thinking of using a steal t-post I could drive in the ground. I would image I should insulate the mount from the t-post though as you do not have a direct connection to ground.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Yes a nice setup like his would be directional and work perfectly. Jim is a real fun person indeed. Try your stake idea. You might be surprised at how well it will work . 73

[@1crazynordlander]

@@hamradiowithkevin I was wrong on the antenna name that the POTA operator was using. He called it the predator antenna. I am going to try this.

[@SteveH-TN]

Appreciate you sharing this information and video. Very helpful as I am currently building a POTA portable station. I live on Farm to practice setting up in different areas. Your video has been very inspiring and motivating for me . 73 Steve AA4SH

[@hamradiowithkevin]

You will have tons of fun on your farm

[@DaveW6OOD]

Nice contact with W6LG Jim, the YT Elmer. That SS17 is a must with so many ways it can be used. (I've got 4 of them)

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks David, Jim is a really great guy. 4 whips, now that has got to be big fun.

[@DaveW6OOD]

I got two for the Tactical Delta Loop/MPAS and then wanted to experiment with phased ground mounted verticals. Now I can do lots of fun experiments at full size for 20m. Thanks for all the good ideas. Can’t wait for the video on that mount.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

What, would YOU DO to get on the Air ?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks, I was running out of reasons!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Ha, good one Steve. 👍

[@fredzeppelin1210]

MacGyver would be proud of you!

[@shawnp6653]

Very nice Kevin! Nice find on the tripod. I'ld be tempted to try something like that if it weren't for the 3 dogs! :) In the meantime, I'll stick with the fan dipole in the attic and bookmark this. Appreciate your channel. 73s de ki5gx

[@hamradiowithkevin]

I should try a MacGyver tripod that could be easier for others to obtain or build. Thanks Shawn. 73

[@JeffCowan]

I haven't tried an elevated vertical (with elevated radials) but I feel like I keep coming across stories of people using them to great success.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Jeff, it is one more fun thing to do with an antenna setup. Never hurts to try it. 73 Kevin

[@JeffCowan]

@@hamradiowithkevin For sure. Definitely on the list.

[@betterbprepared]

Great video. I am a new ham that is investigating the purchase of my first HF rig. I am really leaning towards the Yaesu FT891. I really want to experiment with digital (FT8), so this may not be the best option, but it is still an option with the addition of something like a digi-rig. To start with before I mount an antenna permanently on a tower, I want to get something like an EFHW to string in the trees outside my shack, but I am also really leaning towards a vertical on a tripod like you show here. I think you just made my decision a final one. This is about the fourth video of yours that has popped up that I have watched. Love the content. Had to subscribe.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Welcome to the hobby, and thanks for watching! You find over time that you will not only need, but will want to have more than one antenna. If you have ever been fishing, you will know that you need more than one hook size in your tackle box to catch different fish. I think Ham radio is similar in that regard. More antennas help make the hobby more fun and we learn to me prepared by trying new stuff. 73 Kevin

[@m0aze611]

Welcome, these vids are great and the fixing hook scenario says it all. Above all have fun and reach out for advice. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for you. Cheap old radios work well with great antennas expensive ones don’t with poor antennas. 73 de M0AZE Mike

[@brianfields4479]

My go to is a ts480hx and a simple vertical antenna, works every time. Zl3xdj

[@billryland6199]

I like my FT-891 and use it for both a secondary base rig and for backyard portable with EFHW antennas. I have a 40 meter MFJ Hamstick permanently installed on the back deck as a backup for the fan dipole. The 891 can be used for digital modes with a SignaLink interface. An external tuner is needed for some antennas.

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

Use a fiberglass telescoping pole for the center. Set the EFHW as an inverted V.

[@KU9L]

Try a 46"x84" aluminum window xcreen as s counterpoise, i used two of them & it was like I was suddenly a QRO rig, lol

[@InflatedDolphin]

Nice 1/4 wave vertical. My only suggestion is instead of soldering the connectors for your radials, use liquid electrical tape. I found with soldering, the joint becomes hard and unpliable and eventually the wire breaks right at the solder point, especially with constantly undoing and redoing the radials. Crimp them, then brush on the electrical seal. The wires will stay nice and flexable and will take at least four times as long before it breaks. It can be very frustrating to setup your antenna, setup your rig and everything, then find your radial connections are broken. And it WILL be on a day when you don't have access to a soldering iron to be able to fix it. Ask me how I know.......73 de VK2AAO

[@hamradiowithkevin]

An excellent tip, I will try the tape and could even make a video about that.

[@anonymous_friend]

I had no idea you could elevate radials. Thanks for sharing.

[@stargazer7644]

Those 3 or 4 rods sticking out horizontally or angled downward from the bottom of pole or tower mounted vertical antennas are radials. They establish the ground plane. Same thing.

[@anonymous_friend]

@@stargazer7644 But are they claiming there is an improvement if the radials are elevated vs on ground?

