Is this format something you want to see more of? If so, what should my next step by step real-time video be of?

@brandonboyd1

6 ай бұрын

maybe show how to tie the knots (aka Scoutmaster lesson)

@turtlecreek4633

6 ай бұрын

Great real world demo. 73, w3rrm

@hedgiehogUK

6 ай бұрын

The video length, subject matter & succinctness were just right. Maybe explain what you're doing and why you made the decisions you did, a little more. I guess many of the things you were doing are second nature to you, and in the silences you thought we all knew what you were doing, or that it's obvious what we're seeing. But I wasn't that familiar with setting up an EFHW (which I didn't know would be horizontal, why that height etc), what logging software you'd chosen, was it POTA software or anything compatible etc. I understand that I'd go and find things in detail in other videos, so signposting viewers as to what you're doing via running commentary is a good start. Thank you so much for this.

@fubarsnafu4994

6 ай бұрын

I think it's great for everyone that Ham radio has made it's way to pod cast and KZread. People like your self not only contribute to the hobby but keep the tradition alive. You sitting in a studio format is awesome but no reason not to stretch ones legs and get some fresh air. It's so convenient now a days to pack everything up in a sack and go metro. Everything wireless. SO yea more antennas, more field trips and more educational material. For what it's worth nothing wrong with the format but change is a constant struggle with complacency. ✌

@JD144-

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for doing this, as a new ham, would love to see more.

That’s the way to go! Turn the camera on, show what’s actually ham radio is about 😊 73!

THANK YOU, thank you, thank you! I have plenty of reasons that hold me back from fellow hams' standard answer when I ask for help: "well, just go and experiment!" Not knowing where to begin is, to me, like someone saying "well, start with your screwdriver and go and build a space station by experimenting." It's not helpful!! Actually seeing someone do POTA today was really, really helpful to me. Thank you 👍🏻📡

@fubarsnafu4994

6 ай бұрын

Their is no such thing as a stupid question but I'm sure the person who coined that phrase was not an amateur radio operator. At any rate dive in and ask questions. I'm not shy I ask a boat load of questions but I study and had Pryor experience. I love this hobby, As strait forward as it is.. It is also a cornucopia of knowledge. With that your answers are coming from every walk and every level. as long as your RTFB before you ask the stupid question usually all is forgiven Ha! 73 ✌

@mediocreman2

5 ай бұрын

Ham radio operators have to be some of the most gatekeeping group of people I've ever participated in. Hugely turned me off from the hobby. Sailing is easier and it's much harder to learn the terminology. 😅

So you missed a very important part - that foot long Jimmy John's hoagie in your backpack! Thanks for the video. I really enjoyed it.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I was waiting for someone to say something about my lunch.

I activated 2 parks this weekend for my first time POTA! I've learned many lessons from you to get to this point! Thanks a lot

I think videos like this are good from time to time. They're a little longer, but it shows how it is out in the field.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, I'm not going to abandon my traditional POTA video format, but this is a nice switch . I'll probably do this once every couple of months.

I love it. The whole process is shown from beginning to end, with all the pauses and expectations, as in real life. It is impossible to convey the atmosphere of work from the field, if someone has not tried it yet, be sure to take your radio out into nature) 73!

This should be presented at a hamvest forum on POTA activations. You can’t do better than this for real solid presentation. People will go away with the best information possible.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Feel free to use this, or any of my videos, as a subject for a club meeting presentation.

Such a great video! Thanks, Michael, for sharing this one. While I greatly appreciate the high production value of your videos, this "unpluged" vlog style video is outstanding. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Even 'unplugged', I had two cameras rolling with synchronized audio. I can't do anything the easy way :)

I love the real time concept! Thanks! You are helping hams make that first POTA leap.

Thanks Michael! That was a great example of the challenge of QRP ops as the activator. Showing the antenna setup is very instructional as well. Hope to catch you on the airwaves sometime soon! 73, Marc (N1QGM)

This was exactly the video I needed, I'm going to try for both my technician and general license soon and so many videos filter out a lot of the in-between. Watching you set up and get 10 contacts gives me a lot of understanding about timeframes. 7-3 from northwestern Wisconsin

@KB9VBRAntennas

2 ай бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed it and found the video helpful. I hope to catch you on the air soon.

