NVIS is one of my favorite configurations. 👍

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

I can see why. It’s a pretty simple, effective configuration. Take it easy, Jason.

@davidsradioroom9678

3 жыл бұрын

Me, too!

@wildlandoutdoors51

3 жыл бұрын

KM4ACK any tips on determining wire size for max wattage

@grampsradio

5 ай бұрын

HEY! Aren't you supposed to say 73!? Or if'n ya really take a shine to um, 146!?@@TheTechPrepper

@brooksgreen4910

Ай бұрын

4. ❤К🎉ри ​@@TheTechPrepper

I like that you do not use 3D printer - great video!!!!!!!!!

@TheTechPrepper

Ай бұрын

Use what you have. ;-)

Infantry RTO here. Your hasty antennas are spot on. Keep up the good content!

@TheTechPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Yes! I'll take it. You might get a kick out of the improvised field comms series I did last year. I built another NVIS antenna out of scavenged wire (coyote electric fence wire and chicken coup mesh) in the back yard, a 2m jungle antenna, and even improvised at 19" 2m vertical for the HT. Thank you for your service.

Here's a couple of ideas for you. Rather than spreading it out like a dipole with a center mast, put one leg of the dipole between two trees, and fold the other leg of the dipole underneath and in parallel with it, laying on the ground. Also try taking the length of wire the same total length of your dipole, and placing it underneath your dipole on the ground. This is what's known as a passive reflector.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the alternate configuration. I think I'll give this a try and see how it performs. Thanks, Julian!

@Deacon72

Жыл бұрын

Julian is the man when it comes to portable nvis ops, I've learned so much ( spent alot 😉 ) from watching his videos. While I luv his ops I really enjoy building battery packs!

@W-733_KWX

Жыл бұрын

Just something came to my mind: the reflector on the ground, hasn't it got to be 5% longer than the radiating element?

@MrLahunter29

Жыл бұрын

@@W-733_KWX yes +5%

@W-733_KWX

Жыл бұрын

@@MrLahunter29 thanks for your reply, I wasn't sure

No question about it! The dipole is an easy, inexpensive antenna to build, and it is very reliable. I've built several, and for NVIS, I think the 40-m is ideal. Very good video! 73 KI5KET

I was doing *NVIS* before I even knew what NVIS was. I had a condo in an HOA, and all I could manage was a wire loop antenna under the eaves. Got a fair amount of DX using the JT65A digital mode, including contacts in Japan, Australia, South Africa and one of the Pacific islands (don’t remember which one). BTW, from watching _DX Commander's_ videos, folding that wire back doesn't totally eliminate the length, since it acts as _"linear loading"._ *73 de AF6AS*

Excellent. Very informative.

Excelent Job Gastón! A small contribution from me, adding a 1:1 small balun to your dipole will help in not radiation of the coax, a bit less noise as well. Great videos man. 73

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for the contribution, Eduardo. Please keep them coming. Do you know of an inexpensive 1:1 balun build? I have the PackTenna In-Line choke and will start to use it with this build, but it is a bit on the pricey side for people interested in a low cost antenna system. 73, KT1RUN.

Great video. Constantly get 300-900+ km on 40m running JS8Call 10watts with 40m dipole 5 feet above the ground. NVIS rocks.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, that is so cool. Thanks for contributing to the discussion and helping demystify NVIS with your experience. It’s very helpful to know that your setup works at 5’ as well.

NVIS has long been a special interest. I had never tried to actually build my own antenna's, and I've been doing this for years. Thank you. Great job.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that you've already been using NVIS with good success. 73's

You are doing an EXCELLENT job of being an Elmer! GREAT JOB. Thanks for your efforts and Videos.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

You’re very kind. Hopefully this little inexpensive build will help other new hams make the jump into antenna builds or at the very least help them get a better idea of using NVIS in practice. Take care!

some good ideas! thank you for the ideas!

I really liked this antenna! Very simple, practical and functional

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Glad you like it!

Thanks much for sharing; I need to get into NVIS and more comfortable with HF in every aspect. Greatly appreciated

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

It's my pleasure. I appreciate the view and comment. HF is a lot of fun and NVIS is amazing. I am considering operating 80m from a valley to really test local communications. 73

Great video. Not showy. Not overtechnical. Frugal. Good base knowledge.

