As someone just now getting into HF. the idea of hitting Europe on 1W literally makes my eyes tear up (I come from struggling to hit my local repeater on 5W over 2M; HF, WOW!). Why is radio stuff so emotional? Connecting with humanity across vast distances is so powerful. Thank you for sharing!
This is very, very cool ! I enjoyed the location as much as seeing your antenna set up including the counter point in the salt water. The one watt contact in the Netherlands was amazing. WoW
Thank you for the information. I am heading to Hawaii this fall and thinking of taking my FT-891 and a EFHW radio to see what I can drum up. I appreciate this video and your time. Maurice N7NHS
@@Tantalicdavid I plan on doing a video about just the coil soon here in my local Portsmouth (USA) harbour. I really enjoyed using it today for the first time.
Some very valuable information Walt, thank you very much, hope to catch you on air sometime...I have been experimenting with antenna wires and counterpoises lately using my Xiegu G-90, and this information just ads so much to my setup...Thanks again Walt & Merry Christmas KI4TOL 73s
I can't wait for my vacation in a couple months heading for Gulf soon. can't wait to try out the salt water amplifier going to bring my g90 and my ft991a But great video as always walt 73's
I've used a similar setup (IC-705 @ 10W) with a MFJ 1979 (no coil though) and have worked VK from the UK during grayline from a beachside location.. With the right grounding system and at these locations you can work world-wide. All the best. I've order a MIL whip and coil for my setup as well (for when it's windier as the 1979 won't stand any amount of strong wind. 73s.
A great video on counter poise wires. Have you ever done a comparison using an 8 ft piece of aluminum screen. It would be interesting to see if there is a difference. Bob wa7ups
Awesome Walt, I built/copied the Slidewinder but here in North Dakota our bipolar weather is keeping me inside so it hasn't been tested yet, very anxious. Keep coming with the great videos. KE0IBA.
Uncle Walter, you are a true Genius. You make things work out and that's what I like. Looking forward for our next Contact on the Air. 73 de YFUG, the other portable Nerd from southwest Germany 💯🍻🙋♂
Have you thought of using uninsulated stainless steel wires for the counterpoise? They'd conduct to the wet sand and salt water with no rust. You might also find something stainless for the weight at the end. No rust, no bother.
Haha you’re psychic, I just ordered some 20 foot long bare copper ground straps to try out. Amazon delivery is today. Was thinking the same thing with the exposed material and conductivity
Good job with the setup and video! I am doing similar things but using my Hustler top loaded mobile antenna. Was using a very long metal tent stake to hold it up in the ground. Not sure how many radials I will end up with. I have a 160 Inverted L and have done some experimenting with radials on it. Does not take much to work quite good. I am in Williamsburg, but spent about 50 years hamming on the marsh in Hampton just across the harbor from you. 73 and keep up the good work, Don N4DJ
Thanks Don, I actually work not too far from you in Oyster Point. I’ve been scouting out some places on your side of the water to do some portable Ops after work. All the best and 73, Walt K4OGO
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I have been to York River State Park and the Colonial National Park. Also a great place at Yorktown just south of the beach/bridge area. Check out my antenna videos at th-cam.com/play/PLz0VTJrcB-AaXTlVNRAwxb-KFlG2pC9Ae.html. Not as good as yours but hopefully good info.
Hi Walt! Great video! I worked a couple of VKs last week on the beach with my EFHW Vertical (NO radials required!). I was 'cheating'...I was using my Icom 706 Mk2 G...a great portable rig...worth getting if you can find one second-hand. Best 73!
Great video could you tell me what bracket you are using for the earth rod ? Is it the truck mount and the 3/8 fixture from the slide winder bracket ? Thanks
The music was done by my son Allen Hudson he is a singer songwriter formerly with the band Court Street Company from our town Portsmouth, Virginia. He has a new band than just finished recording their first album called Allen Hudson and the Half Moons. Music will be released at the end of June. They are an alternative rock group: koji.to/allenhudsonandthehalfmoons Thanks for asking, I’m a proud pop!
Great video Walt. I have the same coil with a 28mhz Ampro antenna. Interesting how you set up the countapoise wires, I'll try that. Going to try beach radio next month from the west coast UK. You never know we might make contact. Good DX, Steve G7HUJ
Super impressive video. I’m new to the hobby so bear with my question. It looked like you were DXing on 15 Meters assuming the upper freq on your radio was the active one. So why was the coil necessary? Hayes
Great tips, thanks. I’m thinking about the xiegu x6100 and am working on my general. Do you think I could hit mainland US from Kauai with 5-10w or is the G90 a better first radio because of higher wattage?
