After several thousand contacts with the MC-750 I can say that it is still like new. Of course, after a snowfall or rainfall I do wipe the antenna before storage into its excellent case.

I love this antenna because it works with my QRP radios and Ft-891 that do not have a tuner.

Jab spike into grass, extend whip to 14Mhz mark…go operate as SWR is always under 2:1 using its fixed radial length of 10 ft.

4 radials (wait isn’t it counterpoise?) has been proven to be a great performer. I always lay them on the ground and it just works with QRP contacts into Europe on 20m.

I have put all my end feds into a bag as to really work DX you need an efficient antenna without Balun losses and tuners in place (more losses) AND a low angle of radiation. The MC-750 gives you this.

I also tried the antenna on 40m understanding its a bit short so the performance is a bit short (usually an S unit or 2) but the speed of activation and recovery is awesome.

I deployed it this time on the rocks and was rewarded with some good contacts on 40m. The 40m coil is well built and has protection from the elements. I love POTA and my POTA is usually on 40 or 20m.

The Q is very good for the coil and the bandwidth is good so readjustment isn’t really needed when hunting for parks.

JNC is working hard to bring more affordable antenna products to the market place but only are they released after much testing and protyping.

I love the custom case with pockets that contain everything from getting lost. Its stood countless tossing into the truck, rain pour and transport on my bike. This alone is worth $60. The zippers work properly and there is room in the case for coax and even a QRP labs QCX radio. Even a swiss army knife and a energy bar and water flask.

My French River activation and Field day activity included 2 primary antennas (I brought a third for testing) and after the poor results with the end fed long wire with my 9:1 balloon I just kept the MC-750 connected. The band change from 40m to 20m was fast as well. Recover the 40m coil then extend the whip to 14mHz and run back to the cabin to operate.

The team has added some accessories and other items of interest to hams at price points that are affordable and designed and built extremely well. Pride in workmanship is a key company value.

I have had two MFJ telescopic whips fall apart due to poor quality and workmanship but my MC-750 whip although lighter in weight has worked admirably.

Get OUT and operate not sitting on a couch watching YouTube on people activating parks. Operate not watch!

John VE3IPS

Icom 705 at 5 watts with the MAT-705 tuner for the end fed and the Heil headset. QRP works and life is long enough.

My DIY 9:1 hangs off a nail

Working DX on 20m Thanks to the F6 in France using 5 watts SSB.

just some simple macro work cant work DX all day right?

Just stick the ground spike into the crack and go operate. At 17 ft and the base coil its a formidable weapon for 40m activity especially where a dipole cant be put up. I am constantly surprised how well it works on 40m with High Q and great bandwidth.

Hear em , work em, log em No problems

The DX Engineering box on the PO Box arrived and the antenna is a beauty

REZ Antenna Systems Recon 40 High Performance HF Antenna Coils are high-performance HF antenna coils capable of tuning 40-10 meters when paired with the REZ-Z17 17-foot telescoping whip (not included). I have the MFJ and Chameleon version.

Made with 14GA enameled copper wire, the Recon 40 is rated for use at up to 500W SSB, 300W CW, and 200W digital (50% duty cycle). The coil body is made from Delrin and 6061 anodized aluminum all CNC machined in the USA. The coil body is 100% weather resistant, thanks to its unique design which incorporates the use of O-rings and gasket seals at each joint. The coil’s machined wire groove provides mechanical support and optimal spacing to ensure a low loss coil. Switching bands is made easy with the integrated weatherproof coil bypass switch.

When you’re ready to move to the higher bands simply flip the switch and tune the telescoping whip to your desired frequency. The Recon 40 also features a rapid-deploy radial system. At the heart of this system is the radial “puck” that accepts up to eight 4mm banana plugs.

This enables quick attachment of REZ Antenna Systems’ 4-wire radial kit (not included) and leaves room to expand your radial field for increased performance. I used the radials from my Ranger 80 antenna.

