You say this isn’t a special video. But it is! And here’s why. I’ve had a general class license for 4 years and STILL haven’t been on HF. I’m one of these people who worries that I must have the ‘right’ setup… to the point where I’m stuck in analysis paralysis, and I don’t even start. Your vids show that a simple radio like the G90 + a simple telescopic can yield some very tangible and impressive results. Thank you for what you do!
Lemme second the G90, particularly if you're on a budget. Is it the BEST radio, no. The FT-710, for example, is a better receiver. But it's a GOOD radio, and because of the built in antenna tuner, an extremely VERSATILE radio. Walt's issue getting through pileups highlights one of the G90's weaknesses -- 20W -- but lemme tell you, I have done a lot with just 20W. Get on the air, my friend. G90, 17' whip (Walt could have just shortened his, here, for example, or possibly just let the tuner get him to 10m with the whip the way it was!) or the new SS25 25' whip, or even just a length of wire jammed into the SO239 and another off the ground lug for counterpose, and you can work the world!
I know exactly what you mean, I have the G90 and the FT710 and still haven't been on either radio yet. Still trying to figure out the perfect 49:1 unun for an EFHW antenna... at least, that's the excuse I tell myself. More likely I am trying to work up the courage to get on the mic and not look like a complete idiot.
@@ko6ghy There's no "perfect" 49:1. The only difference is going to be how much power it can take. I have the Dually, which has the benefit of, as the name suggests, having a 49:1 on one side, and a 9:1 on the other, making it useful for either EFHW or EFRW with the same physical piece of equipment. Just measure out your wire, figure out how you're getting it up in the air, *bam*. I get analysis paralysis, and I've definitely had it, but...Just Do It, man! Remember, even if you're stumbling: we're all on the air because we WANT TO TALK TO PEOPLE. We always want more people to talk to.
Busting pileups - Even when mobile or QRP, I've had good luck being heard with this method: I wait one second or more after hearing "QRZ" before keying the mic in order to separate myself from the initial rush of all the fast talkers. Then I give my callsign using what I call the "radio DJ voice". I slow down slightly and put extra emphasis on the first syllable of each letter/number of my callsign. If that doesn't work, I change things up until it does. Make your callsign sound like an advertisement! Apparently, if you sound different than everyone else, you get noticed!
I'm proud of you Walt, admitting that 20 watts doesn't always work, when things aren't optimal, that extra 6db (one S-Unit) can make all the difference. 73 mike 🍺🍻
Wow, exactly what I went through and did this morning! Great video Walt! I started with the G90, had trouble with pile ups and switched to the QT80. While I've gotten all over the world on 20-watts, having that 80+ watts comes in handy. Your Advice on radios and antennas has made the difference in my making contacts. I did a plug for you in our radio club's monthly magazine. I do a column for HF beginners in our club and am sending them all to your channel for a headache free education. Thanks again for the video...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
Great video Walt. I was debating between the G90 and the 891 and ended up going with the 891 just to have the extra juice. Also got the CBL-561 antenna you recommended a few weeks ago. 73, Jim
Great fun Walt ! I am in Boston NY and that wing is COLD. has a bite to it. We got bunch of snow. like 5 ft from 2 storms and about 1/2 melted . Yes 10/11/12/15 meters wide open. CB is crazy ! CH 38 had the farm animals out . Girlfriend said they put a CB in the barn. DX commander put a CB in his car LOL . That comes in in the AM just after sunrise hear ! .I made a few UK contacts on CB . More on 10 meters. Just a 10 meter DX commander pole in the deep snow and a UNUN and wire. works great. I just threw the counterpoise wires in the snow. I got one of the drive over mast holders coming. Next the longer pole. Will be like FEB . Getting snow ready in NY is costly ! 73
2 brilliant radios, in reality 20w to 80w will give a 6dB increase, a solid S point on a good meter. It can and will make a difference. The same change as going from 5w to 20w. Great video Walt, regards Steve aka Enthusiast Steve 👍
Well, yes and no 😉. The fast changing band conditions especially on 10m can have more of an effect on our ability to make contacts, or “break into pile ups” than a 60 watt increase in power. (Remember, the received signal strength difference between 20w and 100w is only 1 S unit.) could you possibly make more contacts with 80 watts on any given day ? If you time the “delivery” of your call sign, yes ! But remember when you are trying to break into a pile up, you are up against stations running 1kw into multi element antennas, so timing and band conditions are everything. For 40 years I’ve never run more than 100w from my home or mobile station, and 5-20w portable, so I know it can be done, just some days the conditions are better than others. Keep up the good work 😃👍! 73 de Dan WD4DB
Agreed. I only run 50 watts mobile, SSB (FT-891/ATAS-120A on a triple magnet mount). I’m 77/100 to Mobile DXCC. Power is overrated. Conditions change enough that you never know how much power is going to make it. I’ve worked several different Slovenians over the years with as little as 5 watts mobile, also Poland, Germany (2.5w) and Switzerland. Sorry, Walt: I’m not convinced that 1 S unit was the difference but I appreciate your videos. I would have loved to see you dial the 80w radio to 20w and ask if there was a difference.