I have hit New Zealand from Kauai with 5 watts so yes the mainland is absolutely possible at that wattage. I love my G90 but I also have a X5105 which has an internal battery like the X6100. That’s really nice when operating portable. You can’t go wrong with either radio.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Right - that’s what’s nice about it…although I have a battery for my VHF go box that could run the G90 if I went that route. I like the look of the x5105 and the x6100 appears to be the new version. I’m trying to avoid a desk unit if possible but that may be a mistake? I’m hoping 5-10w would be enough to get started. 100w sounds like a nice place to start with HF, but I’d prefer to keep the shack to a HF backpack + VHF/UHF go box if possible. Thoughts? Thanks again!
@@Andrew-dg7qm I have the Xiegu XPA125B 100 watt amplifier that I use with both the X5105 and G90 and to be honest with you the G90 at 20 watts really doesn’t need it. I worked Australia from my home this morning with just 20 watts on the G90 with my base vertical antenna. I’m seriously thinking about just selling the amp.
Great question, I’ve found the best connection point is on the outer metallic portion of the coax connector to the antenna or to the metal part the outer part of the coax is connected to as long as there is connectivity there. Hope this helps. 73, Walt K4OGO
Sir Walt 2 questions as I am new to this I have a super antenna m1 plus all the radials 4 in total how do you know which one to Place in the sea water as thay are all different lengths I mostly use 20meters question 2. Would the salt water destroy the radial in question.MM6HRZ thanks.
I'd be interested in how the rig did without the counterpoise setup. I mean you have the greatest grounding plane splashing right in front of you. That alone should get you a low take off angle for DX.
We were actually talking about this last weekend in the Coffee and Ham Radios show. Steve (Temporary Offline Ham Radio) suggested we make a contact and see the difference. That may happen soon. Thanks for watching! 73 Walt
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Though omnidirectional overall,the lobes of your radiation pattern become somewhat directional at that point,as noted in your video,which could be good or bad,depending on your targeted areas.Gray line propagation from east to west will also play into that equation.Thanks for the great videos.They are very informative for those interested in learning about Amateur Radio.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES thank you for your answer, i will watch this video "The Saltwater Amplifier", thank you for your videos, they are really interesting, Greetings from South of France
Awesome! Your best life Pro Tip is to measure Counterpoise in Meters not feet to improve conversations with Europeans. Sweet. Gonna try that tomorrow. lol.
As someone just now getting into HF. the idea of hitting Europe on 1W literally makes my eyes tear up (I come from struggling to hit my local repeater on 5W over 2M; HF, WOW!). Why is radio stuff so emotional? Connecting with humanity across vast distances is so powerful. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching and commenting. HF radio has such a magical feeling.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES it sure does!!
Thanks, Walt. I've never considered aiming the counterpoise, but I will now.
This is very, very cool ! I enjoyed the location as much as seeing your antenna set up including the counter point in the salt water. The one watt contact in the Netherlands was amazing. WoW
Thanks for watching!
Just got my slidewinder today so weather permitting will be on the beach tomorrow morning:) great video again walt 😊
Thanks Andy! You are going to enjoy that Slidewinder
Thank you for the information. I am heading to Hawaii this fall and thinking of taking my FT-891 and a EFHW radio to see what I can drum up. I appreciate this video and your time. Maurice N7NHS
Thanks for watching! I’ve operated portable in Kauai, it was a blast. You are going to have a great time with that FT-891 in Hawaii! 73, Walt K4OGO
Awesome Walt. I love portable operating at the beach. Great video buddy.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for the mention Walt.
Sorry I stumbled on the words. I love the coil!!!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks Walt it makes all the hard work designing it & producing them worth it.
@@Tantalicdavid I plan on doing a video about just the coil soon here in my local Portsmouth (USA) harbour. I really enjoyed using it today for the first time.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Looking forward to the upcoming video, I'm subscribed now to your channel.
@@Tantalicdavid It's a great coil. Really pleased with mine! 73 de M3KXZ
This vid just shows the importance of radials to assist with the reception. Fantastic, well done. 73
Thank you so much!
So cool! I just took up the hobby as a listener. BTW, greetings from Norfolk, VA
Awesome! Thanks for watching neighbor!
Awesome Walt! Nothing like that salt water ground plane. Another great video keep them coming. 73
Thanks! 73!
That’s too cool. I love activating from the beach.
Thanks for watching Mike!
Nice video, good explanation with the antenna and config, good Job. CD3VKL from Chile 🇨🇱
Thank you so much my friend!
Wow, that’s 10,ooo miles to Aus! I’m getting a G90 when I pass my general
Love my G90, worked Australia this weekend with it. For the price you can’t beat this transceiver!
Some very valuable information Walt, thank you very much, hope to catch you on air sometime...I have been experimenting with antenna wires and counterpoises lately using my Xiegu G-90, and this information just ads so much to my setup...Thanks again Walt & Merry Christmas KI4TOL 73s
Thank you and hope to catch you on the air soon! Merry Christmas! Walt
Nice job with the video, g90 fan checking in 👍
Thanks so much! Yes I love my G90!
