|
Currently with my X6100, I have been using wire antennas; these work. ?The downside to wire antennas is finding elevation points to string them. ?I am seeking suggestions for a portable lightweight vertical antenna to use on my X6100, from a U.S. based company (shipping inside U.S.). ?I found the below linked antenna, and it attaches the way I wish it to attach: to the radio without coax cable, no masts, no tripods. ?I can have an antenna support 3D printed: link below. ?I appreciate any suggestions.
and
and 3D printed base
|
On Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 04:19 PM, John - KZ4AX wrote:
The downside to wire antennas is finding elevation points to string them. ?I am seeking suggestions for a portable lightweight vertical antenna
I have been using the PAC-12 vertical for working? /P for several years now. Works quite well with normal power and in QRP. Installs in 10 minutes.
|
Thank you. ?I ran across the PAC-12 antenna while searching. ?It requires assembly, and is currently out-of-stock. ?Since I only own an X6100, I am limited to 5 Watts. ?When time and opportunity allow, I will teach myself soldering: lots of videos on the subject, whether the videos are good or not remains to be seen. ?I was taught to gas and TIG welding, brazing, and crimping, but not soldering.
|
I've had good luck with the AX-1 and AX-2 antennas from Elecraft.? I've never had a failed SOTA/POTA activation when using them, and work a fair amount of DX.? Mainly EU, but did work Ukraine before as well.? 3 minutes to set up and has a very small footprint, which is great for stealthy or high traffic area activations.? The photo below was in the middle of the Dahlonega, GA town square around 11am over the Christmas holidays.? No one gave me a second look.
?
|
Seeing that you are using this antenna with the X6100 proves to me that the combination will work.
|
Just some food for thought,
I don't know what your operating requirements are.? ?For POTA I've been using an end fed half wave no more than 7 feet off of the ground here in WY.? I've reached down to Costa Rica, my wife made a contact with Chile, Morocco, Russia, Britain, Spain etc.? It's antenna theory and not law.? Most of those on 5 to 10 watts with the x6100.? Nice and compact in the bag.? Just a thought against the grain.? That is my 2 cents for what it is worth.
DE KJ7OEP Josh?
On Wed, Dec 13, 2023, 8:41 AM Richard - N1RBD < groups.io@...> wrote: I've had good luck with the AX-1 and AX-2 antennas from Elecraft.? I've never had a failed SOTA/POTA activation when using them, and work a fair amount of DX.? Mainly EU, but did work Ukraine before as well.? 3 minutes to set up and has a very small footprint, which is great for stealthy or high traffic area activations.? The photo below was in the middle of the Dahlonega, GA town square around 11am over the Christmas holidays.? No one gave me a second look.
?
|
I use end fed random length, not resonant on any band. ?I need to get a 9:1 unun to see if that makes ol’ random wire ‘work’ better. ?I am interested to hear that your elevation of 7 feet made contacts so far. ?As you say, its theory not law. ?The reasons I chose the X6100 are as you mentioned “compact”: it is an all-in-one, including the battery: ?it works SSB for me. ?I’m looking to add a compact vertical antenna for those times when I do not have any elevation or just too lazy to hang a wire. ?I guess that my operating requirements started before my wife and I headed to Big Bend National Park again. ?HF does not have the line-of-sight restrictions that VHF/UHF share. ?If there is a chance of being stuck in isolated territory, I’m going to have communications.
|
I have and would recommend the Chelegance MC-750 vertical.? It’s made in China and available through DX Engineering.? It’s high quality, simple, quick to assemble, easy to adjust for resonance and offers 40-10 coverage, and packs up neatly into the included padded case.? It comes with a ground spike and I also have the tripod accessory.? Check out Thomas Witherspoon’s (K4SWL) on QRP’.? These can also be had substantially cheaper on Ali Express.
On Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 07:19 John - KZ4AX < beastwrk@...> wrote: Currently with my X6100, I have been using wire antennas; these work.? The downside to wire antennas is finding elevation points to string them.? I am seeking suggestions for a portable lightweight vertical antenna to use on my X6100, from a U.S. based company (shipping inside U.S.).? I found the below linked antenna, and it attaches the way I wish it to attach: to the radio without coax cable, no masts, no tripods.? I can have an antenna support 3D printed: link below.? I appreciate any suggestions.
and
and 3D printed base
|
Komunica pro-2
I use end fed random length, not resonant on any band. ?I need to get a 9:1 unun to see if that makes ol’ random wire ‘work’ better. ?I am interested to hear that your elevation of 7 feet made contacts so far. ?As you say, its theory not law. ?The reasons
I chose the X6100 are as you mentioned “compact”: it is an all-in-one, including the battery: ?it works SSB for me. ?I’m looking to add a compact vertical antenna for those times when I do not have any elevation or just too lazy to hang a wire. ?I guess that
my operating requirements started before my wife and I headed to Big Bend National Park again. ?HF does not have the line-of-sight restrictions that VHF/UHF share. ?If there is a chance of being stuck in isolated territory, I’m going to have communications.
-- TNX, Dido. EA1CN?
|
The Elecraft AX1 &2 are my current
favorites and EFHW when I have the room to setup.? I used to use a
PAC-12 HB (might still have it) and it is a simple build. Original
designer's plans here?
I also like Buddipoles but a little
bulky for casual, impromptu ops
On 12/13/2023 09:38, John - KZ4AX
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Thank you. ?I ran across the PAC-12 antenna while searching. ?It
requires assembly, and is currently out-of-stock. ?Since I only
own an X6100, I am limited to 5 Watts. ?When time and opportunity
allow, I will teach myself soldering: lots of videos on the
subject, whether the videos are good or not remains to be seen. ?I
was taught to gas and TIG welding, brazing, and crimping, but not
soldering.
|
Experimentation is what this hobby is about
?
Too many big contest stations wavy big antennas and amps,
?
Lets get people back to basics and try things for themselves, help them and see how far they can get
?
?
The hobby is meant to be a fun pastime, so lets play, try things and then improve on them gradually as we have always done
?
Peter
M0PWX
?
?
?
I use end fed random length, not resonant on any band. ?I need to get a 9:1 unun to see if that makes ol’ random wire ‘work’ better. ?I am interested to hear that your elevation of 7 feet made contacts so far. ?As you say, its theory not
law. ?The reasons I chose the X6100 are as you mentioned “compact”: it is an all-in-one, including the battery: ?it works SSB for me. ?I’m looking to add a compact vertical antenna for those times when I do not have any elevation or just too lazy to hang a
wire. ?I guess that my operating requirements started before my wife and I headed to Big Bend National Park again. ?HF does not have the line-of-sight restrictions that VHF/UHF share. ?If there is a chance of being stuck in isolated territory, I’m going to
have communications.
_._,_._,_
?
|
I use the PAC12 with great success and the antenna can be
adjusted to be resonant on all bands, minus 160/80m.
The thing looks like it should never work but it does.
The problem is, I believe they are not longer made, but you could
certainly build your own by looking online at pictures of it.
Rich
On 12/13/2023 14:22 PM, M0PWX wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Experimentation is what this hobby is about
?
Too many big contest stations wavy big
antennas and amps,
?
Lets get people back to basics and try
things for themselves, help them and see how far they can get
?
?
The hobby is meant to be a fun pastime, so
lets play, try things and then improve on them gradually as we
have always done
?
Peter
M0PWX
?
?
?
