How to use tools you may already have to make low cost, effective antenna coil clips that are easy to adjust.
In Part 2 I have connected 6 radials to the DX Engineering radial plate under the Hustler 4BTV vertical antenna. I show how to make a solid connection, and demonstrate how to pin the ground radial wires in place. If you want the best performance from a ground mounted vertical antenna, installing an effective ground radial system is essential.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Is your antenna so close to the ground for testing purposes or do you intend to use it at that hight?
Yes, the antenna is installed permanently in the position where you see the it in the videos. I wonder why do you ask? 73 de WE5I
I see numerous videos of ham operators go out of there way to get there anetenna as high as posible,thats all.
I see. Well, a vertical can be installed either way. Raised in the air, there should be at least 2 radials per band, and they must be carefully cut to resonance for each band. Elevated radials work very well, but pose certain mechanical challenges. On the ground, radial length need not be tuned, but for top performance they must be as many and as long as practical, with 32 radials being an accepted point of diminishing returns and .2 wavelength being an accepted minimum length.
“this wire will not be seen again” – I would like to add, unless one doesn’t have a dog that likes to dig 🙂
I sure wish I could push the wire staples in as easily as you were able to at my location.Near Tucson,the Sonoran Desert is rock laden and the ground is about as hard as can be found.My first antenna as a Novice was a Hustler 4BTV.It worked quite well and I really liked it.Your install is done properly.Thanks for the nice video.Good luck with a very good antenna!…73…Dennis W7KB.
How long does it take for the grass to draw up the wire? Reason I am asking is what happens if Mr.lawnmower shows up. I am just saying. how tall before you mow?
What did you do to prevent corrosion where the radials (wires) connect up to the grounding plate? If you didn’t do anything to protect the connection than I recommend a compound like NO-OX (it is nasty stuff so use gloves. Also, did you run a ground rod? I would be interested to know what the difference in your noise floor is with and without the ground rod. Thanks for the great video.
If ever you do raise it up to at least 15′ and have your 4 elevated 1/4 radials per band, I believe you’ll appreciate the lower TOA and additional 3dB gain.
Cool looking piece of equipment.
Very interesting! Thanks.
73 / KF7ETX – David
Excellent. Thanks for the info in how to use my better. 73 from AI4QT.
Great video. I used an 18VS as a Novice and still have it stashed away. I like your idea about the bolts and nylon nuts. Changing bands on the VS could be challenging. Could you do a video about the changes you did to mounting the VS. They appear to be WA-AY better than the Hy-Gain directions. 73 Greg
Thanks for watching my videos and for your comments.
I recently traded the 18VS to another ham so I can’t do a video on the antenna connection. However, if you view part 3 of the 18VS series there are several close-ups of the coax connector and you can pause the screen and see it very well. It was very easy to do, takes less than 30 minutes.
73,
John/W5CYF
Thanks. John. I checked out Pt 3 of your ‘problem video’ and got a good look at connection. VERY clever. I saw your video about learning CW. I recommend you visit the URL of the Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club (AC4RC). There is a link there to a PDF on learning CW by N0HFF. I don’t know them or him. It’s a good read and may give you some tips. My best listening practice was the ARRL bulletins at the various speeds. 73 Greg
Greg,
Thanks for the URL link…very good stuff!
John/W5CYF
But, WHY?
Thanks for all your videos.
Thanks for your comment and for following along.
John