Improvised Field Comms - Manpack + 6m Jungle Antenna (Full Video)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
- In this episode, we'll build on our last video and see if I can get my manpack on the air with a "Jungle Antenna" on 6m.
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0:00 The Station
2:21 The Exercise
5:36 After Action Report
11:40 Improvising a Longer Element
14:36 Close
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* NanoVNA - amzn.to/3YobsHG
MATERIAL
* Cobra head - amzn.to/3JxcrAK
* 20 AWG stranded silicone wire - amzn.to/3DZwVhT
* 1/4" Ring Terminals - amzn.to/3Ytv5y7
* S-clip Carabiners - amzn.to/3DZ5Yev
TOOLS
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REFERENCES
* FM 31-20 Special Forces Operational Techniques : amzn.to/3RDdRff
* The Guerrilla's Guide To The Baofeng Radio: amzn.to/3jFOyws
* The Jungle Antenna: brushbeater.org/2015/10/15/th...
* Simple and Fun Antennas: amzn.to/3YbomZn
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#thetechprepper #hamradio #militaryradio #antenna
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This is my favorite Ham Radio channel because it is super practical and since he's in Phoenix I get to learn local nuances I wouldn't otherwise from other channels.
I appreciate the support. It's great when the locals jump into the comments. Cheers!
I’m in the same boat, great channel with loads of practical stuff and not “Shack Ham” oriented
Your the best, it's me. We've spoke here a few times, your a good guy, because you actual comment back to you group members. This let's me see your real! Thank for responding.
I appreciate that. I try to respond to everyone, but it is getting more difficult these days with the channel growth and the other projects. These days, I am trying to respond to just the new videos that come out, otherwise there would be no time for life (e.g., family, exercise, full-time job, and all things related to "The Tech Prepper"). Have a wonderful day.
They're bigger, but rock solid, the Rig Expert analyzers are great, accurate units.
Another thing to try; use just 1 radial with your antenna in an "L" configuration. Orient the radial in the direction of the station you are trying to reach. With one radial, you get some directional "gain" in the direction of the radial.
so adding radials gives you a wider coverage area, at the expense of distance?
For a HF antenna on the wire, use a 9:1 balun and a isolator. Cut the wire and isolate it. Attach the wire into the 9:1 and see how it goes. Also look up linesman braiding for connecting wire. Much more robust if you do it that way along with the fishermans knot.
Thanks for responding to my HF question. It looks like a random wire with a tuner is the way to go for this next video. I may re-use my PackTenna Random Wire antenna with an alligator clip on the end.
A lot of really great basic techniques being put into actions. Knowing how to do these skill makes being able to do it on the fly that much easier. Great video.
There are some great lessons here. Thanks!
Glad you think so!
Thanks for the video!
You bet!
Great video, outstanding lesson.
Glad you liked it!
As usual great video! I'm still working on this style antenna kit. Thanks for sharing. 73
Thanks, Sean. It's a great starter build. It's a great mix of simple to build, simple to deploy and performs well enough. Good luck!
This is a great channel!
Thanks for the support. More on the way!
Awesome!! The fence trick is on my list to try out too. If you use a cobra head just take a couple alligator clip to banana plug leads. If you are using an external tuner I'd put the cobra head directly on the output of the tuner and run the lead up to the fence. That should help keep losses a minimum.
Thanks for the tip. I was planning on going down a similar path. I have spent almost no time with my Xiegu X6100, so I may use it. I am also considering using my MFJ 9201 QRP manual tuner as that can be used with any radio and is perfect for the field.
These are solid gold videos. Thank you. You cover the things as if I was doing it. Cut here. Oh, bit short, okay, make longer, add stuff, see if it works, experiment, wing it.
Lets see, what's laying around to see if that works. Great stuff.
Glad you like them!
Been loving all of your videos. Same direction I'm going on my setup. Get a RigExpert Stick Pro. That should be the best option for you over a fragile NanoVNA. I tried last year right after the war started and, due to availability, was stuck getting the AA-650 Zoom. LOVE IT!! Just not small for backpacking and remote field adjustments. Buy from the US reseller. I forget the name, maybe PNC Engineering. They are licenced to repair or tune them locally (USA) under warranty. Keep up the great content!
It's funny you mention that. I love my RigExpert Zoom 35AA, but it is huge and only works for the lower HF bands. I've been looking at the Stick models for awhile. The price has kept me away, but I think I'll save and snag one this year.
Nice one!
Thank you! Cheers!
Sounds like a resounding kudos on the video. I'm glad you added the Knots portion! And the Nanos were on sale for 39 bucks on r and l 3 days ago!
Thanks for pushing me to add the extra 10 minutes! I'm open to any suggestions you have for an improvised HF antenna using a barbed wire fence. I don't want to cut existing fence, so it looks like I may have to go down the path of a random wire type setup with an alligator clip and tuner.
