Apparently you can use this particular antenna (SPX - 100) straight in the back of an FT 817 / 818, using a supplied right angled pl259. I had no luck working any stations, bearing in mind I used it several times, and in different conditions. I have tried it with a tripod, and additional radials, yes, I could hear stations, but working them just didn’t seem to happen. I have also tried a Whizz loop, also without success. I fast came to the conclusion, that full size signals on h.f. requires pretty much a full sized antenna. The closest antenna to this, and without doubt the most successful is a “Spider beam” asymmetrical dipole, on an 8m pole. Most of these results of course, are heavily dependant on location. Propagation ‘ conditions.
I have seen a video with a piece of rolled up aluminium foil at 12½" or so, in the BNC connector on the front of an 817nd in the US (also POTA), and it worked a treat. It is surprising what works & what won't for each individual set up, I know I have learned that. Lol
I have a similar antenna which is connected to the back of my FT817. I am currently on a hotel balcony in the USA. I am also struggling with high SWR on all bands. I did manage a quick QSO into a local repeater on 2m. I have no radials which probably exacerbates the problem. Pity since the antennas small size is just right for fitting in luggage.
The SPX-100 can easily handle 50W - no issues. I also picked up a longer 102 inch whip and it works great on the SPX-100 base! You just have to test the whip lengths and counterpoise setup for each band. I've used it for POTA activations in the US and easily hit coast to coast. Even with the short whip out of the box I've had very good luck even on 80M with it.
I've just picked up a Watson Multi-Ranger 200 for some POTA action up a hill close to my QTH, I have other & maybe better options, but it'll accompany me on my next outing all the same up The Pennines. Only 15mins (ish) too the video, but hope you get some Dx with it, as of counterpoint I would never of considered 1 as a newbie. Lol Great video look forward too the next, 73's Ed 👋
With the ground spike arrangement, is the coax grounded to the ground spike, and therefore was the damper ground helping out as an earth, which was absent on this occasion (dry ground) and therefore needed the radials to compensate?
Hi Andy, great video found your channel by accident just a quick question can the tripod you've linked to be used to support a 6m telescopic GRP flagpole which I'll attach a wire antenna to?
I had a FT-818ND turn up on Saturday, it was meant to come with the SPX-100 but that was missing, I was thinking about getting Ham King HVT-600 but seeing this is putting me off, think I will stick with Ampro! 2E0CPX
I’ve never made contact on mine . I’ve added a 5m piece of wire to the middle of antenna where is screws into the base and managed to get the swr down on 20m to 1.5 and below across the band apart from that the antenna is unusable
I hate it when I forget my stuff, I leave all my radio gear in the car now. Enjoy the sun, at least in Wales, we can travel 5 miles now, albeit the parks are still closed!
your poor mentor is at home isolating and your bothering him for radio checks ... why dont you just call him on mobile ,, and you can do it from home ..think of the enviroment you drove 5 miles for nothing
Sheer persistence Andy. Well done on getting out there 73
Cheers Tim 73 G1AW
Apparently you can use this particular antenna (SPX - 100) straight in the back of an FT 817 / 818, using a supplied right angled pl259. I had no luck working any stations, bearing in mind I used it several times, and in different conditions. I have tried it with a tripod, and additional radials, yes, I could hear stations, but working them just didn’t seem to happen. I have also tried a Whizz loop, also without success. I fast came to the conclusion, that full size signals on h.f. requires pretty much a full sized antenna. The closest antenna to this, and without doubt the most successful is a “Spider beam” asymmetrical dipole, on an 8m pole. Most of these results of course, are heavily dependant on location. Propagation ‘ conditions.
Allegedly so, but getting it to tune would be a mare based on the experience I've had. Thanks for watching.
I have seen a video with a piece of rolled up aluminium foil at 12½" or so, in the BNC connector on the front of an 817nd in the US (also POTA), and it worked a treat.
It is surprising what works & what won't for each individual set up, I know I have learned that. Lol
I've got one and never had any luck with it. Thanks for the tips on how to wring some performance out of it.