This video is a perfect example of what I love about activating QRP. The hunters that can actually hear your QRP signal are always going to come back to you with loud clear signals, and they are very seldom blurred by a big pileup. Activating on 15-meters (or anything other than 20-meters) further enhances the advantages of QRP. 👍 By the way, that FT-817 is just begging you to give CW mode a try.😂 KZ9V

Well done Michael ! Very useful for those getting started with POTA.

This video got me motivated to hit my local park for first POTA attempt. Didn't complete the activation but came across you in my hunting. Thanks for my first POTA QSO.

@KB9VBRAntennas

3 ай бұрын

I'm honored to be your first POTA contact. The bands weren't the best yesterday, but hopefully you had a great time. I'm looking forward to getting you in the log again.

Great video! Nice setup and excellent operating technique. Good QSO haul, especially for QRP! Thanks for the helpful video

Interesting video. Thanks for doing this. Here in Nevada with our five trees, I'll be trying this out differently. I just bought the MC-750 portable HF antenna for my off-grid use - and I will carry a Mikita drill with a long drill bit for making a hole in the concrete (otherwise known as Nevada summer ground) to install the 750. Hopefully, I'll have as good a luck as you. I plan to do a couple practice setups before I go for real POTA. Thanks again for your great step-by-step infovid. I'm still in a bit of a 'befuddlement' over the POTA website and how to log, save, and upload my contacts.

One great tip that another ham showed me. If you tie a permanent loop into the end of your throw line, you can then stick the loop through the eye then around the throw bag. You end up with what looks like a larks head knot on the eye of the throw bag. You will then never have to tie and untie it. Also the loop makes it easier to attach another line to use to hoist up an antenna, or clip a carabiner between your line and the end insulator of your antenna.

Thank you Michael for the great activation video. Very well done.

Yes I like to see setup vids prior to activations. Great video as always. 73 Jim K2WPA

That was very interesting and helpful - I would enjoy seeing more videos like that. The actual set up of the EFHW was helpful to me, usually I only see portions of the set up. Plus, I noticed the "emergency' Jimmy Johns in the backpack...a very important detail to POTA!!😋

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I'm glad you found it helpful. You can't POTA all day if you don't pack a lunch.

Thanks for sharing, my wife broke her arm & is getting 24/7 care after surgery so videos like this are keeping me plugged in until I can do activations again. I tried doing some hunting, but the QRN in this FL 200 site RV park right next to a WM makes QRN vs signals unusable. I bought a Faraday blanket from AMZ & a Grommet kit so I can stake in the 4 corners (when windy out west), have a near center grommet for my vertical support stake (when not using the Grable tripod for the vertical), and a couple near center points to clip in my alligators for best mechanical GND connection. I will compare the bandwidth VSWR chart to my usual 1-2 radials. From my memory the aluminum window screen surprised me at the 50% more usual bandwidth on 40M compared to using 1-2 radials for a quick activation. Some like to use a whole bunch more radials, but on a quick activation I don't like to spend a half hour untangling them & then chasing loose dogs & children that like to trip on them, lol. Cheers, Davey --KU9L

This is so awesome! I mean the way you show things here, step by step, like real-time as you've said. A nice change, something new. Thank you for sharing.

Nicely done Michael!

Thanks for the great real-time video. Very inspirational

Step by step helps. I have a new respect for activators after my 1st activation on the 1st. Keep em coming. Thanks for sharing. 73

I really like this video...shows in real time how long setup takes. The number one reason i haven't gone out yet is that it seems so cumbersome and clunky to get it all setup...you make it look easy! I'd like to see a take down as well.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I like the vertical antennas as they are much faster. I'll do a real time video of that so you can compare the time difference. As for teardown, it's pretty much the process in reverse. Disconnect the coax, untie the transformer from the tree, Drop the line on the other end. Wind the antenna, coil the rope, and pack it all away.

This is what I’ve been wanting to see. Would like to learn more about logging contacts as well. Big thank you for the behind the scenes peek at what it’s really like. Bring on some more if it.

Great video! I am just starting pota, and it takes a lot of organizing!

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

It does. When most people start, they bring too much stuff. Don't be afraid to do that. As you become proficient you will look at your kit, realize what you don't use or need, and be able to pare things down.