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. I had a hard time with NVIS until putting it into practice. There was a follow-up video I made on the same subject not too long. NVIS on 40m/75m/80m has been a game changer. 73's

Thank you; well done!

@TheTechPrepper

10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

NVIS as far as I am told was first stumbled upon by the army in WWII we operators on the Gulf coast have been using it since the 90's for after storm Emcomm work since pretty generally the trees are gone or broken. Also as you have found 4 to 5 foot works great, we are deploying it as a go-kit item for Winlink stations to relay messages from VHF stations in a 25 mile radius to the state EOC in Austin and it makes the hop easily and can be used on low power to conserve battery. You are doing a good job keep up the work de WX5GC ARES district 9 Southeast Texas 73

Thanks, I have been researching this subject myself, and your overview is the most helpful overview I have found. Your right, the information out there on NVIS is overly complicated. It is great to see a common sense explanation with a real world example.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

It's amazing how overly complicated the literature is on NVIS and potentially off putting for myself and other hams. I am glad you found this video useful. This channel is all about practical preparedness and real-world testing. I appreciate you taking the time comment. I hope you stick around.

Just got my general and spent the first week on air using a 40M and 20M antenna following your video instructions. I've been very interested in the NVIS configuration and both antennas have worked great. I've actually been surprised at how far I can get out given how close to the ground the antenna is. Greatly appreciate the info.

You say you are a newbie to amateur radio. You come across as an old timer. Great going! 👍

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind comment. I've only been on the air since March of last year and just recently upgraded to General. Trust me, I struggle continuously in this hobby. It's a fun learning experience and fun sharing the info as it comes. 73

@davidsradioroom9678

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper You're doing great! Keep up the good work.

Great job Tech Prepper! I have been using VHF for a while and just bought my Xiegu G90 and am looking at a number of antennas. I bought a couple, but want to make one on my own and learn abut antenna theory. This antenna is on my "Gotta To Do" list. Again, awesome job.

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent attitude. A simple build like this is a great way to experiment and get a little antenna theory under your belt.

well done

Thank you for all of your videos. My 40 meter dipole was different in that I used a 1:1 balun (somewhat heavier gauge wire, also)=. So much material that I read showed the balun that I thought it was a given. With more research, I found people like the DX commander doing wire antennas WITHOUT a balun. The balun adds weight and cost - whether it has any benefit I will test by doing a side by side comparison. I am new to ham radio, and am learning every time I get on the air. Keep it up!

Dude this is PERFECT. Thanks!

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

Great video, going to make a 40 meter dipole this weekend. Very simple design, very doable.

Nicely done, sir!

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Still shocked how well this little project turned out.

I enjoyed watching your videos, this one was spread through the club members here in Morocco as we conducted our 1st time ever EmComm drill. 73 from Africa

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thank you and hello form the US. How did your exercise go? You may enjoy last weekend's NVIS test. This one was targeted and planned for a very specific comms window: kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6SBr5Ksc7isirA.html Have a good one.

@adilaui3293

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper hey there, I have seen that one too, Our exercise was the first time ever, and we did it in closed network since the legislation is not there yet to allow cross comms with authorities. The video is in french, but you'll get it for sure. kzread.info/dash/bejne/goZ4udRvmcmTo5s.html Looking forward to try the EmComm tools (December I guess). Have a good one . 73

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

@@adilaui3293 Glad to see that your exercise was successful. I understood a couple of words...VHF, for example. EmComm Tools is very much delayed as I have had not time to work on it for several months now. I hope to have it out next year.

@adilaui3293

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I appreciate your engagement and the information explained in a very simple and clear way. Looking forward to hear about the EmComm tools next year. Sorry for the french in the video, it is our first foreign language, I guess it was better understood than Arabic version. Take care and be strong, be safe and prepared.

Great build and very informative video. You have inspired me to build an 80m as well. Thank you and 73!

@TheTechPrepper

3 ай бұрын

Good luck with your build. 40m is great for regional communication during the day. I've been using it daily with my group in the Southwest. Works great.

