Parks on the Air (POTA) and Linked Dipole Antenna Build - Ham Radio Q&A
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- It was a good weekend to head north and build an antenna. For this Parks on the Air (POTA) Activation I'm at K-7260 which is the Northern Highlands American Legion State Forest. I'm building an 40/20 meter linked dipole using the dipole center insulator that I put together in the previous video.
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#LinkDipoleAntenna #POTA #ParksOnTheAir
Great video. I already watched the video on the making of the dipole center insulator. That antenna seems to work great. TYFP!
Great to finally make a contact with you Michael. Bands were up and down, but you had a great signal into Colorado. Kind of weird to hear myself on video though! :) "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these activators from the swift completion of their contacts".
Another fun video. When I built a linked dipole, I built it for 20, 30, and 40m (I think). I built it one element at a time. I started with the shortest element, and got it tuned really well. Then I added the next one, tuned it, and so on. Because the intended purpose was SOTA, I used small wire (23ga), alligator clips for connectors, and kevlar line to "bridge" the connections. A friend warned me that the lower frequency sections can detune the higher ones and getting them separated was good. So I used alligator clips so I could clip them back and away from the higher frequency end. (e.g. on the higher frequency connector the kevlar string was at the clip while the string was attached 6-8 inches down the wire on the lower frequency side. Then when clipped back it was a good ways away). The lower frequency sections still detuned the higher ones a bit bit not terribly. Unfortunately, I dont use it much. The comment on real estate is right on. Here is the southeast, we have a boatload of trees. Too many in fact. Setting up a linked dipole in the wild here is an exercise in frustration and futility. Thanks! DE W2SWA
Michael, you are such a valuable asset to ham radio, thanks as always my friend, love the videos :-)
Hi Michael:
I live in PA and they are strict about antennas in trees - basically not allowed. I use the 3 magnet MFJ 3/8” mount on top of my SUV for the Wolf River Coil. Gives me height, take off angle, and most importantly, surface area for a good ground plane. Used it yesterday to activate K-1409. Works very well.
73 de NU3Q Bob
Big Guy no - just for stationary use. I use a Little Tarheel in the mobile.
NU3Q, what about trees on private property?
Cheesehead Tony I was referring to trees on park property in this post.
Also enjoyed the scenery and your cooking segment, great job, Michael.
Good video, thank you.
Linked dipoles are great. To break links, I just use crimp on spade or bullet connectors. For strain reliefs, I just use cable ties or small sections of perspex.
I like EFHW linked dipoles as you don't need coax feeder, heavy center feed T and you only need one link for each additional band. Of course you do need a matching unit on the feed end. However, these are easy to homebrew or inexpensive to buy.
Looked like another successful outing Michael! Yes, the rain was coming down...lol! The linked dipole you made did a good job. Your homemade 'Egg-McMuffin' looked delicious! And nothing is better at camp in the morning than fresh brewed coffee from an old style percolator. You have me wanting to go camping so badly. 73!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've got a few more trips in store- autumn camping is the best as there are no bugs and the weather is cool and crisp.
Another Great video Michael 👍
Loved that you grabbed a beer first up, that how you know your ready to relax and enjoy nature 🙂
Antenna preformed admirably, I have purchased and build a few for SOTA activations and I think they preform better than verticals. Well I shouldn't make that statement as I'm only lately spending a little time playing with verticals.
Well thanks again for taking the time and effort involved in making this video I and many others appreciate your wisdom and adding the little human touches.
73 Rodney VK7HAM.
Michael - your videos are like bread and butter to me - keep it up - wonderful.. and thanks for answering all my newbie questions
Also, I love that you bring a stove and make a pot of coffee. Those little comforts matter, and make POTA a lot more fun.
Maybe one of these days I'll be able to work you at a park! Breakfast looked incredible. Y'alls camp is perfect. 73 W3RRM
Another good video. Thanks for your content. I have a linked dipole and also a trapped dipole (Alpha Delta DX-DD). The trapped dipole was easier to use (no connections to manage). It was what I used to make my first contact on HF last December. I just activated my first park with an experienced ham this week. I am already hooked! Fun thing to do. I am heading up to Arkansas for an unplanned vacation and will bring some wire and my radios with in case there is a good place to play radio. I need to find out the rules for those parks up there. Also I have to figure out the ADIF conversion for these logs. Nice part of this hobby is I have more to learn. All the best, 73 de KI5HXM
I wasn’t working POTA but I was listening for you. No luck from MN. I have a hard time reaching the surround states. It was fun to hear you working several of the same folks who I logged as well over the weekend. Nice simple antenna. Gonna build one. Thanks again for the video.
