Doug, I am thankful to have found your video of the R5. I, too, have one of these antennas. I was given it as a gift back in 1993. It's been in storage for 20+ years, and, with my new nanovna, I'm going to see if I can put it back in service as a portable antenna. I remember a ham sharing that he broke his R5 down into sections, storing them in a rifle case, and bringing it on portable ops. You've given me some inspiration. TNX es 73 de David AE4LH
David, as I recall, what inspired me to buy the R5 was a DXpedition to the South Pole that I heard using one successfully. Mine has served me well. I use it mostly for 10-12-15 meters. It doesn’t usually compete with my wire antennas on 17 and 20. Mine has moved once. Back in 1998 when I moved, I took a sharpie and marked where I was going to slide it apart, approximately halfway. I transported it via trailer, in two pieces. I slid it back together up to the mark and installed it where it is now. It hasn’t failed me yet. I wonder if the DXpedition packed theirs in a rifle case? 73, Doug
I have had an R5 for many years, which I received as a gift from an OM twenty years ago. Compared to my Comet CHA 250, it was better received in DX transmissions, usually 1 sometimes 2 S points increments.
I had a R5 for many years only giving it to a friend last year when I bought my DX COMMANDER CLASSIC. I always thought the R5 was a good antenna. For around 12 years it was lying on the garage roof when I was away from the hobby. I stripped it down cleaned it up leaving the coils sealed, re lacquering the fiberglass section that fits into the mast. I put it back together and it worked great. My R5 was mounted on a pole 5 metres above the ground and worked well easy on the eye for the neighbours. I could not do comparison so I cant say what the difference would be between the R5 and the DXC, but I would think the R5 would have been better on 10m to12 m. Well worth picking one up if you can find one at the right price. Just make sure the ferrite cores have not broken down in the matching box.
Stephen, by R-5 has been exposed to UV rays for 27 years. I know I’m on borrowed time with the match box. I downloaded a guide for rebuilding it a few years ago. But so far, it just keeps working. I’m thankful for that. 73, Doug
Thanks for sharing Doug. My friend and I compare the signals we receive, and depending on the azimuth the signal may be coming from, I may pick him up or vice versa (more to that coming). We both run a similar antenna system, as both of us have loops, but his is over 320 Meters long, so he does receive signals my station can't begin to sniff. Still it is very interesting to compare different antenna's in the back yard. A few weeks back I built a 10 Meter vertical antenna, and enjoyed comparing it to my loop. It's a lot of fun for sure.
The R-5 is a great antenna. Had one in my "farm" for many years. Always enjoy your videos Doug. Currently, I'm running on a 6BTV. The thing with verticals is they are noisy HI HI and to defeat that, I added a Loop on the Ground (LoG) as a receive antenna. It's a 9:1 isolation transformer with 60 ft of wire laid out in a 15x15 ft square held down by lawn staples. I use the FTdx-101 using the LoG on the RANT and synced the two VFOs with the Vertical on the B VFO. Works great on 40 and 80M. I can receive well on 160 but I don't have the ability to XMT on that band... yet. Gotta escape from the HOA first HI HI
Hi Bob! Yes, I use diversity receive with the 5000. But I was on the FTdx10 when this opportunity presented itself. You’re right about verticals. Most atmospheric noise is vertically polarized, so the vertical drags it in. My antenna switch is close enough that I sometimes transmit in the antenna with the highest S-meter reading but receive on the antenna with the best S/N ratio. Quite often my ZS6BKW. 73, Doug
Yes, agreed Duog and once I move which is in work, I plan on having a few more options on the antenna front. I picked up a FTdx-10 a few months back and your series on that rig were helpful on the "Hints and Tricks" side of the coin. I just sold the FTdx-10 since I moved to the 101D. The FTdx-10 is a great rig and I strongly recommend it to any of the folks following you. BTW, found your call in my log; we worked back in 2019 on 2M simplex when you worked SOTA on Stone Mountain. Dropped a QSL card your way :) 73, Bob N1MHV
My noise floor is typically S5 to S6. It hits S9 on 80 and 160 meters. But I utilize all of the filtering and noise reduction features of my transceiver to minimize the noise. I already conducted the breaker test to isolate and eliminate the sources of noise from within my own home. If the power poles start arcing, I call the power company. They are obligated to correct the issue, though it sometimes takes a while for them to respond. Fortunately, the noise blanker helps. When the power pole noise gets to be too much for the noise blanker, I pull out the QRM Eliminator and let it cancel the noise. Noise is more of an issue these days, with all of the modern electronic devices we bring into our homes. 73, de N4HNH
He was saying how the Dingo (Asiatic Wolf) came down from north via New Guinea with nomadic migrants into Australia. This happened about 7000 years ago, some at odds with the establishment believe that nomadic people were the Aborigines who are related to Asian Indians. The established version is saying 40,000 years. As for the dingo there aren't many pure populations left they've crossed with stray K-9 and the worst traits of both breeds are evident in the majority of Dingo crosses, commonly known as wild dogs. These dogs decimate wild native animals like the Tassie Tiger was, however that's not how it became extinct. Sightings have also been made since it was declared extinct in captivity.