I use end fed random length, not resonant
on any band. ?I need to get a 9:1 unun to see if that makes
ol’ random wire ‘work’ better. ?I am interested to hear that
your elevation of 7 feet made contacts so far. ?As you say,
its theory not law. ?The reasons I chose the X6100 are as you
mentioned “compact”: it is an all-in-one, including the
battery: ?it works SSB for me. ?I’m looking to add a compact
vertical antenna for those times when I do not have any
elevation or just too lazy to hang a wire. ?I guess that my
operating requirements started before my wife and I headed to
Big Bend National Park again. ?HF does not have the
line-of-sight restrictions that VHF/UHF share. ?If there is a
chance of being stuck in isolated territory, I’m going to have
communications.
|
I have the EleCraft AX1 with 40m coil.? It is not much of an antenna.? If looking for something to get your X6100 on the air very quickly then it can work, but if wanting something that performs well it is not that good.? And for $200 not much.? It is made well, but cannot expect a 6 ft whip to do much on HF 17m or 20m the AX1 is made for.
IF you are set on antenna like the AX1 look at the MFJ or something like this with taps on the base coil for different bands.?
I have a JNCRADIO MC-750 portable HF GP vertical antenna.? It comes in a nice bag about 2 feet long and can be put up in about 5 minutes.? Has stake at the bottom for mount and 4 wire radials.? On the whip the bands are marked so one can adjust to make a 1/4 wave.? Works on 10-20m and with 40m coil can work 40m although I have not tested with 40m.? I have been using this antenna for couple months at QRP events and I like it.? Before I was using an end fed wire and it did ok.? I had 20 ft portable flag pole to hole up the high end.? It also went up quickly.
See the MC750 at:
MC750 vertical.? It
73, ron, n9ee/r Ron Wright, N9EE/R Hernando Co ARES EC
Spring Hill, Florida also n9ee55@...
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 02:26:38 PM EST, Richard (K3RWN) <rwnewbould@...> wrote:
I use the PAC12 with great success and the antenna can be
adjusted to be resonant on all bands, minus 160/80m.
The thing looks like it should never work but it does.
The problem is, I believe they are not longer made, but you could
certainly build your own by looking online at pictures of it.
Rich
On 12/13/2023 14:22 PM, M0PWX wrote:
Experimentation is what this hobby is about
?
Too many big contest stations wavy big
antennas and amps,
?
Lets get people back to basics and try
things for themselves, help them and see how far they can get
?
?
The hobby is meant to be a fun pastime, so
lets play, try things and then improve on them gradually as we
have always done
?
Peter
M0PWX
?
?
?
I use end fed random length, not resonant
on any band. ?I need to get a 9:1 unun to see if that makes
ol’ random wire ‘work’ better. ?I am interested to hear that
your elevation of 7 feet made contacts so far. ?As you say,
its theory not law. ?The reasons I chose the X6100 are as you
mentioned “compact”: it is an all-in-one, including the
battery: ?it works SSB for me. ?I’m looking to add a compact
vertical antenna for those times when I do not have any
elevation or just too lazy to hang a wire. ?I guess that my
operating requirements started before my wife and I headed to
Big Bend National Park again. ?HF does not have the
line-of-sight restrictions that VHF/UHF share. ?If there is a
chance of being stuck in isolated territory, I’m going to have
communications.
|
Regarding the PAC-12:? I have one; "requires assembly" just means that the pieces need to be screwed together.? There is no soldering.? It's also available from many different vendors, sometimes called "JPC-12".? It's a good setup for the price; i've been very happy with it for my style of portable operating with the x6100.
|
I have the Wonder Wand small telescopic that can do 160M - 440 I've made a few contacts on but, my favorite small "vertical" antenna is an Alexloop mag loop.? It's vertically polarized but also bi-directional.? It way outperforms other small vertical antennas I've tried.? John KB3NWU
|
In addition to my Chelegance MC-750 I also have thier version the PAC-12.? It is also very good but it will require a little more effort to tune for resonance than the MC-750 will.? Until you’ve gotten used to the various overall lengths/coil tap settings it can be somewhat frustrating to use.? An inexpensive Nano-VNA or a way overpriced Rig Expert will make short work of finding resonance and once you have all the settings written down for each band it’s a simple matter to set it up and operate.? The MC-750 is a little more elegant but both are excellent antennas for a reasonable price.? One consideration is that the Chelegance antennas are all 10mm metric threads.? I do recommend both but the MC-750 is hands down easier to setup for resonance.
