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Hey folks,
New tx500 owner here. Had it about a week. It's working really well for me, and I feel like I've just about got the basics figured out. I have the digital modes working and have collected the right bits and bobs in a backpack to hit a park when opportunity presents. I've got a small collection of portable qrp wire antennas that seem to work well with it. I've got a home built tuner I can use in a pinch. Although I tend to favor resident antennas where possible.
Anyway, part of my use case was for travel. Hotel balconies, and other places where it may not be practical to put up a mast or have a tree to put up a wire antenna. The only obvious example I can think of, because I have a friend who has one, is the elecraft ax1. Do folks have experience with antennas that fill this niche and any positive or negative thoughts on any of them? I do understand the physics involved and the compromise we are making, but being on the air badly is better than not being on the air.
Welcome thoughts and discussion.
Jim
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Jim,
I hope your question generates many replies as we all have different preferences.
For my SOTA activations, I have been using PackTenna products which are designed to be ultra light and quick setup.? My current favorite is their EFHW for 20m as it is resonant so no tuner needed.
I just saw in the Elecraft groups.io discussion that the AX2 antenna has just been released for sale.? I've no experience with either of these AX models but I agree with you they sound interesting.
--
Grace & peace,
Tim AF6TF
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I had an AX1 with my KX2 and it didn't work under normal conditions. Sure it works when you are on top of a mountain with excellent propagation but so does a 10ft wire.
I sold both.
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Sorry, I hit the send too early. I now use a WRC coil with a shock cord whip and a few radials. You could also try the MFJ small loop with the wire taped to the hotel window. Now ideal but it still works better than the AX1.
I have tried both.
Good luck and have fun with the radio.
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Generally any resonant EFHW is a great choice.? QRPguys sells a mini no tune EFHW that is fantastic.? Just cut wires for your preferred bands and you have a very light, portable kit.? They also have a tri-band vertical for 20/30/40 that is great but you will need about a 17ft support.? Packtenna also has an excellent EFHW and a linked dipole product.? My personal favorite is the LNR trail friendly EFHW resonant on 40/20/10, now sold under Par Endfedz name.? Its a 41 ft of goodness.? Be prepared for lots of opinions on antennas.? It like asking what car should I buy.
Brad, AB4BA
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I agree with you Brad, I too have the LNR and it works great if you have a support. Even with a 17ft fishing pole support a wire antenna will work better than any antenna that is only a few feet long.
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Hi, the AX1 will work well if two conditions are met.? You need a counterpoise for the band your using.? (Draping it down the side of a hotel balcony should work as long as it's out of the reach of the neighbors below.)? Second, the tuner must be close to the antenna, preferably less than 0.5 m away.? I've tried to use the AX1 with the tuner close to the radio with? >3m of coax from the tuner to the antenna and it doesn't work well. So if you can work with the tuner close to the antenna, it's a good choice. (the length of coax from the radio to the tuner is less an issue)? ?This video??is one of many where Thomas K4SWL uses the AX1 with outstanding results.? Good luck 73 de W3GZS
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I have the qrpguys triband and no tune, and they are both great antennas. A tree or a mast is kinda required. I have the packtenna ef random wire which is a really nice antenna, but I have to use my little tuner. I have the zm2 kit tuner, which I really reccomend. It may be physics is just going to defeat me here.
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The TX-500 is an amazing QRP rig..?
73's Roy..
On Wed., Nov. 24, 2021, 7:41 a.m. jbrandii, < jim.brand@...> wrote: Hey folks,
New tx500 owner here. Had it about a week. It's working really well for me, and I feel like I've just about got the basics figured out. I have the digital modes working and have collected the right bits and bobs in a backpack to hit a park when opportunity presents. I've got a small collection of portable qrp wire antennas that seem to work well with it. I've got a home built tuner I can use in a pinch. Although I tend to favor resident antennas where possible.