My Fritzel FD-4 makes a great antenna for Diversity Receive, since it is resonant on the 6, 10, 12, 17, 20, 40, and 80 meter bands. But, it also receives fairly well on 15, 30, and 60 meters. I can transmit on those bands if I use an antenna matching unit (antenna tuner). Since the FD-4 receives well on so many bands, I sometimes use it as the B receiver antenna for the FTdx5000MP, for Diversity Receive. When a signal fades on one antenna it usually comes up on the other. Listening with headphones I can hear the signal as it transitions from one ear to the other. That is one of the nice advantages of a dual-receive radio. 73, de N4HNH
It’s the Yaesu FTdx10. It has a direct DVI-D output for an external monitor. I made an entire series of videos about the FTdx10. Look in the FTdx10 playlist. 73, de N4HNH
BalUn Designs makes a 2.5:1 BalUn that is designed for a horizontal Delta Loop. It is model 25113. You should feed the antenna with coaxial cable, not ladder line. Use 247 feet of 14AWG wire if installing at less than 40 feet. Use 251 feet of 14AWG wire if installing at or above 40 feet. 73, Doug
Hi Steve! It was great working you. I was listening to you in a QSO and thought it would be a great opportunity to show the effectiveness of my R-5 and then you called CQ again. I happened to have the camera rolling. It was awesome! You were stronger and stronger after our QSO. I think I caught you as the propagation was just beginning. Thanks for the QSO mate! How did you discover the video? 73, de N4HNH
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Doug, I am thankful to have found your video of the R5. I, too, have one of these antennas. I was given it as a gift back in 1993. It's been in storage for 20+ years, and, with my new nanovna, I'm going to see if I can put it back in service as a portable antenna. I remember a ham sharing that he broke his R5 down into sections, storing them in a rifle case, and bringing it on portable ops. You've given me some inspiration. TNX es 73 de David AE4LH
David, as I recall, what inspired me to buy the R5 was a DXpedition to the South Pole that I heard using one successfully. Mine has served me well. I use it mostly for 10-12-15 meters. It doesn’t usually compete with my wire antennas on 17 and 20.
Mine has moved once. Back in 1998 when I moved, I took a sharpie and marked where I was going to slide it apart, approximately halfway. I transported it via trailer, in two pieces. I slid it back together up to the mark and installed it where it is now. It hasn’t failed me yet.
I wonder if the DXpedition packed theirs in a rifle case?
73, Doug
OO by the way Doug we used you info to set up the ftdx 10 here HI HI
Oh wow! Small world huh?
@@n4hnhradio cheek your email the one on QRZ you show them yes we got throw EQLS steve
I have had an R5 for many years, which I received as a gift from an OM twenty years ago. Compared to my Comet CHA 250, it was better received in DX transmissions, usually 1 sometimes 2 S points increments.
I’ve been very pleased with my R5, since 1995.
I had a R5 for many years only giving it to a friend last year when I bought my DX COMMANDER CLASSIC. I always thought the R5 was a good antenna. For around 12 years it was lying on the garage roof when I was away from the hobby. I stripped it down cleaned it up leaving the coils sealed, re lacquering the fiberglass section that fits into the mast. I put it back together and it worked great. My R5 was mounted on a pole 5 metres above the ground and worked well easy on the eye for the neighbours. I could not do comparison so I cant say what the difference would be between the R5 and the DXC, but I would think the R5 would have been better on 10m to12 m. Well worth picking one up if you can find one at the right price. Just make sure the ferrite cores have not broken down in the matching box.
Stephen, by R-5 has been exposed to UV rays for 27 years. I know I’m on borrowed time with the match box. I downloaded a guide for rebuilding it a few years ago. But so far, it just keeps working. I’m thankful for that.
73, Doug
Thanks for sharing Doug. My friend and I compare the signals we receive, and depending on the azimuth the signal may be coming from, I may pick him up or vice versa (more to that coming). We both run a similar antenna system, as both of us have loops, but his is over 320 Meters long, so he does receive signals my station can't begin to sniff. Still it is very interesting to compare different antenna's in the back yard. A few weeks back I built a 10 Meter vertical antenna, and enjoyed comparing it to my loop. It's a lot of fun for sure.
An antenna farm is almost never finished. It is too much fun to experiment with new ideas.
