Randy and all: This is a great series of videos, full of great information. After 35 years of ham radio, nobody ever showed me or even talked about "how-to" for satellite QSO's. I thought it was too difficult. Randy made it easy to understand and I'm having a blast. I got on the air and made several contacts this weekend on A0-51 and A0-27. Thanks Randy. You are a true "Elmer" to thousands of hams. Hope we can have a QSO someday. Craig WB0GFZ
The duplexer fits inside the handle. Three coax cables come out the end. One for the radio and one each for the 2M and 70 cm antennas. The driven element on each antenna has a BNC connector. So, if you do not want to use the duplexer you can connect directly to each antenna. The duplexer is only rated low power.
LOL...complete with bloopers at the end. Man, Randy, you're truly a pro!!! Hey thanks for your valuable time while putting this stuff together. Very, very interesting and you make it so easy. Although I was familiar to all the material presented, I can't put it down. This is a labor of love... Siete Tres from San Antonio, Jorge
My Cushcraft set-up is quite similiar to your Arrow.I use s.s. quick release pins(wired to the 'pod to prevent loss)for the boom-base plate connect.Acquired these pins at a marine hardware dealer.Very handy.I've also color coded all the parts on the beam-makes for a quick assembly.Excellent video on portable sat. antennas.Thanks for posting and 73's
Excellent work randy... I've just passed my General upgrade, and I really enjoy your vids. I've gotten a lot of great info, and your presentation is very down to earth... You make an awesome Elmer. The bloopers were a nice touch, and I kept expecting a nonbroadcastable editorial comment. Fine work! 73's de KB8WPJ/AG
Just ordered the antenna after watching your videos. Thank you for taking the time to explain this new part of the hobby to so many people. Also, I appreciated the blooper reel at the end. 73's! KF5HTK
Good spot, he is Winston. A five year old rescue from the pound. He has been with us for about 6 months now. He is a good cat, he stays off the radios and desk. But, he does like the chief operator's chair. Randy
Randy - Great informative video of the Dual Band Arrow Yagi and your tripod mounting system. I just got the 2-meter Arrow Yagi for backpacking and look forward to adding the Dual Band for satellite work in the future. Would be great to log a QSO with K7AGE in the future! 73's KF7ETX
There seems to be some misconceptions. Antenna elevation is first, gain is second, power is third. The reason satellites work so well is the elevation and excellent antennas, a few watts covers the entire CONUS. What the arrow antenna does is allows one to carry a dual band Yagi that can easily be disassembled and transported. The satellites are the true key elements, without them range on VHF/UHF would be very limited indeed.
Well I am now interested. I may try and do satellite and see how it goes. BTW, love the out takes. Just goes to show we are not all superhuman operators.
Interesting, when Randy was attaching the boom to the tripod, it was acting as one big antenna and interfering with his wireless mic. Must be some serious RF in the air there.
I have both of his satellite antennas and can't say enough good about them. Both take down packable. I also have his 2M/440 "J" pole, another great product.
Nice material, Randy. I will probably never operate these modes, but I really enjoy your presentation. The bloopers at the end--that was a nice touch. 73, Jonathan KC7FYS/7J1AWL
Congratulations on the upgrade. Sometimes it takes many many tries. I think I screwed those 440 elements on the boom 4 or 5 times before I got it right! Randy
@layed39 Distance on V/UHF is mainly line of sight. The higher you are the further you can work. This is why repeaters are up high. For the car a common 5/8 2M antenna works good.
Another good one Randy, I have heard of the Arrow antenna but never seen one looks like a great portable antenna and from what I can see if it the designer has put a lot of thought into the construction of it. I have never bought a commercial Yagi but this one looks well made. Most of the antennas in my field day videos are home brewed in the garage. Love the out takes and the wireless mike is working well, I have one on the future shopping list. 73 VK3W-W-W Jack.