@@Dan-56 I’ve read the S-meter on many radios including Icom and Yaesu is calibrated to show 3 dB per S-unit, so a 4x power increase could read as 2 S-units. It’s common to focus more time and money on your radio when it’s the antenna and technique that can make the biggest difference. That’s part of what I love about Walt’s channel. Cheers!
I have the anytone 6666 pro which is essentially the same radio as the radioddity, used it for 2 months and i have to say its a fantastic little radio 👍👌 ive also got the G90 😉
Well done! I am 100% on your side “getting out there”. I definitely get that you are out of the elements in the jeep. Thanks for another great video. 73 KQ4IXD😊
My AT-6666 does 107-110W w/maxMod, tuner, And my G90 420W w/2pill & 100' wire & 49:1 Tons of filtering for the JKs electronics,bonding & DC-DC buck @ 13.7vdc even w/ignition off! 73!
Yep cold is a big problem and is keeping me from my shack. I need to get my act together and set up for mobile use - if my 15 year old car passes it's annual inspection this week I might just do so ( I have everything I need). If not it's a long wait until spring but it will be all the shorter watching you having fun in the interim Walt 73 M7BLC
Hi Walt, it’s been very cold down here in PA; but we don’t have the bone chilling cold that you experienced in this video with winds blowing over the water. You showed that contacts can be made regardless of the weather, in most cases. Thanks for what you do - look forward to each video with enthusiasm! Please take care to stay warm and don’t get a chill - you have to stay healthy for next month. 73 my friend. (🙏 Mrs) AC3EA 🇺🇸🌲
I have the same radio but before Radiodity got it and I guess specified different finals. Mine is an Anytone 6666 and is "only" 60 watts. It is in many ways a fabulous radio.
I would like to point out to those who like simplicity and qrp radios should give CW a try. A 5 watt cw signal is equal to a 230 watt SSB signal! CW depending on how it is calculated has a 14-18db advantage. Easier than ever to learn with all the computer tools we have available. Someone on SSB would have to be running 1000 watts to be as legible at the DX location as your G90 running 20 watts CW.
Great! I hope you can get on and hear 10 meters this coming weekend. It should be more activity that we have heard in a long time! Just give out 59 Rhode Island to everyone you work. The 17 foot whip can be used as a full size 10 meter quarter wave which is most likely better than the fire stick. It can also be used as a longer that 1/4 vertical on 10 meters. Like 3/8 wave or even an end fed halfwave. I don’t know if your tuner can tune it as a EFHW, but I am sure it will tune if you collapse the antenna a little and lower the Z a bit.
Hi Walt, I tried serval times the difference between my Xiegu G90 and my old first rig Kenwood ts480. From the 10 qso's i can make 3 extra with my kenwood. So not always is 100 watt the success to make it. Only the success to having fun🤣 Thanks for sharing how you spend your time in the cold car, enjoying the hobby immensely🥶💨💨 Good luck, and merry Xmas for later on with your wife, family and friends Ron, Pd3ron
I use 80 watts most of the time. Why? Because true QRP 5 watts or less regardless of mode is what true QRP is. With 5 times 2 is 10, 10 times is 20 or basically 1 S-Unit. 20 times 2 is 40, 40 times 2 is 80 or basically another S-Unit. Anymore than 80 watts is a waste of power. So I see why that QT80 came in where it did. The only thing 100 watts may be good for is a slight advantage of a little extra average talk power. Not sure what size battery you’re running with the G90 but I’m sure it would’ve worth with the other radio as well. I just recently ordered a 100 aH battery to pair with my IC-7100 because 20 aH isn’t cutting it any more with me doing most of my operations being run from the car during the cold months. Another great video Walt!
Hey Walt, you've been courageous to go portable in this weather, thanks for sharing these moments with us. Storm Darragh was upon us all week-end long here so I gave up radio for the first time in many weeks. Too much rain and wind. I do agree that some more power helps sometimes. I've been using my FT-891 more for the 10m band lately and 100 W sure helps to make it through the big pileups. Using a non-shortened antenna also does, I think. My vertical dipole does great. Where I am now, I can't enjoy the salt water boost like you do. That QT-80 looks like a much improved version of my AT-6666 (don't think the AT-6666 ever was sold under a Radioddity model number, was it?). I'm not a big fan of my AT-6666, I don't use it much and I might sell it some time. Maybe to get a QT-80 later it it's so much better...
Fun times, I'm guessing this was Sat, it was freezing cold here but come Sunday it got up to 60 so hope you had the same up there and got to do another outing from the beach there.
