Testing and modifying the “POTA PERformer” antenna

What is the POTA PERformer? Greg Mihran KJ6ER has introduced us to an antenna that he calls the "POTA PERformer". The capitalized PER in its name is an abbreviation for "Portable, Elevated, Resonant". But what is it really? The POTA PERformer is an adjustable elevated vertical radiating whip with two adjustable elevated radials. In concept … Continue reading Testing and modifying the “POTA PERformer” antenna →

Reviving a Webster Band Spanner – a 1950s manual screwdriver antenna

About 20 years ago I was approached by a neighbor who, knowing that I am a ham, asked if I might be interested in looking at some of the old ham junque he had accumulated over many years. He was a fine gentleman, in his golden years, who was no longer active in the hobby. … Continue reading Reviving a Webster Band Spanner – a 1950s manual screwdriver antenna →

I KISSed my Antenna – Here’s Why …

Many years ago I learned about a design technique called KISS. It was an acronym for "Keep It Sweet and Simple". Somewhere along life's journey I started seeing the acronym change to the rather offensive "Keep It Simple Stupid" which I entirely dislike. There are many sound reasons for simplifying a design but none of … Continue reading I KISSed my Antenna – Here’s Why … →

25 Years a Ham and Still Learning

I actually got my "ticket" a little late in life. I spent many years as an SWL, then college, career and a family took priority. By the time my wife and I became empty-nesters I had combined my passion for radio and Space "the final frontier" by chasing satellites; military satellites mainly. I formed the … Continue reading 25 Years a Ham and Still Learning →

How Can A Lossy Wire on the Ground Work Better Than A Quarter Wave Vertical Antenna?

Let's get real here! If we lay a wire antenna on the ground, surely It can't radiate more power than that cool-looking, expensive quarter-wave whip you just spent a small fortune to buy? Well, yes it can - but with a few caveats. We can use a trick of geometry to support our claim. Our … Continue reading How Can A Lossy Wire on the Ground Work Better Than A Quarter Wave Vertical Antenna? →

Antenna Height Matters – True or False?

How often have you read that an antenna should be placed as high as possible - the higher the better? Is it true? My inner skeptic says "hmm, maybe". It's certainly an aphorism that is open to scrutiny. Aphorism? The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language defines "aphorism" as: "a tersely phrased statement of … Continue reading Antenna Height Matters – True or False? →

Rebuilding the Winter Rybakov Antenna

Almost a year ago I wrote a post entitled "A Simpler Field Expedient Rybakov Antenna for Winter". It is worthwhile to read that post to understand why I felt it necessary to make a winter version of a proven, tried and trusted antenna. My home turf is southern Ontario, Canada about 200km northwest of Toronto. … Continue reading Rebuilding the Winter Rybakov Antenna →

A Deep Dive into the Antenna Called “Long Tall Sally”

Back in the spring of 2024 Ham Radio Outside the Box introduced a very unusual field expedient portable antenna for 20m. It was dubbed "Long Tall Sally" because we took a standard quarter wave ground plane, stretched the vertical radiating element way out of resonance, then restored resonance by shortening the radials. This is what … Continue reading A Deep Dive into the Antenna Called “Long Tall Sally” →

Magically transform a single band ground plane into a multiband antenna – instantly

I call it "electromagnetrickery". You can learn a lot by building your own antennas, much more than if you buy commercial ones. But beware, it becomes addictive - I have a drawer full of empty wire spools to prove it. Sometimes the behaviour of those pesky electromagnetic wavicles delivers unexpected surprises. Here is the story … Continue reading Magically transform a single band ground plane into a multiband antenna – instantly →

A Versatile Solution for Backpacking with the QRP Labs QMX

Solar cycle 25 is rapidly approaching its peak. That means propagation conditions are very favorable for QRP operations again. Add to that the ever increasing popularity of outdoor operating programs like Summits on the Air (SOTA) and Parks on the Air (POTA) and there has never been a better time to hit the Big Blue … Continue reading A Versatile Solution for Backpacking with the QRP Labs QMX →