The NVIS antenna testing will take place on Saturday, September 9th at Jefferson Manor Park, see link below for location.  On-air WSPR work will start at 9:00 a.m., but antenna installations will start as early as 7:30 a.m.  Mainly because of work and family obligations of key participants, scheduling this event has been very challenging. 

On-air WSPR transmissions will take place on 40 meters at 7.0386 MHz using 5 NVIS antennas, sequentially.  We will be looking to map transmitted WSPR signals across the state of Virginia to compile the results for analysis of antenna performances.  See attachment for methodology.

Everyone is welcome. 

Jefferson Manor Park is located here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jefferson+Manor+Park/@38.792307,-77.0852828,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7b19430050a15:0xe191f9094e00c427!8m2!3d38.792307!4d-77.0827079!16s%2Fg%2F1tdpsk3g?entry=ttu

73

Don, KI4D

 

 

From: Todd Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, August 6, 2023 10:41 AM
To: R C <[email protected]>
Cc: Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Don (KI4D) <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; Gary Sessums <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

W4EDF -7dB into KO4IJH at FM18kt.

 

 

 

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023 at 08:24 R C <[email protected]> wrote:

I wasn’t able to make progress yesterday with the EFHW. I hope you otherwise have a productive morning at the park.

 

Bob

 

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023 at 8:10 AM Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]> wrote:

I'm at the park. I see Don's truck, but no Don.

 

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023, 6:57 AM Todd Taylor <[email protected]> wrote:

I won’t be able to join, but if you all are planning to use WSPR I can set up my station to act as spotter.

 

On Sat, Aug 5, 2023 at 13:19 <[email protected]> wrote:

OK, 8:00 a.m. it is.

 

73

Don

 

From: Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, August 5, 2023 12:54 PM
To: [email protected]; 'R C' <[email protected]>
Cc: 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Andrew Davnie-Easton' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Gary Sessums' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

I will be able to be there at 8am tomorrow.  I have an inverted V on 40 I want to see how effective it is as NVIS.  I might also take advantage of the open space to check my new vertical build.

Ed, W4EDF

On 8/4/23 23:17, [email protected] wrote:

Jefferson Manor Park is located here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jefferson+Manor+Park/@38.792307,-77.0852828,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7b19430050a15:0xe191f9094e00c427!8m2!3d38.792307!4d-77.0827079!16s%2Fg%2F1tdpsk3g?entry=ttu

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: R C <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 4:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; Gary Sessums <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; Todd Taylor <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

I’m not good at searching through past emails on my phone.  Where is the park?

 

Thanks 

 

On Fri, Aug 4, 2023 at 3:34 PM <[email protected]> wrote:

At the park, earlier is better to get ahead of any reservations.  8:30 a.m. would be the latest recommended time.

 

73

Don

 

From: R C <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 3:31 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; Gary Sessums <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; Todd Taylor <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

I will finish building my EFHW tomorrow.  Sunday is my church’s feast day (Holy Transfiguration) so I probably won’t be available on Sunday morning (unless early).  The linked NVIS dipole that is being built for me is probably 3/4 weeks out still.

 

KQ4ILQ Bob 

 

On Fri, Aug 4, 2023 at 3:23 PM <[email protected]> wrote:

Todd – well …  perhaps we can break-up the taskings.  Since your antenna is tied to your vehicle in the parking lot, if we can get the other builders/owners to meet on this Sunday to do placement, sizing and installation planning for their antennas, we could talk about the WSPR emitters, methodologies and procedures at the next meeting Ham workshop.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

73

Don

 

 

From: Todd Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 2:12 PM
To: Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>
Cc: Don (KI4D) <[email protected]>; Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; R C <[email protected]>; Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; Gary Sessums <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

Don,

I'm not sure about this Sunday, as I have some competing priorities this weekend. I definitely cannot do August 23rd, which is a Wednesday. Did you mean Sunday the 20th?

 

I am attaching my rough draft protocol for testing. Everyone please have a look and offer any suggestions you may have.

 

thanks and 73m

Todd

KO4IJH

 

 

 

 

 

On Fri, Aug 4, 2023 at 12:44 PM Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]> wrote:

Don,

 

I should be available on 6 August. I still have not tuned the antenna I built so I'll bring that with me and set it up and trim it on site.