I did a 3fer park activation running 50 watts off my FT-891 and a bunch of DCPower LiePO4 batteries I picked up at Liquidation Show for cheap.

There was the usual a solar storm and you could hear the band huffing and puffing in the background but we managed to also snag a couple of 2m contacts.

No adjustments were made….SWR was under 2:1 in both cases. Work 40m and then hunt the 13 Colonies on 20m…flick the switch.

The long radials make a big difference.

The QSO map shows that I was able to get a nice signal out on SSB.

This is a nice addition to the Ranger 80 antenna, although they do the same thing. If you swap out the 9 foot antenna for the 17 foot antenna on the Ranger 80, its the same story but a lot heavier. If you just wanted a quick 2 bander then the Recon 40 is a good choice (the whip can be adjusted for 20-10m and 6m as well.

The Recon 40 as its own standalone antenna is more rugged than the JNCRadio MC-750 and a lot heavier. The advantage is that the JNCRadio adds a 40m coil and uses shorter 10 foot radials but still offers a quarter wave on 20m and an 1/8 wave on 40m and a lot cheaper. Also the engraved markings on the MC-750 makes set up a breeze and its carry case is top notch. The MC-750 antenna also uses metric threading so interoperability with my antenna mounts and Buddipole stuff is impossible. I have made over a thousand contacts and very happy with it.

BUT the Recon can handle a lot more power and the whip antenna is more rugged. Its also a longer whip to try to pack. I have made about 100 contacts from the park during the RAC Contest, 13 Colonies QRMathon and POTA 3fer.

I own both and I choose the antenna I need to get the job done.

Please avoid the MFJ 17 foot whip as it likes to fall apart while using it. I am on my third so I am super careful with it but I was that way with the first two.

Happy Antennas

73s IPS

Buymeacoffee

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ve3ips

ve3ips.wordpress.com

ve3ips@gmail.com

Instagram @ve3ips_portable_operator

YouTube @VE3IPS

Ham Radio is a life$$$tyle not a Hobby!

Take the radio outside and operate from the Field

Throw a wire in a tree and make a QSO

Tinfoil has many uses beyond the BBQ

       REMEMBER WHAT RUDY ALWAYS SAYS:

1. Buy Cheap Buy Twice – That online special that is a non-branded product may have misinformation in its marketing approach lost in translation
2. Buy Once Cry Once – Buy the Best with a Warranty that has Teeth
3. One is None and 2 is One – Think back up or a Modular approach

The DX Engineering box on the PO Box arrived and the antenna is a beauty

REZ Antenna Systems Recon 40 High Performance HF Antenna Coils are high-performance HF antenna coils capable of tuning 40-10 meters when paired with the REZ-Z17 17-foot telescoping whip (not included). I have the MFJ and Chameleon version.

Made with 14GA enameled copper wire, the Recon 40 is rated for use at up to 500W SSB, 300W CW, and 200W digital (50% duty cycle). The coil body is made from Delrin and 6061 anodized aluminum all CNC machined in the USA. The coil body is 100% weather resistant, thanks to its unique design which incorporates the use of O-rings and gasket seals at each joint. The coil’s machined wire groove provides mechanical support and optimal spacing to ensure a low loss coil. Switching bands is made easy with the integrated weatherproof coil bypass switch.

When you’re ready to move to the higher bands simply flip the switch and tune the telescoping whip to your desired frequency. The Recon 40 also features a rapid-deploy radial system. At the heart of this system is the radial “puck” that accepts up to eight 4mm banana plugs.

This enables quick attachment of REZ Antenna Systems’ 4-wire radial kit (not included) and leaves room to expand your radial field for increased performance. I used the radials from my Ranger 80 antenna.

I did a 3fer park activation running 50 watts off my FT-891 and a bunch of DCPower LiePO4 batteries I picked up at Liquidation Show for cheap.

There was the usual a solar storm and you could hear the band huffing and puffing in the background but we managed to also snag a couple of 2m contacts.

