@@hamradiotube I live in Upstate NY right on a lake and know a guy who sets up a rig on the lake when it freezes over! I keep forgetting to take him up on the offer to help set it up now that I live a block from the water!
Great job with the Wolf River Coils antenna. I enjoyed the video and I appreciate you getting out in the freezing cold to make this video. Your a better man than I you was freezing me to death just watching you. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM Peacock SR EM-81UF
@@hamradiotube One or two of those tripod sand bags would be all you need, just lay them over the legs. I wouldn't bother with guying unless you're putting it on a mast, just more crap to setup.
I have been using the Wolf River Coil with the mfj-1979 17 ft telescopic whip for two years i have the antenna clamped to the top tee bar of a steel close line pole with a chameleon jaw mount clamp that is mounted in my backyard i have made contacts to england france and all over the world with this antenna to waterproof the coil i cut the bottom out of a 2 liter coke bottle and slip it over the top of the antenna and slide it down over the silver bullet coil, to tune the coil, just slide the coke bottle up over the top of the coil and tune the coil, when done tuning, slide it back over the coil, that's it, you're done. PS: use a antenna analyzer it makes for quick and easy tuning.
Super video! I just bought one today at the Richmond Frostfest. Looking forward to getting home to Virginia Beach and getting on the air at a couple of parks! Really enjoy your videos.
As I watched this, you has 68 thumbs up and ZERO thumbs down. It was a great video!!!! The wind whipped through the camera and created noise on the mike and the camera made it like you and the picnic table were swaying. Almost made me seasick! Still enjoyed the video. I am looking for a portable antenna. I had my heart set on the Chameleon MPA, but this antenna is about 2/3 cheaper. I will have to look into it further. Have you tried it on 80? I wonder how it would perform there. Here's to your getting some warmer in Michigan so you can do more POTA activations without freezing your tail-feathers off!
David Harden thanks Dave. Yeah it was windy alright. I have tuned it up on 80 the day I got it and got a perfectly flat swr. Haven’t tried actually working 80 yet with it though but I’m pretty confident it will perform well. Thanks for watching and good luck on your decision. There’s a lot of fine antennas out there. For me, this was the right choice.
Cool review. I've been eye-balling their "Portable Vertical" just for occasional use in my back yard. I have a horizontal dipole fed with balanced feedline, but a vertical would be handy too.
@@hamradiotube I bought the antenna. So far SWR on 20 M is about SWR = 2.0 pretty flat across the band. Better on 40, about 1.7. I had been expecting a bit more. Mine has two foot legs, on the ground in the back yard with either 50 ft RG8X or 10ft RG8U. Coax didn't matter. 3 ground radials as supplied. I haven't tried other bands, but am a bit disappointed in the SWR.....Some reports talk about 1.5 mostly across the bands. I wanted to operate without a tuner. My tester is a Rig Expert....which I agree needs to go with the antenna. I notice that you couldn't tune yours on Lake Michigan. .....and still like the antenna. I wanted to be able to use this one where I don't have the space to string up a EFHW. I am thinking about buying a 4010 EFHW and a FG mast. By the way my radios are FT-891 primary and a FT-818 QRP (digital, SSB Only for me) This is way too much....Thanks Ken KB4XT
@@kennethblackwell1137 Thats interesting. Mine didn't tune on Lake Michigan I believe do to the short length of coax. I used the same configuration when I got home and had the same results. Then I added another length of coax and it tuned right up. I have used this antenna extensively out in the field either on the ground, or on a trunk mount on my car and have had nothing but great results. I have always been able to tune it on 20 and 40 to well below 1.5:1. I had it at about 1.07:1 on 40 last Friday, and about 1.2:1 on 20. They are Very sensitive and I find that loosening or tightening the screw can have a pretty dramatic impact as well. Keep at it. It should work great.
Mike, you're just hilarious ! If you ever get down here near Atlanta, please please let me know.. you are for sure one of the operator's I would really like to activate a park with.
@@hamradiotube cool ! Hope to catch you at a park, or you us. We use the POTA spots page when we are on. Have you used it ? They have a planned activations page as well.
@@donsilva4441 I have looked at it but haven't spotted myself on it. I really should do that but I use my phone as a camera and rarely spot. Its too much of a hassle. I just gun it and run it!
Great demo, thanks. 👍 Love the whip protector case idea -- credit to whoever. I'm going to buy the TIA-1000 and a set of quick change rings (dual collar kit).
Hooked up my coil to a dishwasher and got a 1.2:1 SWR! 😂 Man, Mike... SO MANY CONTACTS. #WolfRiverWins Nothing better in a review than taking a look at it during setup, then seeing it work great in the field! Great vid, thanks for posting. 👍👍
Great review and demo, Mike! I'm using my coil with a 10-ft Buddipole whip and couldn't be more pleased. Wolf River makes a great product! 73 de Dick N4BC
Silver Bullet is a great coil! And it works great with the MFJ whip. I think Wolf River makes a 17’ whip now. A bit chilly out there huh? I’m overdue to get the 817 out. Great video! 73 de K2CJB
I second this. I have used the 1979 for 4 years now both with and without the Wolf River coil (mine is the smaller coil). so lightweight, fast and easy set-up.
