https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:41:26 +0000 MyBB https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1453 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:20:19 +0000 NB2E]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1453 https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/thread-1289.html

Has anyone had any contact with Terry Clinch of Outbacker antennas in the past few months?

In April of this year I reached out to him about placing an order for a new HF mobile antenna. I was considering the Outbacker Classic, but asked if he could do one in his orange finish.

He informed me that he was recovering from COVID and catching up on orders. He said they were currently doing a run of the two piece OB88 antennas and that he could get one of that model out to me in orange "fairly quickly".

I placed the order and paid on April 27th.

I've sent 5 follow-up emails since placing the order with no reply. I know his usual lead time is 4-6 weeks and recovery from COVID can delay things, but 4+ months later I'm starting to get a bit worried.]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/thread-1289.html

Has anyone had any contact with Terry Clinch of Outbacker antennas in the past few months?

In April of this year I reached out to him about placing an order for a new HF mobile antenna. I was considering the Outbacker Classic, but asked if he could do one in his orange finish.

He informed me that he was recovering from COVID and catching up on orders. He said they were currently doing a run of the two piece OB88 antennas and that he could get one of that model out to me in orange "fairly quickly".

I placed the order and paid on April 27th.

I've sent 5 follow-up emails since placing the order with no reply. I know his usual lead time is 4-6 weeks and recovery from COVID can delay things, but 4+ months later I'm starting to get a bit worried.]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1449 Fri, 30 Aug 2024 23:08:12 +0000 VK2CSW]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1449

  Branch Down 31-8-24.jpg (Size: 1.86 MB / Downloads: 311)

At least the sacrificial twine joiner did its job.


  Broken 6m Dipole.jpg (Size: 1.28 MB / Downloads: 259) ]]>

  Branch Down 31-8-24.jpg (Size: 1.86 MB / Downloads: 311)

At least the sacrificial twine joiner did its job.


  Broken 6m Dipole.jpg (Size: 1.28 MB / Downloads: 259) ]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1444 Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:09:45 +0000 VK2CSW]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1444
I came across on article on the FAMPARC website about an 80m OCF which also described a 40m OCF.

It piqued my interest, so naturally, down the rabbit hole I went.

One question I was unable to work out an answer for is does it matter which side of the antenna is connected to coax centre core?

Also do any of my VK5 neighbours have a local source for lightweight plastic insulators?

I have previously bought them at Ag suppliers (i.e. electric fence insulators) but I have only been able to find the ceramic ones or the stand-off types.]]>
I came across on article on the FAMPARC website about an 80m OCF which also described a 40m OCF.

It piqued my interest, so naturally, down the rabbit hole I went.

One question I was unable to work out an answer for is does it matter which side of the antenna is connected to coax centre core?

Also do any of my VK5 neighbours have a local source for lightweight plastic insulators?

I have previously bought them at Ag suppliers (i.e. electric fence insulators) but I have only been able to find the ceramic ones or the stand-off types.]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1441 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 07:04:08 +0000 VK2CSW]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1441
What do folks do?

The use of conduit glands is made difficult due to the corrugations.

It needs to be neat and tidy and offer some degree of weather sealing.

It will mostly be 5mm coax. At least three, maybe five cables all up.]]>
What do folks do?

The use of conduit glands is made difficult due to the corrugations.

It needs to be neat and tidy and offer some degree of weather sealing.

It will mostly be 5mm coax. At least three, maybe five cables all up.]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1435 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 07:58:58 +0000 VK2CSW]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1435
Although I live on a large block with a couple of generous sheds, there are no big trees closer than 40 or 50 metres from the shed. To complicate things that 40 or 50 metres also crosses the compacted earth driveway to the sheds (i.e. no chance of digging a trench).

Behind the shed, is a boundary fence and in between is a row of four or five metre tall Callistemons (aka Bottle Brushes).

I was toying with hanging a 40m EFHW in the Callistemons.

Is contact between the wire and the foliage an issue?

Same question for an OCF or dipole.

Cheers]]>
Although I live on a large block with a couple of generous sheds, there are no big trees closer than 40 or 50 metres from the shed. To complicate things that 40 or 50 metres also crosses the compacted earth driveway to the sheds (i.e. no chance of digging a trench).

Behind the shed, is a boundary fence and in between is a row of four or five metre tall Callistemons (aka Bottle Brushes).

I was toying with hanging a 40m EFHW in the Callistemons.

Is contact between the wire and the foliage an issue?

Same question for an OCF or dipole.

Cheers]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1297 Tue, 09 May 2023 06:46:34 +0000 VK2XAX]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1297
Just wondering if anyone has bought an NBS tilt mast lately and what sort of $ should I be looking at ?

thanks

Tim]]>
Just wondering if anyone has bought an NBS tilt mast lately and what sort of $ should I be looking at ?

thanks

Tim]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1296 Sun, 07 May 2023 07:54:47 +0000 VK4KX]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1296 Now given the dimensions I should be able to work out it's frequency but the elements telscope and are stuck in place so with the following info can anyone help me with a manufacture or band/s?
I'm concerned some pieces might be missing though.

