Just read in the latest ARRL Letter that was emailed to me that you won the "2020 Bill Leonard Professional Media Award for Video Reporting". It looks like they took a screenshot from this video presentation around (3:59) for your displayed picture in the ARRL Letter. Congratulations!
Great performing antenna. I still have mine but now mostly use the Chameleon MPAS Lite. The advantage of the MPAS is there is no tuning at all. I just extend the whip, layout some radials, and I’m done. I can change bands at will by just pushing the tune button on the radio. I never have to adjust the antenna at all from 160 through 6 m. Of course, you need a radio with an internal tuner. I use a Yaesu FT-710 and it works perfectly. There’s a big cost difference. The MPAS is over $300, but the convenience is worth it to me.
Thanks to you Josh and your wife Lea; with your podcasts, I was able to squeeze out my General. I have the Wolf River TIA and I works great. It is nice to have that portability and the ability with practice to dial in the perfect ratio. I used the IC7300 for its ease into the craft both phone and multiple digital platforms. Still drinking from the information firehose here in TX. Again THX & 73s
You take that contraption down to the water, mount it on a spike 5’ above the water, lay out two (2) elevated radials 5’ above the water, tune the sumbitch thru a 2’ coax jumper to your device for Minimum Reactance. The SWR will be 1.3 to 1. You slap the coax feedline on with a ferrite choke at the far end and operate the radio. You’ll pick up 20 dB in TX and RX signal strength compared to your setup.
Great job Josh as usual. You deserve that award ,congratulations. As a recent retiree I'm reconnecting with 2-way comms and you have been unbelievably helpful. Thanks. PS: get the quail, the eggs are great, care is easy and the kids will like em. Hi Leah😉
I have had this antenna for over a year and honestly had never used it much due to the difficulty of tuning. That changed when I purchased a used antenna analyzer from a fellow ham. Now I just set the frequency on the MFJ analyzer to my desired operating frequency and slide the coil adjustment until I see the swr dip and away you go. Plug into the radio, and you will be well within range of the built in tuner on most rigs. Very much worth carrying the analyzer along. My last pota activation was using this coil with the standard whip on a mag mount on top of my car and about 60 watts. Worked like a champ.
two nights ago on 40 meters with the SS17 and Wolf River Sporty Forty I managed to work 23 countries with it and my Kenwood TS-130SE at 50 watts ... great antenna !!!! de N2JNZ
Thanks for the video! Understand the limitations and operstion theory of this antenna, and it will serve you well! Also, great idea switching the radiating element to one which will radiate more efficiently on 40m with the coil. Another way to sometimes improve performance is to add the extension piece below the coil or to increase the number of radials.
I love my WRC. From my QTH in Georgia, I've reached Italy, Vancouver, Canada and the whole West Coast of the US and that's with my Xiegu G-90! I've even reached Brazil with my Icom IC 705! 8 not only.have the standard set up but I also have the Silver Bullet Mini, the two extensions and the Mega Pod so I have a lot of versatility to do many things and I could my 3 radials around 12" long small PVC pipes and it seems to work fine. Enjoy, because I definitely am
I have both, I like the super antenna because to me its easier to tune, the Wolf River Coil with that collar and the wire running to it there is a lot of fiddling with that to get the tune exact. On the other hand I like the wolf river coil in that since there is no sliding of the whole device like the super antenna your not changing the height so you can put guy lines on the top of it to stabilize a long extended element like the one Josh was using. Also when you get the super antenna extended a good bit out and have a long element I am always concerned that wind could snap it since you can't guy it (well you can but you would have to adjust the guy lines each time you changed bands) and it gets more wobbly as it extends out. Just my thoughts...
Thank you for all the work you do for the Ham radio family! How should I upgrade the Baofeng UV-5R plus that I just received for emergency backup ? Thanks , Mike
Great video! As a new B it’s great to see deployments. I’m considering the 705 but have a IC7100 that I’d like to use for deployment. I know it’s heavy compared to the 705 but I think I can put a kit together for under 15lbs and be very comfortable in a park or on a hike. Any thoughts?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I'm also curious what you think might be the better setup for getting started with SOTA/POTA, or for possible emcomm use: A coil/whip or a EFHW.