I'm getting pretty used to it. I kinda have a feel for where 20 and 40 should be. I use the swr meter on the radio to dial it it. I just don't want to bring my analyzer as that's just one more thing to bring. I'm loving this antenna so far.
@@hamradiotube get a sharpie and mark the coil ? great video. I sat the Exam last Thursday and if I pass this is one antenna that will be on my list for portable use that and maybe a Hy End Portable 4 Band Antenne Mini 100 Watt from the Netherlands which got excellent reviews. Take a multiband wire that needs no counterpoise and this Wolf River Coils to the out doors and try them out.
I've been searching for a decent portable vertical for some time now. Although I found a couple I was interested in, I felt they were overpriced. Finally, I found the Wolf River Coils - 'Take It Along.' I just ordered mine today, (11-11-2019), but I feel I've made the right choice, if it performs as I expect it to.
Congratulations, you did make the right choice. I use my WRC antennas more than any other portable antenna I own. They are light weight, quick to deploy, and get your signal out. I absolutely love it. You will too!
this antenna is on my short list , I need an antenna that I can easily put up / take down at home in the backyard . We do other stuff in the yard so a permanent install is not an option and this model can go to the park as well.... it is also cheaper than similar setups that I have found
I'm anxiously waiting for delivery of my '1000! I already have the MFJ 1979 16.5' telescoping radial. My plan is to use this portable in, and around my RV. Cheers! - de VE3GHP - Ottawa Canada.
Hey congratulations! They work absolutely fantastic. I haven't used that MFJ whip but a lot of people have asked me about it. I'm sure it will do great for you. Thanks for watching.
Awesome pile up. This motivates me to get out this week and activate a park. I haven't had as much luck on 40m as 20m. What time of day is this? Looks like late afternoon from shadows.
With the geomagnetic storm coming in for the next couple days, I thought I'd turn my attention to watching a few more POTA videos! So, I'm thinking about buying some longer legs for my SB 1000 TIA (Great antenna by the way - just love it!)... Looks like you got just the original 3 radials on your antenna.. I bought 100' of 18 guage braided wire, split that into three equal lengths, and added 3 more radials and I think that really helped out the reception - you may want to give that a try the next time you go out there. Hey just curious, I'm assuming your using a GoPro Hero of some sort to record this - so are you using a tripod for it while recording?
Thanks for the info. I have 3 more radials I just never bring them. I might have to experiment with that. As far as cameras, I'm just using my iPhone on a tripod and a wireless lav mic. Nothing fancy at all.
Thanks Michael. Well I have a couple. Neither of which have any identifiable labels on them. The backpack is something I got off amazon last year for Christmas. I was just looking for some kind of tactical backpack that I could use as a go bag. It came with one of those water pouches and 2 smaller bags on the side with molle straps and was about $50. The smaller bag on the table is what I put my radio in just so it doesn't get scratched up when its in the backpack with all the other stuff. I got that from Joe's Army Navy in Waterford MI and was about 10-12 bucks. I also have a smaller Red Rock Outdoor Gear www.armorysurvival.com/product/red-rock-gear-rover-sling-pack-black/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw5iT1eu03wIVjIlpCh3Zxw1bEAYYBSABEgLzwfD_BwE bag that I can put my radio, battery, speaker wire dipole and other misc. stuff when I want to go more light weight. I use that in some of my other videos. Just depends on what I'm going to be using on any particular day. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and 73.
i have not used my wolf river coils TIA 1000 yet on your tip i have soldered the ends on the ground wires i can not cope with the cold so i will wait till summer comes
Yeah I'm not a fan of the cold either. I haven't gone out in over a month. You could set the antenna up at home and run a coax inside the house if you just want to play with your new antenna. That still counts.
@@hamradiotube yep but no room at home i have 2 masts up one for 80m/160m the other is 1/2 wave on 40m,20m,10m on a 64-1 transformer with side supports holding 1/2 wave for 17m,15m on a 46-1 transformer i can work usa on most of the bands but 10m there other night a was heard by k2rr on 2 watts on 80m when my 100w amp triped out i was driving it with my ic705 set on 2 watts i got knocked of my bike by a car so i am on sick leave from work that is also keeping me indoors
I've been watching your videos but have not caught one where you are using the super antenna mp1 and I assumed with this many antennas as you're getting these days that you would have tried one and have compared it to the Wolf River coils and the packtenna and the chameleon l e f s
Been watching your vids for a year or so? Great stuff. I know you're a music guy too. If you could run your audio through a compressor to push the quiet bits and clip the loud,.. then push it all out at 0db that would be awesome. It's not just your stuff, everybody's vids are like that. I like to watch on my home theater and the audio is always a struggle. That's the only constructive criticism I've got for ya, thanks for all the great vids!
