The Radioddity HF-009 is a very capable compact vertical HF antenna. I’ve had it on the air more than a few times and have made a couple of videos featuring it. What I like about the antenna is that it sets up relatively quick and its compact size and all in one carrying case means I can throw it and a transceiver in the car if Chris and I decide to do a quick road trip. The downside, though are two-fold, the tuning slider is a bit sensitive and more importantly, it’s base consists of a simple spike mount.
The spike mount is fine if you are on soft earth, but if you are setting up in a parking area with asphalt or gravel, good luck in getting that thing in the ground. So I thought, what would happen if I elevate the antenna like I do with KJ6ER’s popular PERformer antenna?
The results of that experiment can be found in this week’s video: This SURPRISED me! Elevating the Radioddity HF-009 https://youtu.be/RIcUUYIexJw
The secret sauce for this trick is in the REZ Antenna’s Scout base. The HF-009, while it has 3/8×24 threads on it, the male and female connections are in the opposite places as compared to other antennas. That is, the spike base has a male thread and all the rods and the whip are female. You could use a short 3/8×24 threaded rod to convert the female end of the HF-009 to male. If I was using the Chameleon Blank Adaptor or my favorite Jaw clamp, I’d go that route. Fortunately using the Scout base makes the conversion easier as it comes standard with a 3/8×24 male thread, and a female to female nut for whip attachment. Remove the nut and you have a ready connection for the HF-009.
This begs the question, though. If I wanted the quick deployment of the HF-009, but am carrying the gear to elevate it, why not just elevate a 17 foot whip and use the PERformer as it was intended?
Rightly so, that makes a lot more sense than my mashup. The purpose of my experiment wasn’t as much of: is this better, but can this be done? Believe me I get these questions all the time. Can I do such and such with this and that? And the answer is typically yes, you can. Is it the best idea? Probably not. But playing around with antenna components gives you a better understanding of how antenna systems work. And this experiment is a great example of the benefits of elevating your radiator and counter poise.
George Mallory, an early 20th century explorer was famously asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. His response was: Because it’s there. Don’t let naysayers stop you from exploring.
Counterpoise wire
In the video I used a slightly different counterpoise than you may be accustomed to. Traditionally the PERformer antenna has break points with bullet connectors for each band, making the setup slightly easier in that you don’t have change the location of your counterpoise support with each band change, just hook and unhook the breaks.
Chris, K4ADT, sent me a prototype of his PERformer setup to test out and he uses a counterpoise that’s one long piece of wire with little beads to indicate the band points. You then wind and unwind the counterpoise for each band. I have some bonus content for patrons that shows how that is done.
I’ve been using his system for about 6 weeks or so and find that I like it better than the breaks. I don’t think one method is better than the other, it is all about personal preference. But if you like the idea of a continuous counterpoise that you can wind and unwind, Chris is in the process of setting up an Etsy store, so watch for that.
Finishing up
We’re hitting the road this weekend. You’ll find me on the air at the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, US- 7260. This weekend is mostly for R&R, so expect a lot of on the air time from me. (as long as the rain holds off, that is). Cell service is spotty where we are going, so if you hear me, spot me.
I hope to get you in the log soon.
Michael
KB9VBR
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