Anyway, part of my use case was for travel. Hotel balconies, and other places where it may not be practical to put up a mast or have a tree to put up a wire antenna. The only obvious example I can think of, because I have a friend who has one, is the elecraft ax1. Do folks have experience with antennas that fill this niche and any positive or negative thoughts on any of them? I do understand the physics involved and the compromise we are making, but being on the air badly is better than not being on the air.
Welcome thoughts and discussion.
Jim
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Hi Jim,
More than two years ago, when I started again with ham radio and SOTA, I was evaluating a light and easy to setup multiband portable antenna for SOTA.
After trying several antennas with their pros and cons, I defined my personal requirements and built my "perfect" 7-band EFHW antenna (60m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, and 10m) that I tested and optimized during about 200 activations, by always carrying an antenna analyzer with me. Works with the TX-500 out of the box. No tuner needed.
I wrote a 50+ pages document in English that can be downloaded from:
German speakers can find a corresponding presentation there as well.
73 Stephan
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I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8 and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for multi and and no tuner. -- 73 Tim
KF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
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Hello all.
I use my TX500 specifically on the low bands (40/30 / 20m).
I am using the antenna from HAMSHOP.cz ().
It is very good.
QRPGuys offers a kit that looks a lot like it and that I will also
test ().
For the other bands I am testing a wire antenna from SOTABEAMS ()
with an EMTECH ZM2 antenna tuning unit.
The idea is not to use an automatic ATU which will consume the
energy intended for the transceiver when I operate during portable
ops.
73 From Paris where WX is cold...
Jo?l.
Le 25/11/2021 ¨¤ 14:40, Tim K a ¨¦crit?:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8
and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for
multi and and no tuner.
--
73
Tim
KF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
|
AlexLoop antenna is what I use for most portable ops. ?Also use a very light weight packable Vivatar camera tripod which required a small mod (heavy tape rolled around the base shaft), allowing the loop to slide on and off.
No external tuner required (antenna tunner is build in to the antenna). ?I use the loop vertically, and it works well on a balcony. ?Magloops require frequent tuning after a ?frequency change and or large temperature changes. ?It is a quick procedure where you tune to peak reception strength, then select the ¡°Tone,¡± function and the final tweak to lowest SWR.
?
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I¡¯d like to hear what folks use from hotels when you can¡¯t get something outside. How you suspend a loop out the window (providing the window even opens:)
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Nov 25, 2021, at 10:11 AM, F5NFB via groups.io <f5nfb@...> wrote:
?
Hello all.
I use my TX500 specifically on the low bands (40/30 / 20m).
I am using the antenna from HAMSHOP.cz ().
It is very good.
QRPGuys offers a kit that looks a lot like it and that I will also
test ().
For the other bands I am testing a wire antenna from SOTABEAMS ()
with an EMTECH ZM2 antenna tuning unit.
The idea is not to use an automatic ATU which will consume the
energy intended for the transceiver when I operate during portable
ops.
73 From Paris where WX is cold...
Jo?l.
Le 25/11/2021 ¨¤ 14:40, Tim K a ¨¦crit?:
I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8
and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for
multi and and no tuner.
--
73
Tim
KF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
|
This is where a loop comes in handy. You don't need an open window to get out. Set it up in the hotel room and operate. I have been amazed at times with how well I can get out. I walkways look for a exterior room, but other than that, I can usually get out.?
I¡¯d like to hear what folks use from hotels when you can¡¯t get something outside. How you suspend a loop out the window (providing the window even opens:)
?
Hello all.
I use my TX500 specifically on the low bands (40/30 / 20m).
I am using the antenna from HAMSHOP.cz ().
It is very good.
QRPGuys offers a kit that looks a lot like it and that I will also
test ().
For the other bands I am testing a wire antenna from SOTABEAMS ()
with an EMTECH ZM2 antenna tuning unit.
The idea is not to use an automatic ATU which will consume the
energy intended for the transceiver when I operate during portable
ops.