That would take some pretty Drastic Measures hihi (see what I did there?) I tried to trim the audio as best I could but iMovie is pretty basic. Maybe one day I'll figure out how to use a better editing software I have but good lord is it more complex. Thanks for watching though. I did get a new shotgun mic and a couple wind screens that cut down on the noise a lot so thats what I'm going to run for a while. Seems to work. 73
Very Cool! I own a Wolf River Coils Silver Bullet TIA antenna and have very much enjoyed it! Make yourself a go/no go gauge to help tune it faster! 73, de KX4EZ
Seems windy and you didn’t have that guyed, looks pretty sturdy. I have a buddipole deluxe with the shock cord whip as well as a CHA Mil whip and extension that I would like to test out with that coil and that little tripod. I imagine if you used a analyzer at the feed point, the tuning would go much faster too. How are you powering your rig if you are running 95W from a picnic table? I run my TT Eagle off a Bio something LiFE but only at about 45W CW. 73 N1XF
I'll tell you what, I was watching that like a hawk! Any more wind and it for sure would have fell. I did position it so one leg was against the wind and I think that helped. The next couple outings with it I used some stakes and pounded them into the ground over the legs. It is a really light antenna and if it were to fall, I'm sure the whip would break.
I did have the longer legs on tripod. It’s easy to set out but hard to tune. I think with some practice I can tune faster. I tried counting turns but ended up marking a wooden 10 cent yard stick
I got the 1979 at Hamcation this year. I haven't used it that much but it does change where the coil is at for sure. You don't even need it for 20 -6. I ended up loading 75M with the silver bullet mini as far down as it would go, and a bunch of counterpoise with it. I was pretty amazed.
You may have a video with a 17 foot whip but I can't find it. Have you used your wrc with a 17 foot whip like the mfj 1979? I do not get the best signal reports with the 102" whip. Thinking I'll go to the 17 foot whip.
I kinda do but not specifically. Its a pota activation with the X5105 when I was in FL. The thing with the 17' whip is its already resonant on 20 so you don't need the coil. You need to shorten it if you want to get on the higher frequencies too. Of course more metal in the air is always a good thing. I think its a decent whip. I'm working on a new WRC video that will incorporate all kinds of different setups and I'll talk about the 1979. I get a lot of questions about it. I still haven't used it that much to have a good comparison to the 102" whip, but I've had no problem getting out with the stock whip.
Ocean101 Bob. I know right? It was actually my portable tripod that bends to grab on to stuff. I forgot my rigid one and the wind certainly didn’t help.
Well I was just joking lol. I live in Atlantic City NJ right off the beach. I guess I will be ordering that big silver bullet and see what happens when I operate next to salt water Keep the triple steady 😂 Very nice video 73 Bob AF2DX
You know if that lake was frozen i would have set the tripod on top of the water and popped out the counter wires and see how that would have mde a great ground plain.
Enjoy your activations, Mike. Thinking about getting the Yaesu ft-891. I notice that you use it with a tuner sometimes and without one other times. Do you find that the 891 is dramatically better with a tuner?
The tuner has nothing to do with how the radio performs. It depends on what antenna I'm using. With a resonant antenna like the Wolf River Coils, the PackTenna Linked Dipole or the DX Commander Expedition I don't need a tuner, but if I'm using the PackTenna Mini 9:1 or some other non resonant wire antenna, you definitely need a tuner to match the high impedance so your radio is happy.
A tuner isn’t needed as you make the antenna resonant by sliding up or down the collar. An analyzer isn’t needed, but it makes it a lot easier and faster tune up. If you don’t have one, just listen for the most noise and you will be pretty close. You can then check the swr on your radio and fine tune from their.
@@hamradiotube Thank you for your super fast reply! I was under the impression that an Antenna Tuner was needed since I saw a lot of FT-891 radios paired with an Antenna Tuner such as the LDG Z 100 Plus. I'm a brand new ham, so this is all new to me. Keep up the great content!
@@hamradiotube In terms of "just listen for the most noise" in your first reply, do you mean adjusting the coil little by little and then going back to your radio by holding down the PTT button and checking the SWR on the FT-891 like what you did at 10:20 minutes? Again, I'm new to all this. Thanks again!
@@anthony4585 Thats about it. But turn the volume up enough to hear it when you are at the antenna. Slide the collar up or down until you hear the most noise. That means its getting close. Then you can hit the PTT in AM, or CW and check your swr. Fine tune by turning the coil left or right. It takes some practice. They are a little touchy.
I recently purchased an end feed antenna with 24 feet of #14 wire for the radiator. If I add wire to the radiator will it work better? I have heard 53 feet is a good length.
Unfortunately I don't have the foggiest idea. I would imagine it would work better but I really know very little about end fed antennas. Thats another antenna project for another day.
Why do you want to use LSB on 20 out of curiosity? You can change it by holding down the function button for a couple seconds to get into the menu and go to 11-07 SSB BFO. It should be on auto from the factory but push the select knob and you can choose usb/lsb.
Cliff Barrett no prob. Anything 14mhz and higher is going to typically use USB. Lower is going to use LSB except for digital and cw which are always USB regardless of the band. Anyway don’t sweat it. I’ve only been doing portable ops since spring. There’s a lot of fun in figuring it all out. Which I haven’t by the way hihi!
There are online sites that one can upload a callsign, frequency and other info too such as pota.us or dxsummit.fi that other hams log on to, to see who is on the air. To spot someone would be to upload their call to the database so other hams know who's out there and they can try and make contact.
JK4YZI Eric was testing or using a somilar antenna and he acrually threw the counterpoise wire int the water and it made a difference. Maybe you can try it as well with this antenna and see what it does for you. ruclips.net/video/8vu0KMQI-PE/видео.html
Hi Raul. You can find it at wolfrivercoils.com/order.html I'm using the SB1000 TIA. I do like it with the Mega Tripod better though and would recommend that version for $20 more.
