Following on from the previous post, there seems to be some interest in how the Simple, Low Profile, Multiband POTA antenna was actually built. Although the antenna is described as "simple", that term relates more to how it is deployed and its appearance than its actual construction. The construction does not involve any special tools … Continue reading Construction of the Simple Low Profile Multiband POTA Antenna
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A Simple, Low Profile, Multiband Antenna for POTA
Sometimes it is necessary to set up for a POTA activation in an area where other park users like to go. In this situation we can either entertain distracting inquiries from people passing by who may just be curious about our activity, or blend into the environment and not be noticed. I prefer the latter. … Continue reading A Simple, Low Profile, Multiband Antenna for POTA
Rapid Deployment Field Expedient Random Wire Antenna Ideas
The image shows amateur radio station VA3KOT/P inside its stealth enclosure - an old airline pilot briefcase made from stout, strong leather. This is an almost complete station: Yaesu FT-891 QRP/QRO-optional in its field hardened steel 50-cal ammo box enclosure Bioenno 12Ah LiFePO4 battery 9.5ft tactical collapsible whip Adjustable loading coil for the whip PAC-12 … Continue reading Rapid Deployment Field Expedient Random Wire Antenna Ideas
A Top Loaded End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna for 20m
Imagine this: a short, vertical antenna for 20m that requires no ground, no counterpoise or radials ... And ... no tuner. Now, let's add that it is only 14 feet tall and can be erected in just a couple of minutes. But wait, there's more: it is very lightweight, slips into a shirt pocket and … Continue reading A Top Loaded End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna for 20m
How Does the Speaker Wire “No Counterpoise Antenna” Work?
Fellow blogger Craig WB3GCK recently posted an account of his build of the speaker wire "No Counterpoise Antenna" and I was immediately intrigued. In fact I rushed out to the store and bought myself a couple of 50ft rolls of 18AWG speaker wire to experiment. After a couple of days of intense backyard wire whispering … Continue reading How Does the Speaker Wire “No Counterpoise Antenna” Work?
The Best Reasons to Build a Go-Box
Those of us who like to operate our radios out in the Big Blue Sky Shack will understand two basic rules: 1. Don't leave home without something important 2. Time is of the essence Rule number 1 is obvious I suppose, but I learned it the hard way. On one occasion I drove nearly an … Continue reading The Best Reasons to Build a Go-Box
How to Really Up Your POTA Game (and why you shouldn’t)
Propagation conditions are tough. It used to be so easy to set up in a park and make your minimum 10 QSOs for a valid activation in as little as 10 minutes. I know, I have done it many times. Now we are at, or near, the peak of solar cycle 25; the Sun is … Continue reading How to Really Up Your POTA Game (and why you shouldn’t)
The Sinatra Method for DIY Ham Radio Projects
I recently watched G0UPL Hans Summer's presentation at Hamvention 2024 on YouTube. Hans talked about 10 of his junk box projects. As you probably know, Hans is the owner of QRP Labs, a small company that makes excellent QRP radios and accessories and sells them for an unbelievably low price. I really enjoyed the presentation, … Continue reading The Sinatra Method for DIY Ham Radio Projects
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?
Ham Radio Outside the Box 