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Mike N2MAK
United States
Приєднався 11 лип 2006
Ham radio is fun! I'm Mike Kennerknecht and N2MAK is my amateur radio call sign. I enjoy Parks on the Air (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA). Portable operations are a great opportunity to experiment with different antennas, setups and gear. This is where I share my experiences in hopes of helping out and encouraging others.
What is WARC Band Wednesday?
Join me and other amateur radio operators on Wednesdays in 2025 for what I'm calling WARC Band Wednesday. Just get on 12m, 17m, or 30m and operate--it's that simple. #WARCbandWednesday is not affiliated with POTA, SOTA, IOTA, Winlink Wednesday, or any other organization/activity. I'm just trying to get others to try operating on some of the lesser used bands and using it as an opportunity to learn about propagation and experiment with different antennas and gear.
Links to support my channel:
My merch - miken2mak.myspreadshop.com/
Amazon affiliate gear - www.amazon.com/shop/miken2mak
Investigations by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Bump in the Night - Supernatural Haunting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Links to support my channel:
My merch - miken2mak.myspreadshop.com/
Amazon affiliate gear - www.amazon.com/shop/miken2mak
Investigations by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Bump in the Night - Supernatural Haunting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Переглядів: 1 521
Відео
Ham Radio Goals for 2025
Переглядів 515День тому
My new goals for ham radio in 2025, along with an update on my channel and goals from 2024. Links to support my channel: My merch - miken2mak.myspreadshop.com/ Amazon affiliate gear - www.amazon.com/shop/miken2mak Links to videos: Radio Wave Propagation on Mars - ua-cam.com/video/_Sz0lzwmV34/v-deo.html 5 Goals for Ham Radio in 2024 - ua-cam.com/video/FUgCQLHinRM/v-deo.html
A Folded Skeleton Sleeve Dipole for 6m and 2m
Переглядів 1,5 тис.21 день тому
I built a Folded Skeleton Sleeve Antenna for 6m and 2m for a Ziggy's $20 Antenna Challenge. Links: Ziggy's UA-cam Channel - @75ohmHAM TOADs Discord - discord.com/invite/tsVKqfv Reverse Engineering the Folded Skeleton Sleeve Antenna - sparc.asn.au/2023/10/31/rev/ A 6m Feed-point Choke Using RG8 Mini - q82.uk/6mairchoke Also see the "Build a Folded Skeleton Sleeve Antenna" article in the Nov/Dec ...
A Better Bag for the Icom 705
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Місяць тому
A look at the new bag and gear I'm using for my Icom IC-705. Check out this and other gear I'm using at www.amazon.com/shop/miken2mak BAGSMART bag - amzn.to/4hZKa4B 3M protective film - amzn.to/3ZnjJOU Note: I earn a small commission from Amazon affiliate links. Video of my previous Icom 705 POTA bag - ua-cam.com/video/D8vYrpOQhFs/v-deo.html Pick up some of my merch at miken2mak.myspreadshop.co...
My Travel Go-Kit for VHF & UHF
Переглядів 5 тис.Місяць тому
A look at the case and gear I use with my HT when I'm on the road. Window Clip Mount - amzn.to/3YAGLAq DC 5V to 12V Step Up Power Cable - amzn.to/3Ob6YAX Check out some of the other gear I've purchased and recommend from Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/miken2mak
Testing 6 Masts with Different Coax
Переглядів 5 тис.Місяць тому
Comparing the MFJ-1910, GigaParts Explorer POTA20, Goture Goldlite 7.2m, and the SOTABEAMS Tactical 7000hds, Tactical Mini, and Carbon 6 mast with RG-8X, RG58, and RG316 coax. Links to masts: MFJ-1910 - mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1910 GigaParts Explorer POTA20 - www.gigaparts.com/explorer-pota20-portable-handheld-20-ft-telescopic-carbon-fiber-mast.html SOTABEAMS Tactical 7000hds - www.sota...
How the time change affects POTA
Переглядів 2442 місяці тому
Whether the clocks fall back or spring ahead, the time changes have some opportunities and challenges for Parks on the Air.
SOTA and POTA with the Yaesu 710 - Is it a "Field Radio?"