Sometimes there's just no substitute for raw horse power lol. Band conditions have been a little strange the last couple days. 15 has been unusable due to noise, even 20 has been noisy and very up and down. I hopped on this morning at around 8:00 and 10 was already open to Europe 👍
Pretty cold up there. Drove down from Pennsylvania to Chesapeake yesterday, getting a little break from the cold here today. Brought my FT-817 and will be getting on the air from here. And I know a spot near the water, not too far away.
Nothing wrong with admittng that you need more power. I remember doing an activation once were I setup with a QRP rig - 5 watts. I called CQ for close to an hour, and got 3 contacts. Well, I didn't come all that way to fail, so I got out the - you guessed it - the G90, and was able to complete the activation. Sometimes, you just need a little more power.
It would be interesting to try to find a place where you could set up giving some elevation above ground...maybe the top level of a parking garage. This would give the antenna lower radiation angle. I've been having excellent results with the G90 and a half wavelength wire vertical which is mounted at 27' above ground at the feedpoint. That's right in the area that Tim recommends. Also..if you're operating later in the day, keep an eye on 12m. My beacon there is WWV on 25mHz.
I’ve got several videos where I’ve operated from the top of a parking garage, here are a few of them that I can remember, there are others as well: th-cam.com/video/yQz-4sfpmI8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=J1Zaoo_BkRkH_Rir th-cam.com/video/QeJxviP3REE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eiNoyFG9hfF-ZmPV th-cam.com/video/t9ENyC9zE_M/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4fKzO4Yj9rS3JgH8
So my 80 watt cb radio makes a huge difference from 4w but my g90 seems to do just as good on 10m. I'm new in ham radio so there's a good chance I'm not doing everything I can to maximize my power but I have a resonate dipole for 10m a half wavelength high and using good coax and I am using the popular antron 11m with counterpoise so they both work pretty well. It weird tho I didn't think there was much difference between 10 and 11m but sometimes one works better than the other. I look forward to figuring out exactly why and tinkering. I think I'm going to start by raising the 11m to a full half wavelength
That's the only problem with low power. Busting through pile ups. It can get frustrating at times. I'm waiting for something with 80 watts and a waterfall display. I'm hooked to those things now.
Could you work 10 meters on the telescopic whip if you adjusted the length? If so, it seems that would be preferred to changing the antenna completely? Great video Walt.
Yes, absolutely. It would have probably been the better antenna. I couldn't feel my fingers after putting it all up to begin with so going back and forth and adjusting the whip just wasn't in my plans LOL. I took the easy way out. 73, Walt
Thanks! no, actually I've been quite surprised with that. I use the cigarette lighter jack that is back on the console between the seats and not the one on the jack. That seems to be the trick.
I've done the simple mod on the QT-80 which opens it up from 15 to 10 meters. It does CW but you have to use the mic as the key. There is a mod where you can add a key though the mic jack. 73, Walt
Great videos! I've looked at the QT-80. Seems like a good radio for the price. When you switched over to using it in the video, is that when you also switched antennas? Have you used the vertical wire antenna with the QT-80 as well?
Hi Walt. I am a newer ham, I have been licensed for 1.5 years. I have watched your channel for quite some time. I followed your influence and bought a G90. Now on 80 meters at home, everybody tells me I'm down in their noise level. The static crashes overwhelm my station. Oh, how I wish I had bought a used 100 or 200 watt radio, as I have waisted over $500 on this qrp rig. I've been told that when the solar cycle is gone, I probably won't be heard at all. I feel like giving up.
80 meters is not the best band for you. Radio energy increases with frequency so it takes a lot more power to work on 80 vs 20 or 10 meters. That’s why 10 meters when it’s open is so exciting. It’s much easier to work DX with low power. QRP is more challenging, but the antenna is what matters most. An EFHW vertical by the ocean can work the world with 20 watts. The G90 is optimized for use as a portable radio, not a base station for 80 meters. Ham radio is a learning journey. 73 K1AV
I think keeping the power out of the radio is the way to go. A small amp externally driven by as low as 5W from your transceiver is smarter. Pair it up with a resonant double bazooka, and bam.💥
You definitely need some power for 80 meters. If you have watched my videos I'm never on 80. With 20 watts you need to check out 40 through 10 meters. You will be amazed. If you're stuck on 80, take a look at getting an amp. 73, Walt
@@j.a.3993 wow, I’ve had that stuff a long time but here’s what I used: 5 foot FireStik II www.firestik.com/index.htm CB mirror mount on a ground rod, I built mine but here’s the idea: mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1936t?srsltid=AfmBOoph-A8UwUlbW71uGcLWJwhr3FCQPfUalWpv5jKr0keELOT61vz4
Well Walt I broke down and ordered a G90. Told the wife that Walt said I had to get one, so if you get angry hate mail now you know why. I’m not actually saying it was your fault, I’m just saying I’m blaming you 😳😂😂😂
I stopped the Jeep and cut off everything. Still had the noise. There's a pumping station about a hundred meters away that I think is causing the noise.