I usually can hear Minnesota stations on 40m, but strangely enough I didn't this time. Band must have been going a bit long.
If you tell us again next time you’re going out, I’ll give it another shot 😁
Thank you for another nice video, I really enjoyed your explanation of your homemade antenna, just shows how we can be so inventive when the need arises, we can always get on the air! Michael, keep'em coming!
Hello from AA3K. Been wanting to make a 20/40 link dipole but didn't have a good idea of how to hold the two parts together, now I do. Thanks!.
Making me one too Mark? :) 73 de KN3A.
@@BikingHikingRadio You made your own already, therefore you should whip one up for me!
Nicely done again, Michael. Watching you set up in the rain reminded me of how camping int he rain really makes on appreciate camping in mild weather! I am feeling inspired to give a linked dipole antenna build a go. 73, KO4AZY
Sure is a nice little set up you got there Mike. The rain reminded me of my mountaineering days, "we don't cancel climbs due to weather..." lol.
As I always say: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
Glad I was finally able to work you during a park activation. Keep up the great videos! Ken N1KWG
Never seen a linked dipole before. Very cool. I may have to build one for my next camping trip.
Really enjoyed this video Micheal. Loved the music and the different scenes to tell the story. Kept an eye on the pota spots but couldn’t find you this time!
Thanks for the comments. I'll be out again in a couple weeks, hopefully we can connect.
Oh and I heard you on this activation but couldnt make contact due to technical issue in the shack. However, now I have a new goal. Not only to make a contact with you on an activation, but to have my call on the log in the video! LOL Thanks again and stay safe out there.
I'll be out again in a couple weeks. Hope we can make the connection
Good video.thanks Michael
Thanks for the video. Linked dipole was new to me so I'm glad I stayed to watch . Tomorrow I will put up a linked dipole. Thanks for the inspiration. Leo k1zek 73 k
Awesome video as usual Michael. The inverted "V" dipole is my 1st choice for POTA. I carry a telescopic mast for center support in case no tree is available. To avoid having to lower the antenna to make link changes, I've gotten good results using a 20/40 "fan" arrangement. I am experimenting with an 80 meter "link" extension for the 40 meter dipole. With a small 30 turn coil I only have to link 10 extra ft. of wire to tune 80 meters. It's working great in my yard and I think 80 meters could be a very effective POTA band option if there's room for 10 more ft. of wire in the woods. 😀
Dave - KZ9V
Thanks for the suggestion of the 80 meter option. Leaving another connector at the end of the 40m segment would allow you to easily daisy chain more wire for a longer antenna.
@@KB9VBRAntennas If we both added 80 meters to our POTA arsenal, maybe us Wisconsin boys would hear each other once in a while. 😀
Nice video. I liked your method for linking the dipoles together with the PVC. 73 de KN3A.
First things first...grab a beer. Then antenna.
What a clever idea! Great food for thought on antennas.
Hi Michael,
Nice video. Would have watched the Premiere, but there was a conflict with another at the same time. On Mondays, The UA-cam Bunch show back to back Premiere's starting at 6:30 PM EDT and ending between 9 or 10. Like the way you completed the linked dipole with the short section of PVC tubing and the power poles. That breakfast the next morning sure looked appetizing. I'm adding you the Ham Alert so I will be alerted to your next POTA activation. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Running premieres is a new concept for me, so I'm gonna need to settle on a day and time that works best. I'll keep playing with it. Maybe we'll connect next time, I'll be out again in a couple weeks.
That's a great idea using power poles to break the antenna into resonant sections! I'm going to do the same for the radials for my WCR antenna. Love your videos, Michael (and the three antennas that I've bought from you, two J-Poles and one Slim Jim :) )
Nice video. Like the adaptability of the linked dipole. May just be my next antenna project. - de W5KAL
Great video Michael, I shared with a friend who could use the info. Glad to have worked you this time as well. Like the spotted cow better than the IPA tho. 73's de K8MH
It was a pleasure working you again this weekend, I wish signal conditions were a little better, though. There's so much great beer in Wisconsin, it's tough to only drink one type.