I just ordered one hopefully I have good luck with it also. Thank you for your videos
Actually you are doing FLOTA (Frozen lakes On The Air) :))
Good job with the contacts!!!
I actually want to do that when the lakes are thick enough to walk out on.
@@hamradiotube I live in Upstate NY right on a lake and know a guy who sets up a rig on the lake when it freezes over! I keep forgetting to take him up on the offer to help set it up now that I live a block from the water!
@@nateo200 Get out there and do it man! I'm not much for being on a frozen lake so it's up to you hihi!
Actually FBOTA : Frozen Butts On The Air :)))))
FBOTA....hehheh
Great job with the Wolf River Coils antenna. I enjoyed the video and I appreciate you getting out in the freezing cold to make this video. Your a better man than I you was freezing me to death just watching you. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM Peacock SR EM-81UF
Well thanks for watching. someone has to put in the man hours to get these important videos out to the public. Glad to share.
I am encouraged that the antenna does not tip over in the wind. I have the 1000 and the mini and have used both indoors with success.
N2LRB it almost did. That whip would have been toast. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to guy it off in the wind.
@@hamradiotube One or two of those tripod sand bags would be all you need, just lay them over the legs. I wouldn't bother with guying unless you're putting it on a mast, just more crap to setup.
An oldie, but still a goodie. Too cold for this ole Southern Boy.
Me too. That’s why I moved to Texas.
Thanks so much for the QSO and having fun with our POTA program!! 73 W3AAX
Thank you for the contact and for watching! It's always cool to work someone that watches the channel. 73
Mike, Great job on the POTA. Great Michigan weather we are having, eh? Keep up the great work Mike. 73 from Warren, Mich.
Hey at least there's no snow on the ground! Thanks for watching. 73
I have been using the Wolf River Coil with the mfj-1979 17 ft telescopic whip for two years i have the antenna clamped to the top tee bar of a steel close line pole with a chameleon jaw mount clamp that is mounted in my backyard i have made contacts to england france and all over the world with this antenna to waterproof the coil i cut the bottom out of a 2 liter coke bottle and slip it over the top of the antenna and slide it down over the silver bullet coil, to tune the coil, just slide the coke bottle up over the top of the coil and tune the coil, when done tuning, slide it back over the coil, that's it, you're done. PS: use a antenna analyzer it makes for quick and easy tuning.
Im getting a chill just watching. Great antenna👍
That's why I moved to Texas.
Well, you've convinced me to get one.Cheers!
You won’t regret it. It’s an awesome antenna.
I have that antenna but have not had a chance to try it out yet, will be doing so when we get rid of winter here.
Yeah right? Winter can go away at any time now! You're gonna love it.
Super video! I just bought one today at the Richmond Frostfest. Looking forward to getting home to Virginia Beach and getting on the air at a couple of parks! Really enjoy your videos.
John Best Awesome man thanks for watching! I hope you have fun with the antenna. It works great for me.
My coil is on the way, looking forward to using it. Nice job running the activation in the cold, you make it look easy!
Hope you enjoy it! Have fun playing portable.
GREAT demo man! After watching a few videos on the WRC, I ordered one. Cant' wait to get it and try it out.
Glad to hear that man, you won't be let down. It's a great antenna!
Cool! The FT-891 and the Wolf River Coil antenna set-up getting it done! Good video...73!
KBØKDX Ham Radio it’s a great setup. I couldn’t be happier with it.
Great job. I really appreciate your approach with the demo. Keep it up.
As I watched this, you has 68 thumbs up and ZERO thumbs down. It was a great video!!!! The wind whipped through the camera and created noise on the mike and the camera made it like you and the picnic table were swaying. Almost made me seasick! Still enjoyed the video. I am looking for a portable antenna. I had my heart set on the Chameleon MPA, but this antenna is about 2/3 cheaper. I will have to look into it further. Have you tried it on 80? I wonder how it would perform there. Here's to your getting some warmer in Michigan so you can do more POTA activations without freezing your tail-feathers off!
David Harden thanks Dave. Yeah it was windy alright. I have tuned it up on 80 the day I got it and got a perfectly flat swr. Haven’t tried actually working 80 yet with it though but I’m pretty confident it will perform well. Thanks for watching and good luck on your decision. There’s a lot of fine antennas out there. For me, this was the right choice.
I had to give a thumbs up just for you enduring coooold. I hate the cold! Seems like a sweet antenna setup, though
Ok.... I need to get one of those antennas. You were tearing it up! Working the whole east coast dude. Nice!
Thats what you said about the 891 and you went and got a stupid Icom hihi! Get one and then we can do dueling antennas.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF well, the iCom was a trade. I may still buy an 891. I like that antenna though. Way better than my big stick.
Thanks for the video. I was just looking at the antenna online today.
They’re great antennas. I love mine.
Cool review. I've been eye-balling their "Portable Vertical" just for occasional use in my back yard. I have a horizontal dipole fed with balanced feedline, but a vertical would be handy too.
I use the MFJ 1979 with the same tripod and no coil, it is great for 20M. I put the coil on for everything else.
