Field Testing The MFJ Octopus Antenna | Did It survive the wind? | K6UDA Radio
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- This time, I'm out in the field (way out in the Arizona desert) Field testing the MFJ Octopus antenna. So how does it hold up in 60 MPH winds, harsh desert environments and portability as a quick setup field antenna system. I used this antenna all week with my Icom IC-7300 and my Xeigu X-5105.
Product link
www.mfjenterpr...
Hi Bob,
Have several of the MFJ hamsticks. Using the 80 and 40 as vertical dipoles. You are also correct about not being to close when tuning. When I check the tuning with my analyzer, I also check it again when the hamsticks are within reach for tuning and observe the freq change. Now I make the adjustment allowing for that change and usually the freq is where I want it when the antenna is back up. Hope you had fun out there. 73 WB3BJU
Hustler used to make a verticle for mobile use (perhaps they still do) which made use of screw on resonators for 10 through 80 meters. They also offered an attachment--a small triangular piece of metal with three holes in each corner oriented at 60 degrees--which allowed three different resonators to be attached at one time--for example 20, 40, and 80. True, it was not the world's most elegant widgit--nor was it the most efficient--but it did work. Moreover, the price was quite reasonable, allowing the op to purchase what he/she needed an no more!
Another tripple "thumbs up" from Doctor Balun.
Its amazing how long that X5105 battery lasts!
That's good to know - putting one up here on a hill where we can get hellacios winds!
That sounded JE1LET , Masa from Tokyo Japan that may have been the day i made a contact with him on 10 watts portable on thr SF bay with a KX2 and a EFHW. I have one of the antennas on the way should be hear soon will let you know how it works. Thanks for the review and I think it strong enough if it doesn't take a big fall LOL. 73's
Got two 60 meter Hamsticks as dipoles, works great, tunes well. Would Like to try two 40 meter ones.
I have been using a MFJ shortened dipole for 80. It will load up on 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, and sometimes 30, as well as 80.
KG7IRJ Ohio state
SORRY I missed you guys at Quartzfest, I liked Sid and Gary’s shirt! I’ll be at Yuma, any chance you’ll make it? Rob - AK7RM
I was at Quartzfest but didn't run across you there, maybe next year! 73 Alan w6akb
I had to keep my wife entertained to. We did a lot of offloading, filming, shopping so I missed some of the sessions. We usually camp just north of the main tent.
Bob. Lovin’ yer vids. U must really like that 5105 so much to have not charged the batteries. Where is the KX3? PS. Great video. Even useful for us novices
The KX3 was sitting there about 10 feet away. I wanted to see how long the 5105 batteries would last under real world conditions. Now I know.
Looks like it did good. How far did it fall? It looks like it can be fixed. I wonder how it will do in a Hurricane?
It took a 12 foot tumble and survived. I wouldn't recommend it for hurricane use.
Did you mark the whips, once you got it tuned, so it would be faster to set back up? If so, how did you mark it? Nice Vid....73
I did. I used a sharpie to mark them. But then I simply unscrewed the tops and left the whips in place so its a simple reattachment.
It looks pretty interesting Bob but too bad it ended up breaking on you.
I did fix it. Still works.
K6UDA Ok great! 👍🏻
this is your story and you're sticking to it LOL
Uhh no. Way to expensive for what you get.
For me, $100 for a base that took that much abuse is worth it.
i watched the video from David Casler it does not look to good that top seems to bend very easy
The fact that I was able to fix it in the field and get back on the air after a 15 foot fall is a good testament.
@@K6UDA yes that was a good thing
Thanks for the videos. I always enjoy them and your wacky sense of humor. It's funny you didn't run into KE0OG out there as he was also testing the Octopus antenna. It would have been cool to see you guys sit down and compare notes. You have different styles and needs so it would have been pretty cool, something you might still be able to to. His video is at ruclips.net/video/eCbo28R5LJc/видео.html
73,
N1CLC, hamninja.com
I knew he was out there and I walked around looking for him but never found him. I wanted to sit down and do a collaboration video on the octopus. I think that would’ve been cool.
needs to be machined out of a solid block but then it would cost more money kg6mn
Not to mention the huge amount of weight.
I am always First - check my name on QRZ.com. Bob, Good video. At least it was minimal damage this trip