Пікірлер

• 
  @trentvlak12 сағат бұрын

  There's a review on Amazon that said it failed after a year and a half and sent 120V to his battery.

• 
  @aa3konthego10 сағат бұрын

  WHOAAAAAAA!

• 
  @survivalcomms21 сағат бұрын

  Anything between the output and the elements including the transformer matters. SWR in and of itself isn't the performance indicator that folks make it out to be. Put a 1 or 2 db attenuator inline and you can see the SWR decreases in most cases but the loss is increased beyond the loss incurred by the original match inefficiency. 3:1 SWR is 25% loss 2db of system loss is just a tad under 40% loss. Using good cable is good operating practice. Thanks for sharing !

• 
  @aa3konthego18 сағат бұрын

  You are correct in that adding some loss to the feedline, you can make a poor match look good. I'm sure some shady commercial antennas have done this.

• 
  @survivalcomms17 сағат бұрын

  @@aa3konthego Indeed they have. They do have an impressive marketing machine however :)

• 
  @russellhayes9112 күн бұрын

  Great information. Thanks for posting. 73 KE4GTQ

• 
  @aa3konthego2 күн бұрын

  You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

• 
  @jameskrzewinski938313 күн бұрын

  Nice video!! We talked on the W2ZQ vhf repeater back in may on the way to take my extra exam! Nice KZread channel! Catch you on the air again sometime. 73. De KC2ISZ

• 
  @aa3konthego11 күн бұрын

  @@jameskrzewinski9383 yes, I remember. Was heading to Washington Crossing Historic Park for a POTA activation and demonstration. Conditions were terrible that day. About 4 hours to get 10 contacts that day. Thank you for watching.

• 
  @michaelrogers307817 күн бұрын

  Great video. I like the way you present the information.

• 
  @aa3konthego17 күн бұрын

  Thank you for the kind comment and watching!

• 
  @michaelrogers307817 күн бұрын

  Nicely done. Only just found your channel. I'm going to watch more. Thanks! 73 N4MJR

• 
  @aa3konthego17 күн бұрын

  Thank you for watching. I get asked repeatedly, "How do you use your radios in the field or for POTA." I do these videos to answer that question. I wish Yaesu had a replacement for the 817. SDR based and in the same form factor. Maybe not as feature rich as the Ic-705 and priced accordingly. They'd have another winner.

• 
  @truckinguy9223 күн бұрын

  That’s interesting that when reeled in that the SWR isn’t as low is when it’s reeled out. It went from a 1:1 to a 1.2:1 at its most resonant point. Shouldn’t reeling it in move that 1:1 further up the band? I have a feeling the metal case affects resonance?

• 
  @aa3konthego22 күн бұрын

  The case is entirely plastic, both the chalk line and transformer portions. I suspect the creating of a complex impedance where the wire is wound will add its own influence to the SWR. For this reason, I intend to brush up on my electro-magnetics theory before testing the WARC bands and 6 meters.

• 
  @shadowsrwolf23 күн бұрын

  sorry to break it to the seller but a warning stickers that say repairing a product will void a warranty are illegal and violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

• 
  @kg2mmhamradio23 күн бұрын

  I too have the Reel POTA-ble antenna and have used it in the field on several occasions. I have the red wire version and its real easy to setup. These guys did a great job with this antenna!

• 
  @CallJimRice27 күн бұрын

  do you use a 3d printer to accessorize your ft817?

• 
  @aa3konthego27 күн бұрын

  I do not. However the SOTAbeams PowerPole adapter is a 3D print.

• 
  @toybuns775Ай бұрын

  I weighed mine this morning at 9 lbs, Trusdx radio, QRP guys EFHW for 20 meters, 6 Ah LifePo4 battery, Home brew 20 meter dipole, headphones, power cable, 50 feet RG-8x, 3 tent stakes, 12 oz throw weight and 3 -50 foot 550 paracord rope bundles. It adds up quick! Thanks for posting this

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  Thank you! Have you looked into RG-174 or 316 for the coax? Could save you a pound + in weight. But you definitely got my QRP bag beat.

