Version 2 Specifications: Since this original video there has been even more testing and tuning and some of the driven element lengths have changed in order to reduce the SWR even more. The original still works well but for even lower SWR on all bands, use the lengths in the chart provided here at this link: drive.google.com/file/d/1Ktm-3A76drW-x1REeC3tVfY1_olvJeYV/view?usp=sharing Enjoy!
Hi Jerry, this is Greg KJ6ER, the creator of the PERformer antenna for POTA, e-comms and HOA deployments. Thank you so much for sharing your implementation of the PERformer, fantastic job! This is why I model, design and share these plans for free to our community ... to inspire others to get out in the field and experiment with their own versions. My mission is to encourage all hams to elevate their vertical antenna radials. When you elevate just 2 radials, your radiation efficiency rockets over 90% (meaning 100 watts in, 90 watts radiated). When you lay those same 2 radials on the ground, you're only getting 30-40% efficiency. This is why you will like hear "You're the loudest signal on the band!" from hunters. Just one correction - the angle between the radials should be 90 degrees (not 60 degrees). My computer model predicted that span would be the best for directivity (and FtB). As you move them closer together, they interact and actually reduce radiation. Move them to 90 degrees and you'll be fine. The other comment I have, the tuned linked radials are the constant and the telescoping whip (in my version) is the variable. This will allow you to tune the antenna resonance in a variety of different deployments. Near field surroundings and ground conditions always impact resonance. It will also allow you to move from the SSB to the CW/Digital portion of the band if desired. Regardless, what you have implemented works fine and I appreciate your hard work to do so and share. My email is good on QRZ - feel free to reach out if you or any of your viewers have any questions, I'd be happy to help! Keep having fun! 😀 73 KJ6ER
Greg, Thanks for your research and design. I appreciate all the time and effort you have put into this. Also thanks for your support, explanations, and encouragement. Hopefully this video and others will let new and potential hams realize that you don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy this fantastic hobby! 73. Jerry. KM4ZKB
Thanks! I will try to continue to provide some lower cost alternatives that will allow more people to get into this great hobby. Be sure and subscribe to be notified when new videos are posted.
Hi Jerry - I just saw your video and the noise floor was very quiet. KJ6ER did us all a great service giving out the elevated radial design. I used it for my permanent antenna this summer in my backyard and I was amazed at how far I got. Keep tinkering - nicely done !! KFØRMY
Sorry for the audio quality. The mic was overdriving the camera. I have since fixed the issue. Thanks for watching. Please Like, Comment, and Subscribe! 73.
Jerry, thanks for the informative vid. Nice park too. You have encouraged me to build more antennae and try to get out there and operate. I don't know if I want the full 100 w or just 20 w, but I will get out there. I have collected a battery, planning my go box now. I think that my G-90 would be a good choice for POTA with your antenna. Thanks for being out there and doing the preliminary research. 73 & God Bless, de Mike KB5HXT
Instant pileup. Impressive. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while now. I’m currently running a 40m EFHW flat-top that does well on 10, 20, 40 but it’ll be nice to see how a vertical compares in my area.
Liked the way you used the "S" for the top of the driven element and also the use of the "Bullet" connectors. The bullets tend to be easier to use and connect and disconnect vs the "SPADE" connectors. 73 Art W1SWL
Hey Jerry, you are speaking my language with the budget ham channel. I'm a cheap ham even though I've spent $$$ on this hobby, I like to build antennas. I've ordered the Goture pole and have already looked t my tripods to figure out which is getting modified... I'm gonna try your idea and I also found Greg's POTA PERformer document. Looks like its the next project for the KD5INM station. I also subbed your channel.
Great video! I liked how you stepped through the setup. Just starting to really build some antennas now. This one will be on my list of things to build. Keep the videos coming. 73 KSØJD
Thanks for the video. I've had great results with the pota performer as well. I have dedicated radiant elements. No whip. Swr is less that 1. 2 across the bands.
Fantastic video Jerry! Vertical with elevated radials is terrific, and I love your build ideas. Between the videos from you, Brian ZL3XDJ, Peter VK3YE and Walt K4OGO, there is all the information anyonee needs to get out and do radio! 73 M3KXZ
Thanks! There are so many different ways to enjoy this hobby without spending a bunch of bucks. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the upcoming videos. 73. KM4ZKB
You don’t have to buy the latest and greatest to enjoy this hobby. If you can, that’s great. But if you can’t, you can get into it a little a time and still enjoy the journey. My radios are both used. I bought them one at a time when I could and when I found one I felt I could afford. I build my antennas and transformers both to save money and to learn. That’s what’s great about this hobby. Enjoy!