CA should be easy, I would think lots of stations are around. I checked using Orbitron, I don't think the satellite can cover both northern Ca and Ducie island at the same time. It looks real close, or just beyond coverage. I did work them on 20 SSB last night, tried RTTY but didn't get through. Randy
Great video. I got a good laugh out of the bloopers. Keep up the good work! I'm getting my first HF rig (FT-840) soon and hope to have my General ticket by the end of this month. KI4UKA - Cameron
Thanks for another great video. You didn't mention it but I'm guessing you added the aluminum angle bracket to hold your radio and counterbalance the antenna? KB1ZYI
I've used my arrow for 15 yrs. One of my prized hamvention purchases. I Never knew there is a 1/4 20 thread under the handle!! I'm an idiot. I'm going to look tomorrow! THANKS! N1BAQ
Nice video Randy! Thanks, I am looking into getting one of these but it is nice to see how it goes together* Would this also work with normal UHF/VHF repeater work? thanks and 73
Heh. I realize that you left this comment 14 years ago, but in case anyone else happens across this comment and has the same question, the answer is: Yes. There is nothing stopping you from using the Arrow for normal repeaters. That's what I plan to use it for, so that my tiny little 5w Yaesu can reach out and touch significantly distant repeaters and stations.
HI Randy, somewhat new to ham, and found your videos. Thanks for sharing. The hole that is tapped to fit onto the tripod, was that done by you, or was that done in the making of the antenna? Thanks and 73's Tim N4TJH
Does being so close to the ground effect the standing wave ratio? What about grounding or does that matter with 10 watts, I have only used 10-11 meters. Thanks for the video.
I have a question. I bought the same antenna but SWR is always above 2:1. One thing I noticed before moving things around. The clamp that connects the matching stub with the driven element, is made of aluminum. It clamps over the element but the driven element is coated with some kind of non-conductive polymer. There is not DC connection between the clamp and the matching stub. Is this normal or was the connection spot supposed to be cleaned to ensure good electrical connection?
thank you very much for this video, I'm a new ham radio and enjoy working SAT but want to improve my station and this antenne seems to be a godd choice. Is it possible to use this antenna to others things, for exemple only as 2m yagi for SSB ? If the duplexer is detached, how do you connect the antenna ? thank a lot in advance for these novice questions
I'm putting together your setup. Need to know how long the 1/4-20 screw has to be to attach to the tripod. I looked at some Vanguard tripods ... the screw appears to be pretty short and I'm afraid it won't go thru the boom ? What brand tripod did you use for your video. Thanks .... KB1ZIU
verry nice instruction video, hi. Thanks randy y am in the proces of ordering 4 antenna,s for myself and fellow hams,here in the nederlands. Hein, pa3cuu
Thanks a lot, Randy. I love it when 2 of my hobbies intersect: ham radio and photography. Now I know that I already have several antenna mounts without having to purchase antenna mounts :) Can this antenna be used for non-satellite use, e.g. hitting distant repeaters with a HT?
Anyone have any idea how to tune the antenna? The SWR is too high and I lose too much power on TX. Would it make any sense to get rid of the built in diplexer and replace the cabling? Any tips most welcome!
like the video randy im looking to try to get you state on ao-51 maybe we will work some time hope to see if your going to work VP6DX Ducie Island.73'S KC9KUH
Randy, Do you have allergies, a deviated septum or several years of smoking under your belt? Your breathing is labored as was my father's before he died. I had to ask.
Randy and all: This is a great series of videos, full of great information. After 35 years of ham radio, nobody ever showed me or even talked about "how-to" for satellite QSO's. I thought it was too difficult. Randy made it easy to understand and I'm having a blast. I got on the air and made several contacts this weekend on A0-51 and A0-27. Thanks Randy. You are a true "Elmer" to thousands of hams. Hope we can have a QSO someday. Craig WB0GFZ
The duplexer fits inside the handle. Three coax cables come out the end. One for the radio and one each for the 2M and 70 cm antennas. The driven element on each antenna has a BNC connector. So, if you do not want to use the duplexer you can connect directly to each antenna. The duplexer is only rated low power.