 

73, Ryan, KO4EBY 

 

On Fri, Aug 4, 2023, 12:27 PM <[email protected]> wrote:

Looks like we don’t have problems with the 23 August date, perhaps we can do the actual testing and evaluations on that date.   Given the possibility that the antenna builders/owners may not be going to Berryville, can we get together on Sunday morning, 6 August, for the site survey and planning?

 

The following is what we would need to accomplish this Sunday:

  1. Identify with certainty which antennas are to be tested
  2. Ascertain how and where antennas will be installed on site ( in full detail)
  3. Clarify the emitters/frequencies/power that will be used
  4. Clarify the methodology and procedures for proceeding from one antenna use to another.
  5. Clarify methodology and procedures for collection and correlation of data
  6. Identify any potential gaps or problem areas.

 

I would like to hear primarily from the antenna builders/owners for confirmation, if that is possible.

 

73

Don

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2023 10:31 AM
To: 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'R C' <[email protected]>; 'Andrew Davnie-Easton' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>; 'Gary Sessums' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

Anyone have a problem with 23 August?

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: Alex Lammers <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2023 10:19 AM
To: R C <[email protected]>
Cc: Don (KI4D) <[email protected]>; Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; Gary Sessums <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; Todd Taylor <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

Unable, I have a conference that weekend.

 

KO4ZMC

 

On Thu, Jul 27, 2023, 8:46 AM R C <[email protected]> wrote:

I should be able to attend.  I have a better soldering iron I still need to finish building the EFHW. I ordered a linked-dipole to be built according to The Tech Prepper’s specs for use as an NVIS antenna.  The 80m segment of the linked-dipole will need to be trimmed. It may or may not be built and delivered to me by August 13th.  The EFHW also still needs to be tuned. 

 

KQ4ILQ Bob Clancy 

 

On Thu, Jul 27, 2023 at 8:32 AM <[email protected]> wrote:

The Berryville Hamfest scheduled on August 6th.   In a chat with Todd, I learned that he is able to attend a NVIS antenna site survey and planning session on August 13th.  For those who have antennas to be tested, please confirm that the 13th will work for you.  This session is to help us figure out the best way to setup so we won’t have hiccups or have that concern the day we are focused on getting the testing done in a timely fashion.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 6:11 AM
To: 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>
Cc: 'Andrew Davnie-Easton' <[email protected]>; 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>; 'R C' <[email protected]>; 'Gary Sessums' <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

Todd – many thanks for volunteering to craft a WSPR testing plan.  We will need that very much for our testing.

 

Looks like we have August 6, 13, and 23 available for our planned activities.  How does the August 6 date work for the initial site survey, etc.?  Please note that we need confirmation for attendance, particular from those with antennas to be tested. Thanks for your cooperation.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: Todd Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 10:01 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; R C <[email protected]>; Gary Sessums <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

Any weekend but the 26th-27th of August should be ok for me. 

 

I will try to put together a WSPR testing plan to share ASAP. That way we can all measure our antennas the same way and compare results. Of course, if anyone has feedback on my proposal or suggestions beforehand, we can work those in as well. Just let me know.

 

Additionally, there was a question at the last meeting about NVIS being covered in the ARRL Antenna Book. If you have a copy, section 14.2.2 (pages 14.9-16) discusses NVIS in some detail.

 

On Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 9:08 AM <[email protected]> wrote:

OK, understand; thanks for letting us know.  I am thinking that we should wait until Ryan returns to the Area to reschedule in August.  My sense is that your experience and guidance is critical for the WSPR gear/software configurations setups we need for the antenna tests. Looking at the calendar, can you see a Sunday in August for your availability?

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: Todd Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 8:32 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; R C <[email protected]>; Gary Sessums <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

Don, 

 

I will not be able to attend the walkthrough on Sunday, but please proceed without me. For my antenna at least, I will only need somewhere to park the Jeep and approximately 35 ft of space behind it to run the wire. I will look on Google maps to determine what should work for me.

