Best Radios for Parks on the Air - 2022-2023 Buying Guide
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- In today's video I am going over my top picks for radios suitable for POTA or Parks on the Air. This topic was from a question by a viewer and I am giving you my honest opinion on the best radios and gear if you are interested in getting involved in POTA.
REMEMBER*** With the holidays coming up there will be deals on radios, so shop around for the best prices!!
------------- Video Chapters: ---------------------
0:00 - Intro
2:11 - Presentation Start
6:58 - My Top Three Picks
12:26 - Other Radios, QRP, Etc...
18:18 - POTA Accessories
26:52 - End of Presentation
28:52 - Conclusion and Wrap Up
Logging app: HAMRS - hamrs.app
Ham Radio Retailers:
DX Engineering: www.dxengineering.com/
GigaParts: www.gigaparts.com/
Ham Radio Outlet: www.hamradio.com/
Main Trading Company: www.mtcradio.com/
R&L Electronics: store2.rlham.com/shop/catalog...
Antennas:
KM4ACK EFHW Kit: bit.ly/3FkfRVl
K6ARK EFHW Kit: k6ark.com/kitsandparts/
Packtenna: bit.ly/3Dc3fNv
Spark Plug Antennas: www.sparkpluggear.com/shop
DX Commander Expedition: bit.ly/3DDJyiX
✅Website: hamradiofornontechies.com
✅rumble.com/c/c-1877665
✅Patreon: / hr4nt
✅My Amazon Store: amzn.to/3sSeA1n
✅Facebook: / hr4nt
✅odysee.com/@hamradiofornontec...
✅Twitter: / hamtechies
✅TOADs Discord: / discord
✅Kit.co Product Recommendations: kit.co/ki5npl
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My Current Shack Setup:
ICOM IC-7300
Yaesu FT-2980
DX Commander Classic
Comet GP-9
Diamond GZV4000 Power Supply
LDG AT200 PROII Tuner
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#hr4nt
#ki5npl
#hamradiofornontechies
The antenna will make far more difference than the transceiver, especially the G-90 at 20 watts. No matter what rig you run, put up the best antenna possible for the best results.
I agree 100%!! A good antenna is key to success in any radio operation. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
POTA = every day is field day👍
For $600 I highly recommend G90, 6ah Bioenno, hamstik in your choice of band and a homemade stake mount. VA to CA on 20w🎉
There you go. I have seen people operate the G90 and get tons of contacts with little to no issue. If you are on a budget, this is the answer. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Agreed. The G90 is a little powerhouse, plus one gets the bonus of a tuner. Idaho to Australia on 20 watts on 20 meters. Don't know who was more shocked, the VK operator or me. 👍
Can still do POTA with VHF and UHF and even use an HT. It’s a great way to get started without being overwhelmed both in costs and making QSOs. We sometime will have new local club members try this. Sending out a club email with date and time and then go at it. Great way to get started doing QSO’s. My own very first QSO was on 146.520 with my handheld FTR65 while at home to someone 12 miles away doing a POTA in Smoky Mountain National Park.I was hooked!
That is an awesome story! Thanks for sharing. I'd say whatever gets you in front of the mic and making contacts is a good thing! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Great video. I enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time too make it.
Glad you enjoyed it! I thought it would be valuable information to many out there considering doing POTA. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Thanks Scott for a nice video, it really helps even for myself I have been a ham for ten years. I liked the comment about DX contacts. This weekend we had the RAC Winter Contest in Canada and while operating I switched over to 10 meters and the first contact I made was in Costa Rica, that is a rush and it never gets old. Have a very Happy New Years Scott and hope to work you sometime, 73 from VE7WNO.
Thank you for those kind words! I really appreciate it. Hope to work you as well sometime on a POTA! Thank you for the comment and for watching. 73!