Kool...I deciding whether to get one....looking promising. Thanks.
It's a great antenna. I would recommend taking an analyzer with you to tune it up faster though.
@@hamradiotube I bought the antenna. So far SWR on 20 M is about SWR = 2.0 pretty flat across the band. Better on 40, about 1.7. I had been expecting a bit more. Mine has two foot legs, on the ground in the back yard with either 50 ft RG8X or 10ft RG8U. Coax didn't matter. 3 ground radials as supplied. I haven't tried other bands, but am a bit disappointed in the SWR.....Some reports talk about 1.5 mostly across the bands. I wanted to operate without a tuner. My tester is a Rig Expert....which I agree needs to go with the antenna. I notice that you couldn't tune yours on Lake Michigan. .....and still like the antenna. I wanted to be able to use this one where I don't have the space to string up a EFHW. I am thinking about buying a 4010 EFHW and a FG mast. By the way my radios are FT-891 primary and a FT-818 QRP (digital, SSB Only for me) This is way too much....Thanks Ken KB4XT
@@kennethblackwell1137 Thats interesting. Mine didn't tune on Lake Michigan I believe do to the short length of coax. I used the same configuration when I got home and had the same results. Then I added another length of coax and it tuned right up. I have used this antenna extensively out in the field either on the ground, or on a trunk mount on my car and have had nothing but great results. I have always been able to tune it on 20 and 40 to well below 1.5:1. I had it at about 1.07:1 on 40 last Friday, and about 1.2:1 on 20. They are Very sensitive and I find that loosening or tightening the screw can have a pretty dramatic impact as well. Keep at it. It should work great.
Awesome, great pileup! You forgot the Whip Grease though... :D
Jason Siebert aw crap I knew I forgot something!!
Mike, you're just hilarious ! If you ever get down here near Atlanta, please please let me know.. you are for sure one of the operator's I would really like to activate a park with.
Well thanks Don, I'll keep that in mind!
@@hamradiotube cool ! Hope to catch you at a park, or you us. We use the POTA spots page when we are on. Have you used it ? They have a planned activations page as well.
@@donsilva4441 I have looked at it but haven't spotted myself on it. I really should do that but I use my phone as a camera and rarely spot. Its too much of a hassle. I just gun it and run it!
Looking good....great practice for Winter Field Day
John Haworth yeah I guess I’m gonna have to make an appearance. I am actually kinda looking forward to it.
Looks like a great antenna based on that performance Mike. Props to you for enduring the cold and working the pile up. 73s Andy 2E0UAW.
Great demo, thanks. 👍 Love the whip protector case idea -- credit to whoever. I'm going to buy the TIA-1000 and a set of quick change rings (dual collar kit).
Right on man! You’re gonna love it. Let em know I sent you. 73
Nice video Mike I love my mfj1977 17' ant I think I"ll buy the coil for my setup.
That antenna worked extremely well for you! Great stuff Mike! 73
If you get the mfj whip, I recommend you get the longer tripod legs to help stabilize.
Awesome. Great antenna that does the job. Subscribed!
Great video. Thanks for recommendations! 73
Awesome video brother!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hooked up my coil to a dishwasher and got a 1.2:1 SWR! 😂 Man, Mike... SO MANY CONTACTS. #WolfRiverWins Nothing better in a review than taking a look at it during setup, then seeing it work great in the field! Great vid, thanks for posting. 👍👍
Awesome. I'm bringing the dishwasher out with me next time! That was all in like 15 minutes. Can't wait to get out again.
Great review and demo, Mike! I'm using my coil with a 10-ft Buddipole whip and couldn't be more pleased. Wolf River makes a great product! 73 de Dick N4BC
Silver Bullet is a great coil! And it works great with the MFJ whip. I think Wolf River makes a 17’ whip now. A bit chilly out there huh? I’m overdue to get the 817 out. Great video! 73 de K2CJB
I'm very happy with it so far. If I can brave the cold so can you! Get your WRC out and go play some radio!
I second this. I have used the 1979 for 4 years now both with and without the Wolf River coil (mine is the smaller coil). so lightweight, fast and easy set-up.
Great video Mike!
I have the WRC. It’s not bad just a pain to tune in. Really need to have a swr meter.
I'm getting pretty used to it. I kinda have a feel for where 20 and 40 should be. I use the swr meter on the radio to dial it it. I just don't want to bring my analyzer as that's just one more thing to bring. I'm loving this antenna so far.
@@hamradiotube get a sharpie and mark the coil ? great video. I sat the Exam last Thursday and if I pass this is one antenna that will be on my list for portable use that and maybe a Hy End Portable 4 Band Antenne Mini 100 Watt from the Netherlands which got excellent reviews. Take a multiband wire that needs no counterpoise and this Wolf River Coils to the out doors and try them out.
Another great video, Mike! I hope to do some activations of my own in the spring. Looks like a blast. 73, KA8GPM
Oh come on! Get out there in the cold hihi! Thanks for watching. 73
I've been searching for a decent portable vertical for some time now. Although I found a couple I was interested in, I felt they were overpriced. Finally, I found the Wolf River Coils - 'Take It Along.' I just ordered mine today, (11-11-2019), but I feel I've made the right choice, if it performs as I expect it to.
