I made my order yesterday on this antenna yesterday and hopefully it will make to my door til the End of this Week. The IC-703 is a very sweet and fine working lil radio. I traded it for the IC-7200 cuz I want to have some more fire in the Wire. Nice video, keep up good work. 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter from the German Frontier
Thanks for checking out the video! Sadly, I haven't turned on a radio in quite some time. The German Frontier! I lived on Karlsruhe from 1985-1988 (Army) and I also lived in Wurzburg, Darmstadt, Kaiserslautern, Giessen and Mannheim as a child when my father was in the service! I loved Germany!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio This world is just so little. Meaning, we could have lived next door to each other without of ever noticed it. And then 20-30 years it all comes to the Table by a chance. Thx for subscribing to my channel, would be an honor to make contact to with you on air. Happy wednesday & 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter, DK5ONV
Reminds me of setting up my MFJ apartment antenna. It was before I had an analyzer or tuner. After many trips outside the house to tune the antenna I had it tuned. One of my first contacts with it was Cuba so I was happy until I started talking to South America, then I was hopping up and down happy.
I hear ya! That antenna analyzer is worth the $ for sure. Sometimes I wish I had saved up for the RigExpert AA-55ZOOM , but in all honesty, this works fine. Thanks for the comment!
I think your approach is sound, centre loaded and off the ground (higher if practical) I’d try adding another elevated tuned radial. Excellent idea using the electric fence post - think I’ll steal that idea. Sometimes selecting the correct band for the right time of day is just as important as using high power. You have the right ethos and experimentation is very rewarding. Thanks for posting as you give inspiration to many who are finding their way in this great hobby. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 73 de M0AZE MIke
Thanks! Actually, I received an email from the guy who designed/built that antenna and here is what he said-"I just watched your youtube video, little tweak place counterpoise on the ground not elevated. 1 turn on the coil = 1 section of the whip. It is possible to get swr to 1:2. mounting bracket will directly attach to camera tripod. Happy DX'ing 73 Bob n7wwk"
Okay thank you for sharing this great video hello from Atlanta Georgia your wife is doing a great job and doing the filming she's not shaking or moving around she's doing a great job
Awesome vid. Thanks! I also came up with a bargain basement vertical. It cost nothing. lol. thing is, it works like gangbusters, and covers 20, 15, 10 and 6 meters with only one aluminum tube and no traps at all. I called it my Michigan Cacti. Kinda looks like a cactus. lol. If you want to check it out, search on 'Michigan Cacti DIY 4-Band (free) Vertical Antenna'. Happy new year & 73 OM
It actually came with that! Not sure if it was planned, or the manufacturer got a deal on orange wire. I have not used this antenna since this video (shameful, I know). But the folks at Blue Star Antenna contacted to give me some tips, such as, keeping the antenna lower to the ground and just let the counterpoise run on the ground. I plan to revisit this antenna this summer. Thanks for the comment!
I like that antenna that would be great for my POTA activations! Right now I am using a 9:1 unun and 35.5 feet of 18 gauge wire for the radiating element and 26 feet of 18 gauge wire laying on the ground for a counterpoise. That worked well for me when I activated Babcock State Park a couple weeks ago. Juddie WD8WV
Hey brother! I've been wanting to take it out again, I've made some slight modifications..waiting on cooler weather. Did you make a video on that POTA?