LOL...complete with bloopers at the end. Man, Randy, you're truly a pro!!! Hey thanks for your valuable time while putting this stuff together. Very, very interesting and you make it so easy. Although I was familiar to all the material presented, I can't put it down. This is a labor of love...
Siete Tres from San Antonio, Jorge
My Cushcraft set-up is quite similiar to your Arrow.I use s.s. quick release pins(wired to the 'pod to prevent loss)for the boom-base plate connect.Acquired these pins at a marine hardware dealer.Very handy.I've also color coded all the parts on the beam-makes for a quick assembly.Excellent video on portable sat. antennas.Thanks for posting and 73's
Excellent work randy...
I've just passed my General upgrade, and I really enjoy your vids. I've gotten a lot of great info, and your presentation is very down to earth... You make an awesome Elmer.
The bloopers were a nice touch, and I kept expecting a nonbroadcastable editorial comment. Fine work!
73's de KB8WPJ/AG
I've done an SC to CA contact on AO 21, and I have a setup simular to Randy's.
Thanks Much for all the help on everything!!
Just ordered the antenna after watching your videos. Thank you for taking the time to explain this new part of the hobby to so many people. Also, I appreciated the blooper reel at the end. 73's!
KF5HTK
Good spot, he is Winston. A five year old rescue from the pound. He has been with us for about 6 months now. He is a good cat, he stays off the radios and desk. But, he does like the chief operator's chair. Randy
Randy, great video. I am looking forward to seeing you at our march meeting in Lincoln.
73, Curtis
Nice demo Randy! An Arrow antenna on a tripod is always impressive looking.
Randy - Great informative video of the Dual Band Arrow Yagi and your tripod mounting system. I just got the 2-meter Arrow Yagi for backpacking and look forward to adding the Dual Band for satellite work in the future. Would be great to log a QSO with K7AGE in the future! 73's KF7ETX
I haven't checked, but at 2 meters the antenna is about 1/2 to 3/4 wavelength above ground. Probably 2 wavelengths at 70 cm. Seems to work fine. Randy
There seems to be some misconceptions.
Antenna elevation is first, gain is second, power is third.
The reason satellites work so well is the elevation and excellent antennas, a few watts covers the entire CONUS.
What the arrow antenna does is allows one to carry a dual band Yagi that can easily be disassembled and transported.
The satellites are the true key elements, without them range on VHF/UHF would be very limited indeed.
@ZotrexSystem Glad to hear that you are a builder! Randy
the people at arrow do a GREAT job! I stopprd in their factory a few years ago and got a tour. I will buy more ants from them again,
Rich
Well I am now interested. I may try and do satellite and see how it goes.
BTW, love the out takes. Just goes to show we are not all superhuman operators.
Interesting, when Randy was attaching the boom to the tripod, it was acting as one big antenna and interfering with his wireless mic. Must be some serious RF in the air there.
I have both of his satellite antennas and can't say enough good about them. Both take down packable. I also have his 2M/440 "J" pole, another great product.
The blooper with them all completely backwards was pretty amusing :)
Nice material, Randy. I will probably never operate these modes, but I really enjoy your presentation. The bloopers at the end--that was a nice touch. 73, Jonathan KC7FYS/7J1AWL
Rescue from the pound 2 years ago. We think he is 7-8, always been an indoor cat. He likes his time outside.
Great video! This video just about answered every question I had. I plan to buy the antenna tomorrow. Thanks!
Enjoy, it is a very popular antenna.
Congratulations on the upgrade. Sometimes it takes many many tries. I think I screwed those 440 elements on the boom 4 or 5 times before I got it right! Randy
@layed39 Distance on V/UHF is mainly line of sight. The higher you are the further you can work. This is why repeaters are up high. For the car a common 5/8 2M antenna works good.
Another good one Randy, I have heard of the Arrow antenna but never seen one looks like a great portable antenna and from what I can see if it the designer has put a lot of thought into the construction of it. I have never bought a commercial Yagi but this one looks well made. Most of the antennas in my field day videos are home brewed in the garage. Love the out takes and the wireless mike is working well, I have one on the future shopping list.
