Trying a tape measure HF vertical

[@thehamjazz]

G'day Peter, thanks for a great video. I've been using the tape measure antenna for several years now, and I couple it with 24 elevated radials of 8ft 9inches, which is roughly 2.7 meters... it is day in day out my best performing antenna. I can get it 1:1 on every band from 6 - 20 meters, and add a loading coil and no probs with 40 meters. I love being able to 'adjust the tape measure length for resonance' - really fun! Love your channel mate! Cheers, Simon

[@electronixTech]

Canadian amateur here. I was just thinking about your set up and the good results you were getting with the parallel network wires for a ground plane. I think Peter could get it working better if he tried something similar.

[@stevejonescriticalthought7633]

I have used a beach umbrella , works great , used the good ones with the metal ribs 73

[@derek45auto23]

I use 3 tape measures for ground radials on my Wolf River Coil antenna. works very well, easy to deploy, no tangles.

[@James_Bowie]

Good idea! 👍

[@TerminalElement]

I had ok success with a measuring tape and a 1:9 UNUN.

[@davidportch8837]

Useful experiment Peter...

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Good expirement Peter, thanks. I remember seeing retractable clotheslines and thought about replacing the cord with wire for a setup like this. However, I didn't bother because the weight of the whole thing seemed a bit pointless for portable as I can just wind the wire onto a piece of plastic. I have seen tape measures used as a quick way to setup multiple radials on the ground.

[@domestos54]

ThaNKS

[@LazloNQ]

I was looking at copper foil tape and wondering if that being taped onto the blade of a tape measure would help with conductivity. If it was fastened to or even inside a collapsible pvc mast, then the wind wouldn't whip the blade of the tape measure around so much and the mast could be tethered with cord - as simple as a hole with a knot inside to act as an anchor point. A little experimentation would allow for making marks on the pvc/cpvc pipe to position it for various bands.

[@vk3ye]

That could work but I doubt it's worth the trouble. The tape measure is being curved when its retracted so the flexing of the copper foil tape might break it. And would be hard to troubleshoot if it does. A collapsible PVC mast is far heavier than a fishing pole so I don't see the point unless you need something that is straighter when it's windy.

[@Hungry_Hunter]

Nice spy rig .

[@P-G-77]

Interesting !!

[@owenvinall9970]

Thanks for the video. Is it worth using your mini Antenna Tuner with the switches with it. Owen Vk5kov.

[@vk3ye]

Yes

[@Paul_VK3HN]

Guess it didn't measure up 😢

[@BronsonTheCat]

It goes the distance though!

[@Paul_VK3HN]

As a rule, I'd say its a flop ​@@BronsonTheCat

[@electronixTech]

He didn't do it right.

[@terrylay]

Vswr on ssb ?

[@josephmartinelli97]

👍