Trying out the MFJ 1899T Antenna with the Yaesu FT-891.

I set up the radio with the 1899T ham radio antenna on the porch to see if I could get any contacts. Not the greatest in the world for sure.
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[@bydefault7795]

I've had good luck with Ham Sticks from my car (stationary) FL to Brazil and WV to NH with a mag mount on a Weber grill grate laying on the ground.

[@robertjohnson2586]

Thanks for sharing and your honest opinion- stumbled upon your channel yesterday and I love it! Keep the vids coming!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks for watching.

[@boblech7575]

You really have a nice open area for ham operations.In JAN.I will be right off the Atlantic ocean,away from QRM and again enjoying ham radio.Thanks for the excellent video BOB AF2DX

[@philbodden4981]

Hi Mike, I really enjoyed your video,I have the same antenna, also have the 1699T on my truck which works well with my FT817ND,, allthough I have not used the 1699T, It has given me a few new pointers to try on my FT817ND, dont get discouraged ,just enjoy the challenges that propagation brings. thanks buddy,nice job

[@jasonschultz637]

Love your videos. Got my Tech (KC3LTS) in July, and am studying for general now. Once I get it, hope to catch you on the air when you activate. Thanks for all the information you provide!

[@hamradiotube]

Jason Schultz awesome man congrats! Good luck on the General. It opens up a whole new world of radio!

[@53capridrive]

Great video. You really make it interesting to watch.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Another great video. Thanks for the warning about the antenna. It did look to small to be effective, and your results confirm my suspicions. What a beautiful QTH. Bet it was hard to go back to MI.

[@hamradiotube]

It's definitely tough leaving that place for sure. I'm still not done with that antenna, although I haven't used it since this video. I'm sure theres a way to make it better.

[@michaelparker6218]

Awesome video Mike! I love your easy going approach to HF. I am supper excited to get my General. I always have good luck with Samuel Adams... lol

[@PrecisionGroupYT]

Really love the Mountain shots! I love the Piska Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. That area of the country is Beautiful! ( West NC, North Georgia and South Eastern Tennessee).... Your Dad has a beautiful home! I really would like to live up there one day! I love the FT-891 I use it as my Mobile HF Rig it has great DNR.... 73’s K4BBC

[@jfrphoto01]

Nice video! I use the OPEK HVT-400B or the HVT-600B which are similar antennas but are much sturdier, terminated in a PL-258 rather than a BNC and handles 120 (400B) and 200 watts (600B) watts. They are actually mobile antennas but I have used the 400B my Yaesu FT-817ND and the 600B on my FT891 with counterpoise wires for each band with a lot of success using 5 watts on the 817 and up to 100 watts with the 891 (depending on band conditions). Keep the counterpoise radials at least 2 feet above earth to be most effective! The HVT-400B is around $89.95 and the HVT-600B is around $99.95 Formula for counterpoise wire(s) is 180/freq. in MHz = length in feet Use the whip length chart included with the antenna as your starting point for adjusting the VSWR. 73, de John, N1WOM

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Thanks for the recommendation looks like decent antenna. I just got radio

[@CraigSheppard]

I love the speaker wire antennas as well, and also have the 1899T with my 817. I've had some decent success with it, but it's real dependant on the conditions. Awesome cabin you have there! Enjoy your vacation, it's beautiful out there. 73, Craig in NC W4CRG

[@hamradiotube]

What are you doing for radials? You think there is anything I can do better to make mine work? I put it on the analyzer and its 50 ohms with 2 radials. I'm just wondering if I put more on if it will make any bit of difference.

[@CraigSheppard]

About the same as you... I use 1 or 2 radials of about 16.5'. I have tried hooking them together for 1 radial of about 33' for 40m, I think it was a little easier to tune but that's about the only difference. I do have another antenna with a set of 6 radials, I could try that set of radials to see if it improves the performance any. I'll have to report back on that... The other Idea I had for it was to mount it somehow on a tripod to get it 4 or 5' off the ground, then run the radials... but at that point why not just carry a fishing pole, since collapsed a pole is less bulky than a tripod.

[@hamradiotube]

Craig Sheppard yep. I’ve done the same thing with the lengths to no avail. And you’re right about the tripod. If I’m gonna do that I’m not gonna use this antenna.

[@ssbfmcw]

Here's a demo (not by me) of the monoband version of MFJ's small whip. The use case for a small whip is getting on the air quickly but realizing the tradeoffs for that capability. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXvMZIOve7CJgMk

[@lordbaronsirrobertwknightk4078]

Thanks Mike, enjoyed your commentary and field test of the 1899. Appreciate the time you took to spare us the wasted expense of a sub-par product.Possibly a better ground and a feeder with a little more elevation may have improved your performance. I agree that home brew antenna systems even portable ones are a heck of a lot more fun and gratifying than store bought. Most kind regards. Bobby N2KQW. 73s

[@hamradiotube]

Of all the antennas in the world, this is the antenna that I want to work more than anything. I still have it. I haven't given up hope. I have reconfigured the way I deploy it and plan on doing a follow up video at some point (prob not soon). I have deployed it during my lunch break and have made contacts. I just can't give up on this antenna. I still carry it in my radio go bag every day (along with a different antenna of course). But yes, for now, get a different antenna.