Congratulations, you did make the right choice. I use my WRC antennas more than any other portable antenna I own. They are light weight, quick to deploy, and get your signal out. I absolutely love it. You will too!
this antenna is on my short list , I need an antenna that I can easily put up / take down at home in the backyard . We do other stuff in the yard so a permanent install is not an option and this model can go to the park as well.... it is also cheaper than similar setups that I have found
Please do a review of that coil and the mfj I’ve been looking at that combo for some time
I'm prob not going to get the 1979 for a while but if you watch out for Jerry KG6HQD, he just got this antenna too and I think he has that whip.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF thanks By the way do you know what happened to Tony the dude from Florida I loved his videos and he just disappeared
I'm anxiously waiting for delivery of my '1000!
I already have the MFJ 1979 16.5' telescoping radial.
My plan is to use this portable in, and around my RV.
Cheers! - de VE3GHP - Ottawa Canada.
Hey congratulations! They work absolutely fantastic. I haven't used that MFJ whip but a lot of people have asked me about it. I'm sure it will do great for you. Thanks for watching.
Awesome pile up. This motivates me to get out this week and activate a park. I haven't had as much luck on 40m as 20m. What time of day is this? Looks like late afternoon from shadows.
Glad to hear it. First qso was about 3:37 and last was at 3:50. All that in 13 minutes!!
Nice Job!! Great Contacts!!
Thanks Kevin. All I'm doing is whining that it's cold and you're out trekking through the snow for 3 miles up hill both ways and losing your HT.
Great video, but next time try just eha antenna sitting on the frozed lake and see if it works better? Good luck and I love my Mini.
You should watch my Frozen Lakes on the Air video.
With the geomagnetic storm coming in for the next couple days, I thought I'd turn my attention to watching a few more POTA videos! So, I'm thinking about buying some longer legs for my SB 1000 TIA (Great antenna by the way - just love it!)... Looks like you got just the original 3 radials on your antenna.. I bought 100' of 18 guage braided wire, split that into three equal lengths, and added 3 more radials and I think that really helped out the reception - you may want to give that a try the next time you go out there. Hey just curious, I'm assuming your using a GoPro Hero of some sort to record this - so are you using a tripod for it while recording?
Thanks for the info. I have 3 more radials I just never bring them. I might have to experiment with that. As far as cameras, I'm just using my iPhone on a tripod and a wireless lav mic. Nothing fancy at all.
Great video as always! That canvas bag looks pretty nice! I am guessing that is your go bag for the radio? What are the details?
Thanks Michael. Well I have a couple. Neither of which have any identifiable labels on them. The backpack is something I got off amazon last year for Christmas. I was just looking for some kind of tactical backpack that I could use as a go bag. It came with one of those water pouches and 2 smaller bags on the side with molle straps and was about $50. The smaller bag on the table is what I put my radio in just so it doesn't get scratched up when its in the backpack with all the other stuff. I got that from Joe's Army Navy in Waterford MI and was about 10-12 bucks. I also have a smaller Red Rock Outdoor Gear www.armorysurvival.com/product/red-rock-gear-rover-sling-pack-black/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw5iT1eu03wIVjIlpCh3Zxw1bEAYYBSABEgLzwfD_BwE bag that I can put my radio, battery, speaker wire dipole and other misc. stuff when I want to go more light weight. I use that in some of my other videos. Just depends on what I'm going to be using on any particular day. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and 73.
If you haven't, grab the dual collar upgrade to switch easily between 2 bands on the TIA.
I've seen that. Looks like a sweet add on.
Nice job! Man, you made me cold watching you! Thanks for gutting it out to make this video Mike. 73, George K2WO.
i have not used my wolf river coils TIA 1000 yet on your tip i have soldered the ends on the ground wires i can not cope with the cold so i will wait till summer comes
Yeah I'm not a fan of the cold either. I haven't gone out in over a month. You could set the antenna up at home and run a coax inside the house if you just want to play with your new antenna. That still counts.
@@hamradiotube yep but no room at home i have 2 masts up one for 80m/160m the other is 1/2 wave on 40m,20m,10m on a 64-1 transformer with side supports holding 1/2 wave for 17m,15m on a 46-1 transformer i can work usa on most of the bands but 10m there other night a was heard by k2rr on 2 watts on 80m when my 100w amp triped out i was driving it with my ic705 set on 2 watts i got knocked of my bike by a car so i am on sick leave from work that is also keeping me indoors
I've been watching your videos but have not caught one where you are using the super antenna mp1 and I assumed with this many antennas as you're getting these days that you would have tried one and have compared it to the Wolf River coils and the packtenna and the chameleon l e f s
Awesome! Glad that you had luck with the antenna! 73 de K4SFC
This weekend I did a SMPLOTA activation with a Wolf River TIA and an FT-891. What's SMPLOTA? It's shopping mall parking lots on the air!!
Thats awesome! Did you call CQ SMPLOTA? I know I would have.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF I just thought of SMPLOTS this morning!
@@N2YTA Well there's always next time.