Michael, thanks for the "take along" for these POTA activations! There are a lot of Amateur Radio YT creators--and I sub many of them--but I really appreciate your "experience it with me" style of content. What I am learning is that every single HAM activity (a 2m health net, a satellite bounce, or SOTA activation) is less about the "right or wrong" way, but more about experiencing something and learning form it! I received my Technician this summer through remote examination and am now working on my General. I look forward to doing some POTA hunting and SOTA chasing when I can afford more selective radio gear (currently have a "dumpster find" 16-channel 2m HT). All that to say thank you, and I hope to catch you on an activation some day. 73. K9PVM
I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I try to keep it real and have fun. Hopefully these videos give you some ideas on what you can do with you amateur radio license.
Hey Michael, I loved this video. Watching you do these POTA activations remind me a lot of setting up HF in the Marines. I do have a question as I begin my HAM operating (I just passed technician yesterday). I know standard practice for DIY dipole is to cut it to length on the highest band for use. But as you noted. Your 20m suffered. In the case of a linked dipole, like this one, would it be better to start resonating on the lower bands and expand out and resonate appropriately as your dipole gets longer?
Also on that note, I'd love to DM you about what capabilities I have for POTA in the technician bands.
Fun video. Glad to see things cleared up. Good contacts with the home made antenna. 73 Clark KG7LOI.
They always say that the best antennas are the ones you build yourself.
Always love your content Michael. And, you've got great bumper music. 73 KD9UDR
Always a pleasure to watch your videos! Stay safe in your wild state! Lol
Michael, watched your video on the linked dipole and really liked the concept. Currently I'm building up my portable setup with all my radios and tuner in a Gator box that allows me to take my entire station anywhere. While I have a Wolf River Coil Mini, I do want to make the linked dipole but was wondering what wire did you use to construct it?
I used 14ga THHN stranded wire. I bought a big spool a few years ago when copper was cheap, so it gets used in many of my projects. You can certainly use a lighter wire, like 18 or 20ga.
Excellent video
Thanks for this video Michael. You always provide good information. What coax are u using? 73!
I'm using RG-8X. That's my preferred cable for HF portable work.
I was relieved to see that was not a sweet iced tea
sweet tea is disgusting
Only problem that I have with a vertical antenna is the increase noise level when working local stations. It works out great for dx stations but mine does not work well with staions within 500 miles from me. I have a windom attenna for 80 meters that works great with a tuner on all bands. 73 K5ZRR
Due to their nature, verticals are good for DX communication. If you want to work local stations, you need to think about low hanging horizontal antennas and Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) propagation.
I made my 40/80 meter dipole by using Anderson Powerpoles. To hold the antenna elements together I used MFJ ceramic insulators. 73 KD5YOU
Looks like a great project. Couple of questions:
- What AWG wire did you use for the antenna? I just watched the center insulator video and you used 14AWG in that... same for the dipole segments?
- How long is your antenna feedline for a setup like this? 50 feet ish?
Thanks!
I usually use 14ga THHN stranded wire. It's inexpensive, so it's good for experimenting. Feed line was 50 feet of RG-8X
Enjoyed the video Michael. I think I will give one of those a try. Is that a commercial Teardrop or homebuilt? First one I have seen with treadplate on the roof. Ours is home built with a 12V battery that I wired anderson connectors to power the FT-857. Still looking for the best antenna
It's a commercial trailer built by TC Teardrops, a company local to me. www.tcteardrops.com.
Hello Michael, Can I use this same concept for a CB base antenna for either outside or inside my attic? I like what you made and I'd like to make something similar to that for my CB radio. Thank you!
Hi Michael and thanks for another great video. I was wondering what gauge wire you are using for that dipole?
I don't think I mentioned it in the video but I used 14 gauge stranded THHN electrical wire.
Hi, I like doing what u r doing... but I would install in the radio a bhi dsp in series b4 the volume control and after the I F descriminator to eliminate the front end white noise... then put the tuner on top of the radio with a half inch tall soft stand offs and make the coax connection shorter from the tuner and radio.....and experience an amazing copy of an s1 signal....
What tuner are you using there? I can't catch the name though you say it. Love your series. I'm a newbie but so glad I found your site and this UA-cam channel.
Oh, I found it on this other video you made: ua-cam.com/video/Oa7Y7svF-nk/v-deo.html
It's the LDG Z-11 ProII auto tuner.