Thanks for the video. I am considering buying the SB 1000 Platinum TIA ($252 with the 'mega' tripod, >100 watt coil and 102" whip). Wolf River also sells a 213" (17.7-foot) whip for $50. Do you think that it would offer the same advantages that the Chameleon whip does? I tend to stay on 40 meters, but do bounce back and forth between FT8 and phone.
Hey Josh, thanks again for this video. Super helpful stuff! Could you kindly comment on that field antenna with the wrapped yellow wire on the left side at around 4:45? I am looking for a pocket size solution for my Tecsun PL-365 that allows me to listen to SW esp. 20m ssb and will connect to the 3,5mm antenna connector (with adapters of course) & also to use with my Nooelec Sdr stick, so both hyper mobile backpack EDC kind of scenarios to increase my reception capabilities beyond the standard included small whips. Thanks a lot!
I used different color permanent markers on the coil windings to denote the CW and SSB portion of each band. It drastically reduces tuning time. I may have to tweak the collar slightly to compensate for the environment I'm in, but the pre-marking makes tuning much easier. de K4NYM
Josh I have a similar setup and ran into issues... Wolf River Coil, SOTA (so small coil not big) but with the big tripod. 6x radials and the fold up super durable cha-mil foldable whip (it's about 10.5" long). I had issues getting a useable SWR on 20 and 40. When I toss on the WRC telescoping masts I got 1.2-1.5 easy but those things are fragile. Do you think the ridged nature coupled with shorty coil is preventing resonance? Would you recommend I try the cha-mil extender section? I just want something stout for emcomms and SOTA. I am totally unfamiliar with the telescoping whip you used.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks I am getting a Ft450D and setting up a TIA so I can take it along with the camper. Hoping I could set it up manually close enough for the built in tuner. Sounds like I should atleast run a SWR to start with . Antenna accessories could be a show... Thank you for the reply.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse dude, you didn't have to reply!! haha, love the channel and podcast. You were definitely one first ports of call in my journey to getting an Amateur Radio license. Keep up the good work!
What is the max power rating on these telescoping antennas? No info anywhere. Mfj, chameleon ss17, etc. Nobody is printing power rating. 100w at least i hope, i wanna get one
Congratulations on winning the “2020 Bill Leonard Professional Media Award for Video Reporting.”
Thank you!!
Yes. Congratulations. I just recommended your youtube channel to a co worker that is looking at getting licensed.
Just read in the latest ARRL Letter that was emailed to me that you won the "2020 Bill Leonard Professional Media Award for Video Reporting". It looks like they took a screenshot from this video presentation around (3:59) for your displayed picture in the ARRL Letter. Congratulations!
Great performing antenna. I still have mine but now mostly use the Chameleon MPAS Lite. The advantage of the MPAS is there is no tuning at all. I just extend the whip, layout some radials, and I’m done. I can change bands at will by just pushing the tune button on the radio. I never have to adjust the antenna at all from 160 through 6 m. Of course, you need a radio with an internal tuner. I use a Yaesu FT-710 and it works perfectly. There’s a big cost difference. The MPAS is over $300, but the convenience is worth it to me.
Thanks to you Josh and your wife Lea; with your podcasts, I was able to squeeze out my General. I have the Wolf River TIA and I works great. It is nice to have that portability and the ability with practice to dial in the perfect ratio. I used the IC7300 for its ease into the craft both phone and multiple digital platforms. Still drinking from the information firehose here in TX. Again THX & 73s
Congrats on your General!!
Wolf River also has a 17’ telescopic antenna, I have one and it works great.
You take that contraption down to the water, mount it on a spike 5’ above the water, lay out two (2) elevated radials 5’ above the water, tune the sumbitch thru a 2’ coax jumper to your device for Minimum Reactance. The SWR will be 1.3 to 1. You slap the coax feedline on with a ferrite choke at the far end and operate the radio. You’ll pick up 20 dB in TX and RX signal strength compared to your setup.
Looks like your WFD was a bit warmer than mine. Good vid. Thanks!
Great job Josh as usual. You deserve that award ,congratulations. As a recent retiree I'm reconnecting with 2-way comms and you have been unbelievably helpful. Thanks.
PS: get the quail, the eggs are great, care is easy and the kids will like em. Hi Leah😉
I like this recommendation! Looking into quail now!