73 From Paris where WX is cold...
Jo?l.
Le 25/11/2021 ¨¤ 14:40, Tim K a ¨¦crit?:
I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8
and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for
multi and and no tuner.
--
73
Tim
KF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
|
I agree and I have my A100 now on this holiday trip. ?Unfortunately even with an outside window at this hotel near Detroit I can¡¯t hear anything. I suspect too much metal and industrial noise. Will try at other hotel on the way back to Colorado. Low propagation numbers are helping either. ;-)?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
This is where a loop comes in handy. You don't need an open window to get out. Set it up in the hotel room and operate. I have been amazed at times with how well I can get out. I walkways look for a exterior room, but other than that, I can usually get out.? I¡¯d like to hear what folks use from hotels when you can¡¯t get something outside. How you suspend a loop out the window (providing the window even opens:)
?
Hello all.
I use my TX500 specifically on the low bands (40/30 / 20m).
I am using the antenna from ().
It is very good.
QRPGuys offers a kit that looks a lot like it and that I will also
test ().
For the other bands I am testing a wire antenna from SOTABEAMS ()
with an EMTECH ZM2 antenna tuning unit.
The idea is not to use an automatic ATU which will consume the
energy intended for the transceiver when I operate during portable
ops.
73 From Paris where WX is cold...
Jo?l.
Le 25/11/2021 ¨¤ 14:40, Tim K a ¨¦crit?:
I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8
and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for
multi and and no tuner.
--
73
Tim
KF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
|
How do you like the A100? It looks like an interesting loop with capability of 70w. Unheard of in most loops that size, price as well as being portable. Not to mention, it is relatively inexpensive for that kind of power handling.?
At my QTH, I often run the Baby Loop. It's expensive but built like a tank and it just works. I suffer from major RF noise issues in the city. A loop cuts that out completely, compared to the end fed, or especially, the vertical.?
I agree and I have my A100 now on this holiday trip.? Unfortunately even with an outside window at this hotel near Detroit I can¡¯t hear anything. I suspect too much metal and industrial noise. Will try at other hotel on the way back to Colorado. Low propagation numbers are helping either. ;-)?
This is where a loop comes in handy. You don't need an open window to get out. Set it up in the hotel room and operate. I have been amazed at times with how well I can get out. I walkways look for a exterior room, but other than that, I can usually get out.? I¡¯d like to hear what folks use from hotels when you can¡¯t get something outside. How you suspend a loop out the window (providing the window even opens:)
?
Hello all.
I use my TX500 specifically on the low bands (40/30 / 20m).
I am using the antenna from ().
It is very good.
QRPGuys offers a kit that looks a lot like it and that I will also
test ().
For the other bands I am testing a wire antenna from SOTABEAMS ()
with an EMTECH ZM2 antenna tuning unit.
The idea is not to use an automatic ATU which will consume the
energy intended for the transceiver when I operate during portable
ops.
73 From Paris where WX is cold...
Jo?l.
Le 25/11/2021 ¨¤ 14:40, Tim K a ¨¦crit?:
I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8
and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for
multi and and no tuner.
--
73
Tim
KF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
|
I love it. It has outstanding performance. Mag Loops are fussy to tune. This takes away that annoyance with the remote tuning and uses only one cable - the coax. I¡¯m QRP 95% of the time but it nice not to worry if I want to bump up the power. No other loop is as light and sturdy. Only issue is that it doesn¡¯t cover 40M for when 20 closes. So to cover 40M when traveling I¡¯m ordering the A120 now that it has remote tune capability. I already know the A120 works good as I owned previously and sold it before they added the remote control option.?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
How do you like the A100? It looks like an interesting loop with capability of 70w. Unheard of in most loops that size, price as well as being portable. Not to mention, it is relatively inexpensive for that kind of power handling.?