 

73,

Todd KO4IJH

 

On Sat, Jul 8, 2023 at 2:10 PM <[email protected]> wrote:

All - as a next step for the NVIS Antenna project testing/evaluation, I am proposing that we meet at Jefferson Manor Park on Sunday, July 16th at 8:30 a.m., for a site survey.  Purpose would be to map out and plan antenna installation sites, feedlines, radio equipment needs, etc.  Once we have all of this figured out, we can take time to fill-in the gaps and set a date for execution, maybe Aug 6, weather permitting.  Please let me know if the July 16th is a problem.

 

After email discussions with Todd and Ryan, I am proposing that we take their recommendation to use WSPR as the mode of propagation for antenna testing to get a measure of best regional coverage on the bands of interest.  During Todd’s presentation at the DIY Ham Workshop, he displayed WSPR propagation patterns for his NVIS antenna.

 

Please provide any thoughts you may have.

 

73

Don, KI4D     

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 10, 2023 7:15 PM
To: 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'Andrew Davnie-Easton' <[email protected]>; 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>; 'R C' <[email protected]>
Cc: 'Gary Sessums' <[email protected]>
Subject: DIY for Near Vertical Incident Skywaves (NVIS) Antennas Presentation

 

Some references and small edits were made to the presentation last night.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 4:48 PM
To: 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'Andrew Davnie-Easton' <[email protected]>; 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>; 'R C' <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: DIY for NVIS Antennas (DRAFT ppt)

 

Attached is the final version.  Many thanks to all who contributed; looking forward to a great presentation tonight.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

 

 

From: Todd Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:32 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>; Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; R C <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: DIY for NVIS Antennas (DRAFT ppt)

 

Looks great, Don. I'm including some rough testing data on my antenna utilizing WSPR. I'll bring a printout but feel free to add the chart to the slides if you like. 

73,

Todd

KO4IJH

 

On Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 7:28 AM <[email protected]> wrote:

All – attached is the final version for tonight less some very minor touches.  Bob – are we still a go for tonight?  Thanks.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2023 10:22 AM
To: 'Andrew Davnie-Easton' <[email protected]>; 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>; 'R C' <[email protected]>
Subject: DIY for NVIS Antennas (DRAFT ppt)

 

Attached is the proposed presentation for tomorrow’s meeting.  Please confirm the individual presentations and provide any feedback, as appropriate.  I can provide photos for discussions if you don’t have any.  Thanks.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: Don Lewis <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2023 10:58 AM
To: Andrew Davnie-Easton <[email protected]>
Cc: Alex Lammers <[email protected]>; Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Todd Taylor <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>; R C <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Welcome to Andy, KI4THF

 

The NVIS antenna DIY presentation to the club is just over a week away.

 

 As we discussed in the NVIS Zoom meeting, the presentation agenda has the following main points:

  1. Project Overview
  2. Overall Group Progress To Date
  3. Individual Antenna Presentations
  4. Future Next Steps
  5. Conclusions

 With 5 to 6 individual antenna presentations, we need to be as complete as possible concerning each antenna presentation; yet, as brief as possible to make sure that everyone has a chance to speak. To help this process I am proposing that each antenna presentation address the following points:

  1. Chosen Antenna Name/Type
  2. HF bands covered
  3. Portability for carry (shape/size/weight)
  4. Space required for deployment
  5. One person installation (Yes/No)
  6. Installation details for NVIS configuration
  7. DIY project (Yes/No)
  8. DIY Issues/difficulty
  9. Testing result, if any

The idea is to create a spreadsheet containing these points to later provide a quick comparison of antennas.  Please consider this approach as work in progress, we can make improvements as we go forward.

 

Thus far, we need to confirm that we will have the following antenna presentations:

Todd - Vehicular antenna

Alex - AS-2259

Ryan - Alpha Delta DX-DD hack

Bob - EFHW (DIY?)

Don - End Fed Long Wire (kit)

Andy - Chameleon  End Fed antenna ?? 

 

If you will send me photos of your antennas, I will make sure they are shown on the meeting slides so that the Zoom audience can view them during your antenna discussions.

 

The plan is that the in-person meeting audience will be able to "touch and feel" and ask questions about antennas in the room.  