Переглядів 4,5 тис.2 місяці тому
On October 20, 2024, I did a SOTA/POTA activation at Bare Hill (W2/WE-098 and US-5098) in WNY with the Yaesu FT-710 to see how it was using it in the field. Here's a playlist of my previous reviews of the Yaesu FT-710: ua-cam.com/play/PLcKRdSu_ICTojr9Xq4BbRXffHx1Oogn36.html Amazon affiliate links to gear used in this video: Cord and cable organizers - amzn.to/4e1myJz Fishing rod spike holders -...
Skenoh Island Mini-DXpedition for POTA and US Islands Awards Program
Переглядів 3913 місяці тому
On October 5, 2024, Jeff KD2YIO and I traveled to Skenoh Island for Parks on the Air (POTA US-5310) and the US Islands Awards Program (NY046L). Amazon affiliate links: RJ45 splitter amzn.to/3Nmszpz Headphone and speaker splitter amzn.to/3zOdwSr Portable table amzn.to/4eEP4SK TravelChair amzn.to/4eNKst4 Other gear used in this video: TennTennas 49:1 www.ebay.com/usr/waltohio N9TAX antenna n9taxl...
AWA AM QSO Party
Переглядів 5493 місяці тому
I got to operate a rare Collins KW1 at the Antique Wireless Association during their annual AM QSO Party on Sept. 28, 2024. Then the following day I did a Parks on the Air (POTA) on AM from US-6532 in WNY. Watch the video from my first visit to the museum at ua-cam.com/video/5c_UzTf3XF0/v-deo.html To learn more about the AWA and the museum, please visit the links below: www.antiquewireless.org/...
3 Park FM Rove in September VHF Contest
Переглядів 6073 місяці тому
On September 15, 2024, I did a 3-park POTA rove for the ARRL September VHF Contest. I operated FM-only from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (US-6532), Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area (US-8623), and the Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area (US-8622) in Wester New York. This video is not sponsored by DenCo, but you can check out his batteries and merchandise at shop.denco.e...
900MHz POTA - Leave No Band Behind
Переглядів 3,8 тис.4 місяці тому
900MHz POTA - Leave No Band Behind
10Ghz and more at the Rochester VHF Group Tune Up & Picnic 2024
Переглядів 3934 місяці тому
10Ghz and more at the Rochester VHF Group Tune Up & Picnic 2024
Winlink Wendesday using a Digipeater
Переглядів 4615 місяців тому
Winlink Wendesday using a Digipeater
Will a cheap CB antenna work for POTA?
Переглядів 4726 місяців тому
Will a cheap CB antenna work for POTA?
New antenna from Wolf River Coils plus more for POTA and me from Hamvention 2024
Переглядів 1,3 тис.7 місяців тому
New antenna from Wolf River Coils plus more for POTA and me from Hamvention 2024
Hamvention 2024 Surprises, Shenanigans, and Selfies
Переглядів 4037 місяців тому
Hamvention 2024 Surprises, Shenanigans, and Selfies
New Yaesu 710 Settings for FT8 and Winlink
Переглядів 3,2 тис.8 місяців тому
New Yaesu 710 Settings for FT8 and Winlink
Yaesu 710 or ICOM 7300: Which has the better display?
Переглядів 4,5 тис.8 місяців тому
Yaesu 710 or ICOM 7300: Which has the better display?
Mike, Thanks for sharing that this park is a 3fer! I went and activated the park today! 80 QSO in a 2.5 hours! '73!
Awesome! I've setup at the picnic table in weather. But this time of year, I just grab one of the parking spots closest to the trail. Thanks for checking out the video!
I'm a ham radio operator... Uses FT8 ... riiiight. You're a computer operator talking to other computers.
01010100 01101000 01100001 01101110 01101011 01110011 00100000 01100110 01101111 01110010 00100000 01110111 01100001 01110100 01100011 01101000 01101001 01101110 01100111
Loved the chemistry and bloopers . Great videos. Some take the hobby a bit too seriously. Glad to see some humor .
Exactly!! This is supposed to be fun. Thanks for watching!
Best video yet! Well done!
Thanks so much!
Very nice! Sub’d! I need to make a #WARCbandWednesday reminder at my station. Jeff, KF5KWO
Thanks, Jeff! I know a few others who got out to operate for it and hopefully more are encouraged to do the same in the future.
Roger roger...roger roger. Keep on hamming Mike
POTA on!
Love it, great video. 73 and POTA on!
Many thanks!
