Top Base Antenna Type For Ham Radio Preppers - OCF-Dipole Antenna

I will be covering the advantages of OCF-Dipole Antenna as well as what some of the top vendors offer. I will explain what to look for and and how to set one up.
HRMS Video on EFHW Antenna: • Top Prepper HF Ham Rad...

[@delvalle4538]

Newbie here, Thanks for taking the time to explain the concept plain and simple but with all the information needed. Looking forward to talking with you on the air some day. W4BFR Cary, NC

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Welcome to Ham Radio neighbor! I am here if you have questions. Thanks for the kind words too!!

[@stephenclaymcgehee2931]

Just a quick note to say "Thanks" for this whole prepping series. I've had my Advanced Class license since 1989, but I set it aside for quite a while and now I'm trying to get back up to speed on HF digital. I'm the "Comms guy" for our local prepping group, so I suppose that's what it took to get me back in. Still working on getting this set up again using FLDIGI. I used to use a TNC with mainly AMTOR as the mode. Again, thank you - your videos are making it a lot easier for me to get back in. (By the way, I chose not to upgrade to Extra just because it's kind of fun to have a license that is no longer issued.)

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad to help! I would focus on JS8Call with JS8Spotter for EMCOMM. After trying all the others, this is the option so far. Nothings perfect but offers the best solution to date. Time is running out and I pray you get your protocols up and running soon!!

[@stephenclaymcgehee2931]

@@hamradiomadesimple Excellent - thank you. I've already got the JS8 software (I'm using Ubuntu Linux), as well as FLDIGI family of programs. Fortunately, we've already got local comms set up for our group (area is 5 miles long by 2 miles wide) using a combination of 2 meters and CB. My goal at this point is to be able to exchange news and sitreps with those in other parts of the southeast (I'm in Florida).

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

1:50 - a properly constructed EFHW is a fully resonant antenna typically using a 49:1 matching transformer. Not to be confused with the random wire and a typical 9:1 matching transformer which requires a tuner to be useful. I build inductively shortened EFHW that tune perfectly for 40/20/10m. You can also make a linked wire to tune just 15m and 10m when you want something shorter and easier to set up. In my case 10m gets me into VK land whereas 15m gets me to the US west coast and into Salt Lake city. WSPR/JS8 on 200mW to 10W. It’s about a 55db path loss. And some of that is due to being only able to operate horizontally polarized at my main QTH. Love the content and energy btw 73s John

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Wow, great job on building your EFHW antenna!! What direction is your antenna running and what kind of directional and distance outcomes are you getting? Thanks for posting this.

[@drewrinella1646]

Such a shame about Palomar. Thanks for the video!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I agree, there customer service needs a complete overall!!

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

I bought a Palomar OCFD, and it works 80-10, without 60m. But it is 132 ft of wire, end to end. My personal opinion is that it is the best wire antenna for fixed placement. I have done just a few portable activations, but an EFHW has been excellent.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad you shared your experience. Confirms what I have found out. Thanks for sharing....

[@bradfordwilliams9760]

Great video and perfect for EMCOMM. Can be a base antenna or deployed in the field. I have a Buckmaster OCF-Dipole similar to MJ. It is more pricey than the Palomar but is essentially "military grade" in construction similar to the ones I encountered in the military. For EMCOMM I recommend a well-built, all-weather, commercial antenna. I have friends who are "homebrew" fanatics when it comes to antennas and eschew using any commercial products. But when the Sh*t hits the fan you want something that works, works every time, and under the harshest conditions when failure is not an option. Communication is often the weakest link in a crisis.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Totally agree with your assessments!! Thanks for posting and keep finding the limits to what this great antenna can accomplish....

[@K8NIV]

I have a ocf dipole here it's the 80-6m bands, and with it I use the internal tuner with mine and it's not needed for most bands, but have it incase, mine will tune all the bands, gets 60m and 160m bands too....all and all, I been running this ocf for a few months and love it...alot less noise on it than the EFHW 80-10 I been running for years..

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for posting this. YES, less noise and great antenna.

[@pamhowdy]

I think I know who your Utah contact was! Another great video, thank you.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

LOL, you made my day!!

[@donausmus4281]

I'm curious. Is there another video where you go over the other antenna options that were bypassed? I happen to be a Buckmaster fan. Bulletproof.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Buckmaster is a very good antenna. If you have specific questions, email me at [e-mail]

[@Swamp-Fox]

Enjoyed it! Looking forward to the upcoming videos! Merry Christmas!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Love seeing your comments. Always uplifting my friend!!!

[@harvest3070]

Thanks, MJ, love your videos. Keep ‘em coming! -Chris/N3AXR

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Always thankful for your encouraging words!!

[@joedonnelly9487]

Incredibly helpful & informative!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BurtonChristmasLites]

I just bought a 49:1 balun before watching this video. Any ideas how it might work with using the short end on the counterpoise and the longer end on the radiator? I know the short answer is to just try it out and see (and I will be doing that after the holidays). Just wasn't sure if you have had any experience with a 49:1. Robert KD4YDC

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Like you said, try it. There are some videos that show how to use an antenna calculator. Try that first and let me know what you end up doing!!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

where do you post your handouts, you mentioned one and ive found a few located on ham websites?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Email me at [e-mail] with the handout you are requesting.

[@TotallyUnknownSomeone]

Create video on DMR Radio and How it works. Create video on SDR Radio how it works and Can SDR Radio be used for both sending and receiving transmission? Like a transceiver? Waiting.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I have a video on DMR already. SDR is something I am just digging into so that will be on my list. GREAT ideas and keep them coming

[@AL-kn4yx]

What Rig control software do you use with your IC-7300 and JS8Call?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Just use CAT Control option with IC-7300 in drop down selection. You can use Flrig but slightly different setup in the "Radio" section of JS8. Some like this option since they can monitor JS8 & Fldigi at the same time on the same frequency.

[@BOBWIK-m2q]

Newbie here ! Im been looking into the Ham hobby im getting old and i want to have a hobby.

[@saucyscrambler8710]

I’m young and I’m getting into it. A lot of this stuff is gibberish rn but I’m going to take a course and get surrounded by people who understand it more than I do. The way Mj describes it, the guys in this community love to help others.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

It may start out as a hobby but it can turn into a vital tool in your toolbox going forward. Become the "comms guy" to your family and friends. As "hacking with AI" is increasing, expect more trouble in the days ahead.

[@kellysnodgrass2236]

Thanks for the video! I have a conspiracy theory question. With all of the Chinese made radios, is it possible that they could build in some sort of mechanism to disable the radios if they were to receive certain signals and thus cripple our civilian prepper communication? Don't beat me up too bad! I'm asking for a friend. ;-)

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Anything is possible but they would rather focus on the police, military, government (locally to nationally) first. I am sure they other methods to deal with us, like knocking out Repeaters by just shutting down the power grid. They can do jamming but what I have found from experience, HF Digital is not impacted by this. THUS, my focus on HF Digital :-)

[@bradfordwilliams9760]

Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Your single handedly funding this Channel Brad!! Your generosity speaks volumes of your character and kindness. Thank You!!

[@anymouse6202]

Thanks

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad to help!

[@bobperkinson6249]

I need to get a phone number where you can walk me through some of the problems that i am having with *j8call, such as the freq change when I tune the rig going from UDB -d to usb when I tune, I cant make the 7300 s tay put on split operation I think i have time sync down ok but it migjt not be a simple as it looks

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@CoolStuff..]

cool

[@hamradiomadesimple]

THANKS!!