No adjustments were made….SWR was under 2:1 in both cases. Work 40m and then hunt the 13 Colonies on 20m…flick the switch.

The long radials make a big difference.

The QSO map shows that I was able to get a nice signal out on SSB.

This is a nice addition to the Ranger 80 antenna, although they do the same thing. If you swap out the 9 foot antenna for the 17 foot antenna on the Ranger 80, its the same story but a lot heavier. If you just wanted a quick 2 bander then the Recon 40 is a good choice (the whip can be adjusted for 20-10m and 6m as well.

The Recon 40 as its own standalone antenna is more rugged than the JNCRadio MC-750 and a lot heavier. The advantage is that the JNCRadio adds a 40m coil and uses shorter 10 foot radials but still offers a quarter wave on 20m and an 1/8 wave on 40m and a lot cheaper. Also the engraved markings on the MC-750 makes set up a breeze and its carry case is top notch. The MC-750 antenna also uses metric threading so interoperability with my antenna mounts and Buddipole stuff is impossible. I have made over a thousand contacts and very happy with it.

BUT the Recon can handle a lot more power and the whip antenna is more rugged. Its also a longer whip to try to pack. I have made about 100 contacts from the park during the RAC Contest, 13 Colonies QRMathon and POTA 3fer.

I own both and I choose the antenna I need to get the job done.

Please avoid the MFJ 17 foot whip as it likes to fall apart while using it. I am on my third so I am super careful with it but I was that way with the first two.

Happy Antennas

73s IPS

Buymeacoffee

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ve3ips

ve3ips.wordpress.com

ve3ips@gmail.com

Instagram @ve3ips_portable_operator

YouTube @VE3IPS

Ham Radio is a life$$$tyle not a Hobby!

Take the radio outside and operate from the Field

Throw a wire in a tree and make a QSO

Tinfoil has many uses beyond the BBQ

       REMEMBER WHAT RUDY ALWAYS SAYS:

1. Buy Cheap Buy Twice – That online special that is a non-branded product may have misinformation in its marketing approach lost in translation
2. Buy Once Cry Once – Buy the Best with a Warranty that has Teeth
3. One is None and 2 is One – Think back up or a Modular approach

 It is always good to see others trying their hand at my designs. DX Explorer has a video of him breadboarding my 2 transistor 80m transceiver. My designs are always a starting point. Pretty sure you will be able to improve them!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/80m-xbm80-2 .

Business Travel, QRP, SOTA and DX Contacts

I enjoy operating using low power out in the field. One part of our hobby that combines both is SOTA or Summits on The Air. I enjoy combining business travel with QRP SOTA operations as I can easily pack a small station in a carryon bag and enjoy the hobby from new locations. I also try to meet up with other hams at local clubs while travelling. This trip also combined a CalQRP club meeting in San Jose.

I activated the SOTA W6/CC-05 Mount Umunhum summit on October 7, 2018 in the afternoon. I chose this location as it was a military radar site at one time and included a wonderful drive to get there. It’s a simple drive up the mountain and a short hike to get to the summit area. The area is being improved with proper trails, signs and sitting areas. This is not roughing it. I managed to make 10 contacts on 2m FM and was glad to work the SOTA regulars like Rex KE6MT and Vic AB6SO. This gave me my summit activation points. Vic was in Redwood City at the San Mateo Bridge and was my farthest simplex QRP contact and it’s funny as I had driven over that bridge on my drive to get to the CalQRP meeting. Vic told me it’s a great area to work from due to the marshy water providing some enhanced signals on HF. This is a family friendly summit and you can play radio for 30 minutes while the wife and kids explore the area.

I was using my trusty Yaesu FT-817 with a 5/8 wave whip antenna for 2m. I also was using a PackTenna Treck prototype of an antenna mount that worked out very well for antenna mounting as an initial trial for SOTA. I used it in different configurations with the 2m whip, and MFJ-1820T 20m whip antenna with a 13 foot counterpoise.