Great video Scott! I’ve been debating what radio I want for my first HF rig but can take out for POTA. I know it’s not that portable, but kinda leaning 7610. Do SSB & FT8 at the same time! Talk about 2 birds with one stone! LOL But then double the antenna. Going to do some more research but kinda want an antenna that can do at least 100W. I know DX Commander can take full legal limit, but I’d need 2…. LOL. My brain is saying that’s too much work. LOL
Keep up the great work! 73!
Great topic! Thank you!
You are very welcome. I am glad the video brought you value! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Scott i enjoy watching your videos. No bs just easy to understand information. I just bought the G90 and ordered the Buddistick Pro. I think it will be a better option for me. I live in an HOA may be able to use it some there. I went overboard with the battery ordering the 20Ah. I am gathering up stuff to start doing POTA. I am a new tech and limited but its a start. Keep making great videos. They are a joy to watch.
Hey that sounds fantastic! Glad you enjoy the videos! I wouldn't sweat the 20aH battery...it will serve you for a long time and if you upgrade to a 100 watt setup down the road, you will love having that extra power. Once you get past the initial stuff with POTA, you will absolutely be hooked. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing you on the air! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Very nice presentation. Love all the information. Thanks for all the very good information.
Glad it was helpful! The nice thing is, not a whole lot has changed in the radios that are out now VS the ones I spoke of in this video. The prices may have changed due to inflation, but the radios are still my favorites. Again, glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
Good review. Thank you. After being DX for several years then followed by a 40-year hiatus from the hobby, I reentered with a Xiegu G-90. Overall, I'm satisfied with it. It has some nice features my Kenwood TS-520 never thought of but it will always be my favorite. There's just something special about tube boat anchors and fossilized hams.
G-90's audio quality may be a bit lacking to some but that's easily rectified by a trip to the thrift store and scrounging for an old, powered computer speaker. The headphone jack is not meant to power a passive 8-ohm speaker - only higher Z headphones. Why? I have no idea. Better still, buy a Bluetooth adapter and phones to match.
These ''toy-box'' radios are THE answer to POTA, SOTA, Bikes on the Air, Kayaks on the Air, etc... Remember, more power out means a bigger battery to lug around. Even a LiFePO4 has its limitations. I use a 12v/18AH - 4 pounds. Now there's lots of really cool stuff out there than existed 40 years ago. It's like Christmas every day!
Technology has definitely made some major strides over the past few decades. I can appreciate the older stuff, but I love the features on the newer radios. The bottom line is to get on the air, make contacts, share ideas, learn and most of all, have fun! Glad you are back in Ham Radio! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Waiting on my Venus SW-3B from across the water, working my code skills til it arrives. Great channel and content. I hope I can get some good POTA videos online in the near future!
With CW it is all practice, practice, practice. You will do fine as long as you keep up with it. I am glad you like the channel and videos! Let me know when you get some POTA videos out! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Hi, interesting reading your comment. I am 16 weeks into my CW study, just starting to slow copy and have just ordered my Venus SW-3B, in fact, I was emailed this morning confirming the order has been processed. Hope you are happy with yours, good luck with the CW.
@@alannorthdevonuk763 I love my SW-3B. It has been a joy to use, tune around on, and made many contacts on it as well. Long wire antenna, a good portable iambic paddle and a power source and it's all you need in the go bag.
Hi Scott, I have been watching your channel for some time now simply because I am totally non tech hihi. I love the idea of POTA, and if I can get my fitness sorted out, maybe a bit of SOTA as well. At a very young 64 years, I hold a Foundation licence here in the UK (M6KVK), I think that is similar to your Technicians licence in the US, and love portable radio. My preferred choice at the moment is an FT857 (all mode) and a resonant antenna, I make my own 49:1 HWEF good for 40, 20, 15 & 10m. My power choice is either a Jackery 500 or my 14amp tracer lifepo4 portable battery, I don't use a tuner at all. Many thanks for your vlogs and the time taken to share.