Bargain Basement Ham Radio no I didn’t. I was so excited and looking forward to doing my activation I didn’t even think to crap my camera. I did post pictures on POTA’s FB page and I believe I did on my FB page, but I know you have given up on FB, so you may have not seen them. Juddie
Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video. Nice work! ...so "test" in the CW portions of the bands is usually understood to be an abbreviation for "contest" (as the man in the comments below is implying with his question, "What contest are you trying to work?") Even if it isn't assumed to mean "contest" it would not really beckon a CW Operator to reply because he/she would think you were testing your rig, key or SWR, etc. Therefore it would be better to simply call "CQ CQ DE K4SFC K4SFC K4SFC K" ...listen briefly and send again. Alternatively, look for a station calling CQ. If you want to improve at CW I would recommend both the Long Island CW Club and the CWA (CW Academy found at CWOps website). Enjoyed it! 73
Thanks! Yeah, I did this video a while back. I wanted to check the RBN and pretty sure I saw another OP, or read somewhere to send that string. At least I checked the freq and used my call sign. I didn't want anyone to respond actually, even now, I lack the confidence for using CW. I've made a few contacts, but still have the worry that I'll get sucked into a rag chew and end up embarrassed..hihi. I did join LICW club last month, I took the CWA Level one training. I just need to get on the air and use it. I appreciate the help and I'll refrain from using that method,
@@BargainBasementHamRadio Yes, CW is somehow more intimidating than "voice". People tend to call it "buck fever" (a term borrowed from hunting). In SSB it's called "mic fright". Best thing to remember is that when you call CQ the you sort of have the main control of the QSO and can end it first once gets too "deep". I found a lot of benefit from listening to an App for iPhone called Morse Mania. I have it send a QSO which sends the usual first 3 CW exchanges that usually precede a Rag Chew: Name, RST, QTH...rig, antenna, been a Ham for... WX, etc. I know that you are familiar with RufzXP and Morse Runner which is good for Contest practice where Call Signs come at you fast. The LICW Club I mentioned has weekly classes and "easy-does-it" rag chew type stuff but no rigid attendance is expected and you come and go to anything you want and when you want. It is great fun when it isn't taken too seriously. HPE CU AGN SN SK DE KY9I
I never had mic fright, but I def have the buck fever..lol! I'll check out that app. I have been practicing and listening to some code. I've been meaning to get on the air. I really do appreciate all of this info!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio BTW, I could not find that "electric fence post" on Amazon... can you share a link for it perhaps? It is a good one and an excellent idea!
Nice compact antenna. Propagation has been pretty tough lately and compromise antennas (which is what portable operating is all about) will be challenging. But that’s half the fun! 73 de K2CJB
So true. I was (am) still fairly new to the hobby and was trying to buy, or make all the antennas...lol. I have not used this one since this video....shameful.
No contest. On SSB I was just trying to see if I could make a contact. When I switched to CW, I was sending "Test" call sign and I planned to check the RBN to see if I was being heard. I'm still lacking in the confidence area to get into a QSO on CW...I've made a few, but man were they nerve racking. I actually want to use CW more than SSB, but I just can't seem to get in enough practice so I can build up some confidence....kind of counter intuitive, huh?
But if you are not hearing any stations, then Eric KJ4YZI recommends simply calling CQ. If that doesn't work, then your antenna is most likely not radiating properly.
Here is a link to a reasonably priced electric fence post which one can buy one at a time from Rural King. I could not find them on Amazon or eBay. www.ruralking.com/4-black-poly-step-in-electric-fence-post
I made my order yesterday on this antenna yesterday and hopefully it will make to my door til the End of this Week. The IC-703 is a very sweet and fine working lil radio. I traded it for the IC-7200 cuz I want to have some more fire in the Wire. Nice video, keep up good work. 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter from the German Frontier
Thanks for checking out the video! Sadly, I haven't turned on a radio in quite some time. The German Frontier! I lived on Karlsruhe from 1985-1988 (Army) and I also lived in Wurzburg, Darmstadt, Kaiserslautern, Giessen and Mannheim as a child when my father was in the service! I loved Germany!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio This world is just so little. Meaning, we could have lived next door to each other without of ever noticed it. And then 20-30 years it all comes to the Table by a chance.
Thx for subscribing to my channel, would be an honor to make contact to with you on air.
Happy wednesday & 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter, DK5ONV
Reminds me of setting up my MFJ apartment antenna. It was before I had an analyzer or tuner. After many trips outside the house to tune the antenna I had it tuned. One of my first contacts with it was Cuba so I was happy until I started talking to South America, then I was hopping up and down happy.
