John-

You say you want easy transport and setup? How about this tape measure antenna? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zbw6dKeXir1GBFCueyoHCSlNnEkiUvF2/view?usp=s...

We made 15 of them when we taught ham radio and radio merit badge at Philmont Scout Ranch. The Scouts then used these to make contacts with Astronaut Kjell N. Lindgren with just 5 watt HTs. We used free tape measures from Harbor Freight (tape measure coupons) so the cost was only a couple of dollars each and took about an hour to make.

This is the only antenna I use when I'm a rover. It instantly goes in and out of my car and I don't have to worry about bending anything. On the plane, I use a 5" diameter poster tube and slide it down inside that. It would fit in a narrower one, but I happen to have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Eorbow-Extendable-Telescoping-Drafting-Blueprint/dp/B...

-David, N9KT

On Tue, Feb 6, 2024 at 1:21 PM JOHN GEIGER via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:

Has anyone tried using the MFJ 1763 3 element portable 2m beam on the satellites? Details on it can be found at:

https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-1763?_pos=1&_sid=a5c24b801&_...

I realize this is not rated as a dualband beam, but many 2m beams do work (or at least load up) on 70cm as well. I used one of these 30 years ago in a VHF contest, and it seems like it would be very easy to travel with. The boom is about 2 feet long and the elements just screw into the boom. Takes about 30 seconds to set up and should be able to be hand held. Probably not as good as an Arrow dualband yagi, but easier to transport and set up also.

So, anyone have experience with this antenna?

73 John AF5CC

Sent using Zoho Mail

---

Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available at https://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/

View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences at https://mailman.amsat.org