@The Tech Prepper no problem sir! I could not send the link but k7mem has an AWESOME website. I sent you a screen shot and some numbers via Buy me a coffee. Hope it helps! I love my 9:1 random wire (85') for 80-10m on my 991a at home. Tunes up easy.
@@the_mad_swimbaiter455 Thanks! I appreciate the assist again.
Outstanding.
Thanks. I wasn't planning on making this video, but I thought that the experience was worth sharing.
@The Tech Prepper serendipity,
I choose the rig expert over getting a tunner and also picked a book on wire antennas, but I need a cheat sheet .
Take care
@@bovineexcrement8635 There's a place for both a tuner and an analyzer. Unfortunately, only one of my radios has a built-in tuner (Xiegu X6100). I plan to use a tuner in the next video when we switch to HF for this series. I plan to either run the X6100 or run one of my manpack with the MFJ-9201, QRP ANTENNA. Stay tuned.
Subscribed! I'm trying to learn
Welcome aboard! Thanks for the support. There are ton of practical experiments coming.
I just ordered the nano vna
Good stuff Gaston. I must remember not to make mods at 4am. Haha
Also that top line knot is awesome.... more things to research in this rabbit hole of radio. :)
It's called the taut-line hitch. I use it for all my guy line applications. Tents, tarp shelters, dipoles, and vertical masts. Good luck!
"Rabbit hole" makes me think bowline, not tautline hitch, which is how boy scouts learn while pitching tents.
Love the topic and you sharing your findings. I heard elsewhere that the extra wire will act electrically as 1/3 the the physical length of the excess wire. That is probably why is was too short once you removed the excess wire. Just info I have heard but I am new to this and learning from people like you.
You're right. This exercise proved that point. Thanks for the view and comment.
I've got the TYT clone of that radio. So far it's done me really well. 5 years and counting.
6m one of the best bands for preppers for short range comms. Great for horizontal ssb. Very much underused in the UK which have said is good for prepper comms. Many thanks.
Thanks for sharing! My local prepper group is asking to play with 6m after this exercise. There may be a follow-up video.
Great stuff mate learn a lot from you much appreciated
What band would you want to use on a hand held tri-band like a vx-6?
I know you said its a hassle to add radio compatibility to EmComm Tools, but just in case you're on the fence, and one more request will push you over the edge, being able to use it with the FT-8900R would be awesome.
All the Yaesu mobile rigs will work with EmComm Tools with reduced functionality since they don't have CAT control. You'll just have to tune yourself.
Good improvising, I always leave some wire at the ends you never know
Thanks, Chuck. I usually leave a bit on the end. I am not sure what compelled me to trim a bit more. Another viewer indicated that my technique of wrapping a bit of extra wire on itself at the end actually causes the ends to act like a capacitance hat on the higher bands. Is this right?
You might look up the Western Union or Telegraph splice wires. Cool video
Thank you for the tip. That looks like a great classic technique for coupling two wires.
I have a question please: in your opinion for the backcountry would it make sense to combine a handheld with an amplifier? I have the Kenwood TH-D74A and its 5W output is not really a dream performance., or is it better to rather stick with one of the mobiles like you have anyway? Thanks. Cheers, Guido VA7AHG
2:35 Shoulda called CQ a bunch of times into the repeater. That'll bring out a response. 😂
I am sure that would have. ;-)
I bought the Yaesu FT-8900 radio and connected it to a Bioenno BLF-1206A. The Signal Stick antenna was connected. I keyed the mike at which point two 'Busy' indicators appeared on the menu.I factory reset the radio to attempt to resolve the issue. I am new to ham radio. This was my first attempt to move from a handheld to do what the TechPrepper does in his videos. Did I do something wrong? This is more of a learning experience. Trying not to be bummed. Thank you.
You are rock'n it! Keep up the great work!
I'm trying to figure out a SHTF alternative to Taco Bell, Popeye's, McDonald's, and RockStar. Please let me know if you have any ideas.
Enjoy your channel, sir. I'm an Arizona native myself, and am all too familiar with the plant life you have in your videos. I watched all the way to the end, where you tried to make a 6 meter simplex contact. I'm not trying to be one of those 'know it all' hams, because I definitely am not. But, if you didn't know - 50.125 is a call out frequency, but it's usually for SSB. The FT-8900R doesn't do SSB (which I'm sure you already knew). The FM Simplex call out frequency on 6 meters is 52.525. You might have had better luck using that frequency than the one you tried to use. FYI (for the future). DE K7RLN
Great call out. Thank you for the correction. Honestly, I was solely focused on the FM repeater and hastily searched for a simplex calling frequency the morning of the exercise and failed to distinguish between FM and SSB. I love it when the locals pop in!
That repeater on Mt Union has great coverage it just not used as much as it should be.
I am wondering why I could not hit it, but it's good to know that it's serving the area even if the traffic is light.
👍 Another great video! Love the "Security by Obscurity".... Fascinated by 6M and wonder why no one uses it! If you're reaching the Mt. Lemmon repeater in Tucson, can I assume that local comms (metro Phoenix) on 6M would work? Inquiring minds need to know.... 🤔
Let's test 6m simplex between us and find it out together. Your 857 and 818 both do 6m FM.