I have enjoyed and benefitted from every one of your videos. THANK YOU! THIS video was perfectly timed. Until now I have hesitated to activate, and limited my POTA experience to hunting - which I greatly enjoy. Have seen this, perhaps I will try an activation soon. Great stuff! 😊

Great lesson on youtube , thank you , greetings from belgium

Thanks for this! I was just wanting a POTA guide now that I passed my license test and got a radio, antenna and some other gear

Great video Michael. Very informative. It's amazing what you can do with 5 watts! Thanks, Jim

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

It can be like magic with a good antenna and favorable band conditions.

great vid. Thanks for showing all of the CQing and everytihing. Appreciated. And all with 5w. Nice!!

Listening to you walk back and forth hanging the antenna had me breathing hard. hihi Great video as always and I don’t usually like real time stuff. 73’s and God bless.

What a beautiful spot.

Thanks, that was a good presentation for ham radio POTA operations. 73's.

Great activation Michael! I like the show it all video, 5 watts tough with a band that's up and down.

Awesome video! I started watching your videos Michael about 2 months ago, and I'll just use the word "HOOKED". I have since started "Hunting" and starting to set things up for "Activating". My wife and I camp a lot, this POTA is looking like so much fun! I did try to contact you a couple weeks ago on 20m phone, it just didn't happen, but I was able to get you on 20m FT8 an hour later. I was like a kid at Christmas when that happened! Thank you for all you do, I will keep watching!! 73 Michael. Mike KL7KTP

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I'm glad to hear you enjoy the videos, and it is a pleasure to be able to get you in the log. Hopefully it will happen many more times.

Nice work Michael 👍

Beautiful landscape. One of the guys from work is from your area and very reminiscent of anyplace upstate Pennsylvania. Grew up in PA and spent a lot of time in the mountains and state parks. Close your eyes and take you for a ride you'd think you we're home.. 73 thanks for the videos

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Many years ago I did a 4-H exchange trip to southwestern PA. I would agree that the terrain in Wisconsin is quite similar to parts of Pennsylvania.

I'm sure it doesn't mean much but I really enjoy watching all your videos.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

It means a lot, thank you.

Great job Michael! I like how you showed the process. The QRP activating method is more challenging but also a bit more relaxing without the pileups. I know a lot of people like the pileups but I''m more low keyed. Excellent job and would like to see more videos like this. 73 - KA2WES

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Same here. The 20 meter pileups can be wicked. I'll make a video so you can hear what it sounds like on my end.

Great video. I love me some QRP in this part of the cycle. However, like most, I consider 10w on SSB also QRP.

very cool! this video felt even more like we were along with you. 73

A nice one! thx from France. Damien, 73

This video has been an excellent reference. I hope that there will be exciting communications in all its activities. I hope we meet in the air. Thanks, Michael, Stay healthy. TA1ODM 73.

Good video

Yes !! Thanks !!

Timely video. I was hoping someone would do one like this. The only thing I would add is how do you start with the POTA web site when you want to be an activator?

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

That might be a topic of a future video, but really all you need to do to get started is to create an account on the Parks on the Air site. Then you will be able to spot yourself and upload logs after the activation.

"Pie! Easy as pie!" -- Engineer Walter Curnow, _2010: The Year We Make Contact_ 😀

Hi Michael, this was a real awesome real-time video on POTA. You have been a great inspiration to amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide like me. I enjoyed every bit of the footage. It would be nice if you can make anoter video on how to make those knots, login software and how to get the audio from the rig directly connected to the camera. Thank you again and wish you Goodluck! VU3TQT New Delhi

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

One of my earliest videos was on how to tie a bowline: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pmeqmLSbetTegNY.html I can't believe that was 10 years ago. Also here's a video on how I do my audio from the transceiver into the camera: kzread.info/dash/bejne/poOl3LyJoMurZ84.html

@shandybrandy5407

6 ай бұрын

Thanks-za-ton Michael!

Thanks!

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your support. It is really appreciated.

Great video Michael. Very informative in that you show the actual/detailed process. One question: Did you update the Pota website with your activation details once you found a clear frequency?

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Yes I do. I don't spot myself until I've found a clear frequency and started calling on it.