[@adventuresofbobandlana4939]

I have this whip. It has reached the Yukon to the north, MO to the east, SFO to the south from northeast corner of Oregon with a KX2 5-10 watts. Definitely a compromise, but when there isn’t much room for stuff its better than nothing.

[@jdmartin2778]

Thanks for being honest and upfront about the quality of this antenna! This is exactly what we need to hear when ham's do their reviews of antennas, radios, etc! Also, you are spot on about lack of quality control at MFJ...It doesn't exist! 73..JD

[@mikesimpson7748]

Gorgeous Views. I live in NC as well. Great video KX4IG

[@mewrongway]

What a beautiful property Mike!

[@k2cjbradio]

Awesome QTH! About the whip antenna...I have the 20m version and have had luck with it. Band conditions have been pretty poor lately so whip antennas will not do well. The speaker wire dipole (or any dipole for that matter) will outperform those whips any day. But, you still got on the air and made a contact sitting on a porch with a frosty cold one. Doesn’t get much better!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah my buddy has a couple of the single band ones and says they work fairly well too. Perhaps I was overly optimistic about a multi band one. But yeah at least theres beer hihi!

[@aureliusprimus]

Very beautiful ! Impressive radio and antenna !! Greetings from France 73's 😀

[@johndeluca230]

I was so hoping that antenna would work. Ahhh, that's a shame. Thanks for the heads up. Me, I just bought the MFJ 1840T, the mono band little brother of that antenna. I will test as soon as weather becomes reasonable here in Massachusetts for park operations. It will be on my FT857. I have chosen the MFJ 1840T solely for fast setup. My standard park rig is the FT857 at 100W with a YT-100 tuner and 85' random wire (using the smallest gauge SOTA Beams antenna wire) sloping to the top of a 10m fiberglass pole. Made tons of afternoon DX on 20m with that setup. I even worked Namibia on 20m from a park bench in Saratoga NY (7,400 miles). All the best to you! Subscribed. 73 de N1DEL

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah it is too bad. Not that I haven't made contacts with it but it is just way too much of a compromised antenna. You are way better off with the random wire. As the old adage goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I've heard better things about the mono band antennas though so hopefully that will work out for you. I'm really digging the Wolf River Coils antenna now for portable. And this cold weather stuff really needs to go away hihi! Thanks for the sub and 73!

[@AndyWragg]

Hi Mike, good to see you on Callum's live stream last night. I just bought this antenna for lightweight hill topping (I got the MkII version marketed by Moonraker SPX-100), and a radio Go Bag that I'm staring to put together. Just waiting for a bracket to arrive in the post so I can mount the antenna to a spike in the ground, then rig up some radials. I also have the larger version with a fixed steel whip for use on the car or my tripod. The SPX-100 has a 3/8" stud at the base of the coil and comes with BNC and PL259 connectors. I also need to finish my speaker wire antennas but need more room than I have at home and we are on lockdown, so I can't go to the park to play. Stay safe buddy and 73 G1AW

[@hamradiotube]

I'll be curious how it works for you. I've only had marginal luck at best with it.

[@jeffpriddin9711]

I have just bought this antenna and it works great 1.1 swr on 20 meters on a mag mount on my car keep up the videos your doing a great job .

[@hamradiotube]

Glad you’re having better luck with it than I am. I find it tunes up ok, but doesn’t really get out.

[@jeffpriddin9711]

To be fair I was 856 feet above sea level at Pentre Halkyn.

[@hamradiotube]

@@jeffpriddin9711 I was pretty high up in the mountains of NC in this video.

[@jeffpriddin9711]

I love the place you were I would love to go there for a week or two it looks great.

[@WC6Q]

Thank you for saving me $80! I had this on my Amazon wish list. I loved the whole video! 73

[@hamradiotube]

It is very compromised. I'm still trying new things and will make a video if I ever manage to make it successful. 73

[@billa.2450]

NO antenna that small on 40 meters is going to be much more than a radiating dummy load.

[@WC6Q]

@@billa.2450 True, there are exceptions. Ever tried a lil tarheel ii screwdriver antenna? Not really comparable to this but a great antenna in a small package.

[@madcarew.3256]

in uk got the watson version old but good for what it is dont suppose being surounded by peaks helps used mine on mag mount on car and got 1800miles to stpetersburg russia on 5w! horses for courses 73

[@johnangeleri7336]

That is a BEAUTIFUL location.

[@hamradiotube]

Sure is. Too bad he sold it a few years ago.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Gotta love it when your speakers blow up with a big strapper running all kind of juice but had no ears lol. I have mad respect for those who build their stations, especially base stations, to have just as big of ears as they do voice... novel concept with the human race lol. I know conditions and the variety of equipment matter, but all too often it’s all show on TX and no go on RX. Challenge all ops to level that field and “Listen” more too. Seems like he was spending a lot of time talking and less time trying to let you TX so he could make some adjustments to pick up your weak signals. Thanks for the plug on the “Speaker wire antenna” 👍🏻

[@hamradiotube]

Haha just seeing this comment Jerry! Absolutely true though. If more people would spend the time to listen, we would prob have more contacts. As far as I'm concerned, if you can hear them, you can work them. We just have to listen, listen, listen. I'm pretty sure they teach that in the Tech. We all know you invented the KG6HQD Speaker Wire Antenna too. Theres just a lot of haters out there. ttul8r bud.

