Whilst at local Radio Shack, I picked up a telescoping whip antenna
which extends to 72" for <$5. Thinking of adding either a BNC or PL-
259 connector to the end. With a counterpoise, it should work on 6m.
Certainly better than the rubber dummy load that ships with the 817.
Anybody tried this?
With a BNC connector on the end, I should be able to plug it right
into the jack on my ZM-2 tuner and end-feed it at a 6' whip. With
suitable counterpoise it should "work" on other bands. I wonder how
it will compare with the ATX and PM-1 (or is it MP-1, I can never
remember). I have Verne's last year model which works OK. It's a bit
fatter than the new one, and just as contankerous to tune without a
meter, but it does work.
For serious QRP portable workings, I take a 33' fiberglass mast on
which I hang assorted dipoles, deltas, and vertical wires. But
occasionally, I don't want to carry all that gear and just want
something small and light, which makes ATX and Maldol attractive, but
I hate the price.
Does anybody know where I can buy helium in a small spray can? A
couple of small baloons ought to hold up a decent length of wire for
an hour or two of operating. I thought about flying a kite (have been
told to do that before), but had a horrible mental image of me
chasing my 817 as a gust of wind drags it/me away...
This is a fun radio and a fun list.