@@BudgetHamRadio I am already subscribed sir, have been since I saw this video. I am watching and I ordered the 22 ft pole and I am going to give it a try.
Morning Sir. I found your channel while trying to teach myself how to build the POTO Performer. I must say your take is unique. Can you go over your build as compared to Greg's KJ6ER. I believe his uses only one adjustable line. I understand why you would use two strings in your set up but am confused why three. Not questioning whether it works or not- obviously works very well, I'm just looking to better understand my self. Thanks. I subscribed. 73
Greg uses 2 elevated radials just as I did. The primary difference is that Greg used a stainless steel whip for the vertical element and I used the linked wire element supported by the fishing pole. Big cost savings without loss of performance.
Great video! I am also a budget minded DIYer so this one is on my to do list. Thanks for all your hard work. We are not too far apart and I hope we meet sometime. KO4MKD
Thanks. It has been a great antenna for me. Good signal reports every time. Be sure to use the specs for version 2 that are now available. drive.google.com/file/d/1Ktm-3A76drW-x1REeC3tVfY1_olvJeYV/view?usp=sharing 73. Jerry KM4ZKB
For the 6 meter radial you list the length as 41”. Is that a 41” piece of wire connected to the mueller clip or is that a 38.5” piece of wire connected to the 2.5” mueller clip which equals 41”?
Great question! The 6m radial length of 41” includes the bullet connector but not the mueller clip. It was measured from the screw terminal of the mueller clip to the tip end of the bullet connector. Hope that is clearer. If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for watching. 73’s
There is one thing I don't understand? Everyone who builds a POTA antenna for 20 meter chooses to build a vertical pole and then struggles to build the very necessary ground plane. My antenna, ie the one I plan to built, will be a dipole! Earlier, I had so much success with the horizontal dipole hung between two trees, I really don't know what else I could use now. The only problem is in the park, it is not a good idea to hang something to their trees. You might get kicked out from the park! MY solution is I use a mast just like this one, and then I raise a dipole, something that may look like an inverted "V" with the ends at 6 to 8 feet from the ground for safety. Now please tell me how bad an idea this is ? Again, I had such good results when I used an horizontal wire between two trees, I wish I could do something like that again.
It’s not a bad idea at all. The inverted V antenna is a good antenna. The POTA PERformer antenna radials are relatively easy to build and the elevated radials configured 90 degrees apart (a right angle) provide 3-4db gain! Anyone that can use a tape measure or yardstick can measure the wires and crimp or solder on the bullet connectors. All measurements are supplied in my video and also an updated version now on my google drive. drive.google.com/file/d/1Ktm-3A76drW-x1REeC3tVfY1_olvJeYV/view?usp=share_link Thanks for watching. Be sure to like and subscribe!
Its not a bad idea. I have setup at a park with an inverted Vee dipole mystery antenna and worked Texas state pota with it one year. It takes longer to setup a dipole than it does to setup a verticle like Jerry has. And there isn't always trees available to setup from or ways to setup a flat dipole.
Version 2 Specifications:
Since this original video there has been even more testing and tuning and some of the driven element lengths have changed in order to reduce the SWR even more. The original still works well but for even lower SWR on all bands, use the lengths in the chart provided here at this link:
drive.google.com/file/d/1Ktm-3A76drW-x1REeC3tVfY1_olvJeYV/view?usp=sharing
Enjoy!
Hi Jerry, this is Greg KJ6ER, the creator of the PERformer antenna for POTA, e-comms and HOA deployments. Thank you so much for sharing your implementation of the PERformer, fantastic job! This is why I model, design and share these plans for free to our community ... to inspire others to get out in the field and experiment with their own versions. My mission is to encourage all hams to elevate their vertical antenna radials. When you elevate just 2 radials, your radiation efficiency rockets over 90% (meaning 100 watts in, 90 watts radiated). When you lay those same 2 radials on the ground, you're only getting 30-40% efficiency. This is why you will like hear "You're the loudest signal on the band!" from hunters.
Just one correction - the angle between the radials should be 90 degrees (not 60 degrees). My computer model predicted that span would be the best for directivity (and FtB). As you move them closer together, they interact and actually reduce radiation. Move them to 90 degrees and you'll be fine.
