Arrow II Yagi Antenna, 2m SSB Net, and EmComm Tools
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Join me as I test the Arrow II Yagi antenna on a 2m SSB net (AZ-SWOT). Let’s get on the roof, test her out and see what 2m side band and directional antennas can do. We’ll also walk through a bearing calculator feature I added to the EmComm Tools project. Did I mention we’re going to make this all happen on 20 watts and work stations 100+ miles out?
1. My thoughts on 2m SSB 01:35
2. Arrow II Antenna Setup 04:20
3. Station walk through 07:36
4. 2m SSB Net 08:35
5. EmComm Tools Update / bearing calculator 11:50
To support the channel: www.buymeacoff...
Gear:
* ARROW ANTENNA 146/437-14BP - www.hamradio.c... and www.arrowantenn...
* ARMOLOQ TPA-857 Pack Frame - www.armoloq.co...
* PRC/117G Radio Pouch - highgroundgear...
Resources:
* Arizona Side Winders on Two Net (AZ-SWOT) - az-swot.net/
Follow Me:
1. EmComm Tools project - www.buymeacoff...
2. Instagram: / thetechprepper @thetechprepper
3. Twitter: / thetechprepper1 @thetechprepper1
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#TheTechPrepper #Yagi #ArrowAntenna #ArrowII #SSB #SingleSideBand #2m #EmCommTools #HamRadio #Yaesu #FT857D #TPA857 #ARMOLOQ #Comms #EmComm #antennas #Prepper
That callsign lookup for name, bearing and distance is nice! 👏👏👏
Thanks. I'm going to do the same for repeater locations, too.
I thought that was really nice, as well!@@TheTechPrepper
Make it an app@@TheTechPrepper
I have both the Arrow and the Elk. I like both, although the Elk is quicker to put together and I think easier to use. By not putting the PVC sections together tightly, it changes polarization without much effort. A buddy with a 3D printer made me a handle that fits on the boom of the Elk, plus a PVC to tripod mount that you can fasten a Swiss-Arca mount to. It is less weight than the Arrow and very broad-banded. That noted, the Arrow is a proven performer. I think the Alaska version would be great for QTH use or summit packing. My arrow is the regular model. One other note is that with the Arrow, you are limited to 10 watts with the duplexer while with the Elk, it has no duplexer, to you can use higher power. Nice video!
Your power though the diplexer concerns are why I went with the Elk log periodic antenna. No diplexer needed and good for 200 watts. Also slightly more compact elements than a Yagi and in the same plain vhf/uhf.
Well, that's good to know. I've heard a lot of great things about the Elk log periodic antennas. I like the design of them being in the same plain. More power and more compact are also bonuses. Looks like I should have gone with that first, but there's always time to explore new antennas later. Thanks!
Yagi for the win! I need to get a yagi in my gearbox. Very interesting video Gaston. And your development of Emcomm Tools is looking enticing! Thanks for keeping it interesting.
I briefly looked around for a 2m only all-mode rig a few months back as well, and just seemed that nothing has ever really been available. In fact, it doesn’t seem that any manufacturers are even making a new rig for that niche.
Glad it's interesting for you. My wife has a hard time with my content, but she watched this video so that she could get a sense for the view. Now I am on the hook for building an outdoor observation deck and staircase to the roof.
We had the exact same experience scouring the interwebs for all mode 2m meter rigs. It looks likes these have not been popular since last century.
Take it easy, bud!
@@TheTechPrepper uh oh! Well, you do have a nice view up there. Could it become “observation deck/experiment platform”? Stay well man, 73.
@@gordonkatz8456 would you look at that!!? Pretty neat.
Nicely done!
Thanks, Jason. Yagi for the win! Should I look at an Elk log periodic, too?
Thanks for this video. It is great to see the abilities of directional antennas in practice.
Thanks, Dennis. Since I know nothing about the hobby, there is very little fear in trying out stuff for the first time on camera. Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully, this is the start of an SSB revolution on 2m. 73, bud.
Agreed a 2m all-mode radio would be awesome.
That would be great. It's one of my favorite modes. This is part of the reason why I am leaning towards the FT-991A for shack use for my next radio.
