Do not solder the wire after a crimp. It just makes a hard wire connected to stranded…..and a place that will break with any flexion. Heat shrink will make the connection a little stronger but the wire will still break at the solder - stranded wire junction. Do not solder crimped stranded wire. Stranded wire is stranded for a reason…… to be flexible. Dave K8WPE since 1960
Can this simple counterpoise work with the Comet HFJ-350M antenna? I purchased this antenna for my 705, not knowing it required a counterpoise. It's been a royal pain to get this antenna to work. .. .. 73
Hi Mike. I am having high SWR with my Anytone D578 on VHF with my Signal Stick. Radio actually stops transmitting on all power levels but low. Tried counterpoise with no luck. What power were you running on your 705 demo? Thanks. Mike KB9MEQ
I use the Diamond RH770 with the 705 and have to say the study design and SWR on it are fantastic without a counterpoise on the 705 (mine mostly stays in its carry bag). It will be something I explore the next time I am out to see if I can increase the performance on 2m/70cm tho, so thanks for the guidance.
If I understand correctly, in the case of an HT, the counterpoise is essentially the metal casing around the unit and the battery, correct? So, this would imply the casing of the IC-705 isn’t up to the task? Also, does this workaround and lower SWR necessarily translate into better transmit/receive capabilities? Thanks for sharing.
Not really. You're body is really the counterpoise of an HT. The 705 has a metal chassis, but because you're not holding the radio, you need the counterpoise to complete the antenna.
Marvel at your accomplishment! 🤣🤣🤣 Great easy perfectly executed video! You dont assume every one knows what your talking about! You just show it as it is.
I’m having the same horrible SWR with a little portable dual band in a plastic ammo can. That is with a bnc signal stick and smiley II telescopic. Great SWR on my vehicle through-glass antenna. I’ll give this a try. If there radio doesn’t have a handy lug like the 705 for a counterpoise, how would you recommend connecting it? TH-8600 by TYT for this portable kit.
Yep, the 705 doesn't have a ground plane plus your body like an HT. I found placing the counter poise at the antenna connector to be better. Put a ring on the outside of the connector.
@@hamradiotube I think I'm gonna take a crack at POTA. Got the PakTenna and planning on doing the 'K8MRD' mod with the banana clips (which is genius BTW).
I’ve had no problems with mine. 1.2 on 2m Very strange. I used to use it all the time for a quick net check in when I felt like sitting outside. I consider it the ultimate HT!
I used a random length 16 gauge wire for a counter poise and put it on my 705. Just by folding the wire, I was able to tune the counter poise to almost flat swr. There's also the 42" Abbree foldable antenna. No counter poise needed for it, but it puts strain on the BNC connector.
Just got my 705 and have been testing out most of my BNC antennas. The signal stick has been the worst. Well, WAS the worst. It's the same dual band version you have and your counterpoise works just like your video shows, I'm below 1.5 on 2m. Still is HORRIBLE on 70cm though. I have the short 70cm signal stick as well and the counterpoise works on it as well. Looking at a 1.25 with it and the counterpoise. 3+ without it... I certainly wouldn't call their long version a dual band... Thank you very much for this video!
Not really. You can, and may have slightly better performance but typically with an HT YOU act as the ground of the antenna so they aren’t typically needed.
Hmmmm, that is a very good question. I'll tell you, I have no idea. I often will pick up connectors at local ham swaps or bigger ham conventions, but I also am not ashamed to grab some cheap connectors from Amazon.
Super simple mod. You can do the same thing with an HT and make the signal much more efficient. Attaching a counterpoise to the HT can be an issue, but it's do-able. Where did you get the actual antenna, or did you make it? Me making one is not an issue, but other's may want to purchase one. Barry, KU3X/QRP PS......nicely done video
Yes you can. SignalStick is a brand of antenna that I have reviewed in the past and there are links in the description to the website. All profits go to hamstudy.org to help get people licensed. It's a great, free online study tool that has helped countless hams pass the test.
Or get an antenna that works way better like HYS dual band tactical antenna or similar brand antenna, these antennas don’t need a counterpoise and has a good SWR!
Except for the fact that once you put the word "tactical" on something, it immediately looses all credibility. Nevermind it's not the correct connector.
Thank you. I did everything except place the Counterpoise on that screw. Now I have two handheld antennas for 6m, 2m and 70 cm. What length counterpoise do I cut for that one?
