[nrv-hams] Antenna & Tuner Recommendations?

Wed Feb 21 14:59:37 EST 2024

Hey Sarah! So glad you're kitting up!

I tried to be short, but there's a LOT to unpack in your questions. I tried
my best not to write a novel ;)

:: Main Subjects ::
:::: Sub Subjects ::::

:: Antennas ::
(Only talking HF antennas)
So, as far as antennas go, there are BOOKS upon BOOKS written on the
subject, but I think I can give a few points for reference here...
- Resonate antennas are often the simplest/cheapest, but more difficult or
less forgiving in the field. Standard dipoles and End-Fed fit here.
- Compact antennas are convenient, but often expensive, and lackluster
performance, with a bit of setup complications
- Magnetic loop antennas are very difficult to use, but can offer benefits
of compactness and rejection of other signals. They are expensive as well.
I don't recommend for many hams as they can be EXTREMELY frustrating.

So, here are some basic options for travel antennas for HF with some
supporting details...

If you have access to one tree for supporting the end of a wire, I really
recommend an end-fed half-wave (EFHW) antenna such as the one available in
kit form from the ARRL at $80.
https://www.arrl.org/end-fed-half-wave-antenna-kit
With that, you get 10, 15, 20, and 40 meters, and if it's cut right, and
you get the end up at least 30+ degrees off the horizon, you shouldn't need
a tuner.
I use this antenna for Parks on the Air all the time.
If you want one prebuilt, I recommend this one at $99:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/192924219299

If you have no tree, you can go with a vertical antenna such as these, but
it will take more setup time to get the antenna to be resonant:
(variable coil antennas)
$125 - 40 to 10 meters https://www.wolfrivercoils.com/SOTA.html
$175 - 40 to 10 meters https://www.wolfrivercoils.com/TIA.html
$200 - 40 t0 6 meters https://www.buddipole.com/buddistick.html
They go up from there!

:: Tuners ::
If you have a resonant antenna, you won't need one, but I always have one
in my kit in case I have to deploy the antenna "weird" (like bending
around, not straight up/out, etc.)
For antenna tuners, I really have liked my cheapo ATU-100 Antenna Tuner.
You can get them on ebay for $70ish prebuilt, and they have options of
"UHF" connectors or BNC type, and battery internal, or external power
source.
There's also a "QRP" style good to 10 watts called the ATU-10.

:: Extra Cables/Parts ::
Best thing to do is assemble it all before you go out to make sure you
aren't missing anything, but here are some things you'll need off the top
of my head.
You'll need to understand the connector types in play with your equipment.

:::: Signal Path ::::
- PL259/SO239 (aka "UHF" connector) - Most long coax (10+ feet) come with
these.
- BNC - QRP/low power applications tend to favor this connector.

The IC-705 uses a BNC connector for the antenna, so you will have to get
cables with those on the end, or an adapter to go from BNC to SO239.
- Coax or jumper coax (just a short coax) to connect antenna to Transceiver
(or tuner)
- Jumper coax to connect tuner to Transceiver

You'll just have to figure out if you want to get cables just for your
application (ie. BNC one end, PL259 on the other), or heavy use of adapters.
Adapters are good unless you leave them at home (ask me how I know).

:::: Power Path ::::
There are many types here, but normally we end up at the 2.5mm barrel
type(IC-705), or the Anderson Powerpole connectors (kind of a standard for
supplying 12vDC for ham radio applications).
If you know what you need, you can normally find any adapter/connector you
need at
https://www.westmountainradio.com/pp-cables.php
(Look for Powerpole to Con Power Plug to see a simple cable/adapter between
the two mentioned)
OR
Build/solder your own if you aren't afraid. For Powerpole connectors, I
recommend tooling up with a crimper made for those connectors specifically.

I don't know what your battery has, but if it was marketed for ham radio,
it's probably a Powerpole.

:::: Other Things ::::
Depending on how much you care about dropping/packing the equipment, you
may want to look into a case, or a protective cage. I suggest using it a
few times before jumping into that though, just make sure you protect it in
transit.
There are plenty of aftermarket accessories for the IC-705 out there, but
find your operating style before committing.

:: Vendor Recommendations ::
For connectors/DC I really like West Mountain Radio:
https://www.westmountainradio.com/

For connectors/coax, I like DXEngineering:
https://www.dxengineering.com/

For finding deals on radios, I'll add two more:
Ham Radio Outlet - https://www.hamradio.com/
GigaParts - https://www.gigaparts.com/

:: Ending ::
I'd be glad to help you with your specific shopping list if you need, but
that should get you started!
I'm sure there will be follow up questions, so go for it!
Also, I'd be glad to bring anything I have to a meeting to show you some
options as well, just let me know what you want to see.

73!
--
Cam, W4XXV

On Wed, Feb 21, 2024 at 8:40 AM Sarah Over <sarah.e.over at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I hope to see many of you next Monday, but I thought I'd ask here too for
> suggestions.  I'm working on putting my kit together to participate in
> HamSCI's Solar Eclipse events in April (https://hamsci.org/node/678 <
> https://hamsci.org/node/678> - probably the QSO party, but maybe the
> research TDOA too if I get my general license in time).
>
> I had asked a few folks at Winter Field day about options for being
> outside as I'll probably be in a nearby park somewhere in Cleveland, OH.
> One of the suggestions was the ICOM IC-705 <
> https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-705/> (thanks Sam!), which
> after some research would work well for plans I have now and the future
> (plus I can afford it fortunately).  I was able to figure out my power
> needs, but what I am not sure on is what all I'll need as far as an antenna
> setup...
>
> I'm looking for recommendations for/thoughts on:
>    1. Antenna: Any favorites for 10m? Or multiple bands?  Wire will
> probably be fine as I should be near trees :).  Although I might want to
> have a magnetic loop available too.
>    2. Antenna tuner
>    3. Any extra cables/parts I will need?  I have seen some antenna
> support options too <
> https://www.amazon.com/WINDCAMP-Release-Antenna-Support-IC-705/dp/B08HQZPRQ8/ref=as_li_ss_tl
> >...
>
> - Plus reliable retailers for purchasing (where do you like to buy your
> parts?):
>       + Thoughts on DX Engineering, HRO, or GigaParts?
>       + Or places like Batteries America for power supplies/adapters?
>
> Hopefully I will be making a trip up to Cleveland for HamSCI in about a
> month where I can test things out locally too, so I am looking to have
> everything set by then.
>
>
> Thanks for any advice/tips!
>
> Sarah Over
> KQ4NQO
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