I know where you are at - had some family spend a week at those condos near there...great spot as long as minimal people. Well done on the activation!
There were so few people out there! It was great!
#TNHR CONTINUES! Check it out: th-cam.com/play/PL01YuCls6edblur0-Gv7Xbv3bLuxLVGHb.html
I have had this antenna for over a year and honestly had never used it much due to the difficulty of tuning. That changed when I purchased a used antenna analyzer from a fellow ham. Now I just set the frequency on the MFJ analyzer to my desired operating frequency and slide the coil adjustment until I see the swr dip and away you go. Plug into the radio, and you will be well within range of the built in tuner on most rigs. Very much worth carrying the analyzer along. My last pota activation was using this coil with the standard whip on a mag mount on top of my car and about 60 watts. Worked like a champ.
YES! It is much easier tuning these antennas with an analyzer when possible! Hopefully one with the sweep screen as you used in your tuning!
Great tip on the whip!
Great job and congratulations on the award! Well deserved. Have a great day!
Nice setup there Josh, no wonder why hams rave about the wolf river.
Oh well, another goal to save up for!
It’s well priced too!
two nights ago on 40 meters with the SS17 and Wolf River Sporty Forty I managed to work 23 countries with it and my Kenwood TS-130SE at 50 watts ... great antenna !!!! de N2JNZ
Thanks for the video! Understand the limitations and operstion theory of this antenna, and it will serve you well! Also, great idea switching the radiating element to one which will radiate more efficiently on 40m with the coil. Another way to sometimes improve performance is to add the extension piece below the coil or to increase the number of radials.
Nice Josh! Man, you were in my backyard too! :P Enjoyed the live stream as well Sir! Keep up the great content, and inspiration for the new one!
I love my WRC. From my QTH in Georgia, I've reached Italy, Vancouver, Canada and the whole West Coast of the US and that's with my Xiegu G-90! I've even reached Brazil with my Icom IC 705! 8 not only.have the standard set up but I also have the Silver Bullet Mini, the two extensions and the Mega Pod so I have a lot of versatility to do many things and I could my 3 radials around 12" long small PVC pipes and it seems to work fine. Enjoy, because I definitely am
I used to fish off the pier at night in Oceanside good times back then.
Outstanding. I would have enjoyed learning more about the radials, though, e.g., how you attach, on ground vs elevated, etc.
Radials are in the kit. They’re placed on the ground.
I have a SuperAntenna which is similar to the Wolf River Coil and it works great
I have both, I like the super antenna because to me its easier to tune, the Wolf River Coil with that collar and the wire running to it there is a lot of fiddling with that to get the tune exact. On the other hand I like the wolf river coil in that since there is no sliding of the whole device like the super antenna your not changing the height so you can put guy lines on the top of it to stabilize a long extended element like the one Josh was using. Also when you get the super antenna extended a good bit out and have a long element I am always concerned that wind could snap it since you can't guy it (well you can but you would have to adjust the guy lines each time you changed bands) and it gets more wobbly as it extends out. Just my thoughts...
I use the WRC and I think it does a great job portable. Great video Josh! 73
Thanks for watching Brad!
Nice back yard Josh!!
Thanks Josh. Cool antenna. Longer whip, the better performance on 40 meters for sure! 73! de K5GTE.
I have the longer legs. It still blows over. I use three canvas bags, each containing 10#of BBs, to anchor the legs. Nice explanations.
I have been using the SuperAntenna...very similar to the Wolf. Works great!
Thanks for another good video. I enjoy all your videos, very informative.
I love my wolf river mini TIA! Fantastic paired up with my G90 for portable. - KD5QZG
Adding an antenna spring, like the ones they use with mobile antennas, may help with some of that wind loading.
Oh hey, that is a great idea too!
Your winter doesn't look like winter you lucky man! Haha nice video
"Rocks Unstable." Me too rocks, me too
Lol
This is an awesome setup...the wrc should be sold with the chameleon SS17!
Thank you for all the work you do for the Ham radio family! How should I upgrade the Baofeng UV-5R plus that I just received for emergency backup ? Thanks , Mike
I just got the wolf river silver bullet for my vehicle to get started in mobile hf.