73 VK3W-W-W Jack.
Looking forward to the meeting. Randy
Randy, thank you for the very informative video. You are doing a great service for our hobby.
-73-
Patrick
KC2RBE
Great video Randy and thanks for the part at the end!
I love the outtakes!
haha lol
I bought it over 40 years ago. It is a simple camera tripod.
CA should be easy, I would think lots of stations are around. I checked using Orbitron, I don't think the satellite can cover both northern Ca and Ducie island at the same time. It looks real close, or just beyond coverage. I did work them on 20 SSB last night, tried RTTY but didn't get through. Randy
Great video Randy. Wish I could wear short sleeves outside this time of year (-10 here today)!
Gus - KC0ZCR
Randy, Thanks for another great video... I love the bloopers at the end!!! Mike,
WB8CXO
Very nice video, I love your videos Randy...
Thank you very much!
Huberto,
Greetings from Spain!
Aloha Randy.
I just got my antenna 2 weeks after watch your video, thanks for all informations.
73
PU2LPQ/KH6 - Paulo
Great video. I got a good laugh out of the bloopers. Keep up the good work!
I'm getting my first HF rig (FT-840) soon and hope to have my General ticket by the end of this month.
KI4UKA - Cameron
@AB9RN My arrow has a tapped hole, and it is away from the duplexer, so no problems.
Thanks for another great video. You didn't mention it but I'm guessing you added the aluminum angle bracket to hold your radio and counterbalance the antenna?
KB1ZYI
Yes. I have another video about the bracket.
Ues
Cool, you are all set to go! Randy
Thanks for answering my questions Randy! I love the outtakes! you need a gag reel! 73
NYS
It is the 1/4-20 screw on the tripod that attached to the tapped boom. You shouldn't need anything else.
I've used my arrow for 15 yrs. One of my prized hamvention purchases. I Never knew there is a 1/4 20 thread under the handle!! I'm an idiot. I'm going to look tomorrow! THANKS!
N1BAQ
Nice video Randy! Thanks, I am looking into getting one of these but it is nice to see how it goes together*
Would this also work with normal UHF/VHF repeater work?
thanks and 73
Heh. I realize that you left this comment 14 years ago, but in case anyone else happens across this comment and has the same question, the answer is:
Yes. There is nothing stopping you from using the Arrow for normal repeaters. That's what I plan to use it for, so that my tiny little 5w Yaesu can reach out and touch significantly distant repeaters and stations.
HI Randy, somewhat new to ham, and found your videos. Thanks for sharing. The hole that is tapped to fit onto the tripod, was that done by you, or was that done in the making of the antenna?
Thanks and 73's Tim N4TJH
+Tim Hurst I am not Randy. But I can answer that question for you. The hole is in the antenna from the manufacturer. seven three de kevin/NB7O
I made the bracket. I have another video about the bracket here on youtube. Randy
Randy -
Excellent! Keep them coming.
73
de KF7ETX
David
Great video thanks for making and posting 👍
Does being so close to the ground effect the standing wave ratio? What about grounding or does that matter with 10 watts, I have only used 10-11 meters. Thanks for the video.
I have a question. I bought the same antenna but SWR is always above 2:1. One thing I noticed before moving things around. The clamp that connects the matching stub with the driven element, is made of aluminum. It clamps over the element but the driven element is coated with some kind of non-conductive polymer. There is not DC connection between the clamp and the matching stub. Is this normal or was the connection spot supposed to be cleaned to ensure good electrical connection?
Hi, I don't know. Maybe sending an email to Arrow Antennas would be best.
Hi Andrew, did you get some Info concerning that electrical issue and the SWR? Tnx for coming back. 73`s sTef
If I buy the 146/437- 10W model with duplexer, do you know if the cables will be included? If they are, is it a BNC male to male? Thanks.
When I bought my antenna (many years ago) the duplexer has cables soldered to it and each of the three ends has a male BNC.
Thanks
Interesting. Was think of getting one of the handheld monoband yagis like the 3 ele 2m or something for repeater and simplex use with my HT.
