Bring lots of different types of antennas, just in case

[KL7MJ]

I activated Greenbelt Park (US-0668) on Saturday. By half an hour of operating, I was on my third antenna. I started (or tried to start) with a magloop, but a gust of wind knocked it over and broke the base. I then tried using a very small loaded whip, but after 10 minutes of calling CQ POTA without response and without being picked up on RBN, I switched to a trap EFHW. I was able to get my 10 contacts with the EFHW.

So my lesson was to have plenty of alternatives for antennas (and a cell phone charger for my wife!).

[Andrew (grayhat)]

or just a "one fits all" random wire which can be installed in different ways, including inverted L

[KL7MJ]

Bringing the "toy" vertical was a mistake, but I think it's good to have a wire antenna as primary, and the magloop (or other non-wire antenna) as a backup.
I was in Arizona last year, and while I was allowed to put an antenna in a tree, there weren't any good candidates so I ended up using the magloop.

[Andrew (grayhat)]

for "no tree" or "no wires up trees" situations, consider the *double t bar" antenna

https://www.qsl.net/hb9mtn/hb9mtn_vertdip.html

a ground stake or a tripod will support it, and while the gain isn't high, the takeoff is low, even if the antenna is near ground

[KL7MJ]

Ok, now I feel like a dummy. I have a TransWorld TW2010 (pretty much a commercial version of your double T bar) but I was concerned about taking up too much space in the car. Next time...

[Andrew (grayhat)]

the double t-bar may be unsuitable for some spots, but imVVHo will serve you well in all other cases when you can't set up an endfed wire

[KL7MJ]

I like the idea. I think I forgot about it because it's too big for me to take on an airplane, but for a local activation it would be perfect!

However, I'm glad I broke the base of the magloop close to home - I was able to modify the design with a thicker base and reprint it that evening.

73,
Mike, KL7MJ

[Andrew (grayhat)]

Ok, now I feel like a dummy. I have a TransWorld TW2010 (pretty much a commercial version of your double T bar) but I was concerned about taking up too much space in the car. Next time...

if the antenna is this one

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-tw-2010-p

then once closed it isn't too big and the weight is ok to carry it around for relatively short walks, as a note such type of antenna offers a pretty low takeoff angle even if the bottom is pretty low on ground, then willing to squeeze out every ounce from it, try it at the seaside

[KL7MJ]

That's it! It's well designed and comes in a great case. As far as size and weight it's about the same as a large folding camping chair when packed up.

try it at the seaside

That's a great idea!

[Andrew (grayhat)]

Please, post an update when you'll try it !