On Wed, Dec 13, 2023 at 13:56 Jeff AJ6IY < riz-qcx@...> wrote: Regarding the PAC-12:? I have one; "requires assembly" just means that the pieces need to be screwed together.? There is no soldering.? It's also available from many different vendors, sometimes called "JPC-12".? It's a good setup for the price; i've been very happy with it for my style of portable operating with the x6100.
|
I also have a PAC-12.? I have tried to use once at a park event, but could not get it working.? I am sure something I am doing wrong.? But as Jeff said it does look good.
73, ron, n9ee/r Ron Wright, N9EE/R Hernando Co ARES EC
Spring Hill, Florida also n9ee55@...
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 03:04:17 PM EST, John A Harris <chirodoc62@...> wrote:
I have the Wonder Wand small telescopic that can do 160M - 440 I've made a few contacts on but, my favorite small "vertical" antenna is an Alexloop mag loop.? It's vertically polarized but also bi-directional.? It way outperforms other small vertical antennas I've tried.? John KB3NWU
|
Thanks for that update on availability.?? They sure did a major
redesign from the one I have.?? The new one looks much sturdier
than mine.
Rich
On 12/13/2023 14:56 PM, Jeff AJ6IY
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Regarding the PAC-12:? I have one; "requires assembly" just means
that the pieces need to be screwed together.? There is no
soldering.? It's also available from many different vendors,
sometimes called "JPC-12".? It's a good setup for the price; i've
been very happy with it for my style of portable operating with
the x6100.
|
There is really not much you could be doing wrong.?? The only
thing I have seen (assuming you are using the "original" version)
is some folks have the center conductor on the BNC connector
connected to the ground spike side.
Rich
On 12/13/2023 15:07 PM, Ron Wright via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I also have a PAC-12.? I
have tried to use once at a park event, but could not get it
working.? I am sure something I am doing wrong.? But as Jeff
said it does look good.
73, ron, n9ee/r
Ron Wright, N9EE/R
Hernando Co ARES EC
Spring Hill, Florida also n9ee55@...
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 03:04:17 PM EST, John
A Harris <chirodoc62@...> wrote:
I have
the Wonder Wand small telescopic that can do 160M -
440 I've made a few contacts on but, my favorite
small "vertical" antenna is an Alexloop mag loop.?
It's vertically polarized but also bi-directional.?
It way outperforms other small vertical antennas
I've tried.? John KB3NWU
|
One other to consider is a super slider from M1ECC
?
?
I looked at these before I settled on the magmount I finally got
?
Peter
M0PWX
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Richard (K3RWN)
Sent: 13 December 2023 20:17
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [xiegu-x6100] Portable vertical antenna suggestions
?
There is really not much you could be doing wrong.?? The only thing I have seen (assuming you are using the "original" version) is some folks have the center conductor on the BNC connector connected to the ground spike side.
Rich
On 12/13/2023 15:07 PM, Ron Wright via groups.io wrote:
I also have a PAC-12.? I have tried to use once at a park event, but could not get it working.? I am sure something I am doing wrong.? But as Jeff said it does look good.
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 03:04:17 PM EST, John A Harris
<chirodoc62@...> wrote:
I have the Wonder Wand small telescopic that can do 160M - 440 I've made a few contacts on but, my favorite small "vertical" antenna is an Alexloop mag loop.?
It's vertically polarized but also bi-directional.? It way outperforms other small vertical antennas I've tried.? John KB3NWU
View/Reply Online (#4405) |
Reply To Group |
Reply To Sender |
Mute This Topic | New Topic
Your Subscription |
Contact Group Owner |
Unsubscribe [M0PWX@...]
_._,_._,_
?
|
Josh KJ7OEP
Peter M0PWX