Love my Arrow Antenna. It gets me out there on SOTA and works the satellites with great ease. Glad you are happy with yours, enjoyed the video. Kevin
Glad you enjoyed the video, Kevin. Other than the humidity, I really enjoyed making and sharing this video with you and the community. Do you have a special case you're using with your Arrow? I've seen a few of the roll-up bag designs that look interesting.
@@TheTechPrepper Gaston, I primarily use it for satellites. However I take it with me on SOTA activations as well sometimes. It’s a great antenna.
Great over view. I've had my eye on the same antenna. I would be very interested in seeing how you carry it in the field.
Thanks! Will do. With all the monsoons, the humidity here is killer. I hope to make it out later in the month. I'll keep you posted.
If your stickers are different colors you can put them on the boom as well and no need to read the numbers. That’s what I did with my arrow 3element 2m/440cm.
Now, this is a fantastic idea! I wish I had a prize for the "comment of the day". Doing this now. It would have save 2 minutes. 73, KT1RUN.
Epic video. Epic beard. Great contacts ! I can see you were truly thrilled with the results. Good job.
Thanks on all accounts. Yeah, it surprised me. It's fun when live demos actually work. Cheers!
Actually, I think he looks MUCH BETTER with a close trimmed beard. IMHO
What, no coffee on the roof?? Great video Gaston. Yagi's sure are handy for VHF.
Thanks, Malen. It sure is fun experimenting with all these antennas. Thanks again for the one's you sent. I still owe you a beer and burger. I was going to put a cup in a tumbler, but the pack was heavy just hoisting it up with rope (the footage was lost).
Nice video, phantastic view from the rooftop. I like 2m SSB, especially in QRP. Keep up the good work, Vy 73 de DO1PGR Peter
Thanks. This is the first time I've seen the view from that vantage point. All the floods turned the backyard green. ;-) This same setup works great on the FT-818ND with just 6 watts. 73 de KT1RUN
great view.
Glad you found it useful.
Killer video! I have been using the Elk Log Periodic Antenna for many years, but thinking about also grabbing an Arrow because it's nice to have options. Dig the 100+ mile contacts!!
Glad you enjoyed it. I've been considering an Elk Log Periodic to more easily switch between FM and SSB. The Arrow II is nice, but I have to remount it when I switch from horizontal to vertical polarization.
@@TheTechPrepper That is one big advantage to the Elk. I have mine mounted to a tripod so i can rotate from vertical to horizontal quickly. I also have a video of me hitting a repeater about 30 miles away.
Unrelated to the video, but it's interesting to see the desert architecture.
Actually, there was another ham that was intrigued by the flat stucco roof. Only downside is that we don't have an attic or crawl space.
@@TheTechPrepper I also live in a hot climate, but it's humid here so the nights stay hot. So our "traditional" architecture relies on shade and letting wind through. I understand that southwest architecture relies on shade too, but also heavy walls to release heat at night and store it during the day.
Great video man, Just ordered a 2m yagi myself
That's fantastic! This is proving to be quite the capable work horse at my home QTH. I was pretty much stuck with the local repeater before this antenna. The PackTenna TrekMount helped a bit for SSB, but there's nothing like a directional antenna. Enjoy and report back!
@@TheTechPrepper I was planning on going out this weekend, if the rain ever stops.
I have a 741 ft above average terrain hill close by. Really want to get up there. Tey some 2m SSB.
Great video man! I have the 3 element version. I pair it with my Yaesu 2980r when doing 2m simplex using a painters pole. It works out great.
Now I want the 4 element antenna!!! You have a beautiful landscape at your house.
I need a 2m ssb radio.
If you find an all mode 2m make sure you let us know! Seems that should be a thing.
I just passed up an 857 for the 891. I'm kind of regretting it now 😅
You're doing great things with your EmComm tools 👍
You bet I will, but I don't think any manufactures are interested in making 2m SSB rigs these days. I went the FT-891 like you did, then finally was able to snag an FT-857D several months later. If one comes up again for a good price, you better believe I'll sell my FT-891 to finance it. The receiver is much better on the 891, though.
It's good to hear that you're enjoying the features in EmComm Tools. It's a matter of stepping back from the channel a bit over the next couple of months, so that I can make some real progress.
I like your setup with the FT-2908R. I just acquired this rig for my upcoming 40th birthday, but I haven't cracked open the box. I'll be sure to pair it with the Arrow II out the gate and report back.