The other comment I have, the tuned linked radials are the constant and the telescoping whip (in my version) is the variable. This will allow you to tune the antenna resonance in a variety of different deployments. Near field surroundings and ground conditions always impact resonance. It will also allow you to move from the SSB to the CW/Digital portion of the band if desired. Regardless, what you have implemented works fine and I appreciate your hard work to do so and share.
My email is good on QRZ - feel free to reach out if you or any of your viewers have any questions, I'd be happy to help! Keep having fun! 😀 73 KJ6ER
Greg, Thanks for your research and design. I appreciate all the time and effort you have put into this. Also thanks for your support, explanations, and encouragement. Hopefully this video and others will let new and potential hams realize that you don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy this fantastic hobby! 73. Jerry. KM4ZKB
@@BudgetHamRadio well said Jerry! Keep up the great work 😀73 KJ6ER
Great Video! Great Ideas!
Thanks so much! Be sure to subscribe so you won't miss any new videos!
Great stuff here. People think cheap means thrown together out of scraps but this system is very well thought out.
Thanks! I will try to continue to provide some lower cost alternatives that will allow more people to get into this great hobby. Be sure and subscribe to be notified when new videos are posted.
Real Good, and I'm going to try this when it stops raining... THANKS 73s
Hope it works as well for you as it has for me! Enjoy!
Hi Jerry - I just saw your video and the noise floor was very quiet. KJ6ER did us all a great service giving out the elevated radial design. I used it for my permanent antenna this summer in my backyard and I was amazed at how far I got. Keep tinkering - nicely done !! KFØRMY
Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe.
Sorry for the audio quality. The mic was overdriving the camera. I have since fixed the issue. Thanks for watching. Please Like, Comment, and Subscribe! 73.
NEW mics now in use!
Love it good job. I like doing the same thing. Love making my own antenna's too.
Thanks for watching! subscribe so you won’t miss any new videos.
Kj6er Greg, created this antenna. Great job! Thanks for the video! 73, W0AAV
Yes he did! I credited him in the video. My twist was using the linked driven element intead of a whip. Thanks for watching.
Jerry, thanks for the informative vid. Nice park too. You have encouraged me to build more antennae and try to get out there and operate. I don't know if I want the full 100 w or just 20 w, but I will get out there. I have collected a battery, planning my go box now. I think that my G-90 would be a good choice for POTA with your antenna. Thanks for being out there and doing the preliminary research. 73 & God Bless,
de Mike KB5HXT
Thanks for watching. Subscribe to receive notifications when new videos post.
Instant pileup. Impressive. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while now. I’m currently running a 40m EFHW flat-top that does well on 10, 20, 40 but it’ll be nice to see how a vertical compares in my area.
Should work well for you. I think you'll like it.
Liked the way you used the "S" for the top of the driven element and also the use of the "Bullet" connectors. The bullets tend to be easier to use and connect and disconnect vs the "SPADE" connectors. 73 Art W1SWL
Thanks Art!
Hey Jerry, you are speaking my language with the budget ham channel. I'm a cheap ham even though I've spent $$$ on this hobby, I like to build antennas. I've ordered the Goture pole and have already looked t my tripods to figure out which is getting modified... I'm gonna try your idea and I also found Greg's POTA PERformer document. Looks like its the next project for the KD5INM station. I also subbed your channel.
Thanks and have fun. New specs for antenna is now posted. 73. Thanks for the sub.
Great video! I liked how you stepped through the setup. Just starting to really build some antennas now. This one will be on my list of things to build. Keep the videos coming. 73 KSØJD
A new video coming soon on building and using a loading coil to convert this antenna to be resonant on 40 meters.
Thanks for the video. I've had great results with the pota performer as well. I have dedicated radiant elements. No whip. Swr is less that 1. 2 across the bands.
That will work too. Thanks for watching. Be sure to like and subscribe! More videos already in the pipeline. Next one breaks tomorrow afternoon.
I built the performer yesterday. I have made contacts across the globe. Using 50 - 80 watts on SSB and FT8.
Glad it worked so well for you! Be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss any of the videos that are coming!
Great video. I’m definitely going to build one of those. Can’t wait to see your 40 meter addition. De KK4LBJ.
Hope to do that in near future. When I do, you’ll be one of first to see it as a subscriber! Thanks.
Fantastic video Jerry! Vertical with elevated radials is terrific, and I love your build ideas. Between the videos from you, Brian ZL3XDJ, Peter VK3YE and Walt K4OGO, there is all the information anyonee needs to get out and do radio!
73 M3KXZ
Thanks! There are so many different ways to enjoy this hobby without spending a bunch of bucks. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the upcoming videos.
