Wolf River Coil Antenna Tips & Modifications

[@snotrucker4416]

I bought the WRC mini an 213” whip can 24” legs. Only using the 3-33’ radials. Hooked to my Xiegu G90. From southwestern Pa. Have made contacts all over North an South America. Great antenna . On high windy days I setup in the edge of woods. Put up antenna in the branches so wind don’t blow it over. To windy then it’s the half wave end fed wire antenna. I highly recommend the WRC antenna for Pota. Thank & 73’s Greg KC3PMX

[@gsansoucie]

I forgot I already watched this video but it is so well organized and put together that I watched it again. I have a Buddipole deluxe now and like it, but I need something less klunky and more portable. I am going to go with the Wolf River Coils TIA and then blend my components to get the best of both worlds. Thanks for posting.

[@KB1HQS]

Glad to hear it worth watching again ;) Thanks for watching! 73

[@mdouble100]

I have the chameleon Mi-whip with extension as well as the 63-foot wire. These work well and I've used them very successfully but never attached to a car and certainly not while mobile. I've been looking at Wolf River Coils for use on the car but haven't yet got one. Your video has given me some ideas about how it might be used. I like the way you do your radials, very cool idea.

[@KB1HQS]

Glad you found the video useful. That is whole purpose of me sharing my experiences. Have fun and see you on the air. 73

[@americaswayout4489]

If radials are of interest try using measuring tapes from a tool store, very easy to rewind, just attach your ends and pull them out for length. 35 ft are just a few dollars on sale? Good ideas on the painting and whip length.

[@KB1HQS]

It's a good idea. I have messed with them before, but prefer wire radials instead. 73

[@Matt-zf7vz]

Solid video again. I have been using my WRC for 2 years now and works great - worked all Continents with it (17m 15m 20m) using the items originally supplied . Your mod ideas are great. I used a sharpie to mark the position of the slide to move the coil up and down removing the counting of clicks - my 8 year old daughter knows the lines and what band they are used for and has adjusted the coil many times - my future ham who is now learning CW ; ) Thanks for sharing. Hope to catch you again soon - SOTA / WWFF - 73 K9BBQ

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for all the contacts SOTA/POTA QSO's Matt! Good ideas on the coil movement and marking with a sharpie. 73

[@paulgarcia1566]

I'm interested in your DIY tripod plate. I wish you would have shown all sides and connections for it. I would like to make something similar.

[@KB1HQS]

Drop me an email via my QRZ.com page and I can fill you in.

[@johnroberts9332]

Hello, enjoyed the video. What is the model number of the Pelican Backpack and how well does it work for your portable operation. Thanks.

[@KB1HQS]

The pack is a U160 Urban Elite Camera Backpack by Pelican and I really only use it to store my radio and gear.

[@CraigSheppard]

Very slick radial system with the connectors and color coding. Thanks for making this video, you've got some great ideas there.

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks Craig, glad you liked it. 73

[@vrb1960]

Can you talk about tuning your coil when utilizing an elevated mount sometime.

[@KB1HQS]

Not much to share. The tuning coil is tuned using my analyzer and I elevate when possible to increase efficiency. If you have more questions, drop me an email. 73

[@CroPrepper]

Thanks for sharing. I have a maybe silly question: why do you have to elevate the coil?

[@KB1HQS]

Good question! antenna is more efficient when elevated. 73

[@TomSwango]

Is there any reason to purchase both the silver bullet 1000 and the mini. As best I can tell the mini does not cover 80 meters so it is small? PS love your videos

[@KB1HQS]

Good question. I originally bought the 1000 which was part of the portable kit (radials and mini tripod). Considering it's size (and weight when mounted on my car) and the fact I really don't operate below 30m, I then purchased the mini as it was lighter and more compact. I only use my mini at this point. 73

[@TomSwango]

Thank you

[@seanlehmann4235]

I’m new to ham radio and really appreciate your videos. Thank you.

[@KB1HQS]

Welcome to the hobby Sean and thanks for watching. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me www.kb1hqs.com

[@seanlehmann4235]

@@KB1HQS Thank you. I do have a question...I have a Yaesu FT70 that I am going to start with but I'm interested in SOTA. I have found a local Craigslist ad with an Icom 706MKIIG for sale and a Yaesu FT-817. Are these a good first radio to start QRP with, assuming they are in good condition, or are they too old and I would be better off starting with something newer? Thanks for your help.

[@KB1HQS]

@@seanlehmann4235 Good question. One that I can answer better via email than YT comments. Contact me via my website and I will be happy to help you out.

[@KB1HQS]

Got your message but no email address. Submitt your email so I can reply, thanks-

[@seanlehmann4235]

@@KB1HQS I sent you my email address. Thanks.

[@patrickmorrison3635]

I'm considering using the WRC 1000 on a Mag Mount on the vehicle roof. I use this setup with the 213" tele whip with no radials for quick 20m ops with good performance. using the WRC 1000 and 123" tele whip on a mag mount do you think radials will be needed? Thanks W1YTT 73

[@KB1HQS]

You can do it that way. Better to have the vehicle frame, etc bonded. 73

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

Everytime I go to the Duluth Superior hamfest I eye these coils up, have never bit the bullet yet on getting one

[@KB1HQS]

lol, if you are a vampire I could see why you avoid the silver bullet ;)

[@TomSwango]

How does the wolf river coil compare to the buddi stick? Love your videos. 73s Tom W1TWS

[@KB1HQS]

I have owned both and can say that the Wolf River was easier to tune and use in the field. That said, the Buddistick is a more polished product with the ability to configure it in many different ways. Either product is worthwhile.

