Search found 134 matches

by KL7MJ
Mon Nov 17, 2025 9:02 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: No signal out of MFJ-1899t antenna
Replies: 12
Views: 1047416

Re: No signal out of MFJ-1899t antenna

I stand corrected - I'll update my saying!
by KL7MJ
Mon Nov 17, 2025 9:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Dual operator CW POTA script
Replies: 2
Views: 71327

Re: Dual operator CW POTA script

What you're proposing isn't wrong or illegal or anything like that, but I would find it very confusing, and I'm not a new operator - which I think is kind of the target audience for POTA. Why not just take turns operating? Have one operator get 10 contacts and then turn it over? Or one of you act as...
by KL7MJ
Fri Oct 31, 2025 3:03 pm
Forum: Field Kits and Reports
Topic: N7RCS Field Kit Evolution Part 2
Replies: 4
Views: 187730

Re: N7RCS Field Kit Evolution Part 2

Jim, I like the clear box idea! I see that you have (several) EFHW antennas in your kit. I always try to have a couple of different type antennas in my kit in case the location doesn't support a certain antenna. For example, I took my magloop to activate a park in Maryland, but the wind was blowing ...
by KL7MJ
Wed Oct 29, 2025 7:51 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Weird homebrew antenna issue
Replies: 4
Views: 33044

Re: Weird homebrew antenna issue

Take a look at some of the designs on QRPGuys.com and QRPBuilder.com. They have designs that use easy to obtain parts and great documentation. You can either buy one of their antenna kits (DS1 at QRPGuys and QX1 at QRPBuilder) or look at their instructions and build your own.
by KL7MJ
Wed Oct 29, 2025 7:46 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: No signal out of MFJ-1899t antenna
Replies: 12
Views: 1047416

Re: No signal out of MFJ-1899t antenna

90% of a contact is due to propagation.
9% of a contact is due to your antenna.
1% of a contact is due to your power.
by KL7MJ
Tue Oct 28, 2025 1:09 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 3D Printed Coffin Bug Cover
Replies: 3
Views: 26636

Re: 3D Printed Coffin Bug Cover

Don,
I'm glad it works!
I bought my coffin bug because I thought it would be more portable than my Vibroplex. It is, but it still weighs more than the rest of the gear in my bag!

73,
Mike, KL7MJ
by KL7MJ
Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:50 am
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: No signal out of MFJ-1899t antenna
Replies: 12
Views: 1047416

Re: No signal out of MFJ-1899t antenna

Before you toss the 1899 in the trash, try tuning it to resonance without a tuner. It's a marginal antenna, so you need as much RF as possible getting out. The ATU is probably consuming your power. I had a successful POTA activation with an 1899 last spring, so I know it can be done. Try it on 20m o...
by KL7MJ
Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:44 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Inexpensive (and fun) cootie/paddle
Replies: 1
Views: 8320

Re: Inexpensive (and fun) cootie/paddle

I bought the same one. It's very nice, but also requires a very light touch. I'm somewhat partial to the hacksaw blade cootie design for now.

73,
Mike, KL7MJ
by KL7MJ
Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:40 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Weird homebrew antenna issue
Replies: 4
Views: 33044

Re: Weird homebrew antenna issue

I have a $20 telescoping portable antenna (based on a thread on QRZ). It consists of a 17 foot vertical and four 18 foot radials.
A 17 foot (5.8m) vertical is resonant around 13MHz without any coil. Try bypassing (shorting out) the coil and see how that works.

73,
Mike, KL7MJ
by KL7MJ
Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:33 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 3D Printed Coffin Bug Cover
Replies: 3
Views: 26636

3D Printed Coffin Bug Cover

Here is a replacement cover for the Hi-Mound HK-100 Coffin Bug.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7177743

Please let me know if I need to make any modifications.

73,
Mike, KL7MJ