I had one counterpoise wire from the base out towards the water. I mentioned that in the video. I did not need a tuner as the FireStik was tuned for 10 meters.
Do you use an external tuner with the QT80 or just run low feedpoint impedance antennas with it? Also, do you know anything about the 3/8 wave antenna that was in QST April 2019? I don’t have an ARRL subscription to see the article.
You say this isn’t a special video. But it is! And here’s why. I’ve had a general class license for 4 years and STILL haven’t been on HF. I’m one of these people who worries that I must have the ‘right’ setup… to the point where I’m stuck in analysis paralysis, and I don’t even start. Your vids show that a simple radio like the G90 + a simple telescopic can yield some very tangible and impressive results. Thank you for what you do!
Lemme second the G90, particularly if you're on a budget. Is it the BEST radio, no. The FT-710, for example, is a better receiver. But it's a GOOD radio, and because of the built in antenna tuner, an extremely VERSATILE radio. Walt's issue getting through pileups highlights one of the G90's weaknesses -- 20W -- but lemme tell you, I have done a lot with just 20W. Get on the air, my friend. G90, 17' whip (Walt could have just shortened his, here, for example, or possibly just let the tuner get him to 10m with the whip the way it was!) or the new SS25 25' whip, or even just a length of wire jammed into the SO239 and another off the ground lug for counterpose, and you can work the world!
Dude ya really need to get on HF!!! Your missing out on alot of fun, Like Kevin's qrp net. 👍👍👍
I know exactly what you mean, I have the G90 and the FT710 and still haven't been on either radio yet. Still trying to figure out the perfect 49:1 unun for an EFHW antenna... at least, that's the excuse I tell myself. More likely I am trying to work up the courage to get on the mic and not look like a complete idiot.
The best motivator, putting up an antenna (unless u have already & also have a rig); otherwise, ur missing out on a totally different world 73!😃🇺🇸
@@ko6ghy There's no "perfect" 49:1. The only difference is going to be how much power it can take. I have the Dually, which has the benefit of, as the name suggests, having a 49:1 on one side, and a 9:1 on the other, making it useful for either EFHW or EFRW with the same physical piece of equipment. Just measure out your wire, figure out how you're getting it up in the air, *bam*.
I get analysis paralysis, and I've definitely had it, but...Just Do It, man! Remember, even if you're stumbling: we're all on the air because we WANT TO TALK TO PEOPLE. We always want more people to talk to.
Cool brother! I passed my General Saturday, working on my extra now. 73 KZ4WTF
This looks like an easy to remember callsign! 😁
Gotta love that call sign mate
Awesome! congrats!
Got on the air FINALLY! Back on after 40 years. Worked contacts all over the US the past few days on 20 M. Largely because of you.
Awesome! Hope to get you in the log. 73, Walt
Busting pileups - Even when mobile or QRP, I've had good luck being heard with this method: I wait one second or more after hearing "QRZ" before keying the mic in order to separate myself from the initial rush of all the fast talkers. Then I give my callsign using what I call the "radio DJ voice". I slow down slightly and put extra emphasis on the first syllable of each letter/number of my callsign. If that doesn't work, I change things up until it does. Make your callsign sound like an advertisement! Apparently, if you sound different than everyone else, you get noticed!
Excellent bit of advice, thanks 👍. I'll keep this in mind.
Roger that, great advice. 73, Walt
Definition of enthusiast - up early, freezin’ cold and gettin’ on t’air! 🤣 great stuff Walt, enjoyed it a lot👍 Phil, Suffolk, U.K. 🇬🇧
Thank you my friend! 73, Walt
Walt, it was an honor to meet you. I am truly inspired by the fun you're having in my own back yard. I need to go shopping!!! N1VDF
Thank you, I'm enjoying being a temporary Rhody haha 73 my friend
I'm proud of you Walt, admitting that 20 watts doesn't always work, when things aren't optimal, that extra 6db (one S-Unit) can make all the difference.
73 mike 🍺🍻
Thanks, gotta tell it like it is! 73, Walt
That QT-80 looks nice! May need to pick that up for 10M contacts. Thanks for the video!
Wow, exactly what I went through and did this morning! Great video Walt! I started with the G90, had trouble with pile ups and switched to the QT80. While I've gotten all over the world on 20-watts, having that 80+ watts comes in handy. Your Advice on radios and antennas has made the difference in my making contacts. I did a plug for you in our radio club's monthly magazine. I do a column for HF beginners in our club and am sending them all to your channel for a headache free education. Thanks again for the video...73...Hugh...KN6KNB
That’s awesome Hugh! Thank you so much for the support! 73, Walt
I worked a couple of those calls on 12/8 from MA, too. 10M was fantastic into Europe all morning
Yes I’m enjoying these openings to Europe in the morning.
