[Elecraft] A product that would revolutionize ham radio

[Phil Hystad]

Interesting idea but I can't understand how using coaxial cable for a well matched system be just as effective.  I operate my KX3 (and, before that my KX1) in portable situations with compromise antennas and everything works nicely with today's available resources and products.  I just got myself a Buddistick antenna to play around with.  I have had it for two weeks but haven't had the chance yet to put it into operation but it is just one of a number of good portable antenna situations.

Other pretty descent solutions besides the Buddipole (dipole arrangement) and the new SteppIR CrankIR antenna include just plain wire in the tree or whatever.

All my portable work is QRP but all of these solutions are pretty good for the HOA resident too operating at 100 watts or even higher (although, some of these antennas, such as the Buddistick, are limited in total power handling.

73, phil, K7PEH


On Jun 16, 2014, at 11:21 AM, Vic Rosenthal <k2vco.vic at gmail.com> wrote:

> I am presenting the idea below in the hope that some manufacturer will embrace it. No royalties will be demanded! :-)
> 
> One of the biggest problems facing today's hams contemplating HF operation is the prohibition of antennas by HOA's, etc. One way of dealing with this is a with temporary antenna that can be set up only when operating. But there are lots of compromises -- in efficiency, flexibility, wasted time -- that this entails.
> 
> Many hams also would like to operate from temporary locations -- mountaintops, building roofs, beaches, campsites, cruise ships, rowboats, etc. There are many approaches to this, but they generally require setup of several station components which may or may not be practical, and which takes time that might not be available.
> 
> I propose a device that I call a Universal Amateur Station (UAS) that will make it possible to operate an /effective/ station in the greatest possible number of environments with an absolute minimum amount of setup.
> 
> Picture a folding tripod with a vertical whip on top and a box at the point where the legs meet the vertical part. The tripod will comprise an off-center fed vertical antenna, with the legs working against the vertical part.  The box will contain a transceiver capable of QRP to 100 watts output, internal batteries for 5-watt operation, an automatic antenna matching device, and a wireless link controller.
> 
> I am thinking of a package the size of an airline-approved carry-on. It should be practical with some ingenuity to make such a thing with an antenna that can extend to about 17 feet (5m), but it should also be possible to use in smaller configurations if space isn't available. It should be easier to set up than the usual tent.
> 
> There will also be a control head which will contain a built-in paddle and microphone.
> 
> The HOA-oppressed ham can simply unfold the unit in his backyard, on an accessible roof, etc. and sit in any comfortable location within range and operate.
> 
> In a hotel? Unfold it on your balcony. Driving around and see a nice spot? Place it on the roof of the vehicle and connect it to the battery for a full 100 watts. Camping? Set it up outside your tent or on a nearby hill. A small notebook computer would be the only accessory needed for an instant FD station or DXpedition. Of course you would not need it for casual operation. The possible uses in an emergency can easily be imagined.
> 
> If you have seen the mechanical ingenuity demonstrated by the makers of camping and hiking gear, you can see that it is possible to make something like this remarkably small and light.
> 
> Why is this better than, for example, a KX3 and Buddipole? For one thing, there is no feedline or fiddling with the antenna necessary. The integrated transmitter/tuner/antenna is more efficient. The lack of a feedline makes it possible to place it on the roof of a building that you don't own and operate from inside.
> 
> -- 
> Vic
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