You can make one. Search for 'cheap yagi'
thank you very much for this video, I'm a new ham radio and enjoy working SAT but want to improve my station and this antenne seems to be a godd choice.
Is it possible to use this antenna to others things, for exemple only as 2m yagi for SSB ?
If the duplexer is detached, how do you connect the antenna ?
thank a lot in advance for these novice questions
Where can I find a tripod that has a metal camera mount like the one in the video? Plastic mounts seem flex a lot.
I bought that tripod when I was in high school, 50+ years ago. I don't know, keep looking.
thanks Randy I just bought a tripod!
73 Daniel
I'm putting together your setup. Need to know how long the 1/4-20 screw has to be to attach to the tripod. I looked at some Vanguard tripods ... the screw appears to be pretty short and I'm afraid it won't go thru the boom ? What brand tripod did you use for your video. Thanks .... KB1ZIU
Thanks Randy for this Info It s has Very Informative for Me Keep up the Great Work ON U Tube. Love the Out Takes, 73's John W4GLX
verry nice instruction video, hi.
Thanks randy
y am in the proces of ordering 4 antenna,s for myself and fellow hams,here in the nederlands.
Hein, pa3cuu
ha ha love the blupers at the end... that was great!!
Thanks a lot, Randy. I love it when 2 of my hobbies intersect: ham radio and photography. Now I know that I already have several antenna mounts without having to purchase antenna mounts :) Can this antenna be used for non-satellite use, e.g. hitting distant repeaters with a HT?
Sure!
@@K7AGE , thanks. purchase the duplexer for a dual band HT?
I saw the Alaskan Arrow on their website too. Looks like a RF vacuum ;)
Is there a risk of dirt/moisture effecting the duplexer inside of the antenna handle.
Sure. It is just a small printed circuit board in the handle.
ok, thanks
thank you very much for your quick answer Randy !
Randy
Very good video. Good explanation and close ups. LOL at the end :D
73
TI2DYS
Alejandro
excellent job man !
Thanks Randy,
Great Video .. Again .. Can't wait to try this !
Dave, KJ6GLX
Anyone have any idea how to tune the antenna? The SWR is too high and I lose too much power on TX. Would it make any sense to get rid of the built in diplexer and replace the cabling?
Any tips most welcome!
What satellites are best for beginners? Where can I track A0-51?
Just go to amsat to track ao-51.
Good video Randy! 73 Jer
Ham4less is anouther place to buy the Arrow very fast shipping got mine with in 2 days after I phone it in .
Ah. What caught my eye is that it's made of metal, as opposed to plastic. Hence why it still works....
like the video randy im looking to try to get you state on ao-51 maybe we will work some time hope to see if your going to work VP6DX Ducie Island.73'S KC9KUH
great video and ending :)
@K7AGE: Where did you get the tripod?
il y a un gamamach sur cette antenne ?
Great !! Thanks ! vy73 from Poland ..
There is usually a few brain farts during taping. Randy
Just a common camera tripod. Randy
Thank you!
have more uses for my tri pod
Randy,
Do you have allergies, a deviated septum or several years of smoking under your belt? Your breathing is labored as was my father's before he died.
I had to ask.
Nice jobe Randy. Thanks for the cool video. 73 de VA3VVV...
Hey Randy. Tnx for this nice video. I hope to meet you again via K7AGE-L ECHOLINK.
Vy 73 from Neustadt /Wstr. S.W. Germany
André DL2PAN......
Sure, just don't point the antenna up in the air! Randy
Sir Winston
Thank you very much
Very nice video, Randy
73`
LU8HRW
A simple wireless mic for camcorder.
@metamorfosis84 Amateur radio satellites
Give Arrow Antennas a call or email
Hahahah...."the antenna gets its name from.....[breathing]..."
Funny the part from 13:08 til the end. ;)
@Creepinevil 146/437-10WBP
I have that arrow. In my knee.
congratulacion very nice vidio okcy docky
py1aes tony 73/DX
Skip to 4:26
I'm fine, never smoked.
i just use a telephone...lol
*****
You suffer from apnea.