73, Gaston
@@TheTechPrepper I was going to attach a link to the 857 I had my eye on. Used kit, 857, psu, tuner, and hard case, it looked well put together. $888 at randl... but it's now showing as no longer available. Now I'm kicking myself even harder for not getting it!
The 2980r is great. Just 80w and a huge heat sink, seems bullet proof!
Step back from your channel for a bit if you need to to get your stuff squared away. We will be here when you come back.
Happy early birthday 🎂
73!
@@Blue-Collar-Radio $888 was a screaming deal. Thanks for the early b-day wishes. You're right, it's time to cut back and release a video every other week and buckle down on the project.
I think that by looking for a 2m Only SSB rig you're severely limiting your options.
There's lots of VHF/UHF rigs that will do SSB. Duplexer is most likely built-in so you're good for receive. Size and weight wouldn't differ much from a VHF only rig. Than you just don't use the UHF.
The part of Europe I'm from or my country specific, the spread between repeaters being VHF/UHF is about 50/50. So I would miss half the repeaters if I could only run VHF
Besides all that, a VHF/UHF rig will not always TX in the spectrum I between those (though some certainly will) but it will RX everything for sure so you ca monitor Marine and Air frequency as well. A desirable options to have emcomm wise I would think
73
Man I wish I had 2m ssb capability. Great video!
It's a great mode. I'm baffled as to why it's not more popular. If it were, we'd likely see it on more radios. Thanks for the comment.
Very nice antenna but I would recommend building a tape measure yagi for portable use. I built mine for direction finding but have even seen one used to contact the Space Shuttle many years ago.
I have the two piece arrow 2m/440 with duplexer. Easy to disconnect when not in use and nice to have it when working sats. Sold my 991 and moved to a ic705. I really like the 705 but wish it was 20w not 10w.
The IC-705 would be the perfect rig with 20 watts. I've seen a few QRP amps, but it seems to defeat the purpose. I'm hoping that ICOM or Yaesu move in the direction of an all band, all mode rig with 20 watts. Have you used your yagi outside of satellite work?
Hello Gaston...omg you live in very beautiful area called the Rattlers, Scorpios and Tarantula Paradise. I love the Panorama and looks like you got a real house made of concret and rocks. Not like the usual standard wooden dry wall shit like millions of others have it and crying a 1000 rivers everytime some wind and shakes destroyed everything. Great stuff buddy, you did a great job again. 73's de your Friend Uncle Guenter from the German Frontier
Thanks, Guenter. While I've always appreciated the beauty the desert provides, it never looks this green. We've had a usually heavy monsoon season that turned our dry little patch of land into a green paradise. The flash floods are an unfortunate consequence, but we've been lucky. Others in our area have had structures, homes and vehicles washed away. At any rate, thanks for visiting. It's always nice when you comment. Take care.
@@TheTechPrepper Gaston you welcome. Yes I agree on what you mentioned about Live in the Desert Area. It's more peaceful and quiet there than anywhere else. One exception that comes close to Desert Live is living up in the High Mountain Resorts. Clean air, beautiful panorama, more security distance from inconsiderate neighbors, jehovas witnesses, crack laboratories, distortion and all kinds of violation caused by mindsick humans. I rather deal with the dangerous Side of mother nature than dealing with the wrong kind of People. Mother nature is always straight up and honest with us and sends out warning signals before taking action. But most of the human just ignoring her warnings and love to play the victim role afterwards.
HAM Radio Operators are the nicer Weirdos in this World, that's my opinion. and nothing and no one can take that away from me.
DK5ONV just said that... 73's
@@DK5ONV It's interesting you mention the human element in the backcountry. I had a near miss with the Cartel training in an area about 75 miles from my location while exploring the backcountry. I was armed and aware of my surroundings, but not sure what I could do if the encounter escalated.