2:04 The famous sync audio clap :). Great job Michael. Excellent spot for POTA to get some bounce of the water :) Unfortunately I was in the skip zone for your last 3 POTAs and even tho I am relatively close to you in IL I could not pickup any audio from your station. Hopefully on the next one! Again, the video from your camera looks absolutely glorious in 4k. Super sharp and great colors.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

You know the clap! I'm glad to hear the video holds up well in 4K, sometimes I get a little worried when a shot isn't as sharp as I'd like it to be.

@KD9HBU

6 ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas From your video description your lens seem to be a F2.8-4.0 aperture. If you want to capture a whole frame in focus with objects at different distance from the camera you need a lens that can go up to F8.0 aperture or more. Your current lens is great for keeping the main subject in focus with a nice soft background separation. At 31:05 you can see that the laptop screen and your bottle is sharp and in focus while your face is slightly softer (out of focus). Sometimes the camera auto focus decides to focus on something else. But in general that Panasonic you use, produces excellent video quality. What software are you using to edit your videos? Your export video codec settings are perfect as it produces amazingly sharp video with no loss of quality of the original raw recording.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I'm gonna go into the weeds, but it sounds like you'll appreciate it. I'm using the Panasonic Lumix GH5MkII with the Lumix 12-60mm f4-5.6 lens. I normally set the shutter speed to 1/60 and let the camera determine ISO and aperture (mostly because I'm lazy) but with fast setups and long takes, I also don't want to deal with changing light. Unfortunately in the automatic mode, the camera has a bad habit of favoring wide apertures so that it can keep the ISO low. I think the camera does this because the sensor in earlier Panasonic GH cameras got noisy when the ISO went over 640. The GH5 has an improved sensor and the noise isn't bad up to about ISO 2000. But the old programs stuck. Since you brought up the shallow depth of field, and since I usually lock focus for the activation shots, I may also lock aperture for a deeper depth of field. I'll then let ISO float for changing light. We'll see what happens. As for editing and rendering, I'm using Adobe Premiere and the Adobe Creative suite. Source footage is 200 Mbps 8 bit and I output to 45 Mbps VBR 1 pass, which is roughly double the KZread recommendation for 4K video (thank goodness for fiber). That tends to keep the artifacts to a minimum when KZread reprocesses the file.

@KD9HBU

6 ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thanks for the "stats for nerds" :). Your output quality looks excellent at 45Mbps which is probably because your source is at 200Mpbs. My Sony A7III only does 100Mbps at 4k/30 and I usually output at 100Mbs too. You have no noise from what I can see. Shutter priority is a good way to setup for outdoor video environments where your light varies. Your channel is Ham Radio oriented and I appreciate you going to the next level and providing us with excellent video and audio quality. I know its cumbersome to bring all that gear and it takes time to pack, unpack, setup, pack again and edit all at home. You must be enjoying your hobby to do all this work for us 😄😄. You have picked good gear for recording, most people do it with GoPro's or phones wich are good enough if you watch videos on a 4in phone screen. Stretch that video on a big screen and you can see 1in pixels running across the screen lol

Cool!

As a new ham doing some Pota hunting but have not activated a park yet I loved this video. HAMRS on the laptop without data and upload when back at the shack?

@KB9VBRAntennas

4 ай бұрын

I upload my logs after I get home. Wireless connectivity can be sketchy in remote areas so I don't try to set that up. This also gives me a chance to check everything over and make there there are no errors.

Gorgeous spot you picked! Looks good. W9CRJ

Michael, I was trying to follow how you set up the Rode to the GoPro. Do you have a video on that or perhaps schematic of your setup? I’m involved in parachute mobile in California and I’ve been using a splitter but that creates more wires to manage. The Rode looks like a potential improvement.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I made a video about a year ago on how I capture audio from the radio. You may find it helpful: kzread.info/dash/bejne/poOl3LyJoMurZ84.html

Heard you on the 29th from K-3457 with my dad. Could barely hear you. Im sure you couldn't hear my through the pileup in SoCal. One day I'll work you park to park, lol

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

As I recall, 20 meters was pretty short that day and propagation didn't favor the west coast for me. I hope to get you in the log soon.

5w on phone, very impressive! I can't seem to break the noise floor with 5w on phone

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

The beauty of getting out into some of these parks is the lack of noise.

Pls show more of qrp ops sir

@KB9VBRAntennas

5 ай бұрын

More QRP is on the way.