That is fantastic. Thanks for sharing your setup with me! I really appreciate it. I think you are correct about the Foundation license being close to the US Technician license. SOTA does require a bit more fitness effort on your part, but POTA is, I think more fun and a lot less work to accomplish. Thanks for being a long-time fan of the channel. I really appreciate that! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
As always great video Scott, thanks for the information. Also, the G-90 is not touch screen it has buttons to access the different menus. 73, Ricardo - W4RMZ
That's what I figured but it has been so long since I have been around someone using a G90 that I forgot! Thanks for the clarification!! Thanks for the comment and for watching! 73!!
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your excellent analysis on HF transceivers.
I did'nt do POTA up to now, only SOTA activations.
But lets give it a try...
For SOTA I still use my IC-703.
It's solid technology and hast an build-in tuner.
Had the Xiegu G90 too, but it fails after only 2 years of use. No more RX and it has smelled burned.
So no more Chinese radios, nobody is able to repair...
73's de Stefan DG4RBS
Excellent!! If you do SOTA, POTA is just as much fun! Any radio you have will do the job. It's the antenna that pulls the weight! Sorry to hear about the failure of the G90. I normally DO NOT recommend any Chinese radios, but this one seems to be one of the more reliable ones out there. Buy once cry once is my motto and I always try to give people reasonable alternatives for their purchases. Keep in touch...maybe we will have a QSO from park to park sometime! Thanks for the comment and for watching! 73!!
Thanks for the video. If my 706 ever quits working I will get the 891 for POTA
Those are both good and reliable radios. If your 706 performs the way you want, I wouldn't worry about an 891at the moment. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
All the 100-watt radios will do qrp, just something to keep in mind.
Oh I get that, I was just offering other options. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
A Tech can definitely use VHF/UHF for POTA/SOTA as long as they're in an area that has a lot of activity on simplex. I've seen a few people on UA-cam do both SOTA & POTA on VHF/UHF (probably on VHF only)... It can be done, but just takes a lot (A LOT) of patience. Great video! 73!
Yeah I am aware that it "can" be done, but as you say, patience is the key. A lot of the SOTA guys do SOTA on VHF/UHF due to the heights that they are operating from. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Imagine if Julie Andrews had a radio in the Sound of Music?
Technician class hams can use CW for POTA on 80, 40 and 15 meters using keyboard software like FLFigi if they do not know Morse Code. 73 and POTA on!
Thanks for sharing that! Excellent tip! Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!
Oh I'm eat up with this! My first radio was Yeasu 817 then Xiegu G90! Chameleon F-Loop and EMCOMM III Portable and a Hyendfed EFHW! I'm concentrating on QRP but still want an 857 or 705. My love affair lately has been Power !!! Solar Power!!! Building LifePo4 battery setups with MPPT chargers! Got s nice big three room tent and a canopy and tables and chairs !!! With dutch ovens !!! This hobby never ends !!! My main rig for transport is a 99 Jeep Cherokee setup for overland excursions !!! Like I said, it never ends !!!
WOW! Sounds like you made a plan and executed it! Well done! Keep rocking and enjoying radio! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Sota beams linked dipoles are worth a look,I like them 😊
I have yet to use or build a dipole antenna. I will definitely look into it or design and build one myself. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
The Yaesu ATAS-120A is an outstanding antenna, i've used it with an 857 and 991A. I bought a Diamond SD-330 which is Diamond's take on the screwdriver antenna thinking it would perform better, I was seriously mistaken.
I have yet to play with an ATAS, but from everyone who has them, I have yet to hear any complaints. They just seem to work and they work very well. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I own both the 891 and the G90. The G90 is smaller than the 891 by a fair amount. Both are good radios, there is no question that the 891 has a better receiver and as long as you don’t need a tuner for you antenna it’s probably the best choice. I’d say the g90 has an edge for SOTA where weight is important and you are hopefully away from noise sources. The G90 also does a little better on current draw so you can pack a 6 to 10 amp battery. I’d say 10 amps is the minimum size you can pack for a 891 and normally I pack 2. Nice video.