• 
  @toybuns775Ай бұрын

  @@aa3konthego I am looking at that now, thanks for the tip. What is your favorite connection type? UHF, SMS, BNC? Thanks for your help with my bag

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  @@toybuns775 I use UHF (PL-259).

• 
  @mayomayo7318Ай бұрын

  FT8/4 is not a QSO , it's a contact....

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  Yeah, not much you can discuss during a FT4/8 exchange.

• 
  @broughbag6292Ай бұрын

  Just meter the cable then re terminate the 'N type' connector.

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  I was looking at the RigExpert's manual for doing that but to say it lacks detail on how to do that is an understatement. I played with the connector (PL259) and found the shield crimp loose. Don't know if I crimped that one. I used the next smaller crimp hole and got the shield sleeve solidly seated. I'll keep my eye on it as I use it.

• 
  @WD5GNX_GregАй бұрын

  Good video, I’m a W3EDP fan or 17’ whip with a coil about 4’ off the ground snd lots of radials. Hard not to like the 40 meter EFHW though.

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  I recently bought a MFJ 17 foot before their availability dried up. I know they just rebranded them from some source other than their own factory. Haven't gotten it on the air yet but am expecting great 20 meter and higher performance.

• 
  @N5BSBАй бұрын

  Great Video, You would love our Reel POTA-ble EFHW Antenna. N5BSB

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  Thank you! Got one just under a month ago! Review in a future video. I like it especially that I can crank it in for the WARC bands.

• 
  @DK5ONVАй бұрын

  I am a Wiremen thru and thru. Wow you really got a lot of Antennas there... 😲

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  The scary thing is, I know people with *more*!

• 
  @BikingHikingRadioАй бұрын

  Nice video Mark. What was the antenna you used at Otter Creek CG the year we camped there? Was it the fan dipole? I'm a huge fan of EFHW and the Spark Plug antenna, however I also have an excellent portable antenna that has given me amazing results called the Gabil 7350TC. My radio, the antenna and coax comes in just under 5 pounds. Maybe I'll do a quick video response to yours as well. When are you coming out this way? Scott KN3A

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  It was probably the DX-CC fan dipole. Really didn't ha e anything else for portable use. I didn't get the center loaded vertical until a year or two after the 706. Got to get out there with you!

• 
  @walterbeaton5056Ай бұрын

  Hello Mark Thanks for the video. I see you are still using the EFHW you got from me years ago! Its good to hear it's still working out well for you. 73, Walt (TennTennas)

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  @@walterbeaton5056 Yes Walter, as good as the day I tuned it up! I have a 2nd xfrmer from you for a WARC band EFHW that I've been side tracked on finishing.

• 
  @KM4ACKАй бұрын

  Nice kit! Thanks for sharing

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  Thank you! And I bet you know where the comms patch came from!

• 
  @MIAMIC70Ай бұрын

  Where did you order from?

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  Found it as an open box item at Ham Radio Outlet.

• 
  @nine7295Ай бұрын

  I don't think there is a FT-818 (non ND)? Only FT-818ND after FT-817ND and therefore only 3 models in this series. (Not counting regional variance). (I own the 818ND, and my friends own the other 2 models.)

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  I've found references to a FT-818ND and a note of an interview with a Yaesu rep where it was said Yaesu wanted to keep the simple FT-818 model name but there were enough changes to require a new designation.

• 
  @4X4-RADIO2 ай бұрын

  I think a 5M length of RG-174 with SMA to BNC would give you more flexibility, and would fit in your pouch..??

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  I bought a short length at the Hamvention the other week. SMA (radio connecter) to BNC female. This should help with strain relief. I have added few other things to the kit and should probably do a video to highlight them. Winder for the antenna wires and a padding board to feed audio to and from my phone for FT8. Plus the adapter I just mentioned. I haven't weighed the kit in its current version. But an ounce here and there and I'll be at 3 pounds!

