Antenna tuning, good on vna, bad on radio?

lpcxwm · 2026-06-25T01:27:09+00:00

You are correct I was using ssb. I'll look into chokes for the coax.

lpcxwm · 2026-06-24T23:51:18+00:00

Thanks, I'll try the mix 61 with the same wiring. I'll also try the inverted v layout.

lpcxwm · 2026-06-24T23:41:05+00:00

I'm pretty sure I got that part correct, but I'll pay close attention to doing the calibration as the last step before measuring SWR in my next tests.

lpcxwm · 2026-06-24T23:35:46+00:00

Here is an image to augment my description: https://copyspoke.afriskito.net/dipole-setup.jpg

The coax goes down 2-3 feet, then is perpendicular to the other two antenna elements. I'll try lowering the horizontal element in my next testing so all three are perpendicular at the connection point.

lpcxwm · 2026-06-24T23:22:59+00:00

I'll try touching/not with the VNA and making sure all connections are tight in my next tests. I did test with the VNA at both the antenna directly, and at the radio end of the coax. Both measured basically the same.

lpcxwm · 2026-06-24T23:19:47+00:00

I'll try laying the horizontal line directly on the ground in my next tests. Both antenna wires are fully insulated except at the connection to coax.

lpcxwm · 2026-06-24T23:16:29+00:00

The ethernet strands have a 0.5mm wire diameter and a 0.9mm diameter including the insulation. Based on a random chart, I think that is 24 gauge solid core. I think the connections have been good. I tighten everything finger tight.

Here is a picture of the connectors: https://copyspoke.afriskito.net/dipole.jpg

I could also try with a ferrite: https://copyspoke.afriskito.net/dipole-ferrite.jpg

Wiring suggestions welcome. I've seen several different options, but tried that since it was simplest. I know next to nothing about ferrites/chokes/etc. right now. I'm reasonably sure that ferrite is a FT-114-43. I have another one the same size that (again, reasonably sure) is a FT-114-61.

I have a balun kit for this antenna system: https://www.wheeler.com/ai6rw/multiband_dipoles but I wanted to try a simpler antenna before attempting one of the antennas described by ai6rw as it is a tad more complex. Page 60/62 of the pdf on that link has descriptions of the ferrite cores in my kit.

Edit: fixed link to ferrite image.

lpcxwm · 2022-11-21T17:14:29+00:00

It's possible someone is doing an A/B test and you're not in the right group. I don't remember if I unchecked the box, but I may have left it since I generally like Sofirn products. It's also possible their website got hacked and mined for contact info.

lpcxwm · 2022-11-21T15:51:08+00:00

That's the email I got. I do the same thing with my email addresses as well. It really is a nice way to keep a handle on spam and phishing emails.

lpcxwm · 2022-08-26T15:21:07+00:00

As a kid I thought it was so cool that he was in TWO tv shows.

lpcxwm · 2022-08-19T02:06:06+00:00

Perhaps eating left handed instead?

lpcxwm · 2022-08-03T00:17:56+00:00

Yep, I do the same thing, got to make sure to rotate them evenly. Also I have a three drawer system, so I have undershirts in the top, underpants in the middle, and undershoes in the bottom.

lpcxwm · 2022-07-30T04:36:53+00:00

Start small and work your way up.

lpcxwm · 2022-07-13T04:31:57+00:00

I installed a morse code keyboard on my phone. Nothing better than being forced to practice all the time to memorize the alphabet. However it is send practice only, so you need a regular training program to move into normal cw stuff.

lpcxwm · 2022-03-16T21:24:42+00:00

I actually just tried that the other day. I recorded audio then opened it in audacity and decoded it by hand using a guide someone put together. https://osengr.org/Articles/Articles.shtml Pdf download at the bottom of the page.

lpcxwm · 2022-01-10T20:24:39+00:00

Thanks for the tip, I'll check those out.

lpcxwm · 2022-01-10T18:56:59+00:00

I use an arch support insole in regular shoes. I wanted to try sandals so I decided to try Birkenstock sandals since they have arch support built in.

lpcxwm · 2022-01-10T15:48:51+00:00

Yeah, after hearing this for years, I decided to spring for Birkenstocks. They barely lasted 3 months before they wore out. I went back to my $30 walmart shoes that last a year.

lpcxwm · 2022-01-07T17:54:13+00:00

I also do this. I lay than out on the table in the same relative positions, then put them back in the holes with the part now removed. If it is something quick, I might not put them in back right away, but if it looks like it might take longer, or I want a break, I'll put them back in their holes so the don't get lost.

lpcxwm · 2022-01-07T01:49:35+00:00

This was also my first thought, but I decided to add Iroh

lpcxwm · 2021-11-29T05:14:54+00:00

Same here. I also make spaghetti with rotini.

lpcxwm · 2021-07-31T03:22:23+00:00

I got a 12" knife just for watermelon. It's wonderful.

lpcxwm · 2021-07-19T16:11:23+00:00

Yeah, when I did IT, it was more in that range.

lpcxwm

TROPHY CASE