Hey that is good to know. Thank you so much for sharing. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Good video. The only thing I think you left out was portable verticals. I don't view the DX Commander antenna as being truly portable, even though it is portable. The Silver Bullet and Buddi-Stick antennas are great for those times you don't have a way to raise a wire antenna. Both are fantastic antennas, especially when looking for distance comms. I'd stay away from any Chamelon antenna that uses the 5 to 1 transformer. They lose 12 db in signal transmission strength (2 "S" units) from the bullet transformer. You need all the signal strength you can get when operating portable. Their wire only antennas a very good, but expensive. Also, if you don't need 100 watts, the Ziegu G-90 has a great deal going for it at a very attractive price. When they go on sale, they are $399.00. Great 9 to 1 tuner and so many other features for a fantastic price. Best deal in a HF radio for those who are on a budget.
I used to think the same thing about the DX Commander, but after setting it up so many times, I can now deploy it within 11 minutes or so. I am not familiar with the Silver Bullet, but will look into it. As for the BuddiStick. I have one and I like it, but to use it you have to have your analyzer with you to tune it for each band every time you switch. That is ok sometimes, but I would rather spend the majority of my time on the radio than tuning the antenna. I have a Chameleon CHA LEFS and it works flawlessly, however they are very over priced antennas. The G90 is a great deal for a budget-minded operator!! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Excellent video ! 73, F4JRA
Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
A video on best *portable* POTA antennas that don’t need a tuner, for say the top 3-5 POTA bands, would be a good topic. So resonant options, by band.
That is a good idea. I will work on it. Thank you! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I know I'm coming in a little late here but you have made some erroneous statements. Yes, the G90 is a great radio for a 20 watt radio and the internal tuner is the best on the market. You do need an interface to the computer for digital. Where you went wrong is with the 891. It does not have an internal tuner or sound card. So you also need an interface to the computer for digital use. No FT8 without it. But you are on the mark with the 7300. A great radio with all the buzzers and whistles.
Steve, k7ofg
I appreciate that. If I said the 891 had an internal tuner I was in error. I have the LDG z100 to accompany my 891 in my go box.. Thanks for the comment an for watching. 73!!!
I love my IC-705, it just about does it all in a small, lightweight package and it sips power. The downside is the market is missing a good amplifier for it. There is work for an amplifier for the Lab 599 that I'm told works well with it, but availability isn't there yet. If I can add a 100w amplifier to my IC-705, there's no reason I couldn't use my ic-705 as both a QRP and home station, similar to having a 7300 that also has bluetooth, wifi and highly portable.
There actually is a solution for a 100w amp for the 705. If you can find an Elecraft KXPA100 (however it costs more than the 705!!!), all you need is a cable that will connect the amp to the radio which you can get here: amzn.to/3eH6IaV I hope this helps you out. Here is an accompanying video to show how to connect everything: ua-cam.com/video/SXGzGxOuxVU/v-deo.html Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
I have the 705 and a couple of Xiegu (more than a couple I guess) radios and accessories. You can use their amp with it. ua-cam.com/video/u-WgQH0t4Rc/v-deo.html
Uhhh, I want all of em !!! I got my G90 open box on ebay for $350 shipped !!! 😂
That is fantastic! Hope you have had a chance to go out an enjoy it! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Just bought a FT891 as my do it all rig,I back pack portable so the 7300 is too big for me,had a G90 but struggled to see the buttons on the rig 😊
From what you are describing, it looks like the 891 was a perfect match for you!! Hope you enjoy the radio! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
A Yaesu FTDX10 would be awesome too.
Yes it would . I had a chance to play with one a while back and I have to say I was impressed. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
POTA 4 LIFE!!!
100%!!!! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Idk, I just really don’t get into running 100 watts for POTA, kind of kills most of the challenge to me. I have a 7300, it’s great, but I don’t use it for POTA. I want as light and portable as I can for POTA. 100 watt radios aren’t very efficient at reduced power either. But, that’s all personal preference, great thing about POTA, all kind of ways of doing it. Nice video.