I love my ham radio "weirdo" friends. ;-) The recent floods here are pushing me to get into public service. I have a local Elmer that is helping me get folded into CERT and providing amateur radio service when disaster strikes. I am wondering if I should document the process and experience on RUclips? For starters, I'm joining our local county emergency net and signing up to provide support for various race events in the fall and winter. 73, Gaston
@@TheTechPrepper I exactely know what you mean! I hate to be armed in privacy life. I used to have a Glock on my belt for up to 15hrs every day to protect human lives and their properties. It's ok for me to have a shotgun and a 357Mag or a 9mil. pistol in the house to protect my home against criminals. Because I am not a hunter there's no need for me to have fire arms on me everywhere I go or if I just take a trip thru the Woods. Ok being able defending yourself against Bears, Mountain Leos and Wolves makes sense for sure but many people having guns and stil never learned how to use them safely and effective to stopp violence / danger.
Shoot a bear with a shotgun makes him even more aggressive and dangerous same goes for Pumas, Lynx and Mountain Leos and a Wolf Pack. To keep snakes, spiders and scorpions off my butt a simple wooden stick will do the Trick or just simply staying away from them.
Emergency Radio Communication Service is very important especially like in areas where you live. If your house is destroyed by a bad storm or washed away from a flood there will be no radio shack left over to call for help. Internet is down because landlines are disconnected. Then all you you have to call for help is your 2m or 70cms hand held or mobile radio with magnet mount antenna on the vehicle. And of course you could be help for others if they send an emergency call on UHF / VHF Bands.
You doing the right Thing, Gaston. Good job buddy keep it up. I strongly suggest / recomment ham people or newcomers to subscribe to your channel. I already mentioned you on my qrz.com page but there will be more infos as soon as foudn time to update my page.
73's & stay safe de Your Friend Uncle Guenter
I have the Arrow and love it
Joe loves everything🤣 runners high.
Which model are you running? Yep, this antenna looks promising.
Fantastic video Gaston,
I really like that version of the Arrow antenna, that may be a future upgrade to my 2m Emcomms kit. Currently I have a homebrew 2m - 4 element yagi here so I will start to look for some 2m nets to try out. 73
So far the Arrow II is proving to be a great performer. We'll see how well it performs in the field over time. Lots of updates coming on the channel. I wish I was able to take your approach and build one, but just do not have the time now. Next year for sure. Take it easy, Jose.
You're doing awesome Gaston,
Some personal things came up, but maybe this Spring we can do some SSB or field test something this Spring, I think that would be fun, and I'll finally get you in the log. 73 for now...
Mono Band 2-meters is a very small niche indeed. I have some very old Kenwood TS-700A rigs that will not perform to requirements in the field, too big, too heavy and too weak.
The lack of these radios in the market is due to the availability of HF/VHF/UHF rigs starting with the IC-706mkIIG and my FT-897D good mobile (vehicle mount) and portable respectively.
If shopping for 2M SSB, the requirement is likely to be multi band for contesting and provisions for satellite cross band operation in one box. UHF and Microwave people like high performance 2M rigs for use with transverters. That is why the old TS-700 is still popular as the design is totally analog with very low phase noise.
If you already carry the laptop for other requirements, the SDR project with a transverter (if needed) and external power amplifier to reach your power requirements is a good approach, but keep in mind, it requires the laptop to function.
You can consider a transverter for your HF portable.
Gaston, great look at the arrow antenna and welcom to the world of directional antennas. I think your in a HOA I have a idea for you if you want something more permanent. Cheers Chuck 73, oh and you already own the best portable 2m ssb radios lol
Thanks, Chuck. I plan to build a Yagi next year following your videos. There's no HOA here... that was a requirement when we moved. Heck, I have an 80m dipole on the other side of the property and there will be a future tower. Other than the IC-706MKII, I figured that I had the best 2m all mode capabilities on the 817/8 and 857D. I'm curious about your more permanent idea? I just picked up a FT-2980R for use as dedicated 2m packet station and need some direction on a good 2m/440 vertical roof antennas, but a permanent beam with a rotator would be nice.
@@TheTechPrepper Oh well my idea is different now that you don't have a HOA lol. Check out M2 antennas I have their 7 element Yagi for ssb and you have a way better location I'm surrounded by hills. a cheap TV rotor is plenty for a 2m yagi maybe at 10' above your roof and put the rotor at the bottom easier on the guying and works fine.
Thanks again. Research time.
KBØEOD from Kansas. Great video. Thanks for the inspirational and informative videos. Keep up the great work. You have inspired 2m SSB here in a very terrain restricted area. NE Kansas is flat. A good antenna is far superior than more power. “How far can you communicate simplex via a repeater?”