[@OM0ET]

I use similar whip. The QRP and with such a small antenna is not so easy to make QSOs. The band conditions may be poor or the counter station use 500 or 1000W so you can hear him clear but he doesn't. We have to be very patience if running QRP. That is about the QRP with a compromise field antenna 😉 Nice video btw and good luck and 73 from Slovakia!

[@hamradiotube]

OM0ET I’ve watched your videos on the antenna you’re using. You seem to have better luck than I am! I like the way you have it setup. I might have to try that. The only downside is that you have to carry more stuff. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching! 73.

[@gliderrider]

I was researching that mfj-1899t antenna on KZbin but was really sold on the ft-891. Hihi!

[@hamradiotube]

The 891 is awesome and I recommend it to everyone! I haven't given up hope on the mfj 1899t though. Its winter and snowing up here in Michigan (already in the middle of November) but I know some people who have had some success with it. Don't necessarily take my word for it hihi!

[@CroPrepper]

I got a yaesu 817 and i am looking for a quick deploy - pocket sized - vertical antenna solution. This looks good, but I am a bit twosided about the performance. Did you make a wspr test on 500mW with this antenna?

[@jsieb]

Great video, keep them coming! Eric (KJ4YZI) had such good luck with his because he was on the beach, saltwater does wonders for DX. I bet those mountains didn't do you any favors either. When in doubt, throw a wire out! Dipole4Lyf! 73 - K8TSG

[@JonathanAdami]

Not sure if I'm helping but when you're working QRP it helps if you're having a finisher like "Over Over" or "Back to you" if you just stop talking and the other guy can't hear you well, they just have to wait to make sure you're done talking. You probably know that but I thought this a couple of times I thought I might share ;) Thanks for the vids and the light spirit, really like watching'em! 73 - VK4ALE

[@donsilva4441]

Very neat video ! Congrats on the sweet s SWR. I'm wondering how you are in the middle of nowhere, but there is this huge growling electrical noise on your receive when you first start... what's causing that ???

[@va3sgi]

What a great video! Just subbed and am going to binge on your content. I appreciate the honest perspective on this antenna, was considering it for my FT-818 but I think I will stick with the wire dipoles. 73 - VA3SGI

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks so much! Welcome to the channel.

[@spqa2004]

I just got my Yaesu FT-891 today and I have a question that I hope you can help me with. When I connect my radio to a battery, when I turn it on, and (occasionally) when I change a simple setting in the menu, I hear a "click" sound coming from within the radio. I don't think I've ever heard the "click" in any of the KZbin videos so it is making me a little nervous. Is this normal ???

[@mark351]

Well you just saved me some money. I have a B&W Apartment antenna which is similar in concept but larger. Works about as well.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah its one of those antennas I really want to like and wish was good, but its just not. Still can't bring myself to get rid of it though. I'm sure its useful for something, I just haven't found what yet.

[@mark351]

@@hamradiotube I understand. It is just such a convenient package with only some radials external to it. That makes it real easy to pack for something like your AUCGOTA expedition. (Abandoned Under Construction Garage On The Air :-) )

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke für das tolle Video.73,von Jozef,S56CJG,QTH Wien.Austria.😊😊😊

[@ChrisCDK]

I have one of these 1899T antennas as well. Bought it for my FT817, and also have tried it at 10-15 watts on my FT891. Different lengths of counterpoise, also had it hooked up to the analyzer, etc etc. Tried everything. It's a crap antenna. Useless for SSB phone contacts, marginally ok for things like WSPR and FT8. But for $80 you're WAY better off picking up something like a Packtenna endfed or the like. Your video pretty much echoes my experience with that thing.

[@savage223fv]

Great video. I agree with you some of mfj quality is not top notch. I got a g5rv jr last fall to get me threw winter and i have to recrimp all the crimp sleeves. The antenna works but new vertical is in the mail. Keep up the good work. N0SKS

[@spqa2004]

Beautiful property! Two questions. How tall is your father's tower? What did you make your counterpoise wires out of: stranded/solid copper or steel? ... Also, my mother has one of those tree faces that we can see at the beginning of your video.

[@dheller777]

Thanks for sharing. I wonder if keeping the radials a couple feet above earth would help? I have a sister that lives in Simpsonville NC wherever that's at. I have the 891 also and love that radio. Thanks for sharing. KE0RPU

[@hamradiotube]

I'm sure it would help but then I would have to carry more stuff to keep them elevated. Or just more radials on the ground to get that whole ground plane thing going. Much experimenting is needed.

[@bluegrassdan]

I miss watching Tony's videos. He received many unkind comments from "experts" and pulled them all, to bad. He was one of us practicing our craft. Dan, KM6CQ

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah he played a huge roll in my interest in portable radio.

[@redjohn20001]

Marginally better than a test load!

[@hamradiotube]

Uh, yeah. Marginally at best for sure. It might be worth more for parts lol!