I am trying to learn about ham radio. You helped make the building of an antenna more easily understood. I just bought the ARRL book to study and plan to test in the next month or so. For me this is a dual learning curve, learning the jargon as well as learning the technical aspects.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I like your style. I am a big fan of approaching amateur radio the way your taking it on. Keep up the good work and good luck with your license.

Enjoyed this video alot! New General myself and I am trying to build this antenna myself. Thanks! From Milan Tennessee.... formerly of Payson, Arizona 🙂

@TheTechPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Cheers from Arizona!

Great video, worked well, them bnc/post adapters are excellent for easy dipole centres. I built mine with one from Claude’s VE2DPE Design using 300ohm ladder line, linear loaded by shorting each end, reducing the total length by 33% , 44ft instead of 66ft. Mounted in a flat horizontal config. Worked very well at about 8ft above the ground. 73 de M7PBX.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

I need to try this design. I like the idea of being able to deploy it in a smaller space if needed. Thanks for sharing this design. 73

Thank you Gaston! It was because of your videos that I decided to upgrade to General. 73

@TheTechPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Congratulations! General is the sweet spot of licensing. 73

Very interesting. I'm gonna have to build one. Thanks for the video.

FIRST…THANKS FOR MAKING THIS WONDERFUL VIDEO…I HAVE BEEN A HAM SINCE 1978 AS IS MY WONDERFUL WIFE…I TOO AM NOT VERY TECHNICALLY MINDED I LOVE HAM RADIO BUT WE HAVE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM…MANY HAMS MAKE HAM RADIO TO DIFFICULT FOR OTHER HAMS ESPECIALLY NEW HAMS! I AM SO GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU AND OTHER NEW HAMS COMING INTO THIS HOBBY…YOU ALL ARE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND VIEW POINTS! YOUR EXPLANATION OF THIS SUBJECT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS SO LACKING…CLEAR AND SIMPLE PERIOD WITH NO BS! SO REFRESHING TO BE SURE…THANK YOU AND I JUST SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR CHANNEL …WELL DONE SIR…I ALSO SEE A FEW FRIENDS THAT ARE HERE KM4ACK JASON IS JUST ONE OF THOSE…I LOVE HIS CHANNEL ALSO…73 AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Well done! You could also put the 40m and 80m antenna wire on the same BNC-Banana plug as in an inverted V configuration, it would look look like an inverted X though.But you would have both bands ready for NVIS. 73!

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Great tip. I’m actually planning on modifying the 80m version with a link so that I can cover the voice and digital portions of the band. 80m is wide band. 73

Great vid! I use NVIS fan dipol (80-40), works great. 9A3GVD Radio Adventurer.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Good to know. The fan dipole or linked dipole seems like the next logical evolution for this build. Thanks for sharing.

love it just love it well done.

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. You may enjoy a recent follow-up video I did with another NVIS antenna on 75m. Glad you enjoyed it.

very impressive demonstration!

@TheTechPrepper

11 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Good job.

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. You may also like this newer video where I demo 80m NVIS using the same system. The other stations were running a kilowatt and I was running 6 watts on the FT-818ND. kzread.info/dash/bejne/X6R_rrx8pbrAiZc.html

Outstanding

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I activated a summit with this antenna not long after I made this video. There was quite the pile up. There was a video on that trip. Radio fun starts about mid way into the video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gmqp0dmEh9e9krw.html

Man this is so cool! It's daunting though!

Excellent video. Many thanks.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome. You may like a couple of videos in my No Random Contacts series. There are three with real-world NVIS examples. 73 de KT1RUN

Good demo!

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. You have a fantastic beard.

Great video!

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. It may time for an update video. I have learned so much more about NVIS since this was made.

This is a great start. Thank you for the info. Time to get my General.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Good luck with your upgrade. Here's are more recent NVIS video that was a bit more real world: Offgrid Regional Communication - No Random Contacts Series kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6SBr5Ksc7isirA.html

@Marty48034

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Good stuff again. Thank you. Taking notes. (Radios are spendy, but the antenna apparently doesn't need to be.)

NVIS works great. If you run another wire 1/8 wave below it more grain straight up

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

I've heard this several times. Is there away to measure the performance improvement with any tools? Or is it a matter have just benchmarking both configurations via signal reports from other stations?

Excellent video. I've been a ham for 40 years and have always been interested in NVIS, but never tried it. I'm going to put this together and give it a shot. Thanks for the video!