You're welcome. I'm glad that you found some inspiration from this little channel.
The Elk VHF/UHF Satellite log periodic for FM and SSB birds have all elements in the same plane and works as well as the Arrow II dual Yagi which have its VHF elements 90 degrees from the UHF elements. The Arrow II has build in 10W Diplexer which is not required by the Elk. Why does the Yagi require 90 deg phase polarization difference yet the Elk LPDA does not?
very interesting
Glad you think so! 2m SSB is amazing if you a local community that's into that mode. Cheers.
your place looks sooo beautiful :D
Thank you. It's very rare that it's this green. We had a heavy monsoon season.
@@TheTechPrepper i think even without alot of green it would be beautiful to me, as i live in austria which is completely different hehe
wish i had the chance to mount antennas somewhere..
Awesome, I just ordered the 10BP on Friday. Can’t wait to give it a try. Not sure of 2M SSB in my area though.
Congratulations! I wish I had gone with that model in hindsight. It would shave a few ounces and pack a bit better. Try jumping on your local 2m/440 repeaters and simplex and ask if there are any 2m SSB nets.
I got around 70 mile contact today, arrow with my HT. (On a summit) I was really amazed
@@WC9Beau Nice work! That's excellent. Yagi for the win!
Another fine video. I am curious why you chose horizontal polarization as I have often heard vertical was more used in mobile 2m/70cm. Does it have to do with being in SSB mode or just what you wanted to do. Not trying to not pick. This is an honest question. All the best, 73 de KI5HXM
Great question. The convention for SSB is horizontal and FM is vertical.
@@TheTechPrepper oh, I didn’t know that. Is there a web site that has the 2m SSB conventions? I am interested in looking into it. Thanks
@@brentjohnson6654 Search for "2m band plan in texas" or something along those lines. Out in Arizona the common frequencies are 144.200 and 144.250 MHz. Also do a search for "SWOT net". There should be a SWOT net in Texas.
Great portable antenna. Your link for it on HRO website is good but the one pointing to the Arrow's website is the wrong one. Its actually pointing to the 3 (2m) element which is the shorter 2 piece version. Arrow's website is also very outdated and their info is not all in one place and you can easily make a mistake when placing an order.
😊👍
I live about 190 miles from you straight line distance to the south. You think if I hike to the peak of the mountains behind my house (Carr Peak at 9,300) I could hit you with a 2m SSB and a yagi?
Most certainly. That should not be a problem. There are tools online for VHF that will do RF analysis between to points.
you always seem to neglect showing the details of the cabling, which is probably the most important part.
8:05 how heavy is the antenna? seems like quite a bit to have on the end of the QR plate. any other suggestions?
On my scale, without the grip, it weighs 685g/24.16oz. It's a bit heavy for the mounting plate. I'm going to contact Arrow to see if there's an issue drilling a 1/4" hole farther down the boom.
It might be worth looking at drilling out the boom, that's a common mod satellite operators do. Here's an example: twitter.com/W3ARDstroke5/status/1222508906687205377?s=19
@@ryanzink5048 Ryan! Hey, bud. Thanks for jumping in...I was going to ping you on this topic. Very helpful.
awesome video.
exactly what I was waiting 4 and u believe I asked u 4 it once.
have u ever tried 40cm on ssb?
Thank you, Vital. Yes, I remember. I keep notes from all the wonderful viewer suggestions and have a backlog of video requests (almost 50 in the queue now). I have not heard of 40cm. In which part of the world is that band used?
@@TheTechPrepper
I've NEVER heard of anyone doing it.
just something that came across my mind while leaving a reply.
u coul be first.
I know my ic7100 can do it but I don't have anyone with similar unit to chat with.
Yep, I did some research this morning and I came across the IC-7100. That is a great rig. Definitely, give 2m SSB a shot.
Very cool to see this! I haven't seen anyone do 2m SSB before now. Is 120 miles typical range you can expect with this setup? I'm actually looking to be able to reliably communicate over that exact distance and it looks like this setup might fit the bill. Time to do some looking for some cheap 2m SSB rigs since I can't really afford to get into HF yet.