Been watching your vids for a year or so? Great stuff. I know you're a music guy too. If you could run your audio through a compressor to push the quiet bits and clip the loud,.. then push it all out at 0db that would be awesome. It's not just your stuff, everybody's vids are like that. I like to watch on my home theater and the audio is always a struggle. That's the only constructive criticism I've got for ya, thanks for all the great vids!
That would take some pretty Drastic Measures hihi (see what I did there?) I tried to trim the audio as best I could but iMovie is pretty basic. Maybe one day I'll figure out how to use a better editing software I have but good lord is it more complex. Thanks for watching though.
I did get a new shotgun mic and a couple wind screens that cut down on the noise a lot so thats what I'm going to run for a while. Seems to work.
73
Great activation Mike, and another awesome video. I wasn't entirely through this video and stopped to order a WRC TIA. Trailer Park Boys....😂😂
When you stretch out your counterpoise, first put a nail through the eyelet to keep the antenna end from following you.
Thanks for the tip. This was done about a year and 3 months ago. I would like to think I have gotten better since then haha! Thanks for watching, 73.
I thought that black bag was a magician hat! lol
Very Cool! I own a Wolf River Coils Silver Bullet TIA antenna and have very much enjoyed it! Make yourself a go/no go gauge to help tune it faster! 73, de KX4EZ
Seems windy and you didn’t have that guyed, looks pretty sturdy. I have a buddipole deluxe with the shock cord whip as well as a CHA Mil whip and extension that I would like to test out with that coil and that little tripod. I imagine if you used a analyzer at the feed point, the tuning would go much faster too. How are you powering your rig if you are running 95W from a picnic table? I run my TT Eagle off a Bio something LiFE but only at about 45W CW. 73 N1XF
I'll tell you what, I was watching that like a hawk! Any more wind and it for sure would have fell. I did position it so one leg was against the wind and I think that helped. The next couple outings with it I used some stakes and pounded them into the ground over the legs. It is a really light antenna and if it were to fall, I'm sure the whip would break.
Thinking of a second coil for a rotatable dipole. The RigExpert AA-54 makes it a blast to tune. Tnx for the vid. ~wy7ac~
Awesome video. Thanks 73 W0HOF
Hey thanks for watching! 73
I got the same set up but I put the mfj 1979 on it. There wasn’t any noticeable difference except 1979 is better quality material and thickness
I did have the longer legs on tripod. It’s easy to set out but hard to tune. I think with some practice I can tune faster. I tried counting turns but ended up marking a wooden 10 cent yard stick
I got the 1979 at Hamcation this year. I haven't used it that much but it does change where the coil is at for sure. You don't even need it for 20 -6. I ended up loading 75M with the silver bullet mini as far down as it would go, and a bunch of counterpoise with it. I was pretty amazed.
Well done, Mike. A very good test for the new antenna and freezing your butt off. You are a great ad for the hobby. 73 VK4YST
Oscar Oscar thanks that means a lot!
Good job! I have the same radio and a Buddy Stick. What kind of battery are you using? Thanks KE0RPU
It's a LiFePO4. Check out OH8STN's channel to see how to build it.
You may have a video with a 17 foot whip but I can't find it. Have you used your wrc with a 17 foot whip like the mfj 1979? I do not get the best signal reports with the 102" whip. Thinking I'll go to the 17 foot whip.
I kinda do but not specifically. Its a pota activation with the X5105 when I was in FL. The thing with the 17' whip is its already resonant on 20 so you don't need the coil. You need to shorten it if you want to get on the higher frequencies too. Of course more metal in the air is always a good thing. I think its a decent whip. I'm working on a new WRC video that will incorporate all kinds of different setups and I'll talk about the 1979. I get a lot of questions about it. I still haven't used it that much to have a good comparison to the 102" whip, but I've had no problem getting out with the stock whip.
@@hamradiotube Sounds good. I look forward to seeing your new video.
You need to fix that table,It rocks more then my canoe BOB AF2DX
Ocean101 Bob. I know right? It was actually my portable tripod that bends to grab on to stuff. I forgot my rigid one and the wind certainly didn’t help.
Great contact and seems like the antenna is working good, de K8MGB
That antenna is awesome.
Well I was just joking lol. I live in Atlantic City NJ right off the beach. I guess I will be ordering that big silver bullet and see what happens when I operate next to salt water Keep the triple steady 😂 Very nice video 73 Bob AF2DX
you might find an antenna analyzer comes in handy, unless you're plannin to start a new ham radio exercise video :D
Oh yeah. I never leave home without one now. I have learned a lot since I made this video! Thanks for watching, 73.
You know if that lake was frozen i would have set the tripod on top of the water and popped out the counter wires and see how that would have mde a great ground plain.
This is KC9TZO great video, I think I will activate a park in milwuakee!! 73.
Enjoy your activations, Mike. Thinking about getting the Yaesu ft-891. I notice that you use it with a tuner sometimes and without one other times. Do you find that the 891 is dramatically better with a tuner?
The tuner has nothing to do with how the radio performs. It depends on what antenna I'm using. With a resonant antenna like the Wolf River Coils, the PackTenna Linked Dipole or the DX Commander Expedition I don't need a tuner, but if I'm using the PackTenna Mini 9:1 or some other non resonant wire antenna, you definitely need a tuner to match the high impedance so your radio is happy.
