Search found 88 matches

by N8TGQ
Wed Aug 14, 2024 4:13 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: My first magic carpet ride
Replies: 12
Views: 7915

Re: My first magic carpet ride

Good luck with your experiments. Playing with antennas is one of my favorite of the hobby!

I never had much luck with portable verticals. I could get them working well, but never could get the same result the next time I put it up. They worked great in a permanent setup, though.
by N8TGQ
Thu Aug 08, 2024 5:05 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: My first magic carpet ride
Replies: 12
Views: 7915

Re: My first magic carpet ride

Great writeup, Mike! I appreciate your time and efforts.
I wonder if adding a few more jumpers to the faraday cloth at different points would change anything? Maybe the fabric isn't very conductive.

I'm just guessing! I have absolutely no experience with this stuff.

Rick N8TGQ
by N8TGQ
Mon Jul 29, 2024 10:07 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?
Replies: 10
Views: 8398

Re: How to attach a wire antenna to a fiberglass pole?

I use these clasps I found on purses at the thrift store. My daughter calls it a "lobster claw" clasp. It fits into the pole easily when collapsed, and I can work it one hand. Since the edges are all rounded over, the wire slides thru it easily. I've seen them at some craft stores. The str...
by N8TGQ
Fri Jul 19, 2024 7:05 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: EFRW: some notes
Replies: 6
Views: 6374

Re: EFRW: some notes

An easy, simple rule of thumb that I learned helping my dad back in the 60s:

At least a quarter-wave on the lowest band you plan to work.
Not a half-wave on any band you plan to work.
by N8TGQ
Mon Jul 15, 2024 9:57 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Squeezing 9dB from a dipole
Replies: 2
Views: 4202

Re: Squeezing 9dB from a dipole

How did it work for you?
by N8TGQ
Mon Jul 15, 2024 9:51 am
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: QRPp outing
Replies: 6
Views: 6861

Re: QRPp outing

The whole setup, except for the LPF is home brew. Antenna, radio, crystal switching board, even the key. My goal was to show what I was doing. I wasn't asking for suggestions to improve it or to build my own stuff. I can look up internet posts and repost them also, but I would much rather see what y...
by N8TGQ
Fri Jul 12, 2024 12:01 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: QRPp outing
Replies: 6
Views: 6861

Re: QRPp outing

With this setup, my big goals are simplicity and very small size. I want everything to fit into an old eyeglasses case, including the antenna. I want to pull it out of my pack and be on the air in minutes. And it needs to pack up in minutes. I'll find the resonant points on the wire and put knots th...
by N8TGQ
Sat Jul 06, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: QRPp outing
Replies: 6
Views: 6861

QRPp outing

I finally got out to the park for first time this summer. I only had my homebrew QRPp rig, an EFHW cut for 40m and a 9 v battery. I did work one of the 13 colony stations, but everything else was just hits on the RBN. I need to get out with the analyzer and find the other 06072024 qrpp.jpg resonant ...
by N8TGQ
Wed Jul 03, 2024 5:53 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 13 Colonies
Replies: 2
Views: 3553

13 Colonies

Anyone doing the 13 Colonies special event using QRP?

http://13colonies.us/

I usually work 7 or 8 of them every year. Things are lining up that I can put a real effort in this weekend.

I hope you all have a great 4th of July!
by N8TGQ
Thu Jun 20, 2024 4:09 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: New QRPp challenge
Replies: 0
Views: 5470

New QRPp challenge

I enjoy going to the local parks to play radio. I don't drive, so getting to parks for POTA are too far away. POTA is boring to me anyway. Like shooting fish in a barrel using a $30k bass boat. I try calling CQ, but if I'm not on the spot page and showing up on their waterfall, no one bothers to ans...