Great video Walt. I was debating between the G90 and the 891 and ended up going with the 891 just to have the extra juice. Also got the CBL-561 antenna you recommended a few weeks ago. 73, Jim
Awesome, the 891 is a great radio.
Great fun Walt ! I am in Boston NY and that wing is COLD. has a bite to it. We got bunch of snow. like 5 ft from 2 storms and about 1/2 melted . Yes 10/11/12/15 meters wide open. CB is crazy ! CH 38 had the farm animals out . Girlfriend said they put a CB in the barn.
DX commander put a CB in his car LOL . That comes in in the AM just after sunrise hear ! .I made a few UK contacts on CB . More on 10 meters. Just a 10 meter DX commander pole in the deep snow and a UNUN and wire. works great. I just threw the counterpoise wires in the snow. I got one of the drive over mast holders coming. Next the longer pole. Will be like FEB . Getting snow ready in NY is costly ! 73
Roger that, I'm ready for spring already hahaha 73, Walt
2 brilliant radios, in reality 20w to 80w will give a 6dB increase, a solid S point on a good meter. It can and will make a difference. The same change as going from 5w to 20w. Great video Walt, regards Steve aka Enthusiast Steve 👍
@@EnthusiastSteveM6WVV thanks Steve! All the best my friend
Well, yes and no 😉. The fast changing band conditions especially on 10m can have more of an effect on our ability to make contacts, or “break into pile ups” than a 60 watt increase in power. (Remember, the received signal strength difference between 20w and 100w is only 1 S unit.) could you possibly make more contacts with 80 watts on any given day ? If you time the “delivery” of your call sign, yes ! But remember when you are trying to break into a pile up, you are up against stations running 1kw into multi element antennas, so timing and band conditions are everything. For 40 years I’ve never run more than 100w from my home or mobile station, and 5-20w portable, so I know it can be done, just some days the conditions are better than others. Keep up the good work 😃👍! 73 de Dan WD4DB
Agreed. I only run 50 watts mobile, SSB (FT-891/ATAS-120A on a triple magnet mount). I’m 77/100 to Mobile DXCC. Power is overrated. Conditions change enough that you never know how much power is going to make it. I’ve worked several different Slovenians over the years with as little as 5 watts mobile, also Poland, Germany (2.5w) and Switzerland.
Sorry, Walt: I’m not convinced that 1 S unit was the difference but I appreciate your videos. I would have loved to see you dial the 80w radio to 20w and ask if there was a difference.
@@Dan-56 I’ve read the S-meter on many radios including Icom and Yaesu is calibrated to show 3 dB per S-unit, so a 4x power increase could read as 2 S-units. It’s common to focus more time and money on your radio when it’s the antenna and technique that can make the biggest difference. That’s part of what I love about Walt’s channel. Cheers!
Walt every video you do is special keep em coming mate
Thank you so very much my friend!
I have the anytone 6666 pro which is essentially the same radio as the radioddity, used it for 2 months and i have to say its a fantastic little radio 👍👌 ive also got the G90 😉
Thanks for the video can't wait till I'm discharged from rehab so I can go play
Great fun Walt, i have been tempted by a QT80 or one of its clones for a while. Thanks for the video.
I talked to LY5A Saturday in Lithuania. Cool. 10 meters is rocking &i’m having fun.
He's a great operator, I'm having fun on 10 meters too!
Both awesome little radios..
I agree!
Well done! I am 100% on your side “getting out there”. I definitely get that you are out of the elements in the jeep. Thanks for another great video. 73 KQ4IXD😊
Thank you! 73 my friend!
My AT-6666 does 107-110W w/maxMod, tuner,
And my G90 420W w/2pill & 100' wire & 49:1
Tons of filtering for the JKs electronics,bonding & DC-DC buck @ 13.7vdc even w/ignition off!
73!
Yep cold is a big problem and is keeping me from my shack. I need to get my act together and set up for mobile use - if my 15 year old car passes it's annual inspection this week I might just do so ( I have everything I need). If not it's a long wait until spring but it will be all the shorter watching you having fun in the interim Walt 73 M7BLC
I'm ready for spring to get here already!!! 73, Walt
Hi Walt, it’s been very cold down here in PA; but we don’t have the bone chilling cold that you experienced in this video with winds blowing over the water.
You showed that contacts can be made regardless of the weather, in most cases.
Thanks for what you do - look forward to each video with enthusiasm!
Please take care to stay warm and don’t get a chill - you have to stay healthy for next month. 73 my friend. (🙏 Mrs)
AC3EA 🇺🇸🌲
Thank you George! Hope all is well with you and yours my friend. 73 from the both of us!
