[MRCA] Manpack HF ntenna Ideas?

[mstangelo at comcast.net]

Jeep,

Some updates. In an effort to make the pack lighter I purchased a ATU-100 tuner to replace the LDG tuner.

<https://www.amazon.com/Malahit-1-8-55MHz-Firmware-Programmed-Assembled/dp/B099ZLVV3V>

I like this tuner because it provides a power and SWR readings and a bypass mode so that I can measure the power and SWR without the tuning function. I recommend tuning with low power (10 watts) before running high power. I use 50 watts with a LiFePO4 battery.

Since I do lots of portable operation I want to be able to set up within 10 to 15 minutes.  All wire connections are made with STA-CON connectors for fast assembly. This also enables me to quickly change wire lengths of necessary. 

I try to test the setup in the backyard before going to the field. I checked out this latest FT-897/ATU-100 setup during yesterday's Moose and Squirrel Net and identified two issues. Better to find these problem at home that in the field. The wire antenna placed stress on the UHF to banana plug adapter resulting in an intermittent connection. I have replaced this adapter with STA-CON pigtails soldered to to a PL-295 connector. See attached picture. I also had reports of a distorted signal and noticed the ALC was too high. I have an outboard an outboard Speech Processor which I inadvertently put on. I this processor is more trouble that it is worth so I will remove it.

All of my portable operations use BNC connections to facilitate setup. I presently use a UHF to BNC adapter. I made adapter plates so that I can replace the UHF connector on the tuner. That is also shown in the picture.

Your original question concerned manpack operation. My Hustler 60 Meter resonator on the 6 foot support does a good job and I like the idea of the resonator in the air to minimize detuning but the setup is quite heavy for a pack. If you could replace the Hustler solid rod with an aluminum tubing it way be feasible for backpack operation.

That's it got now. Hope to meet you on the air.

73 Mike N2MS
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