Glad you enjoyed it. I am honestly surprised that 2m SSB has gone out of fashion. Based on my tests as well as claims from other hams, 2m SSB will out perform FM. For example, in the same area with the same equipment, my farthest FM simplex contacts have been around 60 miles. I'll be running more tests, but I am sure I can easily push 200 to 300 miles while on a peak. I am going to try to work some stations in California from Arizona in the fall. And, yes, the camera is coming with me on that adventure.
I have tried to find inexpensive 2m SSB rigs, but have had no luck. These don't appear to be made these days anymore. There was another ham that commented here indicating that 2m SSB rigs were more popular in the 80's and 90's, so that's the vintage to look for on the secondary market. Good luck!
Do you have a link for the lightweight pcb 2m dipole? Enjoyed the video
Glad you enjoyed the video. Here's the link to the PackTenna TrekMount: www.packtenna.com/store/p21/TrekMount_Antenna_Mount_-_PRE-ORDER.html#/
I recommend the Comet BNC-24 antennas with TrekMount. I have a few videos on this topic.
What watch are you wearing?
Garmin Instinct Solar. I'm still using it. It's a great, no frills backcountry watch.
@@TheTechPrepper Looks like a great watch! I really like it, but I might have to wait to buy though for now. I'd love to see a watch suggestion by price point video just a thought. :)
What program is that
It's a custom software program that I've been writing on and off over the course of a year. I'm calling it EmComm Tools. It's not a available yet. I post exclusively about it on buymeacoffee.com/thetechprepper. I released a full video on the project a few videos back if you want to learn more. 73
Hey Gaston, Newbie question. Is SSB on 2m an AM setting? Or is it still like 2m simplex?
I remember having usb ans lsb on AM back in my CB days. Thanks for everything buddy! Hope to catch you on the air someday. KJ7ZRE
SSB and AM are different modes. You are either in upper ssb or lower ssb. AM uses both with a carrier in the middle. Your old CB had AM with an ssb option.
@@forgetyourlife OH ok. I was talking with a guy and I mentioned I wanted to look into ssb, and his comment was to just stay on the fm. I was confused. Thanks.
AM is different than SSB. By convention, 2m uses USB. Did hear that we might be getting FM on CB? Thanks for joining the party, Chris. I hope to catch you on the air as well.
You can take off the front elements to make a 3 el Beam, 3 Elements wont be as sharp of an angle
Doing good work, as always!..
The Emcomm app and the lookup database are US only for now I would guess. Will it feature a worldwide database like QRZ or LOTW in the future?
73
Thank you, Paul. The EmComm Tools project has stalled due to time constraints. I'm in the process of rewriting the application to use modern web development frameworks, so I don't see any significant work being done on the call database for quite some time. For the foreseeable future it will be US only. I need to carve out some time to discuss the status of the app. Take care!
Can you do a house or “shack” grounding video
This video has been in the backlog for over a year. I rarely operate at home, so my shack station is still a work in progress. I'll record the grounding setup when I tackle the project. Getting an 8 ft. ground rod in our rocky soil is going to be a nightmare of an operation. I live in the desert.
Dude, what is the brand and model of that GPS watch ?
It's the Garmin Instinct. It's hands down my favorite sport watch. If you wait for Amazon Deal Day, there about half off. I'm getting a second one to store in the safe.
@@TheTechPrepper Instinct or Instinct 2 ?
@@skippyi6969 Mine is the original. Just the Instinct.
Yaesu FT290R
I would say don't pigeon hole yourself into just 2M. If you have the gear, tryout UHF as well. My motto is two is one, one is none with everything in life (that includes operating bands). It's nice to have a backup... 73
You're absolutely right. I've been enjoying 440 FM and USB simplex with this antenna recently. In fact, 70cm seems to perform better where I live compared to 2m. Take care!
The 2m solid element Yagi is $89. The boom is one pice.
That's a great price for a solid antenna. I was looking at it as a permanent option for the house. It's a pain breaking down my current backpacker model between home and portable use. Thanks for posting!
I want to make a 5 element 2mt
You should. Yagi's are a game changer if you know where you want your signal to go.
Anybody remember the film "Tremors".......?
Yes.
1 year later, I'm going to guess that ladder is still up.
Nope. It was just up for the morning. Although, it would be nice to have easy access to the roof for radio stuff.
Fox hunting.
Good video but the annoying music just isn't needed with a narration video like this 👎
Thanks for the feedback.