[@mark002228]

Can’t get more honest than that! Appreciate it.

[@hamradiotube]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@tonyridlen]

Excellent video about amateur radio 73 Tony KC9QVE Gas City,Indiana

[@1OFGODSOWN]

I purchased one of those but it has an SO-239 female connector and a different whip and it’s an MFJ as well but I don’t know what the model number is since it came with no paperwork? Any idea what model it might be? The coil section looks longer than yours as well and the gentleman I purchased it from said it’s rated at 200 watts PEP.😳🎙

[@dr4710]

Enjoy the vids! You’ve made me kick it in gear to get my general and beyond. Question as I’m still learning, when you call CQ and throw in Portable 4...is 4 the CQ zone? Wasn’t sure since you were in NC which is 5 I believe. Like I said, I’m still learning over here.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Dan, yes it is the zone and NC is 4. It's not required by the FCC anymore but some would consider it a good operating practice. Glad to know you are inspired to get your general. Helping others is a lot of what this hobby is about. I can't tell you how much more fun is opened up to you once you can get on the low bands. Best of luck and 73!

[@thomasmanson1119]

I just went to Amazon and ordered a “GRA-1899T” It is supposed to be the equivalent to the MFJ Numbered antenna. Do you happen to know its differences? Thanks and 73 Tom KC3QAC

[@normjacques6853]

Hi Mike! Just found your channel, courtesy of KZbin suggestions. I'm a newly-minted General (passed Tech and General at one sitting), so i'm still trying to wrap my head around a lot of things. For instance, the 891 is a 100-watt rig. Why didn't you just raise your power level a tad? Antenna restrictions? Battery life? Anyway, having 'Claude' relay info from your attempted QSO with 'Dennis' was very cool! I can only imagine how gratifying that must have been for you. In any case, I'm enjoying your channel! Keep up the good work! 73 DE KC1MGW

[@hzilla5550]

Hi Mike, First time viewer. Next time you are visiting NC , give me a call. I live in Asheville, and I head over to Mount Mitchell, NC for SOTA (highest peak east of the Mississippi), using the Alex Loop, but very few contacts yesterday on 20m. Only advantage of loop is no counterpoise? Using an Elecraft KX3, and lugging huge 100 AMP hour battery to the top on a lawn caddie. Really don't know much about ham radio, and trying to work on doing CW with a keyboard and encoding with the Elecraft PX3. Have a Dragon P4 SCS P4 7800 modem, SideCar plus, but don't know how to use. Calling all Elmers! Enjoyed your video, like your style, subscribed. BTW I lived in Natchez MS for 4 years. Mississippi's Finest Junk. Anyway, 73s Karl AF5LQ

[@hamradiotube]

100 AH battery good lord, were you planning on staying all week haha?! I can't help you with the cw unfortunately, I'm learning but I'm very much a phone guy. You could def ditch the battery in favor of a tiny 2-3ah Bioenno battery and work all day with that and the KX3. Every antenna has its advantages and disadvantages. A loop has a very high Q at the freq its tuned too, but a very low bandwidth as I'm sure you know, so you have to retune if you move freq even a little. Prob weighs a bit too I would imagine. Look into a long wire antenna like a PackTenna Mini. It weighs almost nothing and the tuner in your KX3 should be able to get you on almost any band. You might need a mast to get it in the air. There is a link in the description of this video to a Goture 10 meter mast that is very light weight that would suit you well. Not sure when I'll be in NC again, but I will keep you in mind if and when I go back. Welcome to the channel and 73!

[@W8MJL]

I REALLY wish i'd have seen your video before i bought one of these. Oh well live and learn as they say

[@hamradiotube]

It still works, just, not very well.

[@Madclocker]

I enjoyed seeing the lightning bugs or fireflies in the background.. they are not out here in the west. I should think you could get better results with the "hamtenna" or "hamstick" like the MFJ 1675T (for 75m). Also, I have noticed that the 20m band seems to drop off toward dusk lately. You should try another video on the 40... that would really stretch the limits of the antenna. BTW, I absolutely love my FT-891

[@stevjaty]

Mike, thanks fo rthe video. How did you determine 2 counterpoise as opposed to 1? Most videos on this antenna use a single and I was just curious where you got the idea. Just subscribed. Take care.

[@G7VFY]

Looks like hard work. You should try two mobile antennas connected back to back as a dipole. Works really well.

[@hamradiotube]

I've seen people do that and it looks like it works fairly well. Since this video I have amassed quite the collection of HF antennas. I never had much hope for this one but it seemed like a cool antenna to try out. Thanks for watching, 73!

[@G7VFY]

@@hamradiotube Made From Junk do this 'Octopus' thing which is 6 or 8 mobile whips, making a multi-band nest of antennas. Apparently, they work really well, so I might try a clone after the mobile whip dipole. G7VFY

[@vetham100]

Love the video, TOO LATE, i already bought the darn thing! Yes, i could NOT get it to work so i sent it back and got a new one, same thing. Now it sits in a tube in storage. Maybe i'll open it up and see what makes it NOT tick LOL. Thanka again for another wonderful video. 73 de VE3QJ

[@hamradiotube]

I've got a new configuration that I just came up with that seems to make it work. I just can't give up on this antenna. I might do a little video on it in the future.