Everyone has their own preference. I think 100 watts is perfect if your goal is to get as many contacts within a certain time as possible. There are other 100 watt rigs that are a lot lighter like the 891. Either way, as long as you are having fun and learning more about your gear, that is what matters in my opinion. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
That Canterbury fellow has a truck.
I got the 30 minute warning but never got a notification for the beginning of the stream.🤬
Good advice.
Oh no! Well I am glad you were able to see the video either way! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
The g90 don't have a record function until you make it for your self with a little board and a different microphone...
Very good to know. Thanks for the info and for sharing! I appreciate that! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!
Good evening Sir! I was wondering if there's any way that I can share/lend my callsign with my Dad while he gets his license? And if so, how may I do it? Any advice is much appreciated.
Hi Carlos, you can't share your call sign in the traditional sense, however, if you are present at the radio that your father is operating at the time, he can use your call sign to call CQ but you must be present. So if you go out and do POTA, he can act as you but you must be near him at the control point. I hope this helps and hope that you father passes his exam and gets his call sign soon! Best of luck to you both! 73!
@@HR4NTBut can I be present remotely, such as. during a zoom or video call? I appreciate your help. 73!
Isn't a IC-7300 a bit large to take to the park? I wonder if a IC-705 would be easier to transport?
I take both...one is 100 watts and one is 5/10watts. I have had no issues with my 7300 as a portable radio. So much so, I bought two...one for the house and one for POTA. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
is there a group for GMRS that is part of POTA? I have my GMRS license but not my ham yet.
Not that I am aware of because POTA is using the HF bands in ham radio. GMRS just wont reach far enough to include the bands it uses for POTA. I hope this helped. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Do you have to ground your radio when you are doing POTA, I never see anyone driving a ground rod?
No. You do not ground if out doing pota or when portable. You are working for such a short period of time that it would be a waste to go through all that. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching. 73!!!
The FT891 cannot be used right out of the box for FT8, it doesn't have a built in sound card. 20W is not QRP, lol.
Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
As I am sure you know that the technique that hams use for geocaching is the same as the technique that biologists use to find collars. This would give a ham a chance at citizen science. Is any group doing that?
Hi Bruce, I am not sure I follow what you are explaining here...can you elaborate? 73
POTA Activations R O C K 💯👍👍👍
ABSOLUTELY!!!! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
To anyone who reads. Thinking about getting the g90 or 891. If the 20 watts is enough i would want the g20. The 891 not coming with a runer is my worry about it. If anyone has both please let me know your thoughts. If you have the g20 let me know thoghts.
I like the 100 watt option of the 891. Not having a tuner is not an issue as I use resonant antennas. However I do have an LDG 100 tuner (relatively cheap) in the event I need a tuner out in the field if I am using one of my other non-resonant antennas. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73
@@HR4NT I got the super antenna mp1c in a few days ago. It tunes so well I think I'll go with the 891.
FX-4CR seems to be a better choice than the g90 but i dont own one
Looks similar but with a smaller footprint. I know nothing about this radio. Thanks for the heads up. I will look into this one and see what it's all about. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
What about the x-6100?
I guess that could be used as well, but if you are going to spend the money on that, why not spend $10 more and just get the FT-891? I really try to stay away from the Chinese radios but the G90 has been proven over time to be pretty reliable for the most part whereas the 6100 is still a fairly new model that came out this year. It comes down to personal preference and budget. But for the money, I would go with an 891. Thanks for the comment and for watching! 73!!
Yaesu FTDX-10?
If you have one, no reason to not use it for POTA, but at $1500+ I didn't think it was practical choice as there are quite a few radios well under that price tag. Nothing against the FTDX10, it is an amazing rig, just a bit pricey. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
891 is unbeatable for many years now.
I agree 100%. It is extremely reliable and works every time! I just wish the menu system was a little easier. I love my 891 and will never part with it. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
@@HR4NT Unbeatable in 2 categories😉 100W all in one Best of ham radio so far and most weird menu 😜 I don't own it yet but maybe one day. 73
Alinco DX70TH
Looks like it was a cool radio back in the day. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!