@TheTechPrepper

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! You want to watch my most recent video where I demonstrate NVIS from within a canyon on 5 watts. 73

@Slade677

2 ай бұрын

​@@TheTechPrepperI can't find that one. Can you post a link?

@TheTechPrepper

2 ай бұрын

@@Slade677 "How to Make a Travel Comms Plan" kzread.info/dash/bejne/f518psixZZq8Zc4.html

@Slade677

2 ай бұрын

​@@TheTechPrepperThanks. Another excellent video. How do you find specific people to contact via NVIS? Do you belong to some sort of club?

@TheTechPrepper

2 ай бұрын

@@Slade677 Great question. These are friends and people in my network.

Extremely cool video, thanks!

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

This was my "aha" moment. NVIS finally clicked. It's time for an update video. Glad you enjoyed this older video.

@tjman4943

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I did enjoy it, and have been watching all I can about antennas. It seems there's as.much to learn there as there is about the radios themselves. And budget friendly options keep me a float in this game

Here's a 'cheap-ham' tip. Next time you use a fairly wide zip tie, save the cut-off for wire insulators. Very strong. Drill 'em out the same way you did the Cascade Pod plastic.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic tip. That would have been easier and stronger. Thanks.

Thanks.........

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

great video!

@TheTechPrepper

11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. My group and I are utilizing NVIS deployments daily across the Southwest daily.

I have had great success just past the ground wave distance on 40 with very low dipoles. I will note that wires in very close proximity to the ground have a lower velocity than antennas at more normal heights and therefore the resonant frequency will be lower quite a bit. I once had an 80 meter inverted V and could change the resonant frequency from the SSB to CW band by lowering the ends! I also take advantage of this with my Beverage receiving antennas by putting them directly on the ground. 73 de N4DJ

Keep up the work. You’re a bit further in licensing than I. Keep learning and being curious.

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

You as well. Best of luck with your ham journey. This comment was timely as I have been reading the "AM 1" manual for MARS (January 2021). It has perhaps the best overview of NVIS. A google search turn this up.

You are crazzzzzzy, But you are my kind of crazzzzzzy... Good Job..

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

I'll take it. This video needs an update. I have learned a lot more about NVIS in practice since this came out. I am using it daily for regional communication at home, in the vehicle and while man-portable. Thank you for the comment and view!

Nice. Just ordered those binding posts so I can play too. Kansas eludes me on my WAS. Gonna give this a go. Thanks.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy the experiment. While not NVIS, I just made a version for 17m. I'm hoping to try SSB for the first time on a WARC band.

@thed8229

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I like those blocks. Lots of options to be had with those. I love options. One of these dipoles (just bring precut band lengths) along with my Atas 25 ups my portable game. Worthwhile vid bud.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

The ATAS-25 was my first antenna. I didn't think anyone else had one.

I really enjoy all your videos Gaston, but particularly this one involving NVIS communication. Thanks for the work and dedication to making these videos, you do a superb job and your presentation style is brilliant. Videos like this encourage amateurs and bring out their resourcefullness. I subscribed today and gave the ol' thumbs up. If you ever find that the legs of the NVIS dipole sag a little on bands like 80m, you can always use some 5-6' wooden stakes with a small notch cut out on the tops of each of these stakes. Pound them into the ground a foot or so and lay the legs of the nvis dipole into the notch cut out on the top of each stake. The stakes can be placed every 20' +/- down the length of each leg and then guy the ends of the two antenna legs with some light cord and a small stake pounded into the ground (a form of guying I guess). I typically use fishing barrel swivels tied to the ends of each leg and then use the interlocking snap on these swivels to attach to some light line like fishing line tied to the stakes. More videos like this concerning your experiences with NVIS would be cool! 73, Brent

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your tips. Well, you may enjoy this NVIS video. It is part of my No Random Contacts series: kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6SBr5Ksc7isirA.html

With things being what they are. Wire for 40 and 80 is great. Just off the ground and not getting 6 to 7 feet. Out in the swamp it's great 👍

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Paul, thanks for sharing and contributing. Everyone seems to be chiming in with their NVIS success stories. Keep them coming! It's great that you're having luck too at these lower deployments.