 

Please feel free to comment on this plan with your thoughts and ideas.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

 

 

On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 11:35 PM <[email protected]> wrote:

Andy – welcome to the NVIS Antenna Working Group.  I was delighted to learn about your long-ago experiences with NVIS propagation and your recent purchase of a Chameleon NVIS antenna on the Weekly Net tonight.  I hope you will share your NVIS experiences with us. The working group plans a DIY presentation to the club on June 9th.  This presentation will include commercially built antennas as well.  The main point is to find the best performing portable NVIS antennas for go-kit recommendations to the club. If you would like to present your antenna in a brief discussion on June 9th, please let me know.  We are planning a field test and evaluation event of selected antennas in mid-July.  Hope you will want to join us.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 3:05 PM
To: 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>; 'R C' <[email protected]>
Subject: REMINDER: Proposed Zoom meeting next Wednesday evening, May 24th, at 7:00 p.m.

 

The meeting for tonight is a “go,” apologize for the short notice confirmation.  The link for the Zoom meeting is below.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

Topic: NVIS Antenna Working Group

Time: May 24, 2023 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86130199992?pwd=WGpPY2dXR1Z4RURJWFVhRW5rUWlBQT09

 

Meeting ID: 861 3019 9992

Passcode: 182482

 

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 5:49 PM
To: 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>
Subject: Proposed Zoom meeting next Wednesday evening, May 24th, at 7:00 p.m.

 

To prepare for the NVIS antenna DIY session meeting on June 9th, I would like to schedule a Zoom meeting next Wednesday evening, May 24th,  at 7:00 p.m. Pleases advise if this is problematic for you.  The main goal of the meeting is to create an agenda that will provide the order of topics to be presented and the speakers leading those topics at the June meeting.

 

I have heard from some people about antenna selections, but not everyone.  For those working on DIY antenna project selections, the goal is to get a project status update that includes a list of components needed that someone else may have in excess. This discussion could also let us know more about who may be helpful in other ways.

 

As soon as it is clear this meeting is a “go,”  I will send a Zoom link.

 

Tonight, I will be posting all references to a Google Drive for your convenience. Attached is another reference for a AS-2299 which is not a resonant antenna.

 

7d

Don, KI4D

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2023 9:09 AM
To: 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>
Cc: 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; 'Todd Taylor' <[email protected]>; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Welcome to the Workgroup for Construction, and Testing & Evaluation of DIY NVIS Antennas

 

Thanks for the contribution, Alex -  we may really need your help with this when it comes to UnUn/Balun boxes or wire winders.  Hope to see you at the meeting tonight.

 

73

Don, KI4D

 

From: Alex Lammers <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2023 8:21 AM
To: Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]>
Cc: Don (KI4D) <[email protected]>; walkerl <[email protected]>; James Wilson <[email protected]>; Todd Taylor <[email protected]>; Matthew Johnson <[email protected]>; scott mcclung <[email protected]>; James Stone <[email protected]>; Bjorn Jernudd <[email protected]>; Joe Porcelli <[email protected]>; Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Welcome to the Workgroup for Construction, and Testing & Evaluation of DIY NVIS Antennas

 

Also have a 3D printer, it can do most 3" x 3" by 3" prints with minimal warping

 

On Fri, May 12, 2023 at 8:15 AM Ryan Stinebiser <[email protected]> wrote:

Don, 

 

I can provide a better list if sources and instructions to build 49:1 UNUNs, 9:1 UNUNs, and loading coils for the short 80m dipole when I get back to my home computer.

 

- Newark usually has good prices on FT240-43 and FT140-43 torroids. Check Mouser as well. A single FT140-43 can handle 100w SSB with no problem. If you plan on running high power, use multiple FT240-43s stacked in your transformer.

 

- I sourced the 100pF, 10kV rated capacitor for the 49:1 transformer from Ebay (the blue ones)

 

- AutomationDirect has good prices on spools of hookup wire, especially 20 awg. Usually free shipping too.

 

- Amazon for almost everything else (18 or 14 gauge magnet wire, solid core wire, ring terminals, etc.)

 

I have a ton of magnet wire. Probably enough for each of us to make a transformer.

 

I recently fixed my 3d printer and can print cases and wire winders for the group with enough advance notice.

 

73, Ryan, KO4EBY 

 

On Fri, May 12, 2023, 12:06 AM <[email protected]> wrote:

Thanks to those who have responded with antenna selections.  This input will help steer the direction of the project.  The more input we have, the better outcome we will have; so please continue making contributions. 