Thanks for making the video! The transceiver in your links looks different than the transceiver in your video - which model were you using, looks like a Yaesu, but I could not read the model number. Thanks!

@KB9VBRAntennas

5 ай бұрын

In this video I was using my Yaesu FT-817 QRP transceiver. I had purchased it at a hamfest last fall, so it's been making its way into the occasional video.

That was cool to see you set up and activate for POTA. Felt like I was there with you learning. Thanks! KH6FM

Michael nice set up. I have the same radio which antenna do you recommend to do 2m ssb with the ft 817?

@KB9VBRAntennas

5 ай бұрын

For two meter sideband, I'd lean towards a horizontally polarized portable antenna like a Yagi such as an Arrow or Elk antenna. Or build a tape measure Yagi like this one: kzread.info/dash/bejne/dKF80bOrdMndXZM.html

Thanks for sharing this experience and how easy it was to set up the system. Can you share some information with a total rookie? (I’m talking my Tech test on Sat). 1. What is the longest you have operated from that tiny battery? 2. How do you go about finding a frequency where contacts may be possible, or is it a lucky draw and if nobody is there change to another? 3. I like making things for myself, now I’m working on a home brew EFHW, how long is your coax from the radio to the antenna? 4. For this video, what band were you on?

@KB9VBRAntennas

4 ай бұрын

The battery I used is a 12ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4). It's life depends on the transmit power. At 50 watts it will last about 3 hours. At 5 watts, like in the video, it will last much much longer. Finding an open frequency requires a little skill and listening. If a frequency seems available, I will ask "is the frequency in use" 2-3 times. Sometimes you can't hear both sides of the conversation, so asking is good if you happened on it during a lull. If no one responds, then I will use it. Coax length depends on the where the end of your antenna is in relation to you. I will use either a 25 or 50 foot piece of coax, but seldom do I use anything longer than that for portable use. In this video I was on the 15 meter band.

@azarellediaz4892

4 ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, I visit a “club” here in my area and these folks treat me like a baby goat in an elephant family because I still haven’t passed the exam (they also won’t help me either). I had a stroke and can’t retain from reading or watching those long videos, I need constant quizzing to memorize now, I’ll get it one day.

Another great video! You may have a video explaining this already, and if so please send me to it, but at the 18:14 minute mark you were looking at your phone and then selected a frequency. Can you explain what your process is with doing that? Admittedly, I haven't explored the POTA website to get smart on all of this, but I am curious what you were doing there. I STILL don't have the 891 I plan to buy but did just buy the Apollo thanks in part to this video. I didn't notice your link I'm sorry to say, but I'll keep a better eye on those in the future!! btw...the link for what I imagine is your amazon store, doesn't appear to work....for me anyway.

@KB9VBRAntennas

4 ай бұрын

What I am doing with my phone is spotting myself on the pota.app network. Self spotting is encouraged on the POTA page. I'll first look at all the spots to see where others are operating. This helps me find a clear frequency as I may not be able to hear another activator if they are in my skip zone. Once I find an open frequency, and have asked on the air if the frequency is in use, I will put my frequency on the spotting page and start calling CQ. Of course all this depends on if you have cell coverage in the park. Often you can get some sort of signal, but sometimes not. If you don't get a signal, then you have to work a little harder.

@twobikesandadrone

4 ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas I sure appreciate the explanation!! I've heard some of that terminology before, but you just put it all in order! Thanks as always!!

@twobikesandadrone

4 ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas Great explanation.....thank you!!!

Is there a way to record your outgoing message so you don't have to keep saying it? By the way, thanks for showing what is done for this. I've watched like 10 POTA videos and they want to talk about things like their equipment or how cool they are, or how many points they have. Yours is the ONLY video I've seen that shows actual work being done so I know what in the would need to do.

@KB9VBRAntennas

5 ай бұрын

The FT-817 doesn't have a built in memory keyer. There are some aftermarket mods that give it that function and of course some logging programs can do it too. But that's more gear to take into the field.

Oh, it's one-to-one sloped outside?

Hi Michael do you like those yellow Heil headsets? I can't remember the model number or the name of those.😁😁 Do they have good audio and are they comfortable? I'm contemplating getting a set of those. Do you use them with the VOX function or with a hand or foot switch? Thanks and 73!