I'd start with 1/4 wavelength of the lowest band you are working with. So, starting with a piece of wire about 54" long for 6m might be a good place to begin. For 2M/70cm, 19.25 inches sounds like a good starting point. Wire, a crimp terminal and a bit of solder is cheap enough to experiment with - so have fun! 73, KO4AZY
There is nothing wrong with the antenna. It's the way antennas work for HT's. Our body usually acts as the other half of the antenna, but with the 705, we're not holding it so it's missing that part. Their website acknowledges this fact. I haven't seen them deny anything.
Great tip. Super simple too. I've already got everything I need--except the 705, LOL.
Build all the things!
Adding a counterpoise to any VHF/UHF antenna will improve a weak signal.
Indeed
Hi it works I used a piece 316 coax cable which was lying around,
Pieter
Nice
Do not solder the wire after a crimp. It just makes a hard wire connected to stranded…..and a place that will break with any flexion. Heat shrink will make the connection a little stronger but the wire will still break at the solder - stranded wire junction. Do not solder crimped stranded wire. Stranded wire is stranded for a reason…… to be flexible.
Dave K8WPE since 1960
Can this simple counterpoise work with the Comet HFJ-350M antenna? I purchased this antenna for my 705, not knowing it required a counterpoise. It's been a royal pain to get this antenna to work. .. .. 73
Hi Mike. I am having high SWR with my Anytone D578 on VHF with my Signal Stick. Radio actually stops transmitting on all power levels but low. Tried counterpoise with no luck. What power were you running on your 705 demo? Thanks. Mike KB9MEQ
I use the Diamond RH770 with the 705 and have to say the study design and SWR on it are fantastic without a counterpoise on the 705 (mine mostly stays in its carry bag). It will be something I explore the next time I am out to see if I can increase the performance on 2m/70cm tho, so thanks for the guidance.
Neat idea. An alternative might be putting a small battery clip on the wire so you wouldn't need to turn the ground screw out in the field.
Thats a good idea. I have some too.
You had me up to "crimp AND solder".
If I understand correctly, in the case of an HT, the counterpoise is essentially the metal casing around the unit and the battery, correct? So, this would imply the casing of the IC-705 isn’t up to the task? Also, does this workaround and lower SWR necessarily translate into better transmit/receive capabilities? Thanks for sharing.
The counterpoise with an HT is generally the person holding the HT.
Not really. You're body is really the counterpoise of an HT. The 705 has a metal chassis, but because you're not holding the radio, you need the counterpoise to complete the antenna.
Thanks for this video. Just got a SWR less than 1.4. You need a tip jar! 💴 🏺 Happy Holidays
Nice. There's always Patreon. 73
Will definitely do that when I get my 705 when I upgrade to general soon. I really like my signalstuff signal stick on my FT-5D.
Awesome and good luck on the test! 73
cool, i just made one, it dropped my SWR down quite a bit and thank you sir KE8UHH
Glad it helped
Marvel at your accomplishment! 🤣🤣🤣 Great easy perfectly executed video! You dont assume every one knows what your talking about! You just show it as it is.
I’m having the same horrible SWR with a little portable dual band in a plastic ammo can. That is with a bnc signal stick and smiley II telescopic. Great SWR on my vehicle through-glass antenna. I’ll give this a try. If there radio doesn’t have a handy lug like the 705 for a counterpoise, how would you recommend connecting it? TH-8600 by TYT for this portable kit.
Link to the Signal Stick antenna please? Also, did you create a 440 counterpoise or just bend and shorten the radial wire?
Yep, the 705 doesn't have a ground plane plus your body like an HT. I found placing the counter poise at the antenna connector to be better. Put a ring on the outside of the connector.
Just like a Tiger Tail for a Baofeng.
Heck yeah, just not as good as the Baofeng lol!
Funny, I was just fiddling with the signal stick on my 705 a few minutes ago. Looking forward to this.
The timing on this video couldn't be any better. Just ordered a 705 a few days ago and a signal stick today.
Own both, you will have a blast...
Awesome, enjoy your new toys!
@@hamradiotube I think I'm gonna take a crack at POTA. Got the PakTenna and planning on doing the 'K8MRD' mod with the banana clips (which is genius BTW).
I’ve had no problems with mine. 1.2 on 2m
Very strange. I used to use it all the time for a quick net check in when I felt like sitting outside. I consider it the ultimate HT!
Mike, what self-adjusting wire strippers do you use? Thanks!
Looks like Harbor Freight.
Theyre just cheap harbor freight strippers. Not the best but it’s what I got.
@@hamradiotube Nice. Thanks. Picked them up. Only 10 bucks. Work great so far.
I used a random length 16 gauge wire for a counter poise and put it on my 705. Just by folding the wire, I was able to tune the counter poise to almost flat swr. There's also the 42" Abbree foldable antenna. No counter poise needed for it, but it puts strain on the BNC connector.
