RE: [Elecraft] very small antenna
Julius n2wn wrote > Might I suggest something less commercial... haul a > collapsible "crappy" fishing pole and some wire. You > can make a vertical, you can make a loop, you can make > an inverted vee. You have flexibility and it's a lot > cheaper than commercial "minature" antennas (probably > will work a lot better as well). Nothing has to be commercial, unless it's easier and cheaper in time and effort to go that route. Got the poles, the wire, trees, tuner... a wire over a tree ALWAYS works better than a 7 foot loaded vertical over no radials. On the other hand, I can walk around with an MP-1 and keyer paddles fastened on a radio and operate on the move. As you can see from the pictures at HFPack, some folks have really elaborate walking-about antennas, not that mine looks less silly; an antenna sprouting from one's belly _is_ a bit unusual. Cortland KA5S ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] very small antenna
In a message dated 10/8/2005 12:20:03 PM US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Jess, Looking for a small (pack-away in a suit-case and going to bahamas on a cruise line for vacation antenna.) I found three on the Yahoo search that looked good. the buddiepole, the Ventura, the miracle whip each one claims to have all band and each one says has at least some gain I thought Ron, W7AC, very effectively answered this. As I recall he suggested the PAC-12 which I heartily endorse. The Miracle Antenna is a joke compared to something like the PAC-12, or just about any other reasonably constructed antenna. The Buddipole is "the Cadillac" of portable antennas, but not quite as portable as the PAC-12. Vern Wright, W6MMA, makes some excellent portable antennas as well. Vern is a master at designing and constructing antennas, so don't overlook anything he has to offer. I think his MP-1 and MP-2 are excellent portable antennas, which I have used with great success from a variety of portable locations--primarily motel rooms! The only requirement is that you be able to open the darn windows! So, take a close look at the PAC-12, and the Super Antenna offerings, and I would strongly recommend you pick from those. Forget about those antenna ads that blow a bunch of smoke up your butt about how "teensy tiny" they are. The two I am suggesting aren't very big either, but they have substance, and have some theory and quality construction to back up the claims. There have been some antenna "shootouts" which back up my recommendations. But if you have a fair amount of extra room in that suitcase, the Buddipole will fit--you can't do much better than that antenna for portable operation. Dave W7AQK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] very small antenna
See the hfpack.com antenna shootouts for the Ventenna, Pac-12, and Buddistick. You won't find gain differences between them, just mechanical and flexibility differences. The Miracle Antenna you mentioned is in a different class; see the facts on the site. 73, Leigh / WA5ZNU On Sat, 8 Oct 2005 12:19 pm, mc wrote: Hi Jess, Looking for a small (pack-away in a suit-case and going to bahamas on a cruise line for vacation antenna.) I found three on the Yahoo search that looked good. the buddiepole, the Ventura, the miracle whip each one claims to have all band and each one says has at least some gain ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] very small antenna
A couple of other points-- In addition to the captain's permission, one must have a license (or CEPT permit) for the country in which the ship is registered when operating on the high seas. When in port, the same is required for the country in which the port is located. Most cruise ships operating in the U.S. seem to have Bahamas (C6) or Panama (HP) registration. The Bahamas will issue reciprocal licenses while Panama honors the IARP. The ARRL web site has full information on licensing requirements. On Oct 8, 2005, at 4:37 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Those are good observations, Fred. The Captain of a passenger vessel doesn't have any leeway about using the ship's radio gear or antennas, even the spare antennas. They are all an integral part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulated gear and must not be used for anything but their stated purpose. Even old-time Radio Operators (SPARKS) on ships who were Hams could NOT use the Ship's gear or antennas for Ham operation, even spare antennas they were personally responsible for maintaining. Those who had Ham gear on board had the Captain's permission and a completely independent antenna system, rig and power source (they could plug into the ships "mains" but could not use the radio batteries). Sparky's advantage is that he had some options for stringing a wire that you don't . There are a lot of interesting ideas for antennas on large ships, including some really bizarre ones that I'd love to try such as a wire from the fantail that connects to a metal plate that drags in the water below, but they all require access to parts of the ship not normally available to passengers. About the only practical thing that comes to mind is some sort of telescoping whip that can be clamped to a rail or port opening. For a ground, a piece of metal or foil taped to the wall or deck would form a capacitor through the paint to the main hull of the ship. One can also use a counterpoise running back into the cabin, at least on the higher bands where the length of a suitable λ/4 wire will fit. Bob, N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] very small antenna