[@TomSwango]

KB1HQS thank you for taking your time to help me 73s Tom W1TWS

[@KB1HQS]

@@TomSwango Your welcome.

[@rgfuller2]

Where did you get the tripod mount and attaching knob?

[@KB1HQS]

The tripod mount is a custom AL mount that I fabricated out of some AL stock. The attaching knob was picked up from the hardware store. You could also get it from McMaster Carr. 73

[@W8MJL]

Just seen your video and loved the ideas. K8MKL and I (W8MJL) bought WRC SOTA special for best portability this spring and love it, we've made multiple contacts to EU and Aussie land, even hit SO CAL on 5 watts on a Yaesu 891. I'm always looking to add to, and make my, kit more versatile so i'll be using some of your ideas. Thanks for the helpful info. 73 de W8MJL & K8MKL

[@KB1HQS]

Glad you found the info helpful. Nice job on the 5W QSO to Australia, way cool. 73

[@boblech4946]

Excellent video.IN about 2 weeks i'll be moving to Atlantic City,NJ a stones throw from the water.Since i will have excellent ground conductivity,will radials be required? Thank you BOB AF2DX

[@KB1HQS]

You will need radials to make it work correctly. If you have the time and space, elevated radials will work even better. Have fun with it! 73

[@kd4kzz]

What size banana plugs are you using and what tripod? Thanks love the videos. I ordered a wrc today

[@KB1HQS]

I used 2mm RC plugs that I got off of Amazon. They also work with the Packtenna antenna systems (where I originally got the idea from). Thanks for watching! 73

[@kd4kzz]

@@KB1HQS thanks

[@chuibacca9687]

Greetings, What are the specifications of the black extendable whip (make/model/length)? Thanks in advance.

[@KB1HQS]

You can buy them here: www.buddipole.com/lotewh.html

[@alvarogaitan2529]

fantastic tips thanks my friend from kb2uew

[@pathopkins4500]

Very nice usage and adaptation the the stock antenna system =) Thanks for sharing Stewart =)

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for watching and commenting Pat. It's all about sharing in the ham community. 73

[@pathopkins4500]

I tend to re-purpose things in a homebrew fashion and like the way Hams make things work to get out and radio in the field =) Much better than becoming appliance operator ..... that it not bad if you are a new HAM =)

[@JohnTarbox]

I really liked how you improved upon the "standard" configuration. In particular color coding the radials by band is a nice touch. For field day and e-comm, it would be great if all hams shared a color code so that parts could be interchangeable; do you mind sharing your coding scheme?

[@KB1HQS]

John, the color scheme I use is the following: 40m= Violet, 30m=Green, 20m=Yellow, 15m=orange,10m=red; the Packtenna dipole system uses yellow heat shrink on the 20m linked dipole element so I just expanded on that. 73

[@devinreese2481]

i know Im randomly asking but does anybody know a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my password. I would love any help you can give me!

[@kysonrayden8235]

@Devin Reese Instablaster ;)

[@devinreese2481]

@Kyson Rayden Thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@devinreese2481]

@Kyson Rayden it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass :D

[@ebreevephoto]

Hi Thanks for the video - I am just getting on to HF and just bought the WRC sota system. I am interested in getting it off the ground more, do you have any information on how you made the actual coax connection to your modified parts.

[@KB1HQS]

If you are referring to the flat AL base; the positive element is attached to the center coax conductor and isolated from the mount. The ground (braid) side is attached to the mount. If you need more clarification drop me an email. See QRZ for my address. 73

[@hobbiehobbs]

Great video thanks for posting it up.

[@MadDawg91108]

Great video.... I have the WRC "SOTA Special" antenna. I use it with the 3 supplied 31 foot counterpoise wires. Do you find the performance to be better with more than 3? I've only used the supplied tripod.... but I've been kicking around the idea of using a camera tripod. I've not had much time for sufficient testing of this antenna.....most of my time so far has been trying to get it to tune on 20 meters. I can tune 40 meters in with 3 scans of the analyzer but 20 has been a struggle. Have you had similar experiences?

[@KB1HQS]

If the antenna radials are on the ground, I add as many radials as I can. If elevated, I find 3 or 4 tuned radials work fine. I find on the SB Mini and my SS whip I have trouble tuning 40, and 20m can be touchy. If I use the black extendable whip everything tunes fine. I should note this is when it is on the car.

[@James_Bowie]

Thanks for those tips. 👍 BTW: Amazon shows that tripod carry bag as being currently unavailable.

[@KB1HQS]

Good to know!

[@BennyCFD]

Absolutely brilliant...................

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for the feedback! 73

[@RadioHamGuy]

Thanks for the tips, I just ordered the take it with you kit tonight. Great article in QST. 73..wd0akx

[@KB1HQS]

Your welcome WD0AKX, glad you found it useful! 73

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Stwar terrific review 73 from kb2uew

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for the feedback. 73

[@michaelbradley8508]

Great video... What length did you make the radials per frequency/band. Michael VA6XMB

[@KB1HQS]

Radials are around 25' in length. If elevated, then I use radials cut for the band I am using. 73

[@BradSnyder1]

Another great video Stuart! 73 KG5SDE

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for watching Brad, 73!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks teriific tips help me a lot 73 from kb2uew

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for watching! 73

[@richardstout620]

Always enjoy your videos Stuart .....KQ9H

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for watching Richard! Makes all the shooting, editing and uploading worth it knowing people actually enjoy the videos, lol. 73

[@decoeric]

Great Video! de K0EAP

[@KB1HQS]

Thanks for watching! 73