The boom length adds up to 6810mm Long in 5 sections.
The boom has large holes for element placing that go right through and are diagonally opposed to each other as well, I thought it a quad set up to start with but elements are all alloy.
Each element is in 2 pieces Left side & Right side but no mounting blocks/plates through boom but in 2 pieces?
Each element has a small insulated insert at the very end with a small grub screw & washer (end of taper).
There is a reflector, driven element with a very long Gamma match with 70mm gap and 3 maybe 4 directors.
I was able to measure the first director @ 7180mm in 2 pieces if correct but no way of mounting except through the holes, for me a director would normally be a full length not split in 2.
If I can't work out the band then it's just Parts.
I will add photos when and if I can.

Any ideas would be appreciated.


VK4KX, Bernie]]> Now given the dimensions I should be able to work out it's frequency but the elements telscope and are stuck in place so with the following info can anyone help me with a manufacture or band/s?
I'm concerned some pieces might be missing though.

The boom length adds up to 6810mm Long in 5 sections.
The boom has large holes for element placing that go right through and are diagonally opposed to each other as well, I thought it a quad set up to start with but elements are all alloy.
Each element is in 2 pieces Left side & Right side but no mounting blocks/plates through boom but in 2 pieces?
Each element has a small insulated insert at the very end with a small grub screw & washer (end of taper).
There is a reflector, driven element with a very long Gamma match with 70mm gap and 3 maybe 4 directors.
I was able to measure the first director @ 7180mm in 2 pieces if correct but no way of mounting except through the holes, for me a director would normally be a full length not split in 2.
If I can't work out the band then it's just Parts.
I will add photos when and if I can.

Any ideas would be appreciated.


VK4KX, Bernie]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1289 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 22:03:38 +0000 VK3LU]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1289 I hope all is well with the business.

Nev]]> I hope all is well with the business.

Nev]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1254 Fri, 23 Dec 2022 01:02:45 +0000 VK2XAX]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1254
I've not see this announced anywhere, but I may have missed it.

The venerable antenna modelling software EZNEC Pro is now free.

The original free version had limited segments which made it not very useful at all. The Pro version allows something like 45,000 segments.

Apparently the author is retiring and doesn't want to support it any more so he's giving it away.

You can download your copy here...

https://www.eznec.com/

regards

Tim]]>
I've not see this announced anywhere, but I may have missed it.

The venerable antenna modelling software EZNEC Pro is now free.

The original free version had limited segments which made it not very useful at all. The Pro version allows something like 45,000 segments.

Apparently the author is retiring and doesn't want to support it any more so he's giving it away.

You can download your copy here...

https://www.eznec.com/

regards

Tim]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1234 Thu, 06 Oct 2022 04:14:15 +0000 VK3LU]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1234 I would like to use it to guy a fibreglass mast so that the guys are almost invisible.

73
Nev]]> I would like to use it to guy a fibreglass mast so that the guys are almost invisible.

73
Nev]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1150 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:10:37 +0000 KM4QPE]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1150 As a first post this is probably a doozy.


I have over the last few weeks managed to burn out two Auto tuner/couplers. I really dont want to name the Manufacturer, but suffice. These are US made with an excellent reputation and rated at 500 watts SSB. And are eye wateringly expensive!


The problem is- I have a functioning HF install- Icom M802 to a AT140 tuner into a End fed Longwire 72” 8” oal. This is used for SailMail Weather Gribs and E-mail. Recently at a inopportune time this system failed (obvious salt water water in the AT140) I replaced that AT140.
As a redundancy measure. I have installed a TS480HX (new) and the said new Auto tuner.
The TX’s are mounted side by side and share the same RF ground and power, the Tuners are mounted side by side and share the same RF ground. To switch from system to system. The Co-ax is swapped at the TX’s and the Tuner’s and the Long wire feed is swapped at the tuner terminal. Effectively they share exactly the same Aerial
While the M802/AT140 system functions perfectly at 150 Watts. When the cabling is swapped to the TS480 and the new tuner. The Tuner (both new tuners) perform exactly as advertised. However if more that 100 watts is sent to the Tuner. One of the 4 relays in the Tuner at the final section Inductors, prior to the Aerial terminal overheats (badly) and will incinerates itself and damage the adjacent 3 relays. Both of the new tuners have done this starting at exactly the same relay both times after applying 150 Watts.
I have asked the manufacturer directly. Under exactly what circumstances can these kinds of voltages be generated? To date I have had no response. Due to time elapsed I am now doubtful that a response will be forthcoming.
Can anybody give some insight into what is actually happening here?


Thank you
Mike]]> As a first post this is probably a doozy.


I have over the last few weeks managed to burn out two Auto tuner/couplers. I really dont want to name the Manufacturer, but suffice. These are US made with an excellent reputation and rated at 500 watts SSB. And are eye wateringly expensive!