A 3D printer would be awesome to have, but there is nothing wrong with recycling something like the Cascade lid. Cool video.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Actually, a good friend with a 3D printer would be better. Glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you stick around. I’m filming a new video right now on the PackTenna Linked Dipole. It’s going out on its maiden voyage tomorrow during a SOTA activation. 73

Clever, well done.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Still using this little build with good results.

@gearlab734

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Yes, I'm thinking of getting an NVIS antenna up myself. I think in a crisis situation, NVIS coverage would be the most useful and local UHF etc too.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

I would add to 2m SSB to the list. It's a very effective mode.

@gearlab734

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I see, thanks for the tip.

I remember another NVIS item that putting a reflector wire directly under the NVIS antenna enhanced the vertical component of the antenna signal like a yagi. You might need your driven element to be further off the ground to be more effective though. Doug, VE3MCF, AK4HB

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. I've tried adding a reflector wire that is 5% longer underneath for all versions of this NVIS antenna (40m, 75m, 80m) and I have personally noticed no difference. The receive signal reports are about the same. It tested this with WSPR.

@DougNetherton

Жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I suspect you need to have your driven element to be high enough that the reflected signal gets added to the driven elements signal in phase for this to work. Maybe just adding a reflecting element underneath a dx antenna world convert it to an NVIS. Easier than lowering the DX antenna to become an NVIS? Doug, VE3MCF, AK4HB

More Hams need to know this stuff. I attempted to get my local friends interested starting 10 years ago, but they had no time for it. Even as survivalists, they are still not interested. Younger guys will have to lead the way, and there are precious few young guys who are serious about survival comms. NVIS propagation will be essential if repeaters go down. If using terrain advantageously, DFing is nearly impossible. And that is a fact few are aware of, or appreciate in this day and age. If using 160 meters, there are other advantages as well. They may have to learn the hard way. Be ready to reintroduce short skip propogation once the time is right. For now, most Hams will stick with the narrow bandwidth and ideas that define amateur radio.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Yes, HF and NVIS is critical for real grid down comms. This video is a bit dated, so there will be an HF mini series specific to using NVIS for targeted comms. This series will start next month once the manpack series is complete. I'll even touch on this topic at a high-level in the manpack series once I get to the first set of a HF-capable manpacks. Cheers!

I also know that NVIS can do long distances if you mount the antenna about 10 feet off the ground

Great stuff. A lot of theories regarding NVIS that are iffy if you ask me. If it works, go for it. NVIS is suitable for portable / SOTA. Just a thought, it would be very easy to make it linked as well.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Malen. On thing I learned is not to get hung up on theory. Even if your antenna is in a less than ideal area/configuration, try it. If it works well enough, use it. The next iteration will be linked to support 80m/75m. I want to run digital and SSB voice on the same deployment. I am thinking about also making it a fan dipole at the same time to cover 40m.

Nvis is my way to communicate from valley tp valley here in the mountains of Switzerland 👍 Recycling is the better way than 3 d printing 👍🇨🇭 Great. Video thanks and 73 de HB3XBL 👍🇨🇭

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it and hello from the USA! I actually work for a Swiss company. You guys make excellent employers and have the right attitude around work-life balance. It's great being able to build simple antennas with recycled materials. 73 de KT1RUN

Thanks for this posting of this relevant ARES/EMCOMM topic. Based on my modeling using the EZNEC Antenna Modeling software of the original antenna design by Dr. Carl Jelinek, N6VNG (SK), the following info may be beneficial: Using his original mast height of 15', an 80M antenna leg length of 38', with the antenna end heights of 2.33', and a 40M antenna leg length of 25' with the antenna end heights of 6.67', the results for 80M shows an antenna gain of -3.29dBi. For 40M it shows an antenna gain of +1.25 dBi. There is a resonant frequency at 5.8 MHz with an SWR of 1.16. Making modifications only for the resonant frequencies used for EMCOMM in my state of 3.9MHz for 80M (57.5' leg length) and 7.2MHz for 40M (30.75' leg length), and not changing any of the center or end heights, there was a slight increase in 80M gain to -2.01 dBi and in 40M to 2.57 dBi. Making additional modifications using the same resonant frequencies with the 80M leg length still at 57.5' but raising the center mast height to 30' and changing the heights at the ends of the antenna to 12.33' above ground, the gain is now 3.15 dBi. A greater than 6dBi increase from the original. With the 40M center also at 30', the leg lengths have now changed to 29.25', and the end heights have now changed to 16.67' above ground, the results shows a gain at 5.65 dBi. A 4.4 dBi increase from the original. In summary, even with the low signal-to-noise ratio exhibited by a received NVIS signal, improving the gain can allow the antenna to radiate more in the vertical direction. Charles NM5CR