I hear ya! That antenna analyzer is worth the $ for sure. Sometimes I wish I had saved up for the RigExpert AA-55ZOOM , but in all honesty, this works fine. Thanks for the comment!
I think your approach is sound, centre loaded and off the ground (higher if practical) I’d try adding another elevated tuned radial. Excellent idea using the electric fence post - think I’ll steal that idea. Sometimes selecting the correct band for the right time of day is just as important as using high power. You have the right ethos and experimentation is very rewarding. Thanks for posting as you give inspiration to many who are finding their way in this great hobby. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 73 de M0AZE MIke
Thanks! Actually, I received an email from the guy who designed/built that antenna and here is what he said-"I just watched your youtube video, little tweak place counterpoise on the ground not elevated. 1 turn on the coil = 1 section of the whip. It is possible to get swr to 1:2. mounting bracket will directly attach to camera tripod. Happy DX'ing 73 Bob n7wwk"
Amazing,thanks you
Okay thank you for sharing this great video hello from Atlanta Georgia your wife is doing a great job and doing the filming she's not shaking or moving around she's doing a great job
Thank you! I will be using it again soon, I hope!
Awesome vid. Thanks! I also came up with a bargain basement vertical. It cost nothing. lol. thing is, it works like gangbusters, and covers 20, 15, 10 and 6 meters with only one aluminum tube and no traps at all. I called it my Michigan Cacti. Kinda looks like a cactus. lol. If you want to check it out, search on 'Michigan Cacti DIY 4-Band (free) Vertical Antenna'. Happy new year & 73 OM
Fence post.....Great idea ! Enjoyed your video. I also still have my IC 703+ and just can't part with it. Great little QRP radio.
Barry, KU3X
Thanks! I'm still a bit "green" but I really enjoy it. Still struggling with the CW, but at least I am giving it a try!
Great idea.... orange counterpoise. You can SEE it before you trip over it. Why do all other counterpoises come in black?
It actually came with that! Not sure if it was planned, or the manufacturer got a deal on orange wire. I have not used this antenna since this video (shameful, I know). But the folks at Blue Star Antenna contacted to give me some tips, such as, keeping the antenna lower to the ground and just let the counterpoise run on the ground. I plan to revisit this antenna this summer. Thanks for the comment!
I like that antenna that would be great for my POTA activations! Right now I am using a 9:1 unun and 35.5 feet of 18 gauge wire for the radiating element and 26 feet of 18 gauge wire laying on the ground for a counterpoise. That worked well for me when I activated Babcock State Park a couple weeks ago. Juddie WD8WV
Hey brother! I've been wanting to take it out again, I've made some slight modifications..waiting on cooler weather. Did you make a video on that POTA?
Bargain Basement Ham Radio no I didn’t. I was so excited and looking forward to doing my activation I didn’t even think to crap my camera. I did post pictures on POTA’s FB page and I believe I did on my FB page, but I know you have given up on FB, so you may have not seen them. Juddie
Bargain Basement Ham Radio my next one I will have to do a video and share. Juddie
Bargain Basement Ham Radio I have some pictures posted on my “Community” link on my TH-cam channel.
Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video. Nice work! ...so "test" in the CW portions of the bands is usually understood to be an abbreviation for "contest" (as the man in the comments below is implying with his question, "What contest are you trying to work?") Even if it isn't assumed to mean "contest" it would not really beckon a CW Operator to reply because he/she would think you were testing your rig, key or SWR, etc. Therefore it would be better to simply call "CQ CQ DE K4SFC K4SFC K4SFC K" ...listen briefly and send again. Alternatively, look for a station calling CQ. If you want to improve at CW I would recommend both the Long Island CW Club and the CWA (CW Academy found at CWOps website). Enjoyed it! 73
Thanks! Yeah, I did this video a while back. I wanted to check the RBN and pretty sure I saw another OP, or read somewhere to send that string. At least I checked the freq and used my call sign. I didn't want anyone to respond actually, even now, I lack the confidence for using CW. I've made a few contacts, but still have the worry that I'll get sucked into a rag chew and end up embarrassed..hihi. I did join LICW club last month, I took the CWA Level one training. I just need to get on the air and use it. I appreciate the help and I'll refrain from using that method,
@@BargainBasementHamRadio Yes, CW is somehow more intimidating than "voice". People tend to call it "buck fever" (a term borrowed from hunting). In SSB it's called "mic fright". Best thing to remember is that when you call CQ the you sort of have the main control of the QSO and can end it first once gets too "deep". I found a lot of benefit from listening to an App for iPhone called Morse Mania. I have it send a QSO which sends the usual first 3 CW exchanges that usually precede a Rag Chew: Name, RST, QTH...rig, antenna, been a Ham for... WX, etc. I know that you are familiar with RufzXP and Morse Runner which is good for Contest practice where Call Signs come at you fast. The LICW Club I mentioned has weekly classes and "easy-does-it" rag chew type stuff but no rigid attendance is expected and you come and go to anything you want and when you want. It is great fun when it isn't taken too seriously. HPE CU AGN SN SK DE KY9I
I never had mic fright, but I def have the buck fever..lol! I'll check out that app. I have been practicing and listening to some code. I've been meaning to get on the air. I really do appreciate all of this info!
@@BargainBasementHamRadio BTW, I could not find that "electric fence post" on Amazon... can you share a link for it perhaps? It is a good one and an excellent idea!
@@jasonbrambach6957 no problem. Here is the one I used- www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YIJTQC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I used parts from my Super Antenna, Buddipole and Wolf River to make one of these antennas.
Well that's pretty cool! That's what I love about this hobby, everyone shares what they do and what works!
I've been a ham for 35 yrs and I still have a band plan in front of me when I operate. LOL
I believe in reference material! Thanks for the comment!
Nice compact antenna. Propagation has been pretty tough lately and compromise antennas (which is what portable operating is all about) will be challenging. But that’s half the fun! 73 de K2CJB
So true. I was (am) still fairly new to the hobby and was trying to buy, or make all the antennas...lol. I have not used this one since this video....shameful.
Does the system become more efficient if the radials or the antenna base is elevated?
Have not tested that. The guy who made this told me later that the counterpoise needed to be on the ground and not elevated as I had it.
@@BargainBasementHamRadio Very good; thanks for the response. It does help.
Do you have a link to there web site
It appears that the website is long gone. You can check out his QRZ page, there might be some info there. His call sign is N7WWK, Robert Elder
Cool
any updates?
None yet....hopefully I'll get out with the radio gear more this year!
What contest were you trying to work? 73 KB8AMZ
No contest. On SSB I was just trying to see if I could make a contact. When I switched to CW, I was sending "Test" call sign and I planned to check the RBN to see if I was being heard. I'm still lacking in the confidence area to get into a QSO on CW...I've made a few, but man were they nerve racking. I actually want to use CW more than SSB, but I just can't seem to get in enough practice so I can build up some confidence....kind of counter intuitive, huh?
Your best chance of making a contact is always to try to reach stations you have heard. Calling CQ is not likely to get you a contact .
Thanks for the tip.
But if you are not hearing any stations, then Eric KJ4YZI recommends simply calling CQ. If that doesn't work, then your antenna is most likely not radiating properly.
Hamfests might have some..
Def a possibility.
Here is a link to a reasonably priced electric fence post which one can buy one at a time from Rural King. I could not find them on Amazon or eBay. www.ruralking.com/4-black-poly-step-in-electric-fence-post
Can't beat that price! How is the shipping?
Doesn't look like the antenna is still available... 😡
Sorry to hear that. Thanks for the comment, though.
Hello Friend! Thanks for the funny video! Like! 73
Thank you for watching!
Nice video. 73, George K2WO
Thanks for stopping by and for the comment!