Wow, I guess I must play the Radio Shack guy --- You got questions, I
got answers! hi hi
See below please.
--- In FT817@y..., "KQ6XA" <xtalradio@a...> wrote:
KQ6XA wrote:
No manufacturer is selling a better performing or
more versatile portable whip for the FT-817 at this
time, as far as I know. Anyone tried a better one?
Barry W4WB wrote:
Yes, I find the B&W AP-10A works somewhat better than the MP-1.
Now you have me intrigued, Barry!
How did you mount your B&W AP-10A on the FT-817?
*** I didn't mount either antenna on the 817. Not my style. When I
am doing what I think you call PM, I go to a place a set up an
antenna, but not on the radio. I find it unpleasant to try working CW
while walking. :-)
Is there a new B&W FT-817 mount, or did you drill out the stock one?
*** Not that I know of. I see no reason at all why one could not
make a FT-817 mount for the AP-10A.
Is the AP-10A different from the earlier "window sill antenna" they
have had for a long time?
*** Yes. Long time is 40+ years!
I think the earlier one required using tools to move the frequency
band taps, and for dis-assembly didn't it?
*** Well sort of. You had to change coils in an inconvenient way in
the OLD version.
Did they change to 3/8-24 standard threads on the new one? That would
enable us to plug it into a regular mobile or MP-1 Superantenna FT-
817 mount.
*** No. The bolt in the coil bottom is a standard 1/4-20. It is a
trivial matter to make a transition part.
Is the new one an "air dux" coil?
*** Yes. The coil housing is PVC having an overall length of 7" as I
recall. The coil is 4" in length and 2" in diameter. Textbook
design.
How small does it pack up?
*** The bracket for window sill or table edge or ... is about 15"
long. The stainless steel whip is about 23" long when collapsed
(BTW, its diameter is about twice that of the MP-1 whip). It is a
bit more of a pain to pack, but is easily finds a home in my carry-on
suitcase fir airplane travel. No question that the MP-1 is the champ
of champs for packing small.
FWIW, I have frequently mounted the AP-10A on the edge of a table, a
2x4 in the clamp with a few bricks sitting on the exposed parts of
the 2x4, in hotel windows, etc.
72 de Barry - W4WB
Bonnie KQ6XA