LOL this made me literally laugh out loud. Great video Mike! 👏👏👏
Awesome! I’m glad you and others have gotten a good laugh from it.
So that's what you were doing this morning! I saw you on hamalert but by the time I could get set up gor ft8 you were gone! Fun video...
Yup! I didn't have as much time before work as I thought, thanks to the snow. But I'll be trying more WARC band POTA on Wednesdays, either before or after work. Maybe I'll get you next week!
I always carry donuts...as a bribe for the band 5 oh...GL - Mat
Thanks! I don't think donuts wold last long in the car with me or my sons, LOL.
Boo FT8! I wish more people would get off 20m when it comes to POTA.
We tried 17m SSB but didn’t have any luck. We got a couple on FT8 and then switched to 40m SSB, since it was already dark out. We wanted to be sure we at least got a couple contacts on the WARC bands.
@ yeah 17m is hit or miss but by the time it gets dark you were right for switching to 40m.
I wish more activators and hunters would head to the WARC bands. I often used a 17' whip adjusted for 1/4 wave or lately I've been using a vertical 29' EFRW with a 9:1. The EFRW is a great simple antenna that will work on 40m-10m, a longer wire will get down to 160m or 80m. EFRW is a great choice if you're working towards N1CC. 73
The 29’ random wire is great! I love the 17’ whip too, but sometimes in the winter or on windy days I’ll just use a hamstick to keep it simple.
@MikeN2MAK I always keep the hamsticks in the POTAmobile!
Using ALL bands and many modes. EFRW with ATU to change bands whenever needed.
I definitely like the Rybakov as well as 9:1 EFRW with 29’. Both take up little space as verticals and provide multiple bands with a tuner.
I wish I remembered the goals that I discussed with you last year and see what my progress was. I think that you a I talked about them.
I just looked back and my Goals video from last year. You mentioned that you were still studying for your General and wanted to activate more parks while working in Florida. I think you’ve definitely taken care of those!!
@@MikeN2MAKI guess I did I’ve been having a blast you should post in the channel community and see what others goals are for 2025 it would be fun to look back in a year and see everyone’s progress thanks Mike enjoyed the video as always
@ good idea!
I love POTA, but I do wish POTA was not on the WARC bands. It's not a contest....but it is
I prefer voice modes, like SSB, AM and FM. But FT8 has come in handy at times. Still, I try to do voice when I can, but everyone has their preferences. I’m hoping that this at least encourages more to give the WARC bands a shot. Thanks for watching!
Haha, that was awesome Mike! Editing videos is no small task at all! Love the bloopers! 73 my friend
I’m sure you know what a challenge it can be! We had a great time though and hopefully it encourages others.
@ absolutely!
Nice video. When I’ve put music on my UA-cam videos I got the UA-cam police after me. How did you do it de n4mqu
Thanks! You need a license for some music. UA-cam has a music library where I get songs and licenses. Some can cost money but I just use free music.
@@MikeN2MAK Thanks
@@DetectingtheinvisibleI think also, if your channel is not monetized and making money, YT is more lenient with the music restrictions because “they” are making the money.. I’m not monetized on any channels and have never had a copyright restriction.
Great video! Love the "A-LID" nametag! POTA on! ky4ej
I built one two weeks ago! I am impressed so far! I am in a HOA! I Used a chameleon 25 foot whip. I am in NYC and I worked California,Washington State,and Canada. It's too cold to set it up since then. I hope the weather warms up so I can make a coax passthrough for my basement window and make a permanent setup using a wire to my roof to make it invisable. I used two 33ft radials.My unun is a 4:1 5kw model I found cheap at a hamfest in Connecticut! I had it set up in front of my house and no one noticed it. I used a aluminum plate I found at a scrap yard as a base. I made mounting bracket from scrap aluminum angles I also found at the scrap yard. I will be posting photos on face book when it gets warmer.
Awesome! As soon as Chameleon came out with the 25’ whip, I immediately thought about the Rybakov. Sounds like you’ve got a great setup, even with the HOA. Thanks for watching!
AWESOME
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant!
Thanks, Stuart, I’m glad you liked it!!
😂
I’m glad you enjoyed it! This was definitely a lot of fun.
FT-8 should be against the Law. One Exception is for People who ain't got no Teeth in their Mouth to call "CQ" and to say "ur 59, 73...qrz". That makes Sense "For Toothless-8" 😂😂😂👍
We each made and FT8 contact then tried calling in SSB but had no luck. It had gotten late after filming so we ended up jumping from 17m to 40m which worked much better. Thanks for watching!