Great video
Michael: I see some many POTA with the FT-891. Why not get a TS-480SAT with a built in AT. It would seem to make things so much easier
The Kenwood TS-480SAT is a very nice rig, but it does have a couple of downsides: it is a bit heavier and bigger than the FT-891. It's faceplate/control head is also detached which is great for mobile operation, but not so much for portable. A built in tuner does eliminate one piece of equipment, but autotuners built inside of transceivers will only do 3:1 or better. Which would be fine for most cases but you may find limiting if you are using a non resonant antenna. The choice of a portable rig really is a personal preference and I think with the FT-891 being a few hundred dollars less than the TS-480SAT, many people gravitate towards it for portable work.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I mentioned this radio because on the TS-480SAT the tuner range is 16.7 ohms-150 ohms and tunes very well
Very interesting dipole. Would be neat if something like a relay could be made to switch the links in and out but I fear that the transmit RF would get stuffed into the DC control voltage of the relays. Or the magnetism of the relay might somehow affect the dipole.
It's an interesting concept, but like you mentioned, I think there would be some technical challenges.
KB9VBR Antennas I might try it out and see how it goes. Experimenting is the heart of this hobby. :)
I was wondering. Is there an advantage with a linked 20/40 over a fan dipole?
For the most part, no. There is a bit of interactivity between the elements that can affect the radiation pattern, but for the most part the two antennas will perform identically. The only real advantage of the link dipole is that it is easier to deploy than the fan dipole.
Great video !!
Good job mike!
Michael what is a good and reasonable priced wire for making dipole antennas and where can I get it
Hello, thanks for the great video. I added you to my HamAlert 1-2 weeks ago. You popped up the first time on my alert on 20M Sat. I went to the shack and made a contact with you. Unknowing that I was going to hear myself on this video I watched it for the info on the Title to the video. I recognized the park # then hoped I would be on the video. Yep! Thanks for your great videos, informative expertise and activations on POTA! KE4SJM.
Glad we made the contact.
Late to the party, sorry. What size wire are you using for the dipole? Another great video by the way. 73, Bruce KE8QFP
14ga stranded THHN wire. It's relatively inexpensive and readily available, so it works well for temporary and experimental antennas.
Hi, enjoyed the video. Where is the leg measured from?......The eye bolt where the loop is?
measure from the eye bolts. The center connector adds a trivial amount of length to the antenna and can be compensated for in the adjustment process.
Hello KB9VBR--from KA2OOB! Jamestown, NY
Great video as always. Some time back when you did the video on the 80 meter ocf dipole, I went to school on that video and have loved it ever since.
Having to lower the linked dipole to change between bands seems to be kind of a hassle. Have you given any thoughts to doing a video and trying it yourself, a 40 meter ocf dipole?
It would do away with having to lower it to change bands but you would have to use the antenna tuner. Just some food for thought.
Again, great video and content as always.
73 KI5HGT
Jeff
The biggest downside with link dipole antennas is changing bands, and often I've stayed on a band longer than I'd prefer because it can be a hassle to change. I've contemplated cutting down my 80m OCF so it works on 40m and higher. 40 meter antennas fit inside a campsite much easier than the 80m monster. But what I may do instead is build a 4:1 transformer so I have a 40m version of that antenna. Hopefully I'll get that done before the fall camping season.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Michael,
When you do get an opportunity to get that antenna made before the fall camping season, Please do a video on the antenna build and the build of the 4:1 current balun.
73 KI5HGT
I have that same throw bag. What were you using for throwing line? It looked like it might have been paracord. Any problems with it snagging in the trees?
I've found paracord to be a bit heavy to throw. When I was at the Farm and Ranch store to buy more rope I came across this multistranded 3/32" cord. It's constructed like paracord but thinner and lighter. I can get it up thirty feet or so in the air without a problem. www.fleetfarm.com/detail/atwood-rope-tactical-cord-100-ft-assorted/0000000245296
Hi Michael! Quick question. Why would I want to use a linked dipole over using traps for multiple bands? Is one better than the other?
Thanks for the great videos!
It's a difference of performance and efficiency vs convenience. Dipole antennas are very efficient but they are limited to a single band. The linked dipole concept allows you to set up a single antenna and then change its length for additional bands. A traps electrically blocks high impedance signals so that the antenna can automatically function on multiple bands. The downside of a trap is that it narrows the bandwidth of the antenna, so your operating frequency range will be much smaller.
KB9VBR Antennas ah ok, that makes sense! I think I would want the wider bandwidth. Thanks for the reply! KD5QZG
I know this is a ham radio Chanel but can you show us how to make a homemade am FM radio antenna. I have a lot of coil but don't know how to use it on a radio.
This is kinda the question I asked a ham today. The question I had was can you run 2 102 inch steal whips tuned for 10 meter on a Y connection. I live in a apartment complex were I can't have any sealable antennas. One whip would be on the south and west direction. The other would cover the east north directions. I have seen semis run the duals on the mirrors so I wondered if I could make this work. I would build a PCV plant holders to hide them. I use a 1:1 baulm inside to run 2 meter and 440 for our local repeter. I just find it hard to find a workable hf inside.