[@stargazer7644]

@@anonymous_friend If the antenna is elevated, the radials need to be elevated (or at least part of them). The ground plane must be connected at the base of the vertical antenna. The better the ground plane is, the better the antenna will perform in general. Asking if there is an improvement when you change anything on an antenna depends on what you're looking for. More low angle radiation? High angle? Better feed matching impedance and lower SWR? More efficiency? Directionality? Gain? Front-to-back ratio?

[@Ezzell_]

Hey, use that yard spinner as an antenna!

[@billerfurth5247]

Great idea. 73 KZ3DX SLC

[@tlogesbr]

Thanks for the great video, covering from the assembly to actual operation! One question: Do you have any kind of choke in the feedline? Would it provide any benefit in this setup?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

You are welcome. You can certainly use a choke, I normally don't use one for a quick setup like in this video. To me, it never makes enough difference to bother.

[@JT-py9lv]

I'll give you $12 for the tri-pod - double your money. I'll be pass thru your area over Thanksgiving. 🙂

[@hamradiowithkevin]

I will give you credit for trying 😉💪. Make sure to activate a park while visiting the area. 73 Kevin

[@45auto]

@@hamradiowithkevin I'll give you $12.50 and buy you a huckleberry milkshake from Artic Circle. 😉

[@hamradiowithkevin]

@@45auto , sweet, a bidding war. Huckleberry is yummy

[@barrykery1175]

What a great video. Barry. KU3X

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Barry

[@cliffontheroad]

the QSO was a nice touch. no longer WB2TMV :(

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Oh no, did something happen to Jim ?

[@brandnewham]

Seriously great video! Where did you find that bracket that you connected to the tripod and screwed the antenna-to? Or did you make that? Because we rent our home, I can't really build anything permanent. But I could put this build on the side of the house and drop the coax from the second floor (where my "shack" is, and get on the air. Thanks for the info! EDIT: Just found your video review of the bracket. Amazing content!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thank you i appreciate that feedback. Thanks for ordering a bracket. more fun to come.

[@akcharlie1960]

So, if you were to shorten your whip to operate on 10 meters, would you shorten your radials as well or leave them at 16.5 ft? Got my Chameleon 17' in the mail today btw. Pretty jazzed to see how it performs from Alaska. I learn something or get an idea every time I watch one of your videos. Thx.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

I appreciate that, yes you could just fold the radials back on themselves for ten meters, and you would be all set. Put some tape as marker on the folks over point to be able to repeat the process faster reach time. 👍

[@Rusted_Link]

Very cool, on my wish/want list for sure! Do you have a link for that mount or is that a homebrew device?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

If you mean the antenna bracket that mounts to a tripod, check the link in the video description. The tripod is something I found at a 2nd hand store. Send me an email if you can not find the link. [e-mail]

[@Rusted_Link]

@@hamradiowithkevin thanks for replying but I looked there first. I didn't find it.

[@jasonpheral]

Great video, I was wondering, your ground radials are insulated at the ends. Is there a reason to to this rather than just having them grounded to your tent stakes? Thanks.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

They are elevated radials so I don't want them ground to the earth. If so, they would de tune. You should try it to see the result, will still work, just a good thing to know. 👍

[@jacobKC3MRA]

Great video. I was wondering why keep the radials off the ground? I see most folks running them on the ground.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thank you, yes there are two ways to use a vertical. Ground mounted and elevated radials. Elevated radios must be measured and trimmed to exactly the band you want. where ground radials do not need to be exact. For a more precise having the radials raised radial provides less ground loss for one. I suppose many operators do not want to take the time to and space to extend the radials, I am not really sure. I will operate both types because you never know what conditions you will be in when you setup your radio. I think you should try both setups, It will give you more experience with setup and learning your antenna.

[@jacobKC3MRA]

@@hamradiowithkevin Thank you for the reply! I'll give that a shot. KC3MRA.

[@ae4xo]

see you on pota !

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Absolutely 💯

[@penrox0]

Great set up. Interestingly, I use the MFJ 1779 whip with the same set up but use 8 radials half the length (garden is smaller). Great performance 😁 de Andy G0NKK

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Andy for sharing your setup, yes you know then, how well a vertical performs 👍 73 Kevin

[@mssippijim]

Just a quick note, he is using quarter wave radials on the video, and they are elevated. If your radials are actually on the ground, they are not as critical in regards to length. This antenna is basically the same thing as a traditional ground plane antenna which was used widely in cb and commercial radio for years. It's a good antenna.

[@76ersnet58]

hi Kevin, do the radials need to be at least 1/4 length of the frequency, and can they be longer ?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

For this antenna 1/4 wave makes the antenna easy to use and no Tuner. Lobger radials can be used, you will need a tuner to bring the match into range for you Jeremy. 73 Kevin

[@BobGarrett66]

@@hamradiowithkevin Great video as always Kevin. You might be interested in this old QST article about ground radials. rudys.typepad.com/files/qst-march-2010-ground-systems.pdf

[@P47Harry]

Great video Kevin!! 73 de W3DNQ

[@halcollins4293]

Why is your radio blue? Is it a protective cover, paint, tape or what? Another great video.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Yes, that is good quality blue painters tape so that it does not leave residue on the radio but it also protects the radio and does not make the radio more bulky.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Is the FMJ and the Cham. 17 foot antenna the same model just rebranded for each company?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Paul, they are similar but not that same. I have both and the MFJ is far more loose than the Chameleon version. Thanks for asking. 73

[@paulgarcia1566]

@@hamradiowithkevin Thanks for the reply. Im going to order the Chameleon.