• 
  @4X4-RADIO2 ай бұрын

  @@aa3konthego It's about optimum and reliable kit... Not just a challenge for the lightest.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  @@4X4-RADIO At least in terms of reliability, the only backup this kit has is pen AND pencil. My biggest concern is the antenna wire breaking.

• 
  @lonewolfhamradio2 ай бұрын

  Nice little go bag.

• 
  @khoward37482 ай бұрын

  Thanks for this one. Informative!

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  You are welcome!

• 
  @larspregge64202 ай бұрын

  Nice setup. The "tactical mini" is heavier and little bit bigger but stronger.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  Thank you! And I just heard about the new mast from Gigaparts. Appears to have a tip similar to my Jackite, really thick.

• 
  @kurtstefans57382 ай бұрын

  Did you try this test by putting the loop right next to the window (maybe even taping it to the window) with one of the side with max radiation pointing out of the window?

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  In previous attempts I had the desk facing and close to the window with the antenna on the 817. Nothing but a couple of birdies. I eventually realized I should be at least hear FT8 on the appropriate band for the time (40 m in the late evening) . Heard nothing. When I finally got some wire out the window, suddenly I had plenty of signals. The window frame is metal and probably tied to ground more by accident than design. Being that the 40 meters wavelength is way bigger than the window, nothing gets through.

• 
  @kurtstefans57382 ай бұрын

  @@aa3konthego Just another possibility, they put metal in windows to help deflect the Sun which may effect RF. BTW - I've thought about hotel operations and was very interested in your findings.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  @@kurtstefans5738 Yes a sun reflecting coating is a strong possibility. Unfortunately my company changed our primary hotel provider and I can only stay at my usual place by special dispensation and I'm not going to get that. I'll have to check the new place out.

• 
  @TheTdub2 ай бұрын

  You should get some RG-316 coax for your pack. 50ft would only add a few ounces plus it would fit in your existing pouch

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  I actually have 50 feet of RG-174 in my larger QRP bag. While it is light in weight, when wound up to for this ultra compact kit I doubt the coax would fit. I'll have to try though. I finally took the cord out of its package and put it in the accessory pouch. Overall the pack is getting tight.

• 
  @JasonTurnage2 ай бұрын

  @@aa3konthego I have a similar trusdx kit (and a qmx kit). I like a length of coax - I like 10' of RG-174, it's enough to do something without going overboard, 50' is too much imo. 10' with an efhw requires a counterpoise where 50' serves as its own cp, but you're using one anyway since you're not using coax. Adds almost no weight and winds up in a shape that fits into the large pocket. Jason KO4NDP

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  @@JasonTurnage 10 feet (roughly 3 meters for those new fangled folk 😀) sounds like a good compromise. I do worry about the antenna pulling the radio down. First time I used the kit I blocked the radio with a heavy water bottle.

• 
  @LeopardAppaloosa7552 ай бұрын

  Thank you!

• 
  @LeopardAppaloosa7552 ай бұрын

  Very informative. Do you have any idea which battery and charger will work with the FT-897D? For some crazy reason, Yaesu no longer supports that radio. No idea why, as it is a fantastic radio for field work. Yes, it's heavy, but it's also all bands, all modes at up to 100 watts depending on the frequency. Anyway, you have a great channel. Keep it up!

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  Thank you for the kind words. A quick web search turned up this at Amazon, looks like new old stock. amazon.com/dp/B00F8G0N3U Another cheaper option twowayradioworld.com/products/yaesu-vertex-fnb-78-battery-for-ft-897-ft-897d Here is a mod to use gel cells www.eham.net/article/4114 Hopes this helps.

