Outdoor Adventure USA

Very impressive set ups, Randy...

I have the same configuration in my FJ - FT-857D and ATAS-120A. What would you suggest for a field antenna to use if the vehicle is going to be stationary for a period of time (such as at camp in Big Bear ) ?

cruiserlarry wrote:Very impressive set ups, Randy...

I have the same configuration in my FJ - FT-857D and ATAS-120A. What would you suggest for a field antenna to use if the vehicle is going to be stationary for a period of time (such as at camp in Big Bear ) ?

My all-around favorite is the TW-2010. Here's why; The antenna requires no support and when in the desert this is a big concern. I works equally well anywhere and has a very low take-off angle much like a vertical. I considered the Buddipole, but realized that being a dipole, it needed to be mounted at least a 1/4 wave in height to be truly effective. The TW-2010 also sets up in seconds....literally! And so, in the worst of conditions could be set up without a fuss. It's also constructed extremely well. I did a write-up on it here in the reviews section. Check it out.
Aside from the TW-2010, I really like the Par Electronics End-Fedz. I think someone posted a YouTube video of the famed Diana Eng using a 20m model with an 857d. After just flinging the antenna up in a tree she made a contact with an Italian station.....very impressive. She's now working with ARRL's PR committee.

Yes, you mention the Par Electronics End-Fedz and I am going to try it from my apartment in SD once i get settled. Do you use the 2010 or 2010L Backpacker version?

and one last question is there something similar for dual band? Something I can set up on a tripod in the field?

Dennis David wrote:Yes, you mention the Par Electronics End-Fedz and I am going to try it from my apartment in SD once i get settled. Do you use the 2010 or 2010L Backpacker version?

and one last question is there something similar for dual band? Something I can set up on a tripod in the field?

The End-Fedz are fantastic antennas. They are very compact and travel well.
More than a few "vacation-style" DXpeditions have used them with great success. They are much more compact than the 2010.
I use the TW-2010 Adventurer with the remote band changer. Essentially they are the same except for this add'l feature. In retrospect, I'm not sure I wouldn't just get the Backpacker. Manually changing bands would only take a minute in walking to the antenna and back.
Dennis, if you're coming up to the Field Day event you can see mine there. It will be the primary 20m antenna for the event.

I think I would like to come but I don't have a 4WD, only a sedan that wouldn't do well off road.

Dennis David wrote:I think I would like to come but I don't have a 4WD, only a sedan that wouldn't do well off road.

For this event 4WD will not be necessary. The campsites we use are always accessible by 2WD vehicles. So you will be able to at least participate in the Field Day portion of the event, not to mention the potluck. There is also the chance of getting to ride shotgun with someone with a 4WD too.

HeHe, Solomon Islands tonight....another IOTA (OC-47). There's an Ethiopean station working the Anza Net 14.183........but it's a mess!

I hit Japan the other night on 20m. 200 miles north of Tokyo.
This was my First International DX and longest contact so far.
Pretty exciting for me.
Yaesu 857d, 100 watts, G5RV Lite inverted V antenna 30 ft up at home in Cypress.

BigDave wrote:I hit Japan the other night on 20m. 200 miles north of Tokyo.
This was my First International DX and longest contact so far.
Pretty exciting for me.
Yaesu 857d, 100 watts, G5RV Lite inverted V antenna 30 ft up at home in Cypress.

Barefoot with a $40.00 G5RV, I love it!.........good job Dave!
Now you've got to get those QSL cards printed and start licking envelopes...hi,hi.
Are you going to make it to our Field Day???

xtatik wrote: Barefoot with a $40.00 G5RV, I love it!.........good job Dave!
Now you've got to get those QSL cards printed and start licking envelopes...hi,hi.
Are you going to make it to our Field Day???

I really want to, but I became laid off the other day from my real job and money is too tight to make any decisions that far out.