73. KM4ZKB
@BudgetHamRadio subscribed already after seeing this video!
Dude what a great video. You’ve given me new hope for getting into ham. I’m studying for general but the prices of things is killing me. 73
You don’t have to buy the latest and greatest to enjoy this hobby. If you can, that’s great. But if you can’t, you can get into it a little a time and still enjoy the journey. My radios are both used. I bought them one at a time when I could and when I found one I felt I could afford. I build my antennas and transformers both to save money and to learn. That’s what’s great about this hobby. Enjoy!
Hey Jerry, could you provide specs on the common mode choke as well?
Video should post tomorrow for the common mode choke. Subscribe so you will be notified when it posts.
@@BudgetHamRadio I am already subscribed sir, have been since I saw this video. I am watching and I ordered the 22 ft pole and I am going to give it a try.
Morning Sir. I found your channel while trying to teach myself how to build the POTO Performer. I must say your take is unique. Can you go over your build as compared to Greg's KJ6ER. I believe his uses only one adjustable line. I understand why you would use two strings in your set up but am confused why three. Not questioning whether it works or not- obviously works very well, I'm just looking to better understand my self. Thanks. I subscribed. 73
Greg uses 2 elevated radials just as I did. The primary difference is that Greg used a stainless steel whip for the vertical element and I used the linked wire element supported by the fishing pole. Big cost savings without loss of performance.
Great video! I am also a budget minded DIYer so this one is on my to do list. Thanks for all your hard work.
We are not too far apart and I hope we meet sometime.
KO4MKD
@resomaniac Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe. another video coming this week.
Thanks for watching! We will probably run into each other somewhere in the future.
Plan on this antenna
Thanks. It has been a great antenna for me. Good signal reports every time. Be sure to use the specs for version 2 that are now available.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Ktm-3A76drW-x1REeC3tVfY1_olvJeYV/view?usp=sharing
73. Jerry
KM4ZKB
For the 6 meter radial you list the length as 41”. Is that a 41” piece of wire connected to the mueller clip or is that a 38.5” piece of wire connected to the 2.5” mueller clip which equals 41”?
Great question! The 6m radial length of 41” includes the bullet connector but not the mueller clip. It was measured from the screw terminal of the mueller clip to the tip end of the bullet connector. Hope that is clearer. If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for watching. 73’s
@@BudgetHamRadio Thanks for the clarification. I sent you an email with some results from building this antenna. 73!
Great video! de W2CSI
Thanks! Be sure and subscribe to get notified when others are posted! Next one is coming this afternoon around 4 CST.
There is one thing I don't understand? Everyone who builds a POTA antenna for 20 meter chooses to build a vertical pole and then struggles to build the very necessary ground plane.
My antenna, ie the one I plan to built, will be a dipole!
Earlier, I had so much success with the horizontal dipole hung between two trees, I really don't know what else I could use now. The only problem is in the park, it is not a good idea to hang something to their trees. You might get kicked out from the park!
MY solution is I use a mast just like this one, and then I raise a dipole, something that may look like an inverted "V" with the ends at 6 to 8 feet from the ground for safety.
Now please tell me how bad an idea this is ?
Again, I had such good results when I used an horizontal wire between two trees, I wish I could do something like that again.
It’s not a bad idea at all. The inverted V antenna is a good antenna. The POTA PERformer antenna radials are relatively easy to build and the elevated radials configured 90 degrees apart (a right angle) provide 3-4db gain! Anyone that can use a tape measure or yardstick can measure the wires and crimp or solder on the bullet connectors. All measurements are supplied in my video and also an updated version now on my google drive. drive.google.com/file/d/1Ktm-3A76drW-x1REeC3tVfY1_olvJeYV/view?usp=share_link Thanks for watching. Be sure to like and subscribe!
Its not a bad idea. I have setup at a park with an inverted Vee dipole mystery antenna and worked Texas state pota with it one year. It takes longer to setup a dipole than it does to setup a verticle like Jerry has. And there isn't always trees available to setup from or ways to setup a flat dipole.
i put a hood on my rig to hear better loved your topic kg6mn
Thanks for watching. I will try some different materials for that.
Jerry, great activation. Your version of the performer is great. de N9BAV
Thanks! Subscribe so you don’t miss the upcoming videos.
I like the way you think, KC1PSK. 73
Thanks for watching. More videos to come. Subscribe so you don’t miss any.
Can you provide specifics on the common mode choke? Great video.
Yeah I'd like to see specs on the choke as well