Bought that antenna from him about a month ago and MAN does it preform here at my QTH! Decades ago I built my 1st "Copper Cactus" and was thrilled with it's performance. Fast ford several decades and during moves somehow the Copper Cactus did not survive, I wanted another but saw that ordering the antenna from KB9VBR was low cost enough that I just ordered from him. Wow am I impressed and certain I made the right decision. It has resurrected my Winlink capabilities!
I have Michael's slim jim. For that, he says not to mount directly to a metal pole, but it is designed to clamp to a couple feet of PVC, then to a metal pole. And it does work great.
I built these as a young ham 30+ years ago and they are a really good antenna . My elmer used one with an old Azden VHF mobile for the local DX cluster when packet radio was all the rage . I like the idea of using a hose thread coupler to reduce the profile but I would forgo that if I was to build one for myself today. For a portable antenna I prefer a ground plane personally but if I had one of these to use I would roll with it without thinking twice. Thanks for featuring it and thanks for sharing !
Nice review Chuck! I have the same Comet analyzer and the free turning of the frequency knob drove me up the wall trying to fine tune the frequency, so here's what I did. Get some 1/8" thick (or slightly thinner) felt sheets at a Hobby Lobby or Michael's, and make some felt washers to fit on the shaft and under the knob, trail and error fit the number of and/or thickness of the felt until it adds just enough added friction/resistance to make it easier to tune more precisely . 73 KN6VMK
Here's a question for the J-Pole crowd, why is the coax centre feed on the matching stub 🤔 & not the longer radiating element? I've seen it done two different ways now. Which is best/proper? 73
Hi Chuck, Have seen Michael's antennas and have always thought they were of good quality. Michael had a live stream earlier where he was operating on 20 as W1AW/9. I was his first contact for the evening. Wonder how a J-Pole would work for the FM satellites if I put them at the top of my tower. Thinking of getting an FTM-300 for satellite work as it is full duplex. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U
The J-Pole works well for satellites and the ISS. A half wave antenna has a donut shaped uniform radiation pattern which is suitable for satellite operation. I've consistently copied SSTV images from the ISS with excellent clarity and made APRS beacons through their digipeater.
Bought that antenna from him about a month ago and MAN does it preform here at my QTH! Decades ago I built my 1st "Copper Cactus" and was thrilled with it's performance. Fast ford several decades and during moves somehow the Copper Cactus did not survive, I wanted another but saw that ordering the antenna from KB9VBR was low cost enough that I just ordered from him. Wow am I impressed and certain I made the right decision. It has resurrected my Winlink capabilities!
I LOVE my KB9VBR J-Pole it is AWESOME!!
Thanks for the review, Chuck. We're not on the road this weekend, so I'm looking forward to putting together the EFHW you sent me.
Great Michael, I just finished making more kits, so I am ready! Your antenna is fantastic!
Michael makes some good antennas. I’ve had one for over 7 years. 73!
I like the fact that the KB9VBR J-Pole breaks down into a manageable size. Great review!
Great job, Chuck I've heard good things about his antennas.
Nice job Chuck, fantastic antenna!
I have Michael's slim jim. For that, he says not to mount directly to a metal pole, but it is designed to clamp to a couple feet of PVC, then to a metal pole. And it does work great.
Yes, I think the whole slim jim is part of the antenna.
Nice looking antenna! Looks like he did a great job building them.
I built these as a young ham 30+ years ago and they are a really good antenna . My elmer used one with an old Azden VHF mobile for the local DX cluster when packet radio was all the rage . I like the idea of using a hose thread coupler to reduce the profile but I would forgo that if I was to build one for myself today. For a portable antenna I prefer a ground plane personally but if I had one of these to use I would roll with it without thinking twice. Thanks for featuring it and thanks for sharing !
Same. It was the first antenna I made as a Technician back in 2000, 23 years ago. I made a dual-bander.
Fabulous antenna. I have several models.
I have the 220 Jpole from KB9VBR. It's well made performs well. I'm the king of the 223.5 simplex net. 73.
I have one of his GMRS J poles. It is a great antenna and it doesn't break the bank. Luckily my location is pretty elevated. I have excellent range.
Great video and nice review of Micheal’s antennas. Good stuff 👍
He makes fabulous antennas.
have one it works great!
Now I need to order one of Michael’s j poles and a 991.
That would be a good combination I love my 991A!
Hey, that's what I have!!
I have one of his antenna, its great and the price was right too.
Nice review Chuck! I have the same Comet analyzer and the free turning of the frequency knob drove me up the wall trying to fine tune the frequency, so here's what I did. Get some 1/8" thick (or slightly thinner) felt sheets at a Hobby Lobby or Michael's, and make some felt washers to fit on the shaft and under the knob, trail and error fit the number of and/or thickness of the felt until it adds just enough added friction/resistance to make it easier to tune more precisely . 73 KN6VMK
Thank you , that's a great idea on the knob I will try it!
These are great antennas made by a great ham. I own two and the only description I can give is, they just work.
It is a great antenna; I use mine also on 70cm, decent performance. Birds like it too 😂
That's good to know about 70cm, thank you!
Hey Chuck! Nice video. Man, you really know how to spend my money, smh. It'll be on the trailer rack as soon as Michael sends it, lol. 73 de K0WHW.
146.910 is the Sonoma Mt repeater! Not bad!!
147.000 is K6MVR on Mt. Vaca
In case anyone isn't aware, KB9VBR Antennas also has a 6-meter J-pole. It's a monster, and I want one! Someday...
Here's a question for the J-Pole crowd, why is the coax centre feed on the matching stub 🤔 & not the longer radiating element? I've seen it done two different ways now. Which is best/proper?
73
Hi Chuck,
Have seen Michael's antennas and have always thought they were of good quality. Michael had a live stream earlier where he was operating on 20 as W1AW/9. I was his first contact for the evening. Wonder how a J-Pole would work for the FM satellites if I put them at the top of my tower. Thinking of getting an FTM-300 for satellite work as it is full duplex. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Good deal on the contact Don!
The J-Pole works well for satellites and the ISS. A half wave antenna has a donut shaped uniform radiation pattern which is suitable for satellite operation. I've consistently copied SSTV images from the ISS with excellent clarity and made APRS beacons through their digipeater.
Prices are great
How well would those J poles perform as a repeater antenna? Can they even be considered for this application?
I have an Ed fong under the Diamond and it performs better. Not sure what happened to their build quality
I need that antenna for my QTH but shipping will kill me. Lol
I may have to make one myself.😐
yea the short J-pole might still be expensive to your QTHJ,
i have one of his antennas it's been on my roof for 5 years it's almost black
I really enjoy your content, Chuck! Subbed! KD9MKO