[@jimcoon]

Hi Kevin…My name is Jim and I contacted you about a year ago. I have Parkinson’s Disease so I need to keep things very simple. For that reason I decided NOT to put a shack in my home so I used my FT-710 all last summer “backyard portable” as you suggested to me at the time. My single whip antenna worked fine on 20m but due to geography I have not been able to get farther than mid-continent from Oregon. I would like to try putting together an antenna for my truck that I can take up the hill in my rural neighborhood and make some longer distance contacts. Can you point me to one of your videos that could help me with that? I appreciate your content so very much. Thank you! Jim K7NJL

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Jim, if you are looking to mount and antenna, you can do something like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJnZq52Vi7idaa8 If you want to setup near your truck you can do like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/nl7OlGqths2Kqtk 73

[@jimcoon]

@@hamradiowithkevin Thanks for always being so helpful, Kevin! Exactly what I was looking for.

[@RomanMcClaine]

Would six radials be better than four? At what point is there no advantage to adding more?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

4 radials are practical and effective. It will be hard to measure in a practical use case, any additional radial wire. To me, that is enough reason to stick with four. Hope that helps

[@tonyd6884]

I should know this but why elevate the radials?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Good question Tony, if you elevate the radials, you need less, like 3 or 4. if you ground mount the vertical you need MANY, like 50. and the match can be tuned by changing the angle of the radials. I hope you get to try this one time . It is way worth the effort

[@vadvadventures9361]

Are the nuts 3/8”-24 ?? Thanks !!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Yes, indeed, they are.

[@sptvids]

Excellent, just out of interest, what power was you using on that rig?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

50 watts

[@HardcoreFourSix]

where did you get the bracket

[@hamradiowithkevin]

I made a recent video on this bracket . These brackets should be back in stock for sale this week

[@audiesanchez2984]

Which tuner did you use?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

no tuner needed for this Vertical antenna. That is the nice part about it.

[@daveN2MXX]

1/4-20 can't handle a 17ft whip if it is windy - ask me how I know.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Oh no , terrible news. Hope you get that fixed. 💪

[@stephens8175]

Great video! Quick question. What SWR should I expect on 20m with this set up? Thank you! 73 de KE8UFQ

[@hamradiowithkevin]

The SWR will be pretty flat, which is a great thing

[@stephens8175]

@@hamradiowithkevin I have not used verticals to date. When I tested your setup, I got a 6.0 SWR. Is this correct? If so I will use a tuner to operate. Please advise. Thank you.

[@resident1287]

How many watts were you broadcasting with?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

I would have been transmitting with 50 watts using that battery.

[@BlisterBang]

Consider learning how to tie a bowline. Less stress and easily untied no matter how tight you pull it.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks, great tip, I can alaways use more knot skills.

[@RedAppleSkitz136]

How many watts were you transmitting?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Likely 50 watts

[@tommycheshire5508]

I am in a jam without your tripod connector. Are you aware of any source of this item? N4KBM

[@hamradiowithkevin]

What part of the connector are you looking for ?

[@tommycheshire5508]

@@hamradiowithkevin The assembly that fits onto the the tripod top. I forgot my manners, good morning. Thank you for your kindness and patience for dealing with such as me. Tommy

[@LetsCelebrateTV]

So now its all about McGyver 🍸

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Peter,Yes, 👍 much of this thing we do in Ham radio is this way. 😁. I would totally put one of these up at your summer camp.

[@KU9L]

Nice!!! Davey - KU9L

[@timbookedtwo2375]

Good video. BUT 16ft 6in is not 10.06 meters. it is 5.08 meters. How wide is the bandwidth? No tuner/transformer, I presume. I have been experimenting with "ham sticks" for 20 and 40 meters. I tuned the ham stick using a mag mount on my car for 14.175MHz. I then mounted it on my motor scooter using a mirror mount and alternatively one of these jaw clamps. Actually, I did not have much success with radials. BUT I did run a raised counterpoise/radial(?) 14ft (Ventenna recommendation)l ong and viola! Very broad bandwidth. I then mounted the ham stick on a strong tripod. I got mine for free from the dumpster. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Same setup with one 14ft wire. No tuner no transformer. The 40m ham stick was a little more tricky. The bandwidth is narrow, only about 80KHz. But it works. Let me know what you think. Many roads lead to the same destination. Vy 73! SV0SGS

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Very practical setup you have done. Thanks for sharing.

[@gotobassmsn]

If you get very big into ham radio and lecithin ve in an hoa, why don't you move to a non hoa, so you don't have any more restrictions.

[@pa3crl]

thanks! pa3crl

[@brianfields4479]

Just like Walt k4ogo you just showed a simple vertical antenna is one of the best antennas you could use, 73 zl3xdj

[@hamradiowithkevin]

That right Brian, I have worked a number of ZL stations with that fantastic vertical. I hope to work you one day too. 73 Kevin