😊
Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
The G90 is not 2.2 lb, have you actually weighed it or verified it? I own one. The marketing lied saying it's 2.2 lb, but in reality it's over 3 lb .
Meh...either way...LOL It would be nice if the ones writing the specs were more accurate! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!
Thanks for the info on that..!
Yaseu 891
981? or 891... LOL Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!
Sorry I had a brain cramp..yes 891! LOL Fixed it...
Great ! Talk kf4cnm
ham radio for the non-techies, isn't that the epitome of an oxymoron. Ham radio would be a lot better off if we got rid of the non-techies.
ham radio is based entirely on math and science It is by its very definition a techy activity.
unfortunately with the dumbing down of the ham radio tests ham radio has become infiltrated with appliance operators most of whom couldn't define the difference between capacitance and inductance without googling it let alone calculate the resonant frequency of an RLC circuit something all hams with a general class license and above should be required to demonstrate.
I guess it all boils down to quantity versus quality, back when I first got my ham radio ticket We had quality operators, nowadays we have a quantity of operators who are pretty much worthless..
Oh and by the way that record thingy is called a "voice keyer" And it's very common in contesting
Oh and you really know you're dealing with a LID When they start talking about resonant antennas at 100 w like it matters. this totally demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of RF and antennas..
The only time resonant antenna has become important is when you're operating QRO, at that point You're much better off with a resonant antenna because tuners capable of tuning non-resident antennas at QRO power levels become extremely expensive and lossy.
For something like parks on the air I'd have no problem whatsoever using a tuner and a long wire antenna and the performance would far exceed anything you've shown here.
resonant antennas at 100 w lol
I understand that ham radio is a technical hobby. My job and the point of this channel is to help bridge the gap allowing new folks that have an interest in ham radio to be able to get into the hobby and continue their learning on their own time.
Yes some things have been dumbed down over the past few decades in every aspect of life, including ham radio. Everybody has to start somewhere. I am sure you weren't an expert on day one when you got into ham radio. You, like others, learned more information over time.
Technology has had many advances especially in radios that do not require as much tinkering to keep them in operation. Gear and equipment today is much more reliable and yes, easier to use. I think this is a good thing.
As for your condescending comment about 100 watt antennas....MOST HF radios these days are 100 watt systems (Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Etc...). So matching your system with an antenna that can handle 100 watts is logical. The idea behind POTA is to NOT bring out a crapload of gear with you, like an ATU or even an amplifier. That is a bit excessive and if you have a resonant antenna you can set up and be ready to go quickly and efficiently. I think the 70,000+ POTA operators would disagree with you.
I think you should consider lightening up a bit. Just because new hams are finding shortcuts to be able to get into ham radio, doesn't make them useless idiots. MANY of them get into the hobby and then go on to find more things within ham radio that piques their interest and they go on to research and learn and apply what they learned to become better operators.
It is hard enough to get the younger generation involved in ham radio as it is because they would rather play video games or feed their social media addiction, rather than have a simple face to face conversation with others. So if I can encourage someone to get into ham radio and at least try it out where is the harm? You and I do not know their aptitude...they might come out and become a fantastic operator and contribute something to ham radio down the road.
Bottom line: do what makes you happy. If you like carrying a bunch of gear out to do POTA or operate, fine, but don't rip on those who have figured out a more efficient way that works for them. There is plenty of room in ham radio for everyone. 73
@@HR4NT again the whole focus on resonant antennas is irrelevant at 100 watts.
The only time resonant become important is at higher power levels, At higher power levels antenna tuners and non-resident antennas can cause significant common mode RFI..
At low power levels there is no benefit to using a resonant antenna. zero nada nothing.
a simple long wire antenna and a tuner will outperform any portable vertical or loop by a significant margin and long wire antennas are not resonant antennas.
