This week’s video takes us on a rove of three different parks in Southwestern Wisconsin, using three different antennas. It’s also a race against time as I try to activate these parks in advance of an impending rainstorm.
You can watch this week’s video: Three Antennas in Three Parks! Which is the BEST? here: https://youtu.be/iOXEgMgrFZI
The three antennas in question are the Spooltenna EFHW, the REZ Antennas Scout Vertical antenna, and a newcomer to the field: the Second Stage antenna.
I think I need to talk a little more about the Second Stage. It is a base with a UHF connector designed to elevate your 17 foot telescoping whip, much like KJ6ER’s PERformer antenna. But the cool thing about the Second Stage is that it has a built in 40 meter coil and switch so that you can effortless change between operation on 10-20 meters and the 40 meter band. Just flip the switch, adjust your elevated counterpoise and you are on the 40 meter band.
I’ve used the antenna for a couple months now, and I am genuinely impressed with it’s operation. The 40 meter option works great and the antenna system comes with two elevated radials that your unwind and wind to predetermined points for resonance on the band you are operating one.
You can find the Second State antenna on Etsy. Chris, K4ADT, sent me a prototype for evaluation. I gave him a few suggestions that made their way into the final product, so I am glad to be a part of the development of this antenna system. https://www.etsy.com/listing/4339202826/second-stage-antenna
Antenna Testing
Being in my position, I have the opportunity to talk to quite a few antenna manufacturers and to test out their products. When I do an antenna review, it’s not my intention to specifically endorse a product or to pan a product for the online controversy it creates. But to be honest, list the advantages and flaws of an item, and to figure out how it fits into a particular niche.
Antennas are nothing more than tools. Some tools are better for the job than others. You wouldn’t use a drill to pound in a nail, nor would you pick an antenna ill suited for the task at hand. I feel it’s my job to show where the product’s best suited purposes so you can make an informed decision.
What I really enjoy doing, though, is helping commercial antenna producers refine their product. Often in the development process a designer will get a bit of tunnel vision and will have a hard time seeing the bigger picture of the product’s place in the market. As a second set of eyes I can test and evaluate the product and give them an honest assessment before it hits the market. I can expose it to different deployment situations in a different geographic area so that you are ready when customers start calling and saying the item ‘doesn’t work.’
Long story short, when I work with the manufacturer prior to the review, the amateur community receives a more refined product and a more nuanced review. The reviews themselves are still independent, and I still have my own opinions, but overall, I am able to create content that is instructive and not reactive.
Finishing up
The 3rd annual Wisconsin Ham Radio Campout is October 3-5, 2025 at Buckhorn State Park in central Wisconsin. There are still a couple of sites available for the weekend in the main camping loops where all of the activity will be based. People interested in joining us should do two things: first, register for a site at the Wisconsin.goingtocamp.com website, and second, subscribe to Wisconsin Ham Radio Campout email group. The email group is how all information for the campout is shared.
Merchandise for the campout: hoodies, shirts, and other things is now available on my online store at Teespring: https://kb9vbr-antennas.creator-spring.com/ Last year we had fulfillment issues and I’m hoping that in getting the store online two months in advance of the event will help prevent that. Order early so you have the items in your hand on time.
This year’s shirt design features oak leaves and acorns, representing the oak savanna and the light tan color of the sand barrens. Both are unique ecologies found in the park. Feel free to order a shirt, even if you aren’t attending the event. Proceeds go towards defraying the cost associated with putting the event on.
I hope to get you in the log soon.
Michael
KB9VBR
Recent Comments