K8MRD RADIO STUFF Understood, Mike. Thanks for the answer. My question wasn’t phrased well, but you answered the question I had in my head.
Which one of the wolf river coil set is this as there is several kinds /names
This is the TIA-1000. Should be on their website as that.
Thank you I really enjoy your videos keep them coming
Nice activation. I am going to start a gofundme for you to get you a proper jacket! :)
Is an Antenna Tuner or even an Antenna Analyzer needed if you are using the Wolf River Coils TIA 1000?
A tuner isn’t needed as you make the antenna resonant by sliding up or down the collar. An analyzer isn’t needed, but it makes it a lot easier and faster tune up. If you don’t have one, just listen for the most noise and you will be pretty close. You can then check the swr on your radio and fine tune from their.
@@hamradiotube Thank you for your super fast reply! I was under the impression that an Antenna Tuner was needed since I saw a lot of FT-891 radios paired with an Antenna Tuner such as the LDG Z 100 Plus. I'm a brand new ham, so this is all new to me. Keep up the great content!
No prob. Happy to help. With non resonant antennas (like my PackTenna mini) you do need a tuner. It just depends on what you are using.
@@hamradiotube In terms of "just listen for the most noise" in your first reply, do you mean adjusting the coil little by little and then going back to your radio by holding down the PTT button and checking the SWR on the FT-891 like what you did at 10:20 minutes? Again, I'm new to all this. Thanks again!
@@anthony4585 Thats about it. But turn the volume up enough to hear it when you are at the antenna. Slide the collar up or down until you hear the most noise. That means its getting close. Then you can hit the PTT in AM, or CW and check your swr. Fine tune by turning the coil left or right. It takes some practice. They are a little touchy.
What were you using to power the radio with?
I'm using a 10AH LiFePO4 Battery I built out of 4 Headway 38120S cells. I also use Bioenno batteries.
I recently purchased an end feed antenna with 24 feet of #14 wire for the radiator. If I add wire to the radiator will it work better? I have heard 53 feet is a good length.
Unfortunately I don't have the foggiest idea. I would imagine it would work better but I really know very little about end fed antennas. Thats another antenna project for another day.
Thanks @@hamradiotube
Yes. Longer will be better. There are math calculators all over Google that can help you get the right length for the band you want to work.
Thoughts Wolf River Coil vs MP1?
Well I haven't used the Super Antenna so I really can't comment on it. They look to be similar style antennas, but the WRC is way less expensive.
Hi Mike, im really interested in that antenna! Just got my ft 891and trying to figure out changing to usb to lsb 20m,any tips I'm new lol
Why do you want to use LSB on 20 out of curiosity? You can change it by holding down the function button for a couple seconds to get into the menu and go to 11-07 SSB BFO. It should be on auto from the factory but push the select knob and you can choose usb/lsb.
Like I said i'm new and was thinking lsb was a more popular mode thanks!@@hamradiotube
Cliff Barrett no prob. Anything 14mhz and higher is going to typically use USB. Lower is going to use LSB except for digital and cw which are always USB regardless of the band. Anyway don’t sweat it. I’ve only been doing portable ops since spring. There’s a lot of fun in figuring it all out. Which I haven’t by the way hihi!
I am very new to Ham Radio, just got my tech license (KI5MKO), I'm interested in POTA. Could someone explain to me what the term "spotting" means?
There are online sites that one can upload a callsign, frequency and other info too such as pota.us or dxsummit.fi that other hams log on to, to see who is on the air. To spot someone would be to upload their call to the database so other hams know who's out there and they can try and make contact.
I could order you a coat on Amazon too when I buy the battery XL?
Love the mfj1977 ant
Should have put the radials into the frozen salt water lol
marc hutchins well there’s not too much salt water in the lakes but it would be cool to put the antenna on the ice.
Nice video 73
What is the Gain of this antenna?
That is a great question. I don't have any idea, but I do know that it is a great antenna.
Well this was a few minutes ago lol. Still good stuff.
cool ham guy
Mike demo antenna
How much was your contact away from you please?
Not sure. I think France so far.
Thumbsicle up
Ahm ahm ahm ahm ahm ahm.
Ohm. OHm. OHM.
JK4YZI Eric was testing or using a somilar antenna and he acrually threw the counterpoise wire int the water and it made a difference. Maybe you can try it as well with this antenna and see what it does for you. ruclips.net/video/8vu0KMQI-PE/видео.html
Unfortunately there isn't too much salt water in Michigan otherwise I would do that.
two of my favorite utube channels/ k8mrd kj4yzi 73 troy Harrison kc9e
Frozen Butts on the Air
MFJ 1979 whip has a short lifespan.
Hi, I follow your videos and would like to get this antenna. Could you give me some data where I can get it email or name of store. Thks EA8DIO 73
Hi Raul. You can find it at wolfrivercoils.com/order.html I'm using the SB1000 TIA. I do like it with the Mega Tripod better though and would recommend that version for $20 more.
Thks a lot Mike, will follow your advice. Raúl EA8DIO.
if you're into trailer park boys, then you must be a fan of letterkenny!!!!
I just discovered letterkenny a couple months ago. Binged all the seasons. Great show.
@@hamradiotube buckle up, season 9 comes out 12/29! by the way, love your videos, thanx for all the work, big fan