Those are good observations, Fred. The Captain of a passenger vessel doesn't have any leeway about using the ship's radio gear or antennas, even the spare antennas. They are all an integral part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulated gear and must not be used for anything but their stated purpose. Even old-time Radio Operators (SPARKS) on ships who were Hams could NOT use the Ship's gear or antennas for Ham operation, even spare antennas they were personally responsible for maintaining. Those who had Ham gear on board had the Captain's permission and a completely independent antenna system, rig and power source (they could plug into the ships "mains" but could not use the radio batteries). Sparky's advantage is that he had some options for stringing a wire that you don't . There are a lot of interesting ideas for antennas on large ships, including some really bizarre ones that I'd love to try such as a wire from the fantail that connects to a metal plate that drags in the water below, but they all require access to parts of the ship not normally available to passengers. About the only practical thing that comes to mind is some sort of telescoping whip that can be clamped to a rail or port opening. For a ground, a piece of metal or foil taped to the wall or deck would form a capacitor through the paint to the main hull of the ship. I think I'd just enjoy the sea air, view and the experience. That's what I usually end up doing on a trip anyway . Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] very small antenna
Took my KX1 on a cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles thru the Canal in April. I learned a few things: 1. The Captain and not the CEO of the cruise line runs the ship. The CEO said "Hell No, you'll screw up the navigation, endanger the passengers with radiation, and probably start a fire." The Captain (OK, the Jr Officer he sent) said, "Ok but only from our 'balcony' and not public spaces, and please don't remove any paint. And don't even think about using any of the ship's antennas." 2. The "balcony" is really more like a "shelf." 3. The "steel window" on the "shelf" through which you can watch the ocean, turtles, and dolphins is about 6' x 6' (2m x 2m). 4. A disassembled MP-1 in your bag looks a lot like a pipe bomb on the airport x-ray. I wear braces on both legs and I'm toast at security anyway, so I opted not to add to the inevitable problem and left the MP-1 knockoff at home. 5. Buddipoles are bigger than the "shelf." 6. It's hard to string up 26' (8m) of wire in the 6' x 6' (2m x 2m) "steel window." OK, it's nearly impossible. 7. If you succeed in stringing up the wire in the "steel window," you will become part of the antenna, causing the SWR to vary wildly as you send. 8. A few thousand metric (or any other kind of) tons of steel between your "shelf" and "steel window" have a fairly substantial attenuation effect on signals from the other side of the boat. Just my observations ... YMMV. Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] very small antenna
Jess, you should also look at the PAC-12 from Pacific Antennas. Packs smaller than the other two (Buddipole and MP-1). And does very nicely on all bands. Michael N4NMR > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of mc > Sent: Saturday, October 08, 2005 3:19 PM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] very small antenna > > Hi Jess, Looking for a small (pack-away in a suit-case and > going to bahamas on a cruise line for vacation antenna.) I > found three on the Yahoo search that looked good. the > buddiepole, the Ventura, the miracle whip > > each one claims to have all band and each one says has at > least some gain > > > > > > > > It's basically a mediocre receive antenna and transmit dummy load. > > Jess AE0CW > .. > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] very small antenna
Consider also the MP-1 from Superantennas. Any of these are best used with a tuning device such as the Tenna-Dipper. Bob, N7XY On Oct 8, 2005, at 1:35 PM, G8IFF/KC8NHF wrote: I'd go with the Buddipole over the Miracle Whip every time. At least it's a proper dipole. I've not heard of the Ventura. On Saturday 08 Oct 2005 19:19, mc wrote: Hi Jess, Looking for a small (pack-away in a suit-case and going to bahamas on a cruise line for vacation antenna.) I found three on the Yahoo search that looked good. the buddiepole, the Ventura, the miracle whip each one claims to have all band and each one says has at least some gain ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] very small antenna
I'd go with the Buddipole over the Miracle Whip every time. At least it's a proper dipole. I've not heard of the Ventura. On Saturday 08 Oct 2005 19:19, mc wrote: > Hi Jess, Looking for a small (pack-away in a suit-case and going to bahamas > on a cruise line for vacation antenna.) I found three on the Yahoo search > that looked good. the buddiepole, the Ventura, the miracle whip > > each one claims to have all band and each one says has at least some gain ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] very small antenna
I currently own the Buddipole and the MP-1 from SuperAntennas. Both offer good performance and quality design in a small package. Recently, I did a QSO on 20m at 12W SSB with my K2... the OM was mobile in Austria... :-) I receive a good report !!! And the beauty you can mix piece of one antenna with the other one... they all use 3/8 24 for the threading you could even invent new antenna... combine this with an analyzer and you are in business !!! 73 Le 05-10-08 à 15:19, mc a écrit : Hi Jess, Looking for a small (pack-away in a suit-case and going to bahamas on a cruise line for vacation antenna.) I found three on the Yahoo search that looked good. the buddiepole, the Ventura, the miracle whip each one claims to have all band and each one says has at least some gain It's basically a mediocre receive antenna and transmit dummy load. Jess AE0CW .. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com = /¯\/¯\/¯\/¯\/¯\/¯\ JEAN-FRANCOIS MENARD V A 2 V Y Z [EMAIL PROTECTED] \_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/ Elecraft K2 #4130 Elecraft KX1 #999 http://homepage.mac.com/jfmenard = ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