As far as hauling equipment out, most transceivers nowadays come with antenna tuners built in, a small Z100 antenna tuner doesn't weigh anything.
When hams start talking about resonant antennas at 100 w RF engineers start rolling their eyes as it just demonstrates a lack of understanding of the basics..
If you're using a portable antenna that utilizes "loading coils" and or traps then basically the antenna tuner is built into the antenna. The antenna itself is not resonant it's the coil that's making it appear to be resonant by acting as an impedance transforming device.
By the way I hold multiple ARRL Elmer awards as well as honorary lifetime memberships to over 100 ham radio clubs As a result of my decades of helping new hams. At one time I ran an Elmer net where I would spend 2 hours answering questions from New hands, a book was eventually written based on the information in that net.
I apologize if I sounded condescending but after several hours of watching self-professed experts on UA-cam spread old wives tales in disinformation I get a bit disheartened.
I've come to the conclusion that at least 80 plus percent of the information on UA-cam regarding ham radio is partially incorrect or 100% incorrect, it's like 11 meters all over again.
At this point I wonder why the FCC even maintains the amateur radio service because nowadays it seems like nothing more than glorified CB, nothing but a bunch of appliance operators who couldn't define resonance, capacitance or inductance without googling it let alone calculate the resonant frequency of an RLC circuit something every amateur radio operator should be able to do in their head.
The bottom line is if you can't calculate the resonant frequency of an RLC circuit then you really have no business discussing antennas or transceivers.
of course this isn't directed at you because I don't know your background, I'm talking about a lot of the other self-professed ham radio experts making videos.
The thing I like about books over UA-cam is that at least with a book The person who wrote it had to have some sort of professional or academic background that qualified him to write that book or it would have been published.
On the other hand with UA-cam any self-professed expert can start making videos and as long as they tell people what they want to hear they will become popular.
Oh and POTA is popular because it requires the least amount of knowledge and skill to operate successfully.
You want to set up a station that requires skill? set up a four band QRO contest station. That's four transceivers on the air simultaneously on four different bands all running full legal limit.
to do this properly so that each station does not interfere with the other stations requires a level of skill equal to that of being a broadcast engineer which is The skill level you should be at if you hold an extra class license.
Don't get me wrong I like parks on the air, it's a great way for newbies to operate as it eliminates most of the technical challenges involved in building a real amateur radio station. For example you don't have to learn about towers and grounding, you don't need to learn the difference between an RF ground and a DC ground. You don't need to learn about tracking down RFI sources or eliminating common mode interference, Heck you don't even need to perform a station evaluation.....
I actually have a 10x14 interstate cargo trailer that's been converted into an electronics lab/ham shack.
It's fully self-contained, it has a pneumatic mast, multiple HF radios. three amplifiers, an AL 1500 which is capable of 2,500 w key down for 30 minutes full duty cycle.
a smaller 800 watt AL 811 h amplifier, a slightly larger 1200 watt al80b .
also included is an agilent vector network analyzer that's good to 30 gigahertz as well as an agilent RF service monitor. And of course oscilloscopes and signal generators.
The station also is fully satellite capable. I regularly work the international space station and various satellites with it.
there's a 6 kW vectron pure sine wave inverter, connected to a ton of lithium batteries. along with 2 kilowatts of solar on fold-out panels.
Oh and it's got air conditioning,
I tow it behind the motorhome as my wife and I tour the country.
several magazines have wanted to do articles on the trailer but I have turned them down, it is pretty much incognito, I don't want people to recognize it driving down the road because there is a lot of time and money invested in it And we spend considerable time boondocking.
By the way the benefit of an amplifier capable of 2500 w key down for 30 minutes is that at full legal limit it's just loafing. I can literally run RTTY full duty cycle at full legal limit which is probably why I have five band DXCC on RTTY which is virtually unheard of for a US station.
FYI G90 has zero recording capability.
Thank you for the correction. I could have sworn you could do that, but after a little more research I was wrong. Thanks for watching. 73!
20W is definitely NOT QRP …
Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!