No problem 👍
I have a similar antenna which is connected to the back of my FT817. I am currently on a hotel balcony in the USA. I am also struggling with high SWR on all bands. I did manage a quick QSO into a local repeater on 2m. I have no radials which probably exacerbates the problem. Pity since the antennas small size is just right for fitting in luggage.
I don't think I've used it since.
The SPX-100 can easily handle 50W - no issues. I also picked up a longer 102 inch whip and it works great on the SPX-100 base! You just have to test the whip lengths and counterpoise setup for each band. I've used it for POTA activations in the US and easily hit coast to coast. Even with the short whip out of the box I've had very good luck even on 80M with it.
Good to know!
I've just picked up a Watson Multi-Ranger 200 for some POTA action up a hill close to my QTH, I have other & maybe better options, but it'll accompany me on my next outing all the same up The Pennines.
Only 15mins (ish) too the video, but hope you get some Dx with it, as of counterpoint I would never of considered 1 as a newbie. Lol
Great video look forward too the next, 73's Ed 👋
Nice one and thanks
I have the spx 100 and 200 both very good
Glad you've had a good experience of them.
With the ground spike arrangement, is the coax grounded to the ground spike, and therefore was the damper ground helping out as an earth, which was absent on this occasion (dry ground) and therefore needed the radials to compensate?
Hi Sarah thanks for watching. Yes the coax is grounded to the spike. No doubt the bone dry ground influenced the need for more radials.
Hi Andy, great video found your channel by accident just a quick question can the tripod you've linked to be used to support a 6m telescopic GRP flagpole which I'll attach a wire antenna to?
Ah - I think I already answered this/your question on Amazon the other day. Not really but I guess you could at a push.
@@AndyWragg Hi Andy, ah sorry I didn't realise it was you who replied to me on Amazon no problems thank you.
So glad I watched your video clip. Was going to waste £70 on one of this rubbish. Think I will build a 49.1 unun will have better luck.
Glad I could help
I had a FT-818ND turn up on Saturday, it was meant to come with the SPX-100 but that was missing, I was thinking about getting Ham King HVT-600 but seeing this is putting me off, think I will stick with Ampro! 2E0CPX
Thanks!
Try the MFJ 1979 In spx300 base coil & 12 ground radials it cracks out a great signal out
Just got a DX Commander Expedition so this antenna will be taking a back seat. 73
I have a very similar antenna, the Watson Multi-Ranger-9. I managed to get only 1 contact on it. As you say in the video, "very compromised".
true
I’ve never made contact on mine . I’ve added a 5m piece of wire to the middle of antenna where is screws into the base and managed to get the swr down on 20m to 1.5 and below across the band apart from that the antenna is unusable
As I found in the field, adding multiple radials is what is required. Thanks for watching and the Sub. 73 G1AW
@@AndyWragg yes ive got a watson multi ranger 9 to test which is simular to the spx 100 but better made and it was cheaper £30 from a ham rally new
@@AndyWragg Hi Andy, ex B?
Looking good OM. Glad you’re back out having some fun. 73 W3AAX
Sadly not yet POTA Thx & 73 Jason
I hate it when I forget my stuff, I leave all my radio gear in the car now. Enjoy the sun, at least in Wales, we can travel 5 miles now, albeit the parks are still closed!
Thanks for watching, sun is now rain here. 73 G1AW
I've had good results with this whip on a mag base on top of the car. 73 2m0rot
nice
Counterpoises make these things work ok. Even a tape measure
Agreed - Thanks for the views
This supposed to be fun. These Seffielders make it sound like somebody died.
My wallet did when it realised I splashed all that cash on something that doesn't work.
You did actually say 14 meters ..
OK. Thanks for watching.
your poor mentor is at home isolating and your bothering him for radio checks ... why dont you just call him on mobile ,, and you can do it from home ..think of the enviroment you drove 5 miles for nothing
Calling him on the mobile really defeats the object of testing the antenna. Thanks for watching.