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Charles, thanks for the brilliant overview along with your modifications. I like your design quite a bit. What’s your preferred wire and mast for your version of the build?

@charlesrogers7275

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper The antenna wire that I prefer is the Davis RF Flexweave in 14 gauge. The EZNEC calculations are based upon this wire size. My mast for 30' is a fiberglass military surplus and for 15' I use 1.5" PVC. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

Great video, thanks! 73

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

It’s my pleasure. Thanks for the view! 73, KT1RUN

You might want to have a search in YT for Speaker wire antenna, quite similar to your configuration without even needing the coax!

Loved it. I've been too busy with other items to get an antenna going for an HF rig I was given. All the options were too time consuming and/or expensive. Decided recently to just get something simple up. Looking at going the octopus hamstick route - pretty cheap. But not really NVIS. But having both would be cheap and cover the necessary emergency basis I am looking for. I'm like you - I JUST NEED IT TO WORK. I'm not looking for bragging rights - but about acquiring desired capabilities for an undesired future need. RH

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

You're my kind of ham. Do the best with what you have. Good luck with your setup. I recently did an update video on this topic. And, it is still working great. 73

@RelentlessHomesteading

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Yes - Wish you were my neighbor ! My wife and I have a saying around here: "It is what it is" -- ...implying -- so what are you going to do about it? This usually means leaving the perfect solutions to others, and just getting on getting on - in doing what we can with our available time and resources. Our highest goals are always with spiritual preparation, ...but too many forget that "presuming upon God" for their safety and well being is also a sin. We are to pray like God will do it all, then work as if its all up to us. God gives us the ability, talents and resources - if we choose to squander those, then He may not be as anxious to deliver us in time of need. RH

Great video brother! Love the channel! W6AEF!

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Aaron. It’s fun sharing the journey. I’m blessed to have a great group of viewers like yourself.

New subscriber,great video thankyou

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the channel. Good timing. I'm planning on doing another video on the 80m dipole, but this time to have more targeted communications with a known group of people in my home state. This video was mostly random contacts. Enjoy the content.

Best antenna height for high angle propagation is an antenna height of 0.15 to 0.25 wave length.

We deploy NVIS antennas quite frequently in our State Guard, as we're not really interested in communicating much beyond 300 - 400km or so. It's a remarkedly effective technique.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Excellent! It always amazes me how effective this technique is in practice.

I've been getting ready to put one of these together for a while and now that the snow is gone i can get out more to play with this stuff. Glad to see someone putting it into action and getting good results. 73 de W8MJL

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

That’s great, Michael. It’s a nice solderless build. It is still serving me well. I use it daily to check my Winlink email and have taken it out successfully on a SOTA activation. I’m bringing it out today for another SOTA activation on 40m. If you do the build, I would be I interested in your experience. It’s great for go-kits.

@W8MJL

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I'll let you know for sure. I'm building a last ditch emcomms kit based around my X5105 and this antenna will go great in it.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

It’s perfect for a go-kit. Good luck. How do you like the Xiegu X5150? I’m considering the G90 and X5150 for a go-kit.

@W8MJL

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I love it, it's a great piece of kit. I've been eyeing them since they first came out and finally pulled the trigger on one last month. Thing that got me was it addition of the antenna tuner and analyzer, that and it didn't break the bank. I was going to get the G90 but i felt the screen was too small for my older eyes, but i know several operators that swear by them.

Great video! Love the mouse pad! :-)

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

I figured you would. ;-)

Your efficiency will rise at somewhat greater heights, up to about 1/8 wavelength. If you also run a slightly longer wire on the ground under the dipole, you can lessen your nominally -3 dB loss heating soil. Note that your swr bandwidth will be less leading you to believe it's not doing as well - but that's only because the resistive soil isn't swamping out the antenna impedance as much.