@KB9VBRAntennas

4 ай бұрын

It's a Heil BM-17 dual side headset. It is very lightweight and comfortable with excellent audio. I did a review a few years ago: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o3Zl3JSgaNCWaZM.html. I use a hand switch to trigger the PTT. You can build your own, there's a link to that project in the video description. I'm not a fan of VOX, but that's an option too.

Michael, 1. How high did the antenna end up being, and was it essentially sloping or horizontl? 2. Also, how is that you’re able to “do business” without a hand mic/PTT button? 3. How do you “send” with a headset and microphone in front of your mouth?

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I believe I got the peak of the antenna up about 25-30 feet. It was a pretty good throw. The antenna was in sloper configuration with the other end tied at about 6 feet. This way no one will 'clothesline' themselves if they walk near the antenna. I have a push to talk switch in my hand to trigger the microphone. It's built out of switch and a rubber bicycle handle. Here's the video on how to build one: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lGmL15p7nNW5dpM.html

@ClayExtrudingExpert

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much. I put a little something your tip jar. Keep up the good work! -- K6KRG @@KB9VBRAntennas

What is meant by the Kilo 1447? What is it referred to? Thanks

@KB9VBRAntennas

Ай бұрын

Kilo-1447 (K-1447) is the www.Parksontheair.com designator for Council Grounds State Park. We give the park number as part of the exchange when participating in the program. Please note that parks in the US have all been recently renumbered from the K prefix to US prefix in order to be consistent with international participants in the program.

Nice operating spot!

I thought I want the choke at the radio side in order to use the coax as counterpoise too.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

If the antenna already has a counterpoise, you don't need the coax acting as a second counterpoise. I would put the choke near the feedpoint of the antenna.

@angelscomputers

6 ай бұрын

Oh cool, I was under the impression that as many counterpoise as better. Thanks

@Alex_Moye_KJ7VJB

6 ай бұрын

@@angelscomputers Also, since in this case he has a counterpoise, the choke at the feed point will help to stay common mode current on the shield.

This is possibly a silly question, but I'm a new general so forgive me, but when doing a parks on the air activation, if you're not concerned about points or awards, do you have to file your log anywhere? Just the exercise of getting out into the world and working through the protocol of a pota seems pretty interesting and good practice to see what you can really do.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Yes, if you plan on going out and activating a park. I strongly recommend that you submit the log afterwards. Even if you aren't interested in the awards aspect, there are hunters in your log that are. Hunters do not submit logs, only the activators, so there's an expectation that afterwards you will upload a log. If you are aren't interested in logging contacts or submitting a log, then by all means, go out somewhere, set up, and just hunt other activators. You get the thrill of POTA without the worry of 'activating' or submitting a log.

@bebopwing1

6 ай бұрын

​@@KB9VBRAntennasthanks! That makes sense!

What’s on your laptop and what are you using it for. It would be helpful if you told us what is going on!!!

@KB9VBRAntennas

3 ай бұрын

I'm using Hamrs (link in the video description) for logging the contacts. I talk about logging in the video at 16:15

What kind of wire is your antenna? It doesn’t kink when wound?

@KB9VBRAntennas

5 ай бұрын

I used withe Coffee and Ham Radio's Apollo end fed half wave antenna. They use 22ga silicon coated insulated wire. Even in cold weather it doesn't kink as the insulation is so flexible. This is the wire they use: amzn.to/49Ps2p5

What gauge is your yellow antenna wire? Thanks, 73 Tom KC3QAC

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

22ga Silicon wire

What fled the “5 9” or “5 7” or “5 1” mean? Is it the RX strength? So if it’s a 5 9 it’s bouncing between 5 and 9? Also- is it recommended to say call sign followed up by phonetic callsigh like you do? Or is just phonetic callsign all that is required?