Very funny ! Use all bands and all modes. Just a long as it is simplex. The only thing I would change is allow 6 Meter repeaters and 10 meters to count as long as a DX contact ! . But AM/FM simplex does count . I found several repeaters on 10 meters I can make contacts on but did not count POTA . Just DX fun !! Some times 6 meters will open up like in late spring into summer . Not so many 6 meter repeaters anymore . Years back we had a lot of them. Waiting for this polar vortex system to leave . just getting into Boston NY . But not bad at all. Little ICE and snow and some wind. The read bad stuff way south and west of NY. Solar panels working hear. Not much of a storm so far . I want to run 10/12 meters POTA soon. bands open world wide. 73
That reminds me I still need to try repeaters on 6m and 10m sometime. But first I need to go clear the snow in driveway, LOL. Thanks for watching!
@@MikeN2MAK We got less than a inch hear but like 1/8 in ice making a slick drive but lightly snowing now. Boston NY . When the band is open scan around 29.6 MHZ you will find some FM . You can use repeater book to look up CTCSS or DTC code for the 10 meter repeater . Just make Sure you set offset . DX repeaters is fun to work !! Some in outher countries as well. Hayden has one in Tasmania !
@@robertmeyer4744 All clear now. Just a couple inches. Now off to POTA on 17m and 30m!
Great video Mike! I tried to activate that park but heard gunshots so left quickly! '73!
There’s a gun club on the other side of the woods, LOL. The park does have hunters during the season though. Thanks for watching!!
You should've had him beating on the window yelling "NO POTA" "NO POTA" while you were calling CQ. LOL had a guy do that to me on 40 once.
LMAO!
Don't forget about 60m!
I thought 60m was a WARC band until I got the idea to do this. Everything I saw said it was just 12m, 17m and 30m. I've done some 60m POTA and want to do some more. I just need to make a better antenna for it.
Love the outro bloopers.. that's exactly how it is trying to make a video, LOLOL.. So many logistical things to watch for.. Great job on the end production.. 73
We had a great time and it was a good learning experience too.
@@MikeN2MAK It is great experience... Its fun to storyboard a video like this and then record and edit it into the final production.. I've done a few music parody videos and they are a lot of fun.. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing more.. 73
Happy New Year Kevin. All the Best for you and yours up in the cool cool Iowa State.73 de Uncle Günter, the Rhine River Maniac 💯🙋♂👍
@@DK5ONV Hey... You Too UG ! !.. Happy New Year to you ! !...
hahaha.. too funny.. Nice job Ben.. I'll be looking for you on the band ! !
Thanks!
it's totally bitchin'
The Tek Prepper has a 30/17/12 end fed
Yes, I remember that! I might need to make something similar.
I installed an IC-7100 with a Little Tarheel 2 & 100Ah battery in my Subaru WRX. If you’d like to see some ideas, I have pics of the install on my QRZ page.
Thanks, I'll have to check that out. WHat mount to use and where to put it are a bid consideration.
@ if you’re in a Crosstrek you can use the same brackets that I did as they’re the same for the Crosstrek as they are for the WRX. My email is good on QRZ if you want to reach out.
@@truckinguy92 I'm in an Outback Wilderness, so the crossbars aren't included. But I'll check out what you have and I'm sure it'll give me some ideas.
Can you revisit this with more detail on how you built it and how it works?
Thanks for checking out the video! I can try. I'm not an engineer at all, so my understanding is limited. But from what I've read, it's a lot like a 2 element fan dipole. But the higher frequency radiator isn't electrically connected. Instead, induction gets the energy into this coupled resonator. I'll have to see what more I can find before doing more a dive into how all this magic actually happens.
Hi Mike, best wishes as you work towards your 2025 goals. A couple months ago, I finally relocated my "shack" from our dining room table to a spare bedroom. It's great having a dedicated place to play radio. My 2025 goals are as follows: 1. Continue activating new parks in the Rochester / Finger Lakes area. 2. Pass the Amateur Extra exam. 3. Activate a SOTA summit. /Don KD2WWY
Awesome Don! I love operating portable but it frustrating if/when I want to play radio from home. I’ll get something setup at home or in the car for sure. Thanks for watching!!