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

I've read up more on the literature since this video was made. Army MARS has a great introduction into deploying a NVIS dipole and your suggestions are very similarly to their recommendations. I appreciate you sharing your tips with myself and the community. I'm working on getting some permanent masts to give myself quite a bit more height. 73

Love the visualization with the water, those types of examples help knuckle draggers like me 😂

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome. I'm a knuckle dragger, too. It clicked after I started thinking of HF propagation in simpler terms. Happy Holidays.

Another advantage of NVIS is it makes it harder to triangulate. Signal is coming from the sky.

@TheTechPrepper

5 ай бұрын

Correct. The signal looks like it's coming for everywhere.

If I seen you your video sometime ago I would have already shared my experience with nvis. Several years ago I was estate director for navy-marine Corps Mars living in North Dakota. It had been snowing for sometime and I needed to call the net SD/ND. My g5rv antenna spell the ground it was lying on top of the snow(6"). What the heck! I called and it anyway. To my surprise Communications? FINE! I hope it worked as well for you Jack KC7JS/NNN0ZBE

These simple antennas work absolutely great. They're cheap, portable, and lightweight. Get a few BNC binding post adapters (cobra heads) to keep with your gear. If you're going to buy one, might as well get a few. Grab some wd-1/tt field wire for antenna wire. For around $100 bucks, you'll have a kilometer of wire that's got a tough jacket, copper and steel strands for appx 200 pounds of tensile strength, and is easily soldered. Don't forget about 60 meters either, it's a great band that has some of the best characteristics of both 40m and 80m, and there's usually not a lot of chatter on it either.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I never heard of wd-1/tt field wire. It seems very popular with military’s around the world. After a quick search, I found some Swiss surplus field communications wire. What a great deal-$45 for 656’. This really drops the price for this simple build. I’ll give 60m a shot. At these prices, I can have a dipole for every band. Although, I’m experimenting with manual links.

@Inkling777

8 ай бұрын

Fair Radio Sales in the U.S. has various types of military field wire in different lengths. They're also an excellent source of military surplus electronics.

Your intro got a subscription from me . Lol and I’m interested in nvis antennas ..

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard! Check out this video in that case: kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6SBr5Ksc7isirA.html

Adding this to my survival set up. Gotta upgrade my license to get on the HF

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Good luck with your upgrade. You'll never regret the effort studying. I've used many antennas, but boy does this work remarkably well. It's a keeper in the kit and easy to repair in the field. Next month I'm starting an HF NVIS mini series for target contacts. Here's a video with that same antenna running 4' off the ground. It's somewhere near the middle: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gmqp0dmEh9e9krw.html

@nPcDrone

2 жыл бұрын

@The Tech Prepper so much to learn. Prepping is more than a water filter a rifle and 5 gallon buckets of rice

Add small metal disks to the ends of your antenna to broadband the antenna.

@jeffsecules184

4 ай бұрын

Like some 1” washers? Can someone explain and verify this? I would like to make my dipole more broadband if I could.

Put round terminal connectors on the wire, saves the post trying to crush and cut through the wire Loved your video

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

I've been doing this on all new antenna builds for the last year. I actually found some terminal rings that have heat shrink on the connector. I think they first started appearing in my Improvised Comms series. Great recommendation.

@briantheminer

4 ай бұрын

@@TheTechPrepperI didn’t realise video was 3 years old ! Wow

@TheTechPrepper

4 ай бұрын

@@briantheminer Yep. I've been sharing the journey along the away. If you're up early, I am doing live stream for our 50K subscriber giveaway. Cheers!

Good Vid son, I echo OH8STN, Julian, place a REFLECTOR Wire directly under the xmitting wire as a reflector, works great

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for echoing the suggestion. I think I’ll try this today. That little antenna has been working great for the past few months, but it will be nice to see if adding the reflector wire will help. 73

@greghovland9227

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Did you attempt the reflector? If so, did you notice a significant change?

Though the antenna is an important part of the overall NVIS configuration, you have to be able to pick the right frequency. There are resources out there for this, especially for NVIS. Remember, NVIS comms rely on the signal being reflected back down at very acute angles. Choose the wrong frequency and the signals will go straight through the ionosphere and not be reflected back. This is why you see most military HF rigs only go up to 60mhz (or so).

