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
Tag: POTA
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 He was a fine gentleman, in his golden years, who was no longer active in the hobby.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
Matching an EFHW antenna – a third way
There is no doubt about the popularity of the End-Fed Half-Wave antenna. It is used by a very large number of hams, especially during portable operations like POTA, SOTA, WWFF etc. Why is it so popular? The principal reason seems to be ease of deployment. The EFHW requires only a single support and can even … Continue reading Matching an EFHW antenna – a third way
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 …
What 3 Words? – Maidenhead Grid Squares!
I was taking a walk in a local park recently. The Sydenham river flows through the park and plunges over the Niagara Escarpment creating a local attraction called Inglis Falls. Usually a very pretty sight, but during the spring thaw and following a heavy rainfall, it had become a raging torrent of water that was … Continue reading What 3 Words? – Maidenhead Grid Squares!
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
A Ham with One Voltmeter Always Knows the Battery Voltage
Is this too high Hans? There is a popular old saying about a man with one clock always knowing what time it is, but a man with two clocks is never sure. Well doesn't that also apply to voltmeters and any other kind of meter in a ham's kit bag? The Ham Radio Outside the … Continue reading A Ham with One Voltmeter Always Knows the Battery Voltage
An End-Fed Half Wave Antenna – with no impedance transformer?
One of the great benefits of being a ham radio blogger is that it opens up a new door to learning. Through that door comes valuable input from readers of Ham Radio Outside the Box. Let me state one thing very clearly: I am not an expert; the intent of this blog is to report … Continue reading An End-Fed Half Wave Antenna – with no impedance transformer?
A Quick and Easy QRP Emergency Field Antenna
I once drove to a park about 45 minutes away from home to do a POTA activation then realized I had left my antenna at home. <<Panic>>. I improvised by digging a 33ft wire out of my pack, cutting it in half and hastily erecting a V-dipole with its ends only about 10ft above the … Continue reading A Quick and Easy QRP Emergency Field Antenna
Are You a Rag Chewer or a “59 73” Operator?
I have had this topic in mind for quite a long time but have hesitated to write about it. Why? Because it is probably one of the most controversial topics in amateur radio. However, at the risk of causing a heated debate, and because I am still snowed in and unable to get out to … Continue reading Are You a Rag Chewer or a “59 73” Operator?
Ham Radio Outside the Box 