[@WW5RM]

Yeah Ive done the same thing with my FT-817. Its tough to make phone contacts! Very tough! CW is your best bet. Even at 10watts on my FT-857 it can be a pain! But don't throw the MFJ antenna away! They great for RX only! =] But when conditions are right you can work the world on a wet noodle! We at at the bottom of the cycle and things will only get better. Hopefully! The thing Ive researched and learned with verticals is radials, radials, radials!! ( same as counterpoise ) The more the better! For me 4 is the bare min! But 16 is preferred. As far as gain goes its like most things in physics you need X4 to see significant difference. 4 is min, 8 is ok but 16 is better. 32 is better but rarely worth the effort. So it takes 64 to notice a difference. So unless its a permanent install 4-16 is manageable. But for permanent install I would be continuously adding radials over time. =] I read that shorter than 1/4 wave is ok too. But I'm sure it has a direct effect on SWR. If its a harmonic freq you might get lucky and radials cut for say 20M might work great on 40M or even 80M. Ive not tested it but the theory is more is better than one single 1/4 wave counterpoise. Also orienting them in a specific direction should give gain that direction. So if you learn a stations QTH pull them around to favor that direction. For example I was running 4 radials on my camper. I increased to 16 and signals went up almost 1 S unit! That was 40M during the day. But honestly jacking with radials is a pain!! Build a dipole, 88ft doublet, double bazooka or something better! Get a roll of 6lbs fishing string and a water bottle. Drink 3/4 of the water, tie string to top of bottle and toss it over a limb! String up antenna and enjoy! About the same effort and better gains I think. It just limits you to a place with trees nearby. Good luck! WW5RM

[@jimwood9841]

Brand new to Ham and purchased a Yeasu FT818ND just to learn radio and programming it. Seems like a good radio however, also got the MFJ1899 and it is not good. My HT gets better receive. What antenna would you recommend for QRP portable fun? Kinda looking for a multi band antenna just for ease of set up and use.

[@hamradiotube]

Hi Jim and welcome to amateur radio. I am a huge fan of End Fed Half Wave antennas for portable. You get 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. No tuner needed and they perform great. A good quality EFHW is a little hard to acquire as they are mostly made by small manufacturers but I would check out the PackTenna EFHW www.packtenna.com/store/p3/PackTenna_Mini_End-Fed_Half_Wave_Antenna_PRE-ORDER.html#/ The KM4ACK EFHW km4ack.square.site/product/49-1-efhw-antenna-kit/34?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false And the TennTennas EFHW, you just need to search Ebay for TennTennas. He posts new product every day at 5 pm central. If they are available you will see a link, if not, you will see nothing. Just keep checking back every day. You do need to add more wire to the PackTenna to make it resonant on 40 meters which will get you the other 3 bands. Otherwise it's just a stock 20 meter antenna. You also need to supply your own wire with the TennTennas. I like 26AWG Polystealth wire: www.amateurradiosupplies.com/category-s/218.htm or the 26AWG wire from Sotabeams. I like the high visibility yellow wire. www.sotabeams.co.uk/antenna-wire-lightweight-100m/

[@johnpeterson7264]

Great video. I wonder if this short vertical would benefit from an upgraded ground plane. Maybe salt water ?

[@hamradiotube]

Thats what I'm going to do next with this antenna. I think I'm gonna make a few more radials and see how it goes. Unfortunately theres not a lot of salt water in Michigan where I live though.

[@TheMedicbill]

John may be on to something. I’m active with Parks on the Air and I use a similar antenna for my activations. Each time I try from in-land locations I get horrible reports. What I started doing is operating from beaches and drop the counterpoise into the water. Since I started doing that, I’ve been getting great reports into Europe from NY.

[@KG5DGO]

Did you figure out how much wire you use for the counterpoise

[@joecowell2666]

I really want to see 100w used with the Chameleon CHA whip setup. I have the CHA EXT and top hat piece on my rig. I only use 5w and have good luck with it. I need to make a better counterpoise setup too. I have the 1899T too. I have made contacts from Nebraska to Canada with mine on 5w when conditions are good. I should start making vids. 73s

[@michaelbradley8508]

Great video - thank you. I'm a new HAM and I make a lot of mistakes - one of my mistakes was buying the 1899T before I saw your video. Your video confirmed everything for me. As a new HAM I thought I might have been doing something wrong. Could you do a video on developing a 'speaker wire antenna'? Is there such a thing as a multi-band speaker band antenna? Michael VA6XMB

[@hamradiotube]

Michael Bradley hi Michael check out Jerry’s channel KG6HQD. He’s where I learned how to make the speaker wire antenna. I’m at some point gonna make a linked dipole out of speaker wire so that would be multi band.