Super light coax say rg174 is fine for those freqs and would fit in that kit

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

You're 100% right. I typically run RG316 for HF in my field kits.

Great video, thanks for sharing this technology. Clever demonstration with the hose. Can you also share a link to the soft case you used to package it up for portable use, please?

#ThNHR #TeamReplay for the win!

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

What would we do without #TeamReplay?

7:30 nice wire stripper which doesn't damage strands of wire, as opposed to the pos used on some other youtube channels!

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I believe in having the right tools and I think I payed $25 to $30 for this and use it on every project where wire stripping is involved. Thanks for pointing this out.

Yup, we can tell you are in Southern Arizona by the Plants behind you!

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Dang plants giving away my location. 🤣

Good stuff! I'm supposed to be giving a talk on NVIS to my ARES group. Like you, I'm fairly new, but I think NVIS is a great method.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Another new ham... fantastic! Try this little build out. Try 40m in the mid to late afternoon and 80m at night. Good luck with your talk.

A very amusing analogy. I don't know that weak-signal digital modes aren't making those contacts using other atmospheric modes than NVIS. SSB contacts at 60 to 200 miles make it clear it's NVIS communications.

Excellent Job. I’ve got 10m, 20m and 40m working well but missing a capable antenna for 80m. That’s about to change now. Thanks and keep up the good work. M7BCN

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. It’s not the best antenna, but works well enough especially for the price. I re-trimmed the 80m version for the digital portion of the band. Works great for getting into a local Winlink gateway. Good luck with your build. 73!

@M7BCN

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper Made an 80m Dipole that’s sitting just below the top of my 6ft fence. It bends around my garden and I’m blown away at how well this thing works.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

​@@M7BCN I receieved alot of email from more experienced hams indicating that this would not work. Glad to hear it's working.

@M7BCN

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTechPrepper I’ve uploaded a video of my first contact using it. kzread.info/dash/bejne/nJycpc6cl6fRepc.html Thanks again. 73.

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your QSO, Brian. Looks like it works nicely. Great signal report. 73, KT1RUN

you repeatedly said that you are a new ham,but actualy you are master for other.yiu taught every thing of hf antenna for novice

You’re silly but I like you anyway. That’s why I subscribed. 11:35 and here is where the Tech Prepper got himself into trouble!

@TheTechPrepper

6 ай бұрын

I wish I had something funny to say. I have nothing. Welcome to the channel!

That’s a slick ass move ass move

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Thanks ;-)

Brand new Ham here. Love the videos. I am focusing on NVIS as my first set up unfolds. I have a question regarding mobility of the system. Will it remain functional to mount this type of antenna on a loom type rack, maybe 4 or six inches between each pass of the wire and mount it on the roof of a car or truck? My thoughts are to remain truly mobile with the system.

@TheTechPrepper

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the channel, new ham. Good timing as I am experimenting with this same setup again, but on 80m. I'm not sure about your experiment, but try it! I have also played with this setup for a mobile deployment while stationary. If you have a receiver hitch on your vehicle, get yourself a flag pole mount that fits in the receiver. I also found 16-24' painter's poles to work great when dropped into the flag pole mount. If you check out my Instagram feed you can see some of my NVIS work that's in flight now. I will do a video soon on this topic.

Outstanding video! I enjoy using NVIS, and used to discuss it quite a bit on the website I used to own (Doomsday Prepper Forums.com).

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Interesting. Are there any good resources that you would recommend for NVIS? Any other antenna options?

You didn't show it but I presume you ran the coax direct from the BNC binding post to the rig.

@TheTechPrepper

Жыл бұрын

Correct. I can't recall the length of coax. I was either running RG-8x or RG-316.

Good performance on a $15 dipole. Can't argue with the results. 73 de K9DWB

@TheTechPrepper

3 жыл бұрын

It’s surprising how well it works. I made my first Winlink connection with ARDOP on 40m over the weekend and have been able to successfully check for messages the last two mornings. I was talking to a fellow on SSB yesterday and he made the point that the antenna would not work and that I have to move it to 30 feet. At any rate, I’m happy with my little $15 antenna. Thanks for the comment. 73