by kb9vbr | Jan 11, 2025 | Parks on the Air
My ham radio portable antenna kit is in state of constant refinement. Here’s what I’ve been carrying and putting on the air for the last year. Product links, in order of appearance: Spiderbeam 23ft / 7m fiberglass mini pole:...
by kb9vbr | Jan 9, 2025 | Ham Radio Q and A
According to the meteorologist on our local news, the second half of January typically is our coldest winter period in Northern Wisconsin. We see an average high of 23 and a low of 7 degree Fahrenheit. While most of the country is seeing colder than average...
by kb9vbr | Jan 6, 2025 | Antennas
We spend a long weekend at Merrick State Park (POTA US-1462) on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River and put both the POTA PERformer and the POTA Dominator on the air. Which antenna will win this riverside ham radio battle. To make your own POTA PERformer or...
by kb9vbr | Jan 3, 2025 | Antennas
Last month, Dave and I demonstrated the elevated linked radial system he designed for his portable vertical antenna. Since then, I have received many inquiries on how to build one yourself. But little did we know that such an antenna already exists, and it is superior...
by kb9vbr | Dec 16, 2024 | Parks on the Air
There are certain campsites that are considered unicorns, highly sought after for their location and amenities, often needing to be reserved 11 months in advance. By sheer dumb luck, I was able to grab one of those sites, last minute, at Brunet Island State Park. The...
by kb9vbr | Dec 9, 2024 | Product Focus
The K4QCD Dually is two antennas wrapped up into one package. On one side you have an End Fed Half Wave with a 49:1 transformer. Flip it over and on the other side is an End Fed Random Wire antenna with a 9:1 transformer. The dual transformer concept is the best of...
by kb9vbr | Dec 5, 2024 | Product Focus
I’ve never been happy with my tactical sling bag. Here’s why the Osprey Talon 11L daypack is better. Osprey Talon 11L Men’s Hiking Backpack with Hipbelt: https://amzn.to/3WSig253 Pack Premium Tool Pouch Zipper Bag with internal pockets:...
by kb9vbr | Nov 26, 2024 | Product Focus
The Flatlanders end fed half wave is a compact portable antenna with a built in reel for the radiating element. It is designed for no tune operation on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter bands and can be used with a tuner on 30, 17, and 12 meters. The antenna comes fully...
by kb9vbr | Nov 19, 2024 | Parks on the Air
Get a Parks on the Air master class. I join Steve as he does his first POTA: from setting up the pain in the a## antenna, finding a clear frequency, and getting on the air. Be sure to stick to the end for the valuable master class of information as we debrief the...
by kb9vbr | Nov 12, 2024 | Parks on the Air
This is how I do it! I take you through the entire process of a Parks on the Air activation with setting up my vertical antenna, preparing the logging computer, spotting myself, and making 15 contacts in this illustrative step by step video. Build a Wolf River Sporty...
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