Great job Walt and great video. Loving it but don’t miss that weather!!!!!
Thanks! yes I'm ready for spring already!
Looking good Walt ! 73s
I have the same radio but before Radiodity got it and I guess specified different finals. Mine is an Anytone 6666 and is "only" 60 watts. It is in many ways a fabulous radio.
I would like to point out to those who like simplicity and qrp radios should give CW a try. A 5 watt cw signal is equal to a 230 watt SSB signal! CW depending on how it is calculated has a 14-18db advantage. Easier than ever to learn with all the computer tools we have available. Someone on SSB would have to be running 1000 watts to be as legible at the DX location as your G90 running 20 watts CW.
While I love the 17' telescoping whips, I've got a few hams sticks that come in really handy when it's windy and the weather is bad.
Thanks for the video! Like always!!!
Thank you! 73, Walt
Great! I hope you can get on and hear 10 meters this coming weekend. It should be more activity that we have heard in a long time! Just give out 59 Rhode Island to everyone you work. The 17 foot whip can be used as a full size 10 meter quarter wave which is most likely better than the fire stick. It can also be used as a longer that 1/4 vertical on 10 meters. Like 3/8 wave or even an end fed halfwave. I don’t know if your tuner can tune it as a EFHW, but I am sure it will tune if you collapse the antenna a little and lower the Z a bit.
Roger that, I will definitely be on 10 this weekend, maybe with a Moxon. 73, Walt
Hi Walt,
I tried serval times the difference between my Xiegu G90 and my old first rig Kenwood ts480.
From the 10 qso's i can make 3 extra with my kenwood.
So not always is 100 watt the success to make it.
Only the success to having fun🤣
Thanks for sharing how you spend your time in the cold car, enjoying the hobby immensely🥶💨💨
Good luck, and merry Xmas for later on with your wife, family and friends
Ron, Pd3ron
Thank you Ron, Merry Christmas to you and your family! 73, Walt
Great to work you earlier Walt, love 10m when its working well... chat soon and 73s EI2HPB Dave
Thanks so much Dave! Great to get you in the log and thank you for your great QSO,. 73, Walt
I use 80 watts most of the time. Why? Because true QRP 5 watts or less regardless of mode is what true QRP is. With 5 times 2 is 10, 10 times is 20 or basically 1 S-Unit. 20 times 2 is 40, 40 times 2 is 80 or basically another S-Unit. Anymore than 80 watts is a waste of power. So I see why that QT80 came in where it did. The only thing 100 watts may be good for is a slight advantage of a little extra average talk power.
Not sure what size battery you’re running with the G90 but I’m sure it would’ve worth with the other radio as well. I just recently ordered a 100 aH battery to pair with my IC-7100 because 20 aH isn’t cutting it any more with me doing most of my operations being run from the car during the cold months.
Another great video Walt!
I just use a tiny little 6aH battery with the G90. I really need to get a 100 aH battery as well. 73, Walt
Those four rubber duckies on the dashboard are resonant on 2 meters. True story.
Hey Walt, you've been courageous to go portable in this weather, thanks for sharing these moments with us. Storm Darragh was upon us all week-end long here so I gave up radio for the first time in many weeks. Too much rain and wind.
I do agree that some more power helps sometimes. I've been using my FT-891 more for the 10m band lately and 100 W sure helps to make it through the big pileups. Using a non-shortened antenna also does, I think. My vertical dipole does great. Where I am now, I can't enjoy the salt water boost like you do.
That QT-80 looks like a much improved version of my AT-6666 (don't think the AT-6666 ever was sold under a Radioddity model number, was it?). I'm not a big fan of my AT-6666, I don't use it much and I might sell it some time. Maybe to get a QT-80 later it it's so much better...
Thanks, yeah I'm not sure if there is much difference between the AT-6666 and QT-80. I need to investigate that. 73 my friend!
There are positives of doing "car" activations, car seats are a heck of lot more comfortable than park benches. I have actually come to like them.
Roger that!!! 73, Walt
Fun times, I'm guessing this was Sat, it was freezing cold here but come Sunday it got up to 60 so hope you had the same up there and got to do another outing from the beach there.
Yes and I’m ready for spring! 73, Walt
Thanks Walt!
Thank you! 73, Walt
Sometimes there's just no substitute for raw horse power lol. Band conditions have been a little strange the last couple days. 15 has been unusable due to noise, even 20 has been noisy and very up and down. I hopped on this morning at around 8:00 and 10 was already open to Europe 👍
Roger that! 73, Walt
Thanks for the video! Stay warm! 73
Thank you and will do! 73, Walt
Pretty cold up there. Drove down from Pennsylvania to Chesapeake yesterday, getting a little break from the cold here today. Brought my FT-817 and will be getting on the air from here. And I know a spot near the water, not too far away.