I can't wait for my vacation in a couple months heading for Gulf soon. can't wait to try out the salt water amplifier going to bring my g90 and my ft991a
But great video as always walt 73's
Thank you so much Gene!
I love your videos. I use the G90 and love it.
Thanks! It’s an awesome radio!
I have the same coil and whip, great work getting Europe on 1w!
Thanks!
I've used a similar setup (IC-705 @ 10W) with a MFJ 1979 (no coil though) and have worked VK from the UK during grayline from a beachside location.. With the right grounding system and at these locations you can work world-wide. All the best. I've order a MIL whip and coil for my setup as well (for when it's windier as the 1979 won't stand any amount of strong wind. 73s.
Thanks for watching Adam! Yes beachside is the best! 73!
I bought a YPAK-12 antenna, I am waiting for the summer to make my first communications on this antenna 73
Great! 73 and good DX!
Walt, Well done...!!!!
Thank you!!!
Now that Walt, is some fun in the sun! 73, KF6IF
Yes it is! Thanks for watching! 73
A great video on counter poise wires.
Have you ever done a comparison using an 8 ft piece of aluminum screen.
It would be interesting to see if there is a difference.
Bob wa7ups
I get this question a lot, looks like I need to experiment.
Awesome Walt, I built/copied the Slidewinder but here in North Dakota our bipolar weather is keeping me inside so it hasn't been tested yet, very anxious. Keep coming with the great videos. KE0IBA.
Thanks so much! Summer is almost here!
Wow amazing. Great job.
Thank you sir!
Uncle Walter, you are a true Genius. You make things work out and that's what I like. Looking forward for our next Contact on the Air. 73 de YFUG, the other portable Nerd from southwest Germany 💯🍻🙋♂
Thanks Uncle G, I’m looking forward to that QSO too!
Good video! I am going to try this setup. What was the coil you were using? 🇺🇸
Have you thought of using uninsulated stainless steel wires for the counterpoise? They'd conduct to the wet sand and salt water with no rust. You might also find something stainless for the weight at the end. No rust, no bother.
Haha you’re psychic, I just ordered some 20 foot long bare copper ground straps to try out. Amazon delivery is today. Was thinking the same thing with the exposed material and conductivity
Good job with the setup and video! I am doing similar things but using my Hustler top loaded mobile antenna. Was using a very long metal tent stake to hold it up in the ground. Not sure how many radials I will end up with.
I have a 160 Inverted L and have done some experimenting with radials on it. Does not take much to work quite good. I am in Williamsburg, but spent about 50 years hamming on the marsh in Hampton just across the harbor from you.
73 and keep up the good work,
Don
N4DJ
Thanks Don, I actually work not too far from you in Oyster Point. I’ve been scouting out some places on your side of the water to do some portable Ops after work. All the best and 73, Walt K4OGO
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I have been to York River State Park and the Colonial National Park. Also a great place at Yorktown just south of the beach/bridge area. Check out my antenna videos at th-cam.com/play/PLz0VTJrcB-AaXTlVNRAwxb-KFlG2pC9Ae.html. Not as good as yours but hopefully good info.
@@dandypoint great stuff, I just subscribed. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Walt!
Great video!
I worked a couple of VKs last week on the beach with my EFHW Vertical (NO radials required!).
I was 'cheating'...I was using my Icom 706 Mk2 G...a great portable rig...worth getting if you can find one second-hand.
Best 73!
Thanks and congrats! 73
Great video could you tell me what bracket you are using for the earth rod ? Is it the truck mount and the 3/8 fixture from the slide winder bracket ? Thanks
Thanks! That is a Workman Double Groove CB Radio Antenna Mount W/ SO239, It's $10 USD on Amazon.
Walt, great video but i have got to ask you what is the music at the start of the video ???
The music was done by my son Allen Hudson he is a singer songwriter formerly with the band Court Street Company from our town Portsmouth, Virginia. He has a new band than just finished recording their first album called Allen Hudson and the Half Moons. Music will be released at the end of June. They are an alternative rock group: koji.to/allenhudsonandthehalfmoons Thanks for asking, I’m a proud pop!
I tried this, worked great 👍
Awesome! Thanks for update! 73 K4OGO
Great video. I am yet to get my first HF still can not decide which for all bands qrp sota.
Great reach with your system
Motters M7TRS 🇬🇧 73
Thanks for watching! 73 de K4OGO 🇺🇸
Great video Walt. I have the same coil with a 28mhz Ampro antenna. Interesting how you set up the countapoise wires, I'll try that. Going to try beach radio next month from the west coast UK. You never know we might make contact.
Good DX, Steve G7HUJ
Thanks! You’ll love operating on the beach.
Steve ditch the Ampro & get the Mil whip on that coil.