 

I want to follow-up with some ideas on how we can proceed and think about the project.  Some may want to actually build DIY antennas from a list of identified components, some want to build an antenna kit that comes with components, some may want to demonstrate antennas they have already built, and some may just want to follow the process to be informed and/or contribute thoughts here and there.  Finally, some may just want participate in the test and evaluation process.  Of course, all of these approaches are just fine.  Listed here are some NVIS antenna possibilities:

 

  1. For those who want to actually build DIY antennas from a list of parts, time is becoming critical because DIY-day only a month away.  Parts and component research, ordering process, and shipping could introduce unexpected delays before construction can began.  Ryan may have some ideas on where to source these items with a quick turn-around.
  2. Those interested in building kits may not face much of a delay before construction can begin.  The ARRL has an EFHW 49:1 UnUn HF kit for sale https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/133267, see attachment .  This kit is manufactured by “HF Kits” in the Netherlands.   I recently ordered a Long Wire (Random Length) 9:1 UnUn HF kit directly from  “HF kits.” on May 7th, see attachment.  It arrived in Alexandria via UPS on May 10th.  The kit from the Netherlands with shipping was a few dollars cheaper than the listed price of the kit on the ARRL website..  There is no wire supplied with either of these kits.  KM4ACK also offers portable 49:1 EFHW antenna kits that can be used for NVIS, when they are in stock.
  3. For the center-fed dipoles and inverted-V antennas “HF kits” offers Baluns for 150W and 800W versions.  Wire lengths are sold with these units depending on the operating bands, see attachments.
  4. For those interested in the AS-2259, see the modified AS-2259 antenna, attached.  This antenna design modifies the military version of this antenna so that it works in the Ham bands.  The antennas require loading coils as described in the instructions.  I have a meter that will measure the inductances of coils, if needed.
  5. For those interested in using the Buddipole system, there are three references.
  6. The Hamsticks or Hustler Radiator DIY Dipoles require two separate antennas designed for specific bands to be used with a special adapter that connects the two separate antenna systems, see attachments for the antennas.
  7. A roadside vehicle NVIS antennas design is attached.
  8. The general problem with portable “small” magnetic loops is that they can’t be designed for 80 meters give the size they require; operation on the 80-meter band is desirable for nigh-time operations.  Please see attachments for small magnet loop antenna.

All ideas are invited, please keep them coming.

73

Don, KI4D      

 

 

From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2023 11:37 AM
To: 'Ryan Stinebiser' <[email protected]>; 'walkerl' <[email protected]>; 'Alex Lammers' <[email protected]>; 'James Wilson' <[email protected]>; [email protected]; 'Matthew Johnson' <[email protected]>; 'scott mcclung' <[email protected]>; 'James Stone' <[email protected]>; 'Bjorn Jernudd' <[email protected]>; 'Joe Porcelli' <[email protected]>; 'Ed Ferguson' <[email protected]>
Subject: Welcome to the Workgroup for Construction, and Testing & Evaluation of DIY NVIS Antennas

 

This note is to welcome participants of this group and to open discussions on portable antennas that may be most suitable for NVIS propagation.

 

This includes considerations of space restraints or other limitations.  Discussions will include planning and scheduling testing and evaluation of antennas as a basis for selection of the best NVIS antennas for inclusion in EMCOMM go-kits, POTA activities, and participation in Virginia QSO Parties.

 

Please add your thoughts and comments at any time, they are most important to success of the project. 

 

Some antennas DIY projects for considerations are:

1). DIY Center-fed Dipole, and a loading coil shortened version

2). DIY End-fed Dipole, and a loading coil shortened version

3). DIY Center-fed Inverted V, and a loading coil shortened version

4). DIY End-fed Inverted V, and a loading coil shortened version

5). DIY AS-2259,  and a loading coil shortened version

6). DIY Random Length Wire Antennas

7). DIY Vehicular counterpoise NVIS antennas

8). Buddipole NVIS DIY Configuration

9). Hamsticks/Hustler Radiator DIY Dipoles

10). Small Loop DIY antennas

 

Since parts and components may need to be sourced and ordered for the DIY antenna construction session, it would be good if each person could select two or three antenna types of their choice so that, if desirable, we can combine them to get group rates for ordering parts.  If additional amplification or details are needed about any antenna listed or on any aspect of the project, please send me a note or post a note to the group.  To keep the project on schedule, please make your antenna selections known by May 11th.  Those selected antennas will be featured during the DIY presentation.