[@255-southcarolina8]

Hey Mike enjoyed the video I don't have my ham license yet but I would like to get involved in it talked on Lower Side 38 on CB for a long time most of my life love to make long distance contacts at least you made one contact but it wasn't what you wanted wanted to ask your advice if I was to get involved with ham radio what is the best portable unit to get handheld to make good contacts all over the United States

[@hamradiotube]

Hand held not too many options that I know of except for the Elecraft KX2 and KX3, as well as the Xiegu X5105 as they have an internal mic that you can use hand held if you want. Not really practical though. The Yaesu FT891 I'm using in this video is my main portable radio. Just not so much that antenna. Thats a whole different rabbit hole to go down, but I have a lot of other videos showing different portable antennas you can watch and decide what is best for you. Thanks for watching.

[@Lync512]

Thanks for making this, Was looking at this antenna for a bit but don't want to stick myself with a crap antenna which would hinder the entire system. (Learned lesson once on cheap gear failing at the worst possible time)

[@hamradiotube]

I'm still trying to get this antenna to work. I just don't want to give up on it. It is a giant compromise though. Look into a Wolf River Coils antenna. Or the Packtenna Mini or PackTenna Linked Dipole. Much better antennas. Glad I could save you! 73

[@Lync512]

@@hamradiotube I'm a college student so basically locked into having to do a portable station, don't really mind but turns into its own challenged to deal with. Looked good because of wide band coverage, portability and price... but if it won't make contacts easily best I look elsewhere

[@hamradiotube]

@@Lync512 Dude you can make an antenna for almost nothing out of speaker wire! Check out my "Portable with the KG6HQD speaker wire" video. Its only cut for 20m but does a really great job at it. You can make a dipole out of anything. If you have an external antenna tuner you can also just use a couple pieces of wire, one for the radiating element, one for the counterpoise, and tune several bands. Its obviously not like having a beam out there but it works, and thats the bottom line.

[@Lync512]

@@hamradiotube Oh nice! I'll check it out!

[@Lync512]

@@hamradiotube Thanks for the info and making these videos. Just subbed the channel! 73 -KE8GAH

[@terreldodd794]

I have used the 1899T on an old photo tripod with a couple of counterpoise for 20 and 40 meters. Since you are critical of the instructions for one error, maybe you should re-read the statement that is made that each counterpoise needs to be something less than a quarter wave. You stated you didn't remember how long your counterpoise wire were. I have recently made ssb phone contact as far as Baltimore from South Texas with the 1899T and an FT817ND. The antenna does work.

[@hamradiotube]

Hi Terrel, thanks for watching. I'm glad to see your having success with the antenna too. I do have the counterpoise cut properly for 20 meters, I just wasn't sure the exact length when I made this video. Its been about a month and a half or so since I made it. I actually hooked the antenna and counterpoise up to my analyzer and got good swr and 50(ish) ohms so I know that part is working right. A couple people have told me they use it on a tripod with better success, although that does take away from the small form factor that drew me to this antenna. I'm not giving up on it though since I'm $80 into it now! I'm gonna mess around with some different lengths and quantities of counterpoise wires to see if that helps. 73.

[@terreldodd794]

Try it more than once. May have just been band conditions. I also use and end fed on a 12 meter Spiderpole but when I want to set up quick I tend to use the 1899T.

[@hamradiotube]

Oh for sure. I've used this antenna quite a few times, this wasn't the first. Like I said in the video this is the 3rd attempt at making a video on this. I love messing with antennas, thats one of my biggest enjoyments of this hobby. An end fed might be the next antenna I try to make. Looks like a cool project and they seem to work well.

[@chevyguy1128]

Nice video Mike from kc9cjc 73s

[@chevyguy1128]

I have the same radio

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks, I wish I could say the same for the antenna.

[@newYorkStories]

amazing video - front to back. But what's your secret with the audio recording? It's amazing!

[@jonthebru]

"You're in my noise level." An honest review!

[@johnfair4047]

I see that you have two remote power supplies listed in your video. Do both batteries work with the FT-891?

[@hamradiotube]

I assume you are talking about the Bioenno batteries. Yes they both work, but I would recommend the 20AH for this radio.

[@robertdemartino2572]

Hi K8MRD great video. I didn't know you can connect radials to the radio, thanks. 73 kk4qyn

[@zanado11]

Nice Job, Mike. 73 Roger W8RLP

[@schnitznschnatzn]

Next time you're in NC I'll buy you a proper beer, dude! :)

[@hamradiotube]

I don't normally drink that type of swill. I didn't even finish the 24 pack all week.

[@schnitznschnatzn]

It's better than nothing :) Btw, I picked up an FT-891 last Friday. What an awesome rig. I'll blame you if I get in trouble with the wife.

[@hamradiotube]

Schnitzn Schnatzn Awesome man congrats!! You’ll love it.

[@schnitznschnatzn]

It was either the 818 or this. I'm glad I went with the 891. It seems to be happy with a 3S LiPo battery for portable operations. My old IC-7000 was always cranky when I fed her 11 or less volts. This is NF2O, Frank here btw.

[@pauloost59]

Is that 5% alcohol high or low , cause where I'm from, all beer is 5% or higher Thanks for the do not buy guide...🤘🏻😎

[@markh1938]

Have you been satisfied with 891? I pulled the trigger yesterday and bought truck cap and plan on doing some winter boondock truck camping and do portable and pota looking for radio

[@hamradiotube]

Absolutely. I love it. Still my main portable radio. I've got a 7300 for the shack. Still the best radio on the market for portable in my opinion.