@@CalPil0t yes indeed, you’re in my part of the woods haha 73, Walt
@COASTALWAVESWIRES Yes, been by the Love sign...
I have a 891 however that G90 looks fun !
I had an 891 and actually sold it, I love my G90!
Nothing wrong with admittng that you need more power. I remember doing an activation once were I setup with a QRP rig - 5 watts. I called CQ for close to an hour, and got 3 contacts. Well, I didn't come all that way to fail, so I got out the - you guessed it - the G90, and was able to complete the activation. Sometimes, you just need a little more power.
You are right, sometimes you just need more power! 73, Walt
It would be interesting to try to find a place where you could set up giving some elevation above ground...maybe the top level of a parking garage. This would give the antenna lower radiation angle. I've been having excellent results with the G90 and a half wavelength wire vertical which is mounted at 27' above ground at the feedpoint. That's right in the area that Tim recommends. Also..if you're operating later in the day, keep an eye on 12m. My beacon there is WWV on 25mHz.
I’ve got several videos where I’ve operated from the top of a parking garage, here are a few of them that I can remember, there are others as well:
th-cam.com/video/yQz-4sfpmI8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=J1Zaoo_BkRkH_Rir
th-cam.com/video/QeJxviP3REE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eiNoyFG9hfF-ZmPV
th-cam.com/video/t9ENyC9zE_M/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4fKzO4Yj9rS3JgH8
Amazing
Thanks for watching!
Pretty much if i hear them on my anytone 6666 they hear me. Great radio. Even outdoes my 857 on cb especially 😊
Roger that! I'm loving this radio.
I find the difference from 5w to 20w bigger then 20w to 80w. But it’s great to have a few different radios to use then needed
Oh absolutely, I agree
So my 80 watt cb radio makes a huge difference from 4w but my g90 seems to do just as good on 10m. I'm new in ham radio so there's a good chance I'm not doing everything I can to maximize my power but I have a resonate dipole for 10m a half wavelength high and using good coax and I am using the popular antron 11m with counterpoise so they both work pretty well. It weird tho I didn't think there was much difference between 10 and 11m but sometimes one works better than the other. I look forward to figuring out exactly why and tinkering. I think I'm going to start by raising the 11m to a full half wavelength
It's funny how things can sometimes be different between the two bands. Keep tinkering, that's what it's all about! 73, Walt
I use both a G90 and a FT-710 , sometimes I just gotta haul the big boy out to play 😊, I also have a QDX and an FX-4CR
Roger that, sometimes you need the power!
I put a CB antenna spring on the bottom of my big telescopic whip. It lets it bend a bit at the bottom. Loose cheap spring, not a good quality one.
Great tip! Thanks
I got a pa50+ and a AT-100m Pro to complement my g106 and g90 with a little more punch.
That's the only problem with low power. Busting through pile ups. It can get frustrating at times. I'm waiting for something with 80 watts and a waterfall display. I'm hooked to those things now.
Roger that, I always said a 100 watt G90 would be the perfect radio.
Could you work 10 meters on the telescopic whip if you adjusted the length? If so, it seems that would be preferred to changing the antenna completely? Great video Walt.
Yes, absolutely. It would have probably been the better antenna. I couldn't feel my fingers after putting it all up to begin with so going back and forth and adjusting the whip just wasn't in my plans LOL. I took the easy way out. 73, Walt
Hey Walt! Wait’ll winter☃️ get’s here! Hi Hi 😂 Another great vid! 73 de W1LEB
I know! I have to get ready for the "REAL" winter. Thanks! 73, Walt
Great video sir, I just got me the Q60 and and is super fun as well. Question o the fire stick antenna 2, can u tuned it for difference frequencies ?
@@alfonsoflores7548 thanks! Yes at the top you rotate the tip to tune it between 26 and 30 Mhz
Cool one
Thank you! 73, Walt
Yes! Life is too short for QRP. Especially when we dont live next to salt water 😂
Walt, thanks for another interesting video. No RFI with the Jeep running?
Thanks! no, actually I've been quite surprised with that. I use the cigarette lighter jack that is back on the console between the seats and not the one on the jack. That seems to be the trick.
Great video! de W2CSI
Thank you! 73, Walt
QT-80 Is a solid radio. Definitely worth it to permanently install it into a Jeep
Stay salty Walt
73
M7LDK
That's the plan! 73, Salty walt
It is amazing what your little ham stick can do. Which bands will the 80 watt radio run? Also can it do cw? Thanks for the videos. 73s
I've done the simple mod on the QT-80 which opens it up from 15 to 10 meters. It does CW but you have to use the mic as the key. There is a mod where you can add a key though the mic jack. 73, Walt
It was 60F. here in Delaware today!
Nice!!!!