Basically what you described is a 10 meter dipole antenna. Each leg on a 10 meter dipole is only about 8 feet long so it is quite manageable for even an apartment dweller. If you want to look for something a little more convenient, check out the 'hamstick dipole antenna.'
Thanks @ Big Guy.
I checked them out and I am very interested and really like their antennas. Thanks for the info!!
Awwwww, gezzzzz, there's the food again !!!!!
You gotta eat when you are out in the woods.
Would you recommend the 891 for a first HF rig?
I see the 891 on just about every Pota video that I see. I'd bet that it's a great first HF rig. I use an older FT857d.
one time in a state park i parked my car off the side in the grassy parts next to the road, then a park ranger came by and said that i can't park like that, that i parked in what they call the resource. i don't really know why i'm telling you this, i guess it's one of my park stories lol
So will the dipole antenna out perform say a wolf river coil verticle???.. i have the WRC , it works well, but was wondering if a dipole would perform better??
Possibly. But there are a few variables that you have to account for. A 1/4 wave vertical (like a 17 foot whip) and an optimized radial network will have excellent performance on par with a dipole. If you are loading a coil, say for the 40 meter band or lower, then a properly hung dipole will most likely outperform the vertical. Everything in between is a toss-up.
But since the optimal may not always be achievable, on average I've found that wire antennas often will outperform verticals.
thanks man 73@@KB9VBRAntennas
Can you spell out exactly what your camping rig is on this video? I think that's a Yaesu FT-891. What's the antenna tuner?
Rig is the Yaesu FT-891 and tuner is the LDG Z11 Pro II. Here's a video of my HF portable kit: ua-cam.com/video/Ag3Z3295cN0/v-deo.html
QUESTION: Please excuse what may be a new question. What is the meaning of "QRZed" when you end a POTA contact. It seems to mean "Who is calling me?" generally but that seems out of place at the end of a contact. Thanks. Doug KQ4AYI.
In this context, QRZ means "I am finished and ready for another person calling me." I have a video that explains the common Q signals used over the air: ua-cam.com/video/580VdJlXZ_A/v-deo.html
Thanks for the reply and 5he link. I had a feeling about the meaning from the context but couldn't confirm it anywhere. Love your explanations in your videos. I've learned a lot from you.
Hello Mike, TI2GBB here from Costa Rica. Which gauge cable do you use to make the linked dipole? I would like to try this.
Thanks in advance! TI2GBB - GREG
I don't think I mentioned it in the video but I used 14 gauge stranded THHN electrical wire.
@@KB9VBRAntennas indeed! Thanks Mike for your response. I will try the same here. I hope catch you in the frequency soon. 73s TI2GBB 🇨🇷
2023 fantastic 73 from VK7 land Tasmania
As is I bet it would be great for the CW part of the band :) 73 de AI5DD
I'll have to polish my code to really make the antenna sing
I will not make any comments on the "Loon Alert" sign LOL Thanks for the video Michael, KC3BXZ Joe 73
We're all a little crazy up here in the northwoods
Missed the premiere!
I like to swl. A good RadioShack reciver With SSb does well. Lots of DX this year. Shut ins getting out. Happy to be out my selfe. Lot of east coast then as the day went on reached in to texas, and Idaho. Not too bad for swl Dx. Some Canucks and Hondurans were there .not to bad for 25' dipole wire and a well caseing for ground. De kv4li check that. Monopole. Hi hi
Nice.....
What is inside the central element? Is there a choke or balun? Thanks.
Found the answer in the previous video, sorry for not having seen before. So no choke or balun and still working for you. Great!
Correct. There isn't an integrated choke or balun in the center connector. I do use a choke on my feed line to limit common mode current, though.
@@KB9VBRAntennas could you please share details on how the choke is made? Ferrite beads? Pls add a list to build, if possible. Many thanks. P.S so far always used EFHW for /P never tried a dipole yet...
Can i use a small diqpole antena for mobile
For indoor coverage
Hello from AB8AS
Don't any of these modern hams have a key ? ? ?
I have three keys. What's your point?
Pale Ale - now your talking!
Just found that the RE Stick-230 is on sale! pncengineering.com/rigexpert/2841-stick-230.html
That's a good price
#MNHR #YTB
I feel you, it rains every time I go camping lol