I agree the 2E callsign is one of the most unusual available. The M3, M0,M1, M5, or G callsign are far easier to use. I'm working on the M0 callsign at present just it's going to take around 9months from when the course starts again.

I don't think the language is a barrier as most other countries speak english.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

G5RV half size will fit into that space. I have one which is ok and gives me satisfactory results. The US may call them something different.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

The bands are getting more use over here in Europe we have Russia/Poland/Holland/Germany/UK/Lithuania/Luxembourg/France/India/Afganistan (which is interesting) USA/Canada(I can't receive either)mainly on 40/80/20 2m and 70cm's here is quiet due to it's short range (which is were Echolink comes in)

For receiving you're still going to need an antenna of sorts. the antenna restrictions can be over come (ok with a few exception ie in government institution, military based, restricted zone) I had one of the worst restrictions as I live in a block on the ground floor surrounded by other blocks within 20feet no garden, I did get permissions in the end but the restrictions are insane. Have you thought about going Mobile? whether car or even bicycle? We have one ham in Norfolk who does HF mobile with ok results.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

Today I turned on my radio to find virtually  no one about, when I did find someone all they wanted was a 15 second report. Where has the art of conversation gone? I agree when the bands are poor or busy, like 40m, then a 15 second contact is ok but come one we've spent time gaining the license spent the money on the equipment so lets have a conversation not just you're 5-9+ !!

At present my antena won't get to the US or Canada as it's pointing to Europe/Iceland as it's a half size G5RV (which is great contrary to other comments)

I would love to actually have a conversation with someone for longer than 30seconds, ok I did last week which was great in total of my QSO's I've had 4 proper conversations the rest have been just reports.

So if you hear me calling CQ lets have a conversation I don't care were you're from I don't care what equipment you have I want to have a conversation (seems a bit like the introduction of consoles the art of imagination has gone)



Charlotte 2E0BSS

Thanks I'll check out to see if I can get the book locally. Do you have the ISBN number? Seems that the ARRL has a far better build section.

Charlotte

If I had that kind of spare money to buy a radio I wouldn't buy either.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

I've been asked if I could turn the radio on so it could be seen working when I came back from Poland. Customs didn't really like it when I pointed out my license didn't entitle me to operate the radio abroad. (it was cheaper to buy the unit there than here in the UK) otherwise they were happy.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

I want to make a top band mobile antenna, previously posted in homebrew with no luck, can someone suggest the rough lengths for the coil and turns. I'm guessing the whip needs to be in the region of 4-5 foot in length, ideally longer although the Norfolk Police service will get tense if I drive with a longer whip. I'm also guessing that the entire antenna needs to be around 6foot in total length ( I could be wrong)

I'm guessing (very roughly) If I make the coil around 2 foot (60cm's in EU style) and the whip 5 foot (180cm's ish)and around 250/300 turns I'm going to be no where near (or somewhere near)

What do you think.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

A few months ago on DXzone there was a plan for a simple mobile 160m antenna, can someone tell me where it's gone please?

If it's gone completely can someone give me the rough figures for the base coil and whip. I'm having another build session. I've just finished the dummy load by K4EAA and it works as well if not better than a commercial dummy load. I've also finished the Slinky Dipole which had ok results and now I want to build a mobile top band antenna, I know if I build the thing in the region of 2meters in total length a tuner will tune it to top band.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

Can someone for certain tell me if the above antenna covers 14MHz? The store claims it does,although the packaging says it needs an optional coil. Thing that is confusing me (that isn't hard) is an extra element of a length which isn't listed on the instruction sheet. I have elements for 50/21/28/7/144/433 and this spare one. The antenna is sold as a 7 band, however anyone can see unless this extra element is 14MHz then it's a 6 band.

Please help

Charlotte 2E0BSS

Yes with an antenna tuner you may be able to tune 15/17 maybe at a push 20mtrs. Sorry read it wrong ignore my comment about the ATAS120 it's a junk antenna anyhow.

I'm very unhappy about this (The antenna will only last Xmonths I've got an 11mtr antenna bought some 25 years ago which is as good as the day it was bought only a few paint flakes)

Charlotte 2E0BSS

If you're getting the Yaesu 857D why not get the ATAS 120 it's a dedicated antenna for the Yaesu series, just the £255 price tag, although cheap if considered against a Tarheel @£359-£459

Charlotte 2EOBSS

E-mail address sent. Also I have accidentaly posted the question twice could the administrator move the two together please.

Charlotte 2E0BSS

Hi in answer

1> Yes as it's going to be a mobile unit, as I drive with hand controls I won't be able to change a manual or remote one.

2> No as I'm going to use a 50ohm screwdriver antenna (ok it might change a touch, not massively)

3> No but a remote system won't be suitable as per 1.

4> It's a bit of both, even though the homebrew one may cost more than the commercial ones. I'm sure I can build one smaller than that available in the uk. I like the fun of building  something then using it at the end.

My thoughts are mainly to get the atu to connect to the base of the antenna, or as close to it as possible and be totally self contained and independent of the radio (so it's not a coax trimmer and a real ATU)

Charlotte 2E0BSS

Has anyone built their own Auto ATU? If so what components do I need to build mine?

Charlotte 2E0BSS