Great videos! I've looked at the QT-80. Seems like a good radio for the price. When you switched over to using it in the video, is that when you also switched antennas? Have you used the vertical wire antenna with the QT-80 as well?
Hi Walt. I am a newer ham, I have been licensed for 1.5 years. I have watched your channel for quite some time. I followed your influence and bought a G90. Now on 80 meters at home, everybody tells me I'm down in their noise level. The static crashes overwhelm my station. Oh, how I wish I had bought a used 100 or 200 watt radio, as I have waisted over $500 on this qrp rig. I've been told that when the solar cycle is gone, I probably won't be heard at all. I feel like giving up.
80 meters is not the best band for you. Radio energy increases with frequency so it takes a lot more power to work on 80 vs 20 or 10 meters. That’s why 10 meters when it’s open is so exciting. It’s much easier to work DX with low power. QRP is more challenging, but the antenna is what matters most. An EFHW vertical by the ocean can work the world with 20 watts. The G90 is optimized for use as a portable radio, not a base station for 80 meters. Ham radio is a learning journey. 73 K1AV
You can always sell the G90 if it’s not your cup of tea.
Even 100 watts on 80m is often not enough.
I think keeping the power out of the radio is the way to go. A small amp externally driven by as low as 5W from your transceiver is smarter.
Pair it up with a resonant double bazooka, and bam.💥
You definitely need some power for 80 meters. If you have watched my videos I'm never on 80. With 20 watts you need to check out 40 through 10 meters. You will be amazed. If you're stuck on 80, take a look at getting an amp. 73, Walt
I still need Rhode Island for my worked all states. Bands and the weather not cooperating.
Can you please provide a link to the items that make up your QT80 antenna setup that you used today? Jim KZ3CHM
@@j.a.3993 wow, I’ve had that stuff a long time but here’s what I used:
5 foot FireStik II
www.firestik.com/index.htm
CB mirror mount on a ground rod, I built mine but here’s the idea:
mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1936t?srsltid=AfmBOoph-A8UwUlbW71uGcLWJwhr3FCQPfUalWpv5jKr0keELOT61vz4
Is the coax shield and counterpoise connected electrically to the ground rod?
Yes, via the CB mirror mount attached to the rod.
Just killed the sales of the icom 705 and the new Yaesu that's due lol
LOL
I had the usual 100 Watt and found out that you sometimes need 500 Watt when all others have 1000 Watt. That's the way it is. DL9NBX, Ab7sn.
nice, if you do not mind me asking, where do you set your mic gain at on the qt 80...I have a quad 6 version, and I was just being curious...tks
I'll have to take a look, I remember it was at about 60 or 70 percent, not all the way up.
Well Walt I broke down and ordered a G90. Told the wife that Walt said I had to get one, so if you get angry hate mail now you know why. I’m not actually saying it was your fault, I’m just saying I’m blaming you 😳😂😂😂
hahahaha awesome, you're going to love that radio. 73, Walt
Cool video. It's possible that the noise came from the jeep. Next time, stop the engine for a moment to see if there is a difference. 73, my friend.
I stopped the Jeep and cut off everything. Still had the noise. There's a pumping station about a hundred meters away that I think is causing the noise.
@COASTALWAVESWIRES OK, I see. Once again, it was a cool video. Thank you for sharing the information and your precious time with us.
quiit cheating on your G90! 😃
Hahahaha
How did you connect your coax to the whip?
CB antenna mirror mount connected to a ground rod.
Walt, are you getting ready for Winter Field Day? Hope to see you on the beach in January. Lol
Yes! I'll probably be in Virginia that weekend. 73, Walt
Hey Walt do you call cq dx? Or just do you just flip thru the frequencies till you hear someone ?
I mostly hunt DX but do call CQ at times.
It seems like your fire stick antenna doesn't have any radials. Are you using the coax as a radial? Do you need to use the tuner?
I had one counterpoise wire from the base out towards the water. I mentioned that in the video. I did not need a tuner as the FireStik was tuned for 10 meters.
True I must've spaced out...
Do you use an external tuner with the QT80 or just run low feedpoint impedance antennas with it? Also, do you know anything about the 3/8 wave antenna that was in QST April 2019? I don’t have an ARRL subscription to see the article.
I assume the QT80 has variable power out. Maybe it might be more satisfactory to do a few tests just on the QT80 Interesting never the less
Yes it does. My tests are all operational and I’m enjoying the rig.
Hi Walt, did you have the compressor turned on, on the G90? Ed DD5LP
What is it you are using that is stuck into the sand ?
I copper ground rod about a meter long with a CB antenna mirror mount connected to it.
Odd to see your radio out of band, 27.570 the extra-legal CBers....
Was listening in on the Freebanders last time I had it powered up.
73 DE K9IOU
73, Salty Walt
73
QT-80 with a straight 4 pill FATBOY you should do 800-960 watts.