 

Depending on antenna selections, we will be able to focus best on aspects of the project that may require the most DIY components and efforts such as toroids and capacitors needed, matching unit construction and mounting techniques, loading coil construction techniques, etc.  

 

Forwarded with this email is Ed’s (W4EDF) email with a link to his YouTube video on a center-fed NVIS antenna. Also attached are other references for discussions that may take place in the future, and will be included in the listing of references used for the project.  Information on commercial products is included only for gaining DIY know-how.

 

As you know, Ryans presentation on his NVIS experiences during the Virginia QSO Party is schedule for the next meeting on May 12th. 

 

73

Don, KI4D 

 

 

 

From: Ed Ferguson <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 9:49 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ARC Members Only] Opportunity for Construction, and Testing & Evaluation of DIY NVIS Antennas

 

Don, for some reason, I'm not able to reply to this chain but wanted to share the video of the dipole center I built that can be used for nvis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cUNs274rU

 

73, W4EDF

 

 

On 4/24/23 23:52, [email protected] wrote:

This is to announce an opportunity for those interested in learning about antennas from “hands-on” HF antenna construction, and testing and evaluation.  Antennas are one of the few things in amateur radio that hams have control over, depending on where they live.  Compared to many years ago when hams commonly built their own transmitters and receivers, there are few “hands-on” equipment construction opportunities today.  Moreover, good antennas can be more important to a ham radio station than the type of radio equipment to communications. 

 

At the last club meeting, I gave a presentation on “Beyond Line of Sight (LOS) with NVIS (Near Vertical Incident Skywave)” propagation, see attached presentation.  The presentation was the first of three planned presentations covering NVIS to be held during the Ham Workshop segment of meetings, see presentation blocks attached.  The purpose of these presentations is to enhance understanding of HF antennas and to improve capabilities of club members to respond to disasters or emergencies using their ham radio skills.  During national disasters in the past, whether natural or man-made, widespread power outages and telecommunications outages have become realities.  Ham radio has led the way in helping communities to restore communications after disasters.   Hurricane Katrina and other extreme storm events are examples.  Somewhat surprisingly, there have been recent reports of intentional attacks on power transmission facilities that caused widespread power and communications outages.

 

The DIY antenna construction session is currently scheduled for June 9th.  During the DIY antenna construction session, antenna construction techniques will be presented on candidate HF antennas for portable NVIS operations.  Demonstrations will consist of construction of simple dipoles, endfed halfwave (EFHW) dipoles; and random length endfed wire, inverted “V”, and AS-2259 antennas.  Also demonstrated will be Buddipole “NVIS” antennas and “ham stick” NVIS antennas, as well as others.  Leading up to the session, club members will be encouraged to bring in their portable NVIS antennas for discussions and questions.  On-going discussions will include “how-to” source antenna parts and components and “how-to” techniques for construction of HF antennas and installation.

 

For this project, we would like to form a working group that will develop testing plans and schedules for field test events that will permit testing and evaluation of different portable NVIS antenna designs and configurations under different conditions always seeking optimum results.  The results could prove helpful in making recommendations for portable NVIS antennas for go-kits. 

 

Ryan Stinebiser, KO4EBY, and I will conduct these sessions.  Please send me an email to let us know if you would like to participate in this project on the working group.  We would like to get started as soon as possible.  See link below on some of the files we have discussed.  Soon they will be better organized.

 73

Don, KI4D 

 

 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Y7d-rlSkIk5WPcRlt_TvsFUsyEx6j2A8?usp=share_link

 

 

 

 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Alexandria Radio Club Current Membership" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to alexandria-radio-club-current-membership+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/alexandria-radio-club-current-membership/03f901d97729%2464a3c840%242deb58c0%24%40gmail.com.

--

Bob Clancy

--

Bob Clancy

--

Bob Clancy

--

Bob Clancy