I worked VK from a Norfolk beach a few weeks ago about 0730 UK time with a simple MFJ-1979, 10W and 4 x 4.5m counterpoises. Good luck!
@@adambentley4334 that’s awesome! Greetings from Norfolk, Virginia USA! 73 de K4OGO
Super impressive video. I’m new to the hobby so bear with my question. It looked like you were DXing on 15 Meters assuming the upper freq on your radio was the active one. So why was the coil necessary?
Hayes
Great tips, thanks
Thanks for watching!
Great tips, thanks. I’m thinking about the xiegu x6100 and am working on my general. Do you think I could hit mainland US from Kauai with 5-10w or is the G90 a better first radio because of higher wattage?
I have hit New Zealand from Kauai with 5 watts so yes the mainland is absolutely possible at that wattage. I love my G90 but I also have a X5105 which has an internal battery like the X6100. That’s really nice when operating portable. You can’t go wrong with either radio.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Right - that’s what’s nice about it…although I have a battery for my VHF go box that could run the G90 if I went that route.
I like the look of the x5105 and the x6100 appears to be the new version. I’m trying to avoid a desk unit if possible but that may be a mistake? I’m hoping 5-10w would be enough to get started.
100w sounds like a nice place to start with HF, but I’d prefer to keep the shack to a HF backpack + VHF/UHF go box if possible. Thoughts? Thanks again!
@@Andrew-dg7qm I have the Xiegu XPA125B 100 watt amplifier that I use with both the X5105 and G90 and to be honest with you the G90 at 20 watts really doesn’t need it. I worked Australia from my home this morning with just 20 watts on the G90 with my base vertical antenna. I’m seriously thinking about just selling the amp.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES good to know. Thanks and 73. WH6GFK
I am curious.. Would single strand copper wires work better than braided speaker wires?
I really don’t think you would notice much difference but they possibly could.
I'm a newbie and have a question. Where should I install my counterpoise on the antenna if it's pole mounted above my roof? Thank you.
Great question, I’ve found the best connection point is on the outer metallic portion of the coax connector to the antenna or to the metal part the outer part of the coax is connected to as long as there is connectivity there. Hope this helps. 73, Walt K4OGO
Great video.. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Nice. I use the same radio when I am traveling. Great little radio. KE8PBT
Yes I love my G90
Sir Walt 2 questions as I am new to this I have a super antenna m1 plus all the radials 4 in total how do you know which one to Place in the sea water as thay are all different lengths I mostly use 20meters question 2. Would the salt water destroy the radial in question.MM6HRZ thanks.
Hello walt how long are your radials and counterpoise?
I typically cut mine 5 meters long
wow, that’s impressive!
Thanks for watching! 73 de K4OGO
Nice video - antenna combination same as I use on the beach! 73 de M3KXZ
Thanks! 73 K4OGO
I'd be interested in how the rig did without the counterpoise setup. I mean you have the greatest grounding plane splashing right in front of you. That alone should get you a low take off angle for DX.
We were actually talking about this last weekend in the Coffee and Ham Radios show. Steve (Temporary Offline Ham Radio) suggested we make a contact and see the difference. That may happen soon. Thanks for watching! 73 Walt
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Though omnidirectional overall,the lobes of your radiation pattern become somewhat directional at that point,as noted in your video,which could be good or bad,depending on your targeted areas.Gray line propagation from east to west will also play into that equation.Thanks for the great videos.They are very informative for those interested in learning about Amateur Radio.
@@redman840 thanks for watching and thanks for the input! 73 Walt K4OGO
Hi Walt, your counterpoise system in sea water is very interesting, does this system also work with soft water such as lake water?
No not at all, the salinity of salt water is the key. I recently did a video on “The Saltwater Amplifier” that explains this
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES thank you for your answer, i will watch this video "The Saltwater Amplifier", thank you for your videos, they are really interesting, Greetings from South of France
@@ARNAUDRC thank you so much my friend! 73
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES have you tried an antenna in pvc pipe, filled with salt water?
I wonder how it'd affect reception and transmission.
@@CL-ty6wp k haven’t but I’ve seen others do it
Bit warmer looking than Utska .
Haha yes it is!
Would 10m do well on that setup. KQ4HJU
Yes absolutely
Awesome! Your best life Pro Tip is to measure Counterpoise in Meters not feet to improve conversations with Europeans. Sweet. Gonna try that tomorrow. lol.
Haha thanks, Good luck!
And there are those that say "Life is too short for QRP."
Roger that!!!
Tnx
Thanks for watching!
Hi Walt. Am local in Chesapeake and do POTA and Beach QRP. De K8HU
Awesome 73 neighbor!
@COASTALWAVESWIRES >>> 👍👍
thanks, 73 IZ0EVA
Thanks for watching! 73 K4OGO