Wow! You are a genius at fixing things Mike! Did you lwarn said skills frim working on the Ford daily? Lol. Just giving you crap. Good video! 73
I don't have to work on my Ford. Thats why I bought one. I wanted a good car.
Just got my 705 and have been testing out most of my BNC antennas. The signal stick has been the worst. Well, WAS the worst. It's the same dual band version you have and your counterpoise works just like your video shows, I'm below 1.5 on 2m. Still is HORRIBLE on 70cm though. I have the short 70cm signal stick as well and the counterpoise works on it as well. Looking at a 1.25 with it and the counterpoise. 3+ without it... I certainly wouldn't call their long version a dual band... Thank you very much for this video!
I’m gonna have to experiment more with 70cm. I’m not on that band much so I didn’t bother. Glad you got the swr down. Thanks for watching.
Would you recommend a counterpoise on an ICOM ID-52?
Not really. You can, and may have slightly better performance but typically with an HT YOU act as the ground of the antenna so they aren’t typically needed.
Hi！I am just wondering which brand 90 degrees mount you were using? Thanks!
Hmmmm, that is a very good question. I'll tell you, I have no idea. I often will pick up connectors at local ham swaps or bigger ham conventions, but I also am not ashamed to grab some cheap connectors from Amazon.
Super simple mod. You can do the same thing with an HT and make the signal much more efficient. Attaching a counterpoise to the HT can be an issue, but it's do-able.
Where did you get the actual antenna, or did you make it? Me making one is not an issue, but other's may want to purchase one.
Barry, KU3X/QRP
PS......nicely done video
Yes you can. SignalStick is a brand of antenna that I have reviewed in the past and there are links in the description to the website. All profits go to hamstudy.org to help get people licensed. It's a great, free online study tool that has helped countless hams pass the test.
Next, Marvel at your accomplishment. *Marveling* 😂😂😂
Good, good.
Great video. Thanks!
Loving the humor in this video!😂
great info for my future rig.. thx for sharing.. Kevin ~ k0klb
You’ve got grain silos, you don’t need these lol!
@@hamradiotube haha.. ever tried packing a silo into the back pack?.. It's kind of a tight fit, LOL ! ! k0klb
Worked great for me! Thank you
Glad it helped!
@@hamradiotube I need to go with a lighter gauge wire like you did. It’s easy to adjust… 73’s
Hi Mike,
Great easy solution. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Yeah buddy!
Or get an antenna that works way better like HYS dual band tactical antenna or similar brand antenna, these antennas don’t need a counterpoise and has a good SWR!
Except for the fact that once you put the word "tactical" on something, it immediately looses all credibility. Nevermind it's not the correct connector.
@@hamradiotube sorry I should have mentioned that yes you do need the adapter to connect to the705
Thank you! This was just the fix I needed for high SWR on my signal stick.
Glad it helped!
Very entertaining video, thanks 😊
Great idea too 👍
K7EMU
Thanks for watching!
Thank you. I did everything except place the Counterpoise on that screw. Now I have two handheld antennas for 6m, 2m and 70 cm. What length counterpoise do I cut for that one?
I'd start with 1/4 wavelength of the lowest band you are working with. So, starting with a piece of wire about 54" long for 6m might be a good place to begin. For 2M/70cm, 19.25 inches sounds like a good starting point.
Wire, a crimp terminal and a bit of solder is cheap enough to experiment with - so have fun! 73, KO4AZY
@@theElderberryFarmer Thank you. Will do today.
What Dwight said. He's right on the money.
I can not give this video enough thumbs up! 👍🏻
Prob not, but 2 looks good.
Great mod Mike!
Thanks buddy.
Made the same for my FT-817.
Awesome
Well done Mike!
Not The Cockles... :)
Oh yes, the cockles.
Funny how I emailed the signal stick folks and they sort of deny there is anything wrong with it.
Huh? They have a note right on the website talking about this issue. Three paragraphs in fact.
@@HabemusQuattro I know, that's why it's funny.
There is nothing wrong with the antenna. It's the way antennas work for HT's. Our body usually acts as the other half of the antenna, but with the 705, we're not holding it so it's missing that part. Their website acknowledges this fact. I haven't seen them deny anything.
Excellent!
Thanks buddy
Thanks technician
Any time
AWESOME. THANK YOU
My pleasure, thanks for watching.
Dude thank you!!!!
Dude, you're welcome. Thanks for watching. 73
Great job thanks
Thank you
What about 440?
What Dwight said. Thanks for watching.
Nice job MIke!
thanks
How about an ID when transmitting?
Have you heard of editing?? It’s where we cut out the filler and only leave the killer.