• 
  @jameskrzewinski93832 ай бұрын

  Thanks for the nice QSO on the DVRA repeater on 5/11/24. I passed and got the extra now. Hope your POTA presentation went well. Talk to you on the air again! 73 de KC2ISZ

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  Showed several members of Warminster ARC, the public and some Boy Scouts who were camping at the park for the weekend how we do POTA and amateur radio in general. Park staff were checking our slow progress. Bands were in bad shape. Congratulations on your upgrade!

• 
  @MrStanwyck2 ай бұрын

  Great video…. I’m considering building a similar HF go kit. I want to use the FX-4CR radio with either an endfed half wave or off center fed dipole. Bill, KC2KNA

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  Thank you! The FX-4CR looks like a really capable radio though it does lack a built-in CW memory keyer. I've used my share of dipoles in the field and found maneuvering two legs around branches a challenge. The EFHW isn't as bad Just and FYI.

• 
  @larryjanson40112 ай бұрын

  dump the extra long screw for the power plug. get some threaded rod, or a much longer screw. and a number of washers and nuts. pase as eeded to give support underand then lock them in on the out side of the power conecter making a very solid mount. but still enough screw os you can attach a ground wire there.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  I'll have to look into that. I put the PowerPole adapter on not long after I got the radio and other than an occasional loosening for a ground or counterpoise wire, haven't touched it.

• 
  @nivid012 ай бұрын

  You need to centralise those patches buddy!!!

• 
  @fredhulesii14352 ай бұрын

  Where did you get the got Batteries patch?

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  Off of Etsy but I cannot find the emails of the exact vendor. I'll continue to dig.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  Found it. I got the Velcro backed version. www.etsy.com/listing/889934594/custom-military-name-tape-with-hook?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=velcro+name+tag&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&pop=1&content_source=b0007cdb4b9d3d0d4daf31963cb29a3a50585838%253A889934594&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1&variation0=3367731721&variation1=3353185088

• 
  @fredhulesii14352 ай бұрын

  @@aa3konthego Thank you and 73!

• 
  @marvinhanson69422 ай бұрын

  Don't quote me on this but I've heard the 817 finals board is actually the preamp board for some of there larger higher power radios so the boards may be around for a while,

• 
  @la7yka2 ай бұрын

  That's correct. Both FT-891 and 991A use these final transistors (not board) as drivers for the PA. That said, the finals in the 817ND and 818. Not the non ND 817. The finals are MOSFETs of the type RD07MVS1 in QFN- package (horrible to hand solder).

• 
  @johnblouch33092 ай бұрын

  I love your hat. Where did you get the custom made hat with call sign and name. Thank you for the video. It was fun.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  Thank you for watching and commenting.! I got the hat from an customized apparel vendor at the Dayton Hamvention. You can search the web and Etsy for similar vendors.

• 
  @danielnicholls68682 ай бұрын

  only thing i see is the screen marks easily. i charge a 200 ah lifepo4 20 amps no problem.👍👍 it can take up to100 amps max

• 
  @JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures2 ай бұрын

  Thanks for sharing. I need to get one of those batteries since my Ni-Mh has completely died.

• 
  @starnavigator66653 ай бұрын

  Whoa!!! I have a 817 and need to replace the battery like a long time ago….. is there any danger of that battery catching fire? I’d hate to lose my 817!!!

• 
  @aa3konthego3 ай бұрын

  I'd get it out of the radio especially if swollen and properly dispose of it. I'm assuming you have a lithium polymer battery. The Ni-Cd and Ni-metal-hydrides are much safer.

• 
  @rjy89602 ай бұрын

  I've had one of these in my FT-817 for probably getting on for 10 years. No problems whatsoever.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  @@rjy8960 I had a security system control with a built-in Li-Po backup battery. After a couple of years started getting error messages about the battery. Called the company and their first question was to check if the back of the unit was bulged. It was, and they sent a new controller. Yet, all the cell phone batteries for more years than i care to count have been fine.