Great video! As a new B it’s great to see deployments. I’m considering the 705 but have a IC7100 that I’d like to use for deployment. I know it’s heavy compared to the 705 but I think I can put a kit together for under 15lbs and be very comfortable in a park or on a hike. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Is the Chameleon whip of better quality than the MFJ options? Close to same length as the 1979
I’ll have to take a look.
This is gonna be good. Love my WRC!
Can you do a A/B video between this antenna and an EFHW at same time? Would love to see a wspr comparison or similar.
Not a bad idea!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I'm also curious what you think might be the better setup for getting started with SOTA/POTA, or for possible emcomm use: A coil/whip or a EFHW.
Thanks for the video. I am considering buying the SB 1000 Platinum TIA ($252 with the 'mega' tripod, >100 watt coil and 102" whip). Wolf River also sells a 213" (17.7-foot) whip for $50. Do you think that it would offer the same advantages that the Chameleon whip does? I tend to stay on 40 meters, but do bounce back and forth between FT8 and phone.
5:32 - I thought the live streams were on Saturdays :P
Maybe he was thinking of his podcast ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Josh have you tried the center loaded coil model? Just wonder your thoughts or comparisons.
Slick video!
Hey Josh, thanks again for this video. Super helpful stuff! Could you kindly comment on that field antenna with the wrapped yellow wire on the left side at around 4:45? I am looking for a pocket size solution for my Tecsun PL-365 that allows me to listen to SW esp. 20m ssb and will connect to the 3,5mm antenna connector (with adapters of course) & also to use with my Nooelec Sdr stick, so both hyper mobile backpack EDC kind of scenarios to increase my reception capabilities beyond the standard included small whips. Thanks a lot!
Just ordered one and a new 991A; do I need to be concerned about common mode?
I used different color permanent markers on the coil windings to denote the CW and SSB portion of each band. It drastically reduces tuning time. I may have to tweak the collar slightly to compensate for the environment I'm in, but the pre-marking makes tuning much easier. de K4NYM
Ordered mine march 30 and still not here think it’s lost oh well
Are the wire winders on Thingiverse?
Yes! And others that are similar.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Perfect, any chance of getting the Thingiverse ID / link if you liked that print?
can you add a link to those winders?
Josh I have a similar setup and ran into issues...
Wolf River Coil, SOTA (so small coil not big) but with the big tripod. 6x radials and the fold up super durable cha-mil foldable whip (it's about 10.5" long).
I had issues getting a useable SWR on 20 and 40. When I toss on the WRC telescoping masts I got 1.2-1.5 easy but those things are fragile. Do you think the ridged nature coupled with shorty coil is preventing resonance? Would you recommend I try the cha-mil extender section? I just want something stout for emcomms and SOTA. I am totally unfamiliar with the telescoping whip you used.
Is get an antenna analyzer tbh. That will make things easier.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I was using a Rig Expert stick 230. Just wasn't happy with that whip on it.
Is there a difference in chameleon and mfj whip?
What were you using for radials, how many, how long?
73. KJ7MKX
I believe he said he's using the 3 that came with the WRC, which are 33 feet each.
Yep. Just the stock radials. Only change was the whip.
Do you just adjust the antenna using the SWR in the transceiver?
Yes indeed. The fastest way is using an antenna analyzer.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks I am getting a Ft450D and setting up a TIA so I can take it along with the camper. Hoping I could set it up manually close enough for the built in tuner. Sounds like I should atleast run a SWR to start with . Antenna accessories could be a show... Thank you for the reply.
How many clicks down did you use for 40?
With the chameleon whip? About five.
are grammerly adverts there just to make us get TH-cam premium?!
Idk. Ads different for everyone.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse dude, you didn't have to reply!! haha, love the channel and podcast. You were definitely one first ports of call in my journey to getting an Amateur Radio license. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for watching watching grammerly ads! 😳
What is the max power rating on these telescoping antennas? No info anywhere. Mfj, chameleon ss17, etc. Nobody is printing power rating. 100w at least i hope, i wanna get one
I put 1300 watts through a Chameleon SS17. Go watch my Pota video with an AMP at the beach :D
Wow! Ok sweet thats the one im getting. Glad to hear it will take a full 100w with ease. Thank you for the help. 73