@@TheTechPrepper Exactly! Let’s set up a time soon! Thank God this rain & cold will be gone by Friday! Looking forward to trying it!!
Adapt and overcome!😎 Would it be an option to build removeable links for the 2m jungle to turn it into a 6m in the field? Good stuff for over coming problems in the field.
I was thinking about building a linked 1/4 wave ground plane for 6m/2m/70cm based on this design. Yes, it's doable but you lose the frequency agility to tune it in the field within a specific band. I guess I could tune the first two shorter links (2m and 70cm) for the middle of their respective bands and allow the last link (6m) to use my same s-clip carabiner approach for tuning 6m.
Hi, thanks for your work…Can you describe your “man pack” frame that mounts the radio?
Can’t find anything as nice for my Icom 706.
KB2JDB
Here's my manpack playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLZpc6PnzmzmFgiMOIXRT9Bl8wF6ASy-8y.html
The frames are by ARMOLOQ. They have a frame for the IC-706.
End Loaded Antenna... Been there, made the same mistake...
It turns out that the little wire folded back at the end adds apparent length to the antenna.
Check out DX Commander's video on linear loading, and his latest Signature 9 video.
He talks about 3" folded back makes the antenna seem 1" longer. When you cut off the leftover "TAIL" the resonance shifts and you've gone too short.
Callum thinks he might keep the fold over a little long, and tune by trimming the tail, without moving the fold point.
This happened to me when I built my 80M EFHW. I kept folding back without cutting until I hit resonance at 3.55MHz. When I cut the folded (about 5') section I went out of to about 3.9MHz. That messed all my harmonics.(UGH!) - Clark, de N1NVK
Clark, this is perhaps the most useful comment that I have ever received on the channel. Thank you. This makes perfect sense. By design, all my dipoles (and now my 1/4 ground plane) antennas are all end loaded to allow adjustments and tuning within a given band. I usually have anywhere from 4" to 9" folded over on the ends. I can't seem to find the video where Callum talks about it. I'll shoot you can email if you don't mind.
@@TheTechPrepper th-cam.com/video/0UwaIc3GdSA/w-d-xo.html
Do you think you could get one of those cactus to radiate? Or, would it be wrong to poke it with a thin pin that is a few inches long? Cactus & cactus? Cactus and fence? Cactus and wire?
Corntenna and wet string antenna has been done. The solar cycle is pretty hot so a lot of crazy things should work.
That would be a million view video ❤
A 5/8 2M antenna will work on 6 meters
another name for the knot is uni knot
Would 2m tune on a 6m antenna?
Open question to all: When in an emergency situation what bands will be the most used? 20m and 40? Long term shtf or short. Trying to pick either a 6-80 meter multiband antenna like the chameleon V1 no longer in production or just use a long wire end fed 20 and a separate 40 meter. Thanks for the thoughts.
I tend to like the NVIS 40 and 80M 80m in the day time can fill in the skip zone. I would like to hear what others think. I do like 6m this gives my radio access to the 100w capability and the antennas are not to big and is tech accessible. 28.3-28.5 is possible also.
I guess it depends on your goals. My personal emcomm plan is focused primarily around local and regional contacts. This leads me down the path of leveraging NVIS on 40m, 60m, 75m and 80m. I'm finishing up a linked dipole design that I'm calling the "TTP EmComm Linked Dipole". It's a 5-band (20/40/60/75/80m) linked dipole tuned for a very low height (8' apex and 4' on the ends). I'm
collaborating with N9SAB on this. It will be available on my store late next month. 20m will be terrible at that height, but the other bands work fine based on my testing.
@@TheTechPrepper I like it.
@@TheTechPrepper Oooh. Nice. About how long will the end to end of it be? Sounds like it might be a good roof mount.
@@TheTechPrepper is this out? have a video on it?
What radio are you using there?
It's a discontinued Yaesu FT-8900. It's a quad-band mobile VHF/UHF rig.
6m is a tech band
Yep.
U can buy female BNC binding posts and have ya tryed a efhw antenna for 6M yet?
For HF u need 2 wires with a aligator clip on 1 end and a L match
I have a bunch of the female BNC Cobra heads and have traditionally used them for my dipoles for ease of connection to the coax. Recently, I switched to the male BNC as it give me flexibility to use it with all my HT's. I have not tried an EFHW on 6. It's on the list.
Smaller than the anritsu that im use to lol...
I like how you make quad band mobiles work when they’ve been kinda bashed for so long. Now it seems all those mobiles have been discontinued! The 818, 8900 both discontinued and are long gone online. Just can’t find them anymore. The 8900 was replaced by the TYT 9800 but does not have good reviews at all for poor quality. Has there been any news on whether yaesu will have a replacement for the 8900? Anything comparable?
Yaesu, in my opinion, is taking most of their radios in the wrong direction. I do not believe there is a quad band replacement.