Category: Builder Projects

A DIY Antenna Launcher – for pennies

There are countless methods of launching a wire antenna into a tree that have been written about online. For example a PVC pipe air pressure machine. Sounds downright dangerous to me. Maybe they work just fine, but what if one of the joints isn't glued properly and the darned thing explodes in your face? Besides, … Continue reading A DIY Antenna Launcher – for pennies →

A New FT-891 Ammo Case Go-Box for POTA

My inner voice recently told me to stop building, re-building, re-engineering and modifying my outdoor operations kit and just go get on the air with it. I told my inner voice to hush-up; I need to do this. Each iteration of my design feels like the ultimate build - until it has been out to … Continue reading A New FT-891 Ammo Case Go-Box for POTA →

A QSO with a POTA Hunter Operating a Very Unusual Rig

I just returned from a 9-day POTA camping trip with my wife in Ontario's Algonquin Park region. We stayed in provincial park campgrounds using our travel trailer for accommodation. And, of course, I "activated" each park for POTA - with one exception, and there is a cautionary tale concerning that exception! The trip took in … Continue reading A QSO with a POTA Hunter Operating a Very Unusual Rig →

Simplest Way to Guy a Telescopic Fiberglass Antenna Pole

There are a lot of YouTube videos showing different ways to support a fiberglass antenna pole, none of which seemed to meet my needs which are fairly basic: rapid deployment, lightweight and uncomplicated. So I devised my own method that I hope you will find interesting. Some hams pound a long piece of angle iron … Continue reading Simplest Way to Guy a Telescopic Fiberglass Antenna Pole →

Delta Loopy Ideas

It's Spring in Southern Ontario. Maybe. The weather in these parts is highly unpredictable. Temperatures have been above freezing during the daytime and the snow is almost gone. But maybe it'll be back. Who Knows? Whatever happens I have been taking advantage of the good weather for some antenna planning. Antenna planning to me means … Continue reading Delta Loopy Ideas →

What in Heaven’s Name is a Rybakov Antenna?

I love to check out interesting, new antenna designs. The Rybakov isn't actually a new antenna, it has been around for a while; either I just hadn't come across it before or I had passed it over and forgotten about it. So when I read about it recently I just knew I had to find … Continue reading What in Heaven’s Name is a Rybakov Antenna? →

A Versatile Backpack Rig for POTA Activations

I recently posted about POTA becoming a competitive activity. Admittedly, I have caught the bug but I also still enjoy just getting out into the Big Blue Sky Shack and being all alone with just my radio for company. Competing for POTA awards involves rushing from park to park balancing QSO count with getting as … Continue reading A Versatile Backpack Rig for POTA Activations →

How to find out if your common mode current choke really works

What is common mode current? It is the current that flows along the outer surface of your coax shield from your antenna back towards your radio. It can cause SWR problems, erratic behaviour of radio equipment and even RF shocks when you touch metal parts of your rig. A coax cable has three conductors! Due … Continue reading How to find out if your common mode current choke really works →