@KB9VBRAntennas

3 ай бұрын

When we give signal reports, we use two numbers to indicate signal quality and strength. The first number is quality and goes from 2 to 5. 2 is barely readable and 5 is fully understandable and clear. Most signals are in the 5 category, but there are occasionally 2's and 3's; the determination is subjective. The second number is the signal strength and goes from 1 - 9. This is a more objective measurement as you are reading your signal meter and giving back the scale. So a 5x5 would be clearly understandable with a strength of 5 on the meter. These two numbers give the other station a pretty good indicator of how you are receiving their signal both objectively and subjectively. But when I give a signal report, I may not always be looking at the meter and would give someone a 5-9 when in reality they may be a 5-5 or 5-7. But their signal was so loud and clear, I felt it was a good signal and gave them an appropriate report. Other times, like when I'm on 40 meters, the band may be so noisy, that if I can hear them above the noise, they are considered 5-9. So in the end, even though we have subjective and objective ways of describing received signals, it really all is subjective. As for giving your callsign, phonetics usually work best on the HF bands, especially if conditions aren't the best. Using phonetics to establish a contact is best practice. But you don't always have to give your phonetics, if you are carrying on a longer rag chew, then saying the letters is sufficient. If I am working a long run of stations, I will often switch to saying my callsign letters to increase efficiency, and then will give the phonetics periodically or whenever someone asks for a confirmation.

@full_metal2452

3 ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas thanks a lot that really cleared it all up for me. 👍

I enjoy QRP more challenging.

Which lenovo are you using

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

It's the Lenovo 130S-11IGM. I bought it back in 2019 amzn.to/3HjLSwJ

I would have paid cash money for a video like this when I first started. Do you notice any difference in performance or efficiency by tying off the transformer at head height versus having it 1-2 ft off the ground? Glad to see you survived almost being torn to shreds by the wiener dog.😉 U-rah-rah

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

In the field I usually tie the transformer off about 4-6 feet so that no one will 'clothesline' themselves if they walk under the antenna. I have deployed the transformer lower, but really don't notice that much of a difference.

CQ CQ means?

@KB9VBRAntennas

Ай бұрын

This video explains everything you need to know about calling CQ: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Z2xkuMaDnLvAj6Q.html

no time for chit chat? just scoring contacts?

@KB9VBRAntennas

Ай бұрын

If you want to chat, I will certainly chat. Most people just want the contact, though.

@hbeq6122

Ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas this is the proof of that .....tnx for your reaction

Please put something on your hands when you drop the load. A rope burn is a really horrible thing.

It's easier with it not being an endfed. You call it "with a counterpoise" but it's just more antenna. There's no such thing as a counterpoise, really. It's all antenna. If you look at it this way, is it an "end fed" if it's not fed at the end? Therein lies the rub. If you want to call it an "endfed" how can you not feed it at the end?

Good video. This format was kind of pioneered by K4SWL and he really does own the market. It's a good format. Whether or not you do more of it really depends on what you are trying to achieve. There's so much of this format going on now with the copycats that I am not sure it's the best direction for your channel in terms of gaining market share.

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Thomas does a great job in that genre and certainly his videos were a bit of inspiration for this. I can add value, though, by sharing an experience that is different than his. My approach is also different with the live switching of multiple camera angles to give you a better feeling of what I'm doing.

just so you know, the owner of jimi johns hunts endangered animals and they pay delivery drivers below minimum wage

Thanks Michael…taking a new ham friend to his first Pota activation tomorrow but I will have him watch this first! 73, POTA Bob KD9TQH

IMO this is one of your better videos, particularly for "newbies" like me. I enjoyed seeing you set up and was particularly impressed with your phone transmissions. Helps me a lot to understand proper POTA etiquette. Thanks so much for the video and keep up the good work. Looking forward to hearing you on the air. 73 de KK7GHJ

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

I'm glad to help, hopefully I'll get you in the log soon.

Very cool ! I like this format, its the same as what Thomas (K4SWL) does on his channel, and I find I learn from those videos, even just having them on in the background something will be said or happen that peaks my attention. I like all your videos, but I do like this format as well - maybe mix them up as you like, it must be hard work producing all the polished content. Thanks again for the great channel and trying out new things. 73 2E0FWE

@KB9VBRAntennas

6 ай бұрын

Thomas does a really good job at those videos and this was inspired by that. Of course I had to give it my 'spin' so that you get something that's unique and not quite derivative. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

@alzeNL

6 ай бұрын

@@KB9VBRAntennas cant wait to get out and on the air ! all you guys doing these videos inspire us all ! :)

Hi Michael, I know it’s a little late, I want to say happy new year to you and your family and thank you for the videos and also working you on pota. WD5ENH Steve

This looks to be so much fun. I hope to be a Hunter one of these days. ❤ KF0QNM

Nice 73, ct3ku