[@markh1938]

Just got 7300 three weeks ago, loving that so far.

[@LAWUFO]

Hey Mike! If I purchase the Yaesu 891T , what antenna would you recommend? Thanks......Rich ( Pembroke Pines, FL)

[@hamradiotube]

I'm very partial to the PackTenna EFHW or the DX Commander Expedition. Depends on what you want to do with it though. Those are more portable antennas, which is what I do 99.9% of the time.

[@99corncob]

It's really nice to see an unequivocal judgment like this in a product review video. Congratulations.

[@hamradiotube]

I appreciate that!

[@pulponair]

What a great environment

[@hamradiotube]

Absolutely beautiful. Too bad my dad sold it.

[@pulponair]

@@hamradiotube yes really too bad :(

[@MyTube4Utoo]

It's not quite as portable, but get an MFJ-347, two whips for each band you wanna work, stick it on a piece of PVC, and enjoy. String it up in a tree by a light line tied to one of the whips, and no PVC is necessary, and you'll be vertical instead of horizontal. It can be deployed about as quickly as you did there. The only 'problem' is, when you wanna change bands you have to remove both whips and put two different ones on. If you don't wanna do that, get MFJ's 'Octopus,' and you can work up to four bands without changing anything.

[@Scraws]

Good video showing that antenna. -n8xrv

[@larrykp4ln304]

Greetings, excellent informative video and advice. Where can I get the antenna

[@hamradiotube]

Wow you really want one?? I got if MFJ.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

What a great QSO! Jamaica to the rescue!!

[@ianstevenson4179]

Balancing the radio in that way made me cringe so easy to knock it off, but great video I have the FT891 and you give me inspiration to go portable

[@hamradiotube]

Nah it was fine. Gotta live on the edge from time to time. Hope you get out portable soon. It's a lot of fun. Just get a better antenna than this one.

[@TechGearJunkie]

Icehouse...they still make that stuff? Maybe I'll get one while my video renders. Nice video, nice place!

[@hamradiotube]

TechGear Junkie Yeah I was shocked to see it at the store too. Figured why not? Thanks for watching!

[@nivid01]

I would use a Diamond magnetic mount and attach it to the metal case of the radio and have a 200-300mm coax pig-tail connected to your radio. That would make the antenna very sturdy as opposed to it being very fragile and wobbly the way you have done it. Alternatively, you attach the antenna to that gorilla grip, again with a pig-tail coax setup, so u can attach the antenna say, to the handrail, so it is more sturdy.

[@hamradiotube]

That’s not a bad idea with the mag mount. I’ve made a configuration that allows me to use a little tripod and everything connects to it from a metal bracket I made.

[@ryanleathers9025]

I humbly suggest that antenna location matters. Just as you would want to get good height to get the best result from your dipole, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of this vertical in order to get the best out of it. By design, its going to have a low take off angle. Running this antenna on the beach is going to work out way better than running it on sloped ground surrounded by mountains. I don't mean to say that this is some super antenna - I have one too and its not my go to choice - but I do think you will be happier with it if you use it on terrain that favors its design.

[@hamradiotube]

Absolutely location matters. I was just hopeful at the time I bought this, that it would be a great all band antenna (even though I knew it would not, wishful thinking got the best of me). I have since configured it differently and have it on a little camera tripod with 3 counterpoise wires hooked up to a power pole (of course). I haven't used it much but I have made a few contacts with it. At some point I may do a follow up to this video because as much as I know this is not a good antenna at all, I just can't seem to let it go. I still carry it with me in my go bag just because, but if you watch more of my videos you will find I have found some absolutely fantastic, small, light weight, and extremely effective portable antennas. Thanks so much for watching, and I appreciate your input. 73

[@o2bnov0307]

What a small world. I used to live in Richmond, VA! Currently, watching from Italy.

[@hamradiotube]

I loved Richmond.

[@tomKZ8TOM]

Great!

[@franklyre]

Fun video....I’d be afraid the leverage from that antenna might damage the connection in the back of the radio

[@hamradiotube]

Nah it’s super light. The antenna will damage your ability to make consistent contacts though lol.

[@paulaubuchon2336]

What is the lenght of the 2 counter poise wires approximately??

[@hamradiotube]

Oh gosh, this was a couple years ago but I think I had 2 about 15 feet each maybe?? I honestly don't remember. I know the instructions were a bit off though.

[@techiefan1986]

You got a nice sized yard and tall home, you need to put up some full sized wire dipoles and really get out..

[@jgiercyk]

Mike....I loved the video. I was wondering about your counterpoise.....in the crappy directions that you threw away, it indicates that the counterpoise should be 180/Freq MHz That seems to be the magic formula. Did your counterpoise measure 12.6 feet, or was it an arbitrary length. I'm not saying that using their formula will magically make the antenna work, but to be fair you've got to follow their recommendation.....then you can call it crap with confidence. :)

[@hamradiotube]

I honestly don't even remember. I know I did follow a few different instructions. I've honestly given up on this antenna. I attached it to a tripod even and had some solid ft8 signals coming in and still couldn't work anyone. I'm gonna stick with my Wolf River Coil for multi band portable ops for the time being. And trust me, just because this is the only video you see me using this antenna, it is not the only time I have experimented with it, so I can call it crap with confidence ;) I do thank you for the comment though, and hope that if you have this antenna, you have much better luck than me. Thanks for watching and 73!