At my QTH, I often run the Baby Loop. It's expensive but built like a tank and it just works. I suffer from major RF noise issues in the city. A loop cuts that out completely, compared to the end fed, or especially, the vertical.? I agree and I have my A100 now on this holiday trip.? Unfortunately even with an outside window at this hotel near Detroit I can¡¯t hear anything. I suspect too much metal and industrial noise. Will try at other hotel on the way back to Colorado. Low propagation numbers are helping either. ;-)?
This is where a loop comes in handy. You don't need an open window to get out. Set it up in the hotel room and operate. I have been amazed at times with how well I can get out. I walkways look for a exterior room, but other than that, I can usually get out.? I¡¯d like to hear what folks use from hotels when you can¡¯t get something outside. How you suspend a loop out the window (providing the window even opens:)
? Hello all.?
I use my TX500 specifically on the low bands (40/30 / 20m).?
I am using the antenna from??(). It is very good.?
QRPGuys offers a kit that looks a lot like it and that I will also test ().?
For the other bands I am testing a wire antenna from SOTABEAMS () with an EMTECH ZM2 antenna tuning unit.?
The idea is not to use an automatic ATU which will consume the energy intended for the transceiver when I operate during portable ops.?
73 From Paris where WX is cold...?
Jo?l. Le 25/11/2021 ¨¤ 14:40, Tim K a ¨¦crit?:
I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8 and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for multi and and no tuner.
--?
73
TimKF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
|
It looks like an awesome antenna. Now to find a way to get one to the US!
I love it. It has outstanding performance. Mag Loops are fussy to tune. This takes away that annoyance with the remote tuning and uses only one cable - the coax. I¡¯m QRP 95% of the time but it nice not to worry if I want to bump up the power. No other loop is as light and sturdy. Only issue is that it doesn¡¯t cover 40M for when 20 closes. So to cover 40M when traveling I¡¯m ordering the A120 now that it has remote tune capability. I already know the A120 works good as I owned previously and sold it before they added the remote control option.?
How do you like the A100? It looks like an interesting loop with capability of 70w. Unheard of in most loops that size, price as well as being portable. Not to mention, it is relatively inexpensive for that kind of power handling.?
At my QTH, I often run the Baby Loop. It's expensive but built like a tank and it just works. I suffer from major RF noise issues in the city. A loop cuts that out completely, compared to the end fed, or especially, the vertical.? I agree and I have my A100 now on this holiday trip.? Unfortunately even with an outside window at this hotel near Detroit I can¡¯t hear anything. I suspect too much metal and industrial noise. Will try at other hotel on the way back to Colorado. Low propagation numbers are helping either. ;-)?
This is where a loop comes in handy. You don't need an open window to get out. Set it up in the hotel room and operate. I have been amazed at times with how well I can get out. I walkways look for a exterior room, but other than that, I can usually get out.? I¡¯d like to hear what folks use from hotels when you can¡¯t get something outside. How you suspend a loop out the window (providing the window even opens:)
? Hello all.?
I use my TX500 specifically on the low bands (40/30 / 20m).?
I am using the antenna from??(). It is very good.?
QRPGuys offers a kit that looks a lot like it and that I will also test ().?
For the other bands I am testing a wire antenna from SOTABEAMS () with an EMTECH ZM2 antenna tuning unit.?
The idea is not to use an automatic ATU which will consume the energy intended for the transceiver when I operate during portable ops.?
73 From Paris where WX is cold...?
Jo?l. Le 25/11/2021 ¨¤ 14:40, Tim K a ¨¦crit?:
I use the 40m EFHW by KM4ACK.? I mostly use 40m for SSB, cw, js8 and Pat Winlink and 20m for ft8.? IMHO an EFHW is hard to beat for multi and and no tuner.
--?
73
TimKF7VUT
SKCC # 12611T
|
The in-depth manual written by Stephan HB9EAJ is a wonderful and thorough study of EFHW antennas.? It is now one of my must read's.
--
Grace & peace,
Tim AF6TF
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Roy Ramdeen
Stephan HB9EAJ