• 
  @rjy89602 ай бұрын

  @@aa3konthego My concern here would be that in the security system, the battery is constantly (possibly!) being charged. With the 817 battery I’ll charge it once in a blue moon when I need it.

• 
  @aa3konthego2 ай бұрын

  @@rjy8960 you are probably correct about the security system. How smart was it's charger? I saw some notes on the 817's Groups.io page that people ha e had the Windcamp puff up on them. They said they just ordered a new battery from eBay.

• 
  @curtw88273 ай бұрын

  Usually the battery recharge rate should not exceed 0.5 C. So 50 amps max for 100 Ah, 4 amps for an 8 Ah battery. Battery spec sheet should list this max recharge rate recommended. Charge current will decrease as it approaches full charge. 14.6 v is the charge voltage as the battery reaches full charge otherwise it can't push any more energy into the battery.

• 
  @gregorysmith30973 ай бұрын

  Ugh, I always wondered why they went with k designation instead of the standard country codes that have probably been around since the 60's

• 
  @downsouthsafaris67883 ай бұрын

  I think it’s worth pointing out this is not a magloop it’s a capacitor tuned (very compromised) loop One shouldn’t mistake this as a magnetic loop antenna.

• 
  @aa3konthego3 ай бұрын

  I've stared at the schematic for this antenna and wondered how it relates to the traditional schematics I've seen.

• 
  @bagginshates3 ай бұрын

  So you're not cutting the end in the tree, but you put an eyelet on the near end?

• 
  @aa3konthego3 ай бұрын

  Correct. Because I crimped a stop (double ferrule) at the far end to create a loop for the insulator. At the transformer end I just stripped the insulation off and attached it to the transformer terminal. I shortened the wire there until I had a good match then crimped on a terminal for a better connection. Also crimped the double ferrule at that end.

• 
  @aa3konthego3 ай бұрын

  I did run the wire through a quick link and a double ferrule at the transformer end and just let friction hold everything in place until I was done tuning. I hang the transformer from the quick link so the link takes all of the stress.

• 
  @aa3konthego3 ай бұрын

  And just to confirm fuse you more 🤯 I've tuned a couple of QRP EFHW's where I trimmed the tree end of the wire. There I could untie the wire (26 AWG) from the insulator, cut and tie it back on. The end result is the same. If you need x feet of wire for resonance it doesn't matter which end you trim to get x feet.

• 
  @carl-gunnarhillefors76124 ай бұрын

  HOW ABOUT MOUNTED CW OR PHONE FILTERS?

• 
  @aa3konthego4 ай бұрын

  Do you mean internal or external?

• 
  @carl-gunnarhillefors76124 ай бұрын

  A WELLBUILT HF VHF UHF RXTX!

• 
  @adamhackman20894 ай бұрын

  I have a 100ah dr prepare lifepo4. Which setting do I choose. I believe my battery has bms.

• 
  @aa3konthego4 ай бұрын

  It probably does at 100 Ah. I would go with the highest Ah setting your charger can deliver unless you have documentation that says otherwise.

• 
  @adamhackman20894 ай бұрын

  @@aa3konthego so what I meant was. Which setting lithium or lifepo4? It’s hard to understand the directions.

• 
  @aa3konthego4 ай бұрын

  @@adamhackman2089 Use the LiFePO setting for the battery you mentioned. The lithium setting is for lithium-ion batteries.

• 
  @aa3konthego4 ай бұрын

  I would also go with the 20 Amp setting unless the battery documentation says to use a lower setting.

• 
  @budmartin33445 ай бұрын

  @14.47 It shows 14.7V, Isn't that too high for a typical LiFePO4 12.8V battery?

• 
  @bigvitojr5 ай бұрын

  As I understand it, yes.

• 
  @AHMET_AYDINLI4 ай бұрын

  NOCO is recommending 14,6 Volt for charging of its own LifePo4 batteries.

• 
  @aa3konthegoАй бұрын

  One thing we DON'T know is the accuracy of the charger's displayed values calibration.