73, de N4HNH
The R-5 is a great antenna. Had one in my "farm" for many years. Always enjoy your videos Doug. Currently, I'm running on a 6BTV. The thing with verticals is they are noisy HI HI and to defeat that, I added a Loop on the Ground (LoG) as a receive antenna. It's a 9:1 isolation transformer with 60 ft of wire laid out in a 15x15 ft square held down by lawn staples. I use the FTdx-101 using the LoG on the RANT and synced the two VFOs with the Vertical on the B VFO. Works great on 40 and 80M. I can receive well on 160 but I don't have the ability to XMT on that band... yet. Gotta escape from the HOA first HI HI
Hi Bob! Yes, I use diversity receive with the 5000. But I was on the FTdx10 when this opportunity presented itself. You’re right about verticals. Most atmospheric noise is vertically polarized, so the vertical drags it in. My antenna switch is close enough that I sometimes transmit in the antenna with the highest S-meter reading but receive on the antenna with the best S/N ratio. Quite often my ZS6BKW.
73, Doug
Yes, agreed Duog and once I move which is in work, I plan on having a few more options on the antenna front. I picked up a FTdx-10 a few months back and your series on that rig were helpful on the "Hints and Tricks" side of the coin. I just sold the FTdx-10 since I moved to the 101D. The FTdx-10 is a great rig and I strongly recommend it to any of the folks following you. BTW, found your call in my log; we worked back in 2019 on 2M simplex when you worked SOTA on Stone Mountain. Dropped a QSL card your way :)
73, Bob N1MHV
Thanks for the SOTA chase, Bob! I look forward to the QSL card.
73, Doug
I just wish I had your low noise floor...s7 minimum on all bands here...nice contact and well done.
My noise floor is typically S5 to S6. It hits S9 on 80 and 160 meters. But I utilize all of the filtering and noise reduction features of my transceiver to minimize the noise.
I already conducted the breaker test to isolate and eliminate the sources of noise from within my own home. If the power poles start arcing, I call the power company. They are obligated to correct the issue, though it sometimes takes a while for them to respond. Fortunately, the noise blanker helps. When the power pole noise gets to be too much for the noise blanker, I pull out the QRM Eliminator and let it cancel the noise.
Noise is more of an issue these days, with all of the modern electronic devices we bring into our homes.
73, de N4HNH
That was cool.
I’m glad you liked it. Impromptu contact while shooting a video.
73, de N4HNH
He was saying how the Dingo (Asiatic Wolf) came down from north via New Guinea with nomadic migrants into Australia. This happened about 7000 years ago, some at odds with the establishment believe that nomadic people were the Aborigines who are related to Asian Indians. The established version is saying 40,000 years. As for the dingo there aren't many pure populations left they've crossed with stray K-9 and the worst traits of both breeds are evident in the majority of Dingo crosses, commonly known as wild dogs. These dogs decimate wild native animals like the Tassie Tiger was, however that's not how it became extinct. Sightings have also been made since it was declared extinct in captivity.
totally agree, not just one antenna is best. I miss my OMTA ( Offset Multiband Trapless Antenna)
My Fritzel FD-4 makes a great antenna for Diversity Receive, since it is resonant on the 6, 10, 12, 17, 20, 40, and 80 meter bands. But, it also receives fairly well on 15, 30, and 60 meters. I can transmit on those bands if I use an antenna matching unit (antenna tuner). Since the FD-4 receives well on so many bands, I sometimes use it as the B receiver antenna for the FTdx5000MP, for Diversity Receive. When a signal fades on one antenna it usually comes up on the other. Listening with headphones I can hear the signal as it transitions from one ear to the other. That is one of the nice advantages of a dual-receive radio.
73, de N4HNH
What is the radio screen we are viewing ?Very sharp and functional.
It’s the Yaesu FTdx10. It has a direct DVI-D output for an external monitor. I made an entire series of videos about the FTdx10. Look in the FTdx10 playlist.
73, de N4HNH
I need to rebuild the coil on my r 5. Back in 67 spent some time in that area of the world. Great content
What balun did you say to use on my loop
BalUn Designs makes a 2.5:1 BalUn that is designed for a horizontal Delta Loop. It is model 25113. You should feed the antenna with coaxial cable, not ladder line. Use 247 feet of 14AWG wire if installing at less than 40 feet. Use 251 feet of 14AWG wire if installing at or above 40 feet.
73, Doug
surprise hi Doug VK3 NFS LOL
Hi Steve! It was great working you. I was listening to you in a QSO and thought it would be a great opportunity to show the effectiveness of my R-5 and then you called CQ again. I happened to have the camera rolling. It was awesome! You were stronger and stronger after our QSO. I think I caught you as the propagation was just beginning. Thanks for the QSO mate!
How did you discover the video?
73, de N4HNH