The problem is- I have a functioning HF install- Icom M802 to a AT140 tuner into a End fed Longwire 72” 8” oal. This is used for SailMail Weather Gribs and E-mail. Recently at a inopportune time this system failed (obvious salt water water in the AT140) I replaced that AT140.
As a redundancy measure. I have installed a TS480HX (new) and the said new Auto tuner.
The TX’s are mounted side by side and share the same RF ground and power, the Tuners are mounted side by side and share the same RF ground. To switch from system to system. The Co-ax is swapped at the TX’s and the Tuner’s and the Long wire feed is swapped at the tuner terminal. Effectively they share exactly the same Aerial
While the M802/AT140 system functions perfectly at 150 Watts. When the cabling is swapped to the TS480 and the new tuner. The Tuner (both new tuners) perform exactly as advertised. However if more that 100 watts is sent to the Tuner. One of the 4 relays in the Tuner at the final section Inductors, prior to the Aerial terminal overheats (badly) and will incinerates itself and damage the adjacent 3 relays. Both of the new tuners have done this starting at exactly the same relay both times after applying 150 Watts.
I have asked the manufacturer directly. Under exactly what circumstances can these kinds of voltages be generated? To date I have had no response. Due to time elapsed I am now doubtful that a response will be forthcoming.
Can anybody give some insight into what is actually happening here?


Thank you
Mike]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1064 Wed, 28 Jul 2021 12:08:07 +0000 VK5TM]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1064
I say temporary as I am waiting on help to get a tower down and disposed of so that I can then put up other masts that are easier for me to handle (the joys of getting older).

At this stage, the temporary antenna is likely to be mounted on the barge board on one end of the house (corrugated iron roof).

There's also the possibility of a 6m rig in the near future (again an older one).

Anybody want a 10m freestanding tower? I've got two of them to get rid of but you'll have to pull one of them down.

Edit 29/7/21: Went in to the shed earlier today and just so happened to trip over a Comet SB-15 vertical that I had forgotten about, so that will solve the temp antenna problem for now.]]>
I say temporary as I am waiting on help to get a tower down and disposed of so that I can then put up other masts that are easier for me to handle (the joys of getting older).

At this stage, the temporary antenna is likely to be mounted on the barge board on one end of the house (corrugated iron roof).

There's also the possibility of a 6m rig in the near future (again an older one).

Anybody want a 10m freestanding tower? I've got two of them to get rid of but you'll have to pull one of them down.

Edit 29/7/21: Went in to the shed earlier today and just so happened to trip over a Comet SB-15 vertical that I had forgotten about, so that will solve the temp antenna problem for now.]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=997 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 03:05:17 +0000 VK2KRR]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=997 I've determined that the issue is inside the rotator itself as if I have the controller buttons pressed while I am up the tower, I can hear the electric motor inside the rotator housing running, but nothing is turning above the rotator. Broken gear or something like that.
I wouldn't have thought I would have been putting too much pressure on it with only 4 x 8m long 144 MHz yagis. And in actual fact, I have recently removed these and am now running yagis which are only about 2.5m long and its been about a month since the smaller yagis were installed and everything was fine, but least week I was turning it and suddenly it just stopped mid rotation. Perhaps something was already cracked and was a matter of time before it failed.
I have another one of these under my 50 MHz yagi which is 13m long and nearly 60 kg, with no dramas.

My question is, does anyone know where I could purchase a Yaesu 2800 rotator by itself without a controller, as I dont need another controller?
Or does anyone even have a 2nd hand one they are not using that they could sell ?

Thanks]]> I've determined that the issue is inside the rotator itself as if I have the controller buttons pressed while I am up the tower, I can hear the electric motor inside the rotator housing running, but nothing is turning above the rotator. Broken gear or something like that.
I wouldn't have thought I would have been putting too much pressure on it with only 4 x 8m long 144 MHz yagis. And in actual fact, I have recently removed these and am now running yagis which are only about 2.5m long and its been about a month since the smaller yagis were installed and everything was fine, but least week I was turning it and suddenly it just stopped mid rotation. Perhaps something was already cracked and was a matter of time before it failed.
I have another one of these under my 50 MHz yagi which is 13m long and nearly 60 kg, with no dramas.

My question is, does anyone know where I could purchase a Yaesu 2800 rotator by itself without a controller, as I dont need another controller?
Or does anyone even have a 2nd hand one they are not using that they could sell ?

Thanks]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=978 Sun, 09 Aug 2020 07:43:50 +0000 VK4QX]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=978 Has anyone had experience good or bad with GAP Antennas ? they seem to get the same gammet of positive and negative reviews however appear to attract more positive remarks than some competitors.
I am mainly interested in Multi-band Challenger DX.

Cheers]]> Has anyone had experience good or bad with GAP Antennas ? they seem to get the same gammet of positive and negative reviews however appear to attract more positive remarks than some competitors.
I am mainly interested in Multi-band Challenger DX.

Cheers]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=801 Thu, 23 May 2019 22:55:58 +0000 VK7HH]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=801 In this video I describe using a directional coupler to do a return loss measurement of my LFA 6 meter yagi. I also perform the same test using a common MFJ analyzer.


]]> In this video I describe using a directional coupler to do a return loss measurement of my LFA 6 meter yagi. I also perform the same test using a common MFJ analyzer.


]]>