[@hamradiotube]

@@jgiercyk Don't worry, my dads fridge in the main house is stocked with Miller High Life. And I'm not kidding!

[@reidlanham2011]

I made myself 2 of those batteries for my radio. Where did you find the container?

[@hamradiotube]

Reid Lanham I got it at a store called Meijer. It was in the section that has all the home storage type containers.

[@reidlanham2011]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF Thanks!!

[@WW5RM]

Good job! Great idea! But don't toss it! Keep it for a RX antenna at least. I have a couple of the Opek 400 antennas. Mobile version. I put them on a tripod in a dipole configuration when I'm to far from a tree to attach my 88ft doublet to. They are the bare minimum ( longer than the MFJ-1899 too ). But a full size wire antenna between two trees is way better! Any antenna with a coil is a compromised antenna! At 20M its not to big a deal but drop below that and its a huge thing! Q factor of the inductor comes in to play big time! Running QRP you are at a disadvantage to begin with. So the antenna is your only hope at success! Unless you switch modes. Preferably to CW. =] WW5RM

[@hamradiotube]

I still keep it around in my go bag. I have configured it differently and have had some fairly good results. I do plan on making a video showing how I use it at some point. I set it up on a little tripod and have 3 counterpoise wires coming off it. Seems to help vs having it hooked up directly to the radio.

[@WW5RM]

@@hamradiotube yeah that's the best setup. It just requires so much more equipment. Anytime your body is in the near field I guess you call it not only effects SWR but you can get a burn too if you not careful! I attached my Opek 400 to my back pack and works pretty good but my 88 ft doublet always seems to out perform it. Sometimes while im hiking I will use the Opek 400 on my back pack to listen. FT-857 chews up my batts though. I have to force myself to not do that too! But its so nice to listen while I hike. I have a sunglass case on the shoulder strap of my back pack that holds the display of my FT-857. Works great but sucks when your batts are dead once you reach the summit! lol

[@baraaabbas]

Beer is good buddy!

[@stevepatterson2290]

I never tried this one but try the comet version ,my buddy has one and he has good luck in parks

[@hamradiotube]

Good to know. They are a little different but the principal behind them is the same. I should get mine out again one of these days.

[@flatout1001]

try the alpha 2.0 10-80 works well for qrp

[@r188ops8]

Hi Mike, I just received a MFJ-1899t from the US yesterday. Just been out to test it and first contact was into Italy (1345 miles) on 20 metres with FT-817 , 5/9 report back 👍🏻. I’ll email you the pics of how I set it all up if you like?

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I'd love to see how you are using it. You can get my email from QRZ. 73

[@r188ops8]

Hi Mike, pics on the way. I've been out today with RaDAR and got into Ukraine and Slovakia with it!

[@hamradiotube]

@@r188ops8 Thanks for the pics! Sounds like it works for some people ;)

[@r188ops8]

Not a problem, I must be one of the ‘lucky’ ones ;-) try it with the tape measure Mike 👍🏻

[@wd4ite95]

I know Dennis, KU4BB, Very nice gentleman. 73’s WD4ITE

[@hamradiotube]

Right on. Thanks for watching.

[@sandraabarca6029]

Ty for saving me $80 dollars. Think I will go with Endfed and 12m spiderpole🍺😂🎙👍 73.

[@hamradiotube]

I think a coat hanger stuck in the so239 would be more effective than this antenna ;). Lots of guys use the end feds with great success. Good luck!

[@mechanicandskills7215]

witch is cool but why not go out in the open where you can receive from all angles and get away from that cabin ?

[@hamradiotube]

Simple answer. Because its farther away from the beer hihi! In all honesty though, I was just playing with that antenna in a different configuration in my front yard about an hour ago and was calling cq on FT8 for 25 minutes and got zero responses. SWR was flat as a pancake. Antenna was mounted on a tripod away from obstructions. It's just not a good antenna unfortunately.

[@unklewink]

One of my ex co-workers lives in the Lake Hiwassee area by the dam. Truly God's country.

[@hamradiotube]

It really is. Too bad my dad sold this place. I love it out there.

[@markbryson2635]

Fines Creek?? Good grief Haywood County. Grew up in that area.

[@hamradiotube]

Nice, its a beautiful area. Hopefully I'll be back at some point this year.

[@rodrickp43r30]

What battery are you using?

[@hamradiotube]

Its a 10 AH LiFePO4 made of 4 Headway 38120 cells and a 30 amp BMS. Here's a link to Julian, OH8STN's channel, with instructions on how to build it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHXSgqKMdpWbd8U

[@vk4foo]

Even though the 891 is like a little brick, it still makes me nervous to see it sitting on the railing.🥴 Cheers from FOO 😶 still roof topping in ROK.

[@hamradiotube]

you would really hate to see when I dropped it in the snow!

[@DominicMazoch]

For 20 to 6m, the MFJ telescoping whip might be better.