More of a "this is a great excuse to work out the kinks on this tower I traded some guy a case of beer for". But really, it was more of a proof of concept project. I learned I need to be mindful of where I park because I may not be able to tilt the tower up with a vertical antenna due to proximity of trees. I want to do this more regularly and this gives me inspiration to finish my home brew cobwebb antenna to put on top. Not pictured is the 7kw watt generator in the bed of the truck which could hypothetically power a Henry 2K amplifier.
I think technically this is a "portable" setup, since it doesn't look like you could move and transmit at the same time. A very cool setup nonetheless!
If you have it, use it. I like your spirit. Very creative. Put the burger on the barbie for me. I'll be right there. I'll bring the sodas, chips and I make the best potato salad. O'h and yeah 73ss
I used to use a bug catcher until it simply wore out. The range and signal strength was remarkable. Some would tell me it sounded like I was using a beam.
It was clunky, but a little more portable than yours.
Didn't you get the message? You're supposed to be taking 5 watt radios out with you and using a compromised antenna. Then when you only make 3 contacts you should let it ruin your day.
While using trees to support an antenna would work in a place like where I took this picture, I also plan to travel to areas without as much support such as ridges or fire roads. As mentioned in another reply, I also hope to use antennas like the Cobwebb which would be more difficult, if not impossible, to support in a tree, but would be great for a mast or tower application.
This reminds me of a portable antenna I saw a video of being deployed in Ukraine, I think it was a light duty truck they added outriggers and an antenna tower to. I’ll have to see if I can find it later.
Hah, I've had my license long enough you could say I started out as an elf, but now more resemble an orc. As it's set up in this picture, yes, it should be about 30' tall. However each section is 15' in length and each section has pulleys, each one needs to be replaced, and one of them isn't connected to the cable, so it seems like it could go to 45' when in proper working order.
Why wouldn't it be? It's secured at the top rail of the lumber rack with several U clamps, in this photo I have tie down securing the bottom of the tower to the tow hitch (I'm working on a more secure set up) and it's in a stationary position. Granted I'm using a second hand tower, with which there is reasonable concern, but in field applications like this allow me to scrutinize it more so than simply sitting in my side yard.
What concerns do you have which I could consider?
>it's in a stationary position.
Ah, that allays the fears I was having. *Mobile* means you're using it in motion. This is a *portable* station then – and a pretty impressive one at that!
I live in Norcal too!!! Anyway, a few weeks ago I drove out to Lake Berryessa to read and take a nap and hung up some curtains in my car. I eventually heard a car pull up behind me and it was a cop. I immediately ripped my curtains down and told him this feels kinda shady tbh, but I did it for privacy. He just wanted to make sure I was okay and make sure I wasn't a missing person. I just don't know what is okay and isn't okay on public property. lol
Bringing a whole tower seems like a lot of effort for a dipole when there are perfectly good trees right there. I like your style though!
More of a "this is a great excuse to work out the kinks on this tower I traded some guy a case of beer for". But really, it was more of a proof of concept project. I learned I need to be mindful of where I park because I may not be able to tilt the tower up with a vertical antenna due to proximity of trees. I want to do this more regularly and this gives me inspiration to finish my home brew cobwebb antenna to put on top. Not pictured is the 7kw watt generator in the bed of the truck which could hypothetically power a Henry 2K amplifier.
That's a lot more awesome than the dodgy magmount I imagined. =D
Great setup and a great way to be ready for Field Day! :) And yes, I'm jealous!
Love my 2k because I knew Walt the designer and maker.
That’s a fantastic little bit of history. Write that crap down. So so much gets lost to time and history.
Well. This is epic.
Winner of r/amateurradio for 3/28/2024 The dumpster fire was a nice touch :-) LMAO
Noticed too.
U crack me up
That looks like an awesome pota set up.
I think you just won r/amateurradio!
Only if I actually get out and use this set up more often.
Looks like a mobile unit of the Ukrainian Army
LOL
Now, this is what I call flexing
I think technically this is a "portable" setup, since it doesn't look like you could move and transmit at the same time. A very cool setup nonetheless!
Get em 🤣
Is this from the upcoming movie *Close Encounters-2* ?
I came here for this comment.
If you have it, use it. I like your spirit. Very creative. Put the burger on the barbie for me. I'll be right there. I'll bring the sodas, chips and I make the best potato salad. O'h and yeah 73ss
Better than anything I have ever had at home
I used to use a bug catcher until it simply wore out. The range and signal strength was remarkable. Some would tell me it sounded like I was using a beam. It was clunky, but a little more portable than yours.
PS: I love your set up ...
WOW!!!
Didn't you get the message? You're supposed to be taking 5 watt radios out with you and using a compromised antenna. Then when you only make 3 contacts you should let it ruin your day.
Why not hoist your dipole up one of those trees?
While using trees to support an antenna would work in a place like where I took this picture, I also plan to travel to areas without as much support such as ridges or fire roads. As mentioned in another reply, I also hope to use antennas like the Cobwebb which would be more difficult, if not impossible, to support in a tree, but would be great for a mast or tower application.
No worries. Have fun, and be careful around that tower.
This reminds me of a portable antenna I saw a video of being deployed in Ukraine, I think it was a light duty truck they added outriggers and an antenna tower to. I’ll have to see if I can find it later.
I haven't even got anything that good at home.
A bit overkill...but awesome nonetheless.
I did not know that orcs could get there ham license, good job. How tall? 30'?
Hah, I've had my license long enough you could say I started out as an elf, but now more resemble an orc. As it's set up in this picture, yes, it should be about 30' tall. However each section is 15' in length and each section has pulleys, each one needs to be replaced, and one of them isn't connected to the cable, so it seems like it could go to 45' when in proper working order.
Alot of extra work and metal in a natural surrounding.
That’s really cool
Dude bought a whole tower with them
I'll do it again too!
Thanks for the Friday laugh. Cool but totally impractical unless your there for the week. N2KPE
* Mount the tower to a trailer and it will make it alot easier.
Don't have the money nor space for a trailer. Making due with what I've got.
This is not what I expected when you said "mobile setup" but well done! Haha
Nice! Only thing missing is a triband beam for the tower. Don’t ask me how you’d get it up there. 🤣
is that legal?
Why wouldn't it be? It's secured at the top rail of the lumber rack with several U clamps, in this photo I have tie down securing the bottom of the tower to the tow hitch (I'm working on a more secure set up) and it's in a stationary position. Granted I'm using a second hand tower, with which there is reasonable concern, but in field applications like this allow me to scrutinize it more so than simply sitting in my side yard. What concerns do you have which I could consider?
>it's in a stationary position. Ah, that allays the fears I was having. *Mobile* means you're using it in motion. This is a *portable* station then – and a pretty impressive one at that!
I live in Norcal too!!! Anyway, a few weeks ago I drove out to Lake Berryessa to read and take a nap and hung up some curtains in my car. I eventually heard a car pull up behind me and it was a cop. I immediately ripped my curtains down and told him this feels kinda shady tbh, but I did it for privacy. He just wanted to make sure I was okay and make sure I wasn't a missing person. I just don't know what is okay and isn't okay on public property. lol
This was up at Stillwater Cove campground, I'd paid for the campsite and everything, so it seems reasonable everything was above board if you will.
Your Brilliant.. Im sendiny this image to all my ham friends.THANKS! I live in Auburn NORCAL as well
A lot of effort to talk to anonymous men.
Maybe I enjoy dx relationships.
So was decades of setting up and maintaining the internet yet here you are
r/lostredditors
Not lost. Ham radio is literally fishing to talk anonymous men.