My thrill was working RM0L/p from the Russian Adriatic Sea on 20m SSB. They have a very unique QSL card https://www.qrz.com/db/RM0L/MM that I sent for to remember this contact. I realized later my power output was 2.5 watts and I sent a 59+20 report and was heard at 57. Not bad, for a distance of over 5,000 miles. QRP does get out and you can be surprised how these short compromise antennas work when band conditions are good. There was a grass fire nearby in San Jose making everything smokey and at times a bit worrisome. When I previously activated the San Bruno SOTA summit, the Santa Rosa fires were in full force with lots of smoke in the valley and even though I was many miles away. One must always be concerned about safety regardless of where you operate out in the field.

This was a real memorable QRP experience because it combined a unique travel destination, a QRP club meeting and operations out in the field.

John VE3IPS

The PackTenna antenna using the 5/8 wave 2m antenna

Antenna with radials to improve the signals

Business Travel, QRP, SOTA and DX Contacts

I enjoy operating using low power out in the field. One part of our hobby that combines both is SOTA or Summits on The Air. I enjoy combining business travel with QRP SOTA operations as I can easily pack a small station in a carryon bag and enjoy the hobby from new locations. I also try to meet up with other hams at local clubs while travelling. This trip also combined a CalQRP club meeting in San Jose.

I activated the SOTA W6/CC-05 Mount Umunhum summit on October 7, 2018 in the afternoon. I chose this location as it was a military radar site at one time and included a wonderful drive to get there. It’s a simple drive up the mountain and a short hike to get to the summit area. The area is being improved with proper trails, signs and sitting areas. This is not roughing it. I managed to make 10 contacts on 2m FM and was glad to work the SOTA regulars like Rex KE6MT and Vic AB6SO. This gave me my summit activation points. Vic was in Redwood City at the San Mateo Bridge and was my farthest simplex QRP contact and it’s funny as I had driven over that bridge on my drive to get to the CalQRP meeting. Vic told me it’s a great area to work from due to the marshy water providing some enhanced signals on HF. This is a family friendly summit and you can play radio for 30 minutes while the wife and kids explore the area.

I was using my trusty Yaesu FT-817 with a 5/8 wave whip antenna for 2m. I also was using a PackTenna Treck prototype of an antenna mount that worked out very well for antenna mounting as an initial trial for SOTA. I used it in different configurations with the 2m whip, and MFJ-1820T 20m whip antenna with a 13 foot counterpoise.

My thrill was working RM0L/p from the Russian Adriatic Sea on 20m SSB. They have a very unique QSL card https://www.qrz.com/db/RM0L/MM that I sent for to remember this contact. I realized later my power output was 2.5 watts and I sent a 59+20 report and was heard at 57. Not bad, for a distance of over 5,000 miles. QRP does get out and you can be surprised how these short compromise antennas work when band conditions are good. There was a grass fire nearby in San Jose making everything smokey and at times a bit worrisome. When I previously activated the San Bruno SOTA summit, the Santa Rosa fires were in full force with lots of smoke in the valley and even though I was many miles away. One must always be concerned about safety regardless of where you operate out in the field.

This was a real memorable QRP experience because it combined a unique travel destination, a QRP club meeting and operations out in the field.

John VE3IPS

The PackTenna antenna using the 5/8 wave 2m antenna

Antenna with radials to improve the signals

Anyone who has been with me for awhile knows that every now and again “Murphy” of Murphy’s Law fame comes for a visit.

Things here have been going fairly well (Ham Radio wise) recently. I have been able to some contacts (mostly 20m SSB) during the daytime and also in the evenings (mostly 40m SSB) and considering the band conditions I think that’s pretty good.

But (and you know there had to be a “but”!

After making some evening 40m ssb contacts last night I shut off the power supply and left the shack. I came back to the shack and turned on the power supply and the radio would not turn on.

I did a quick check and the power supply now had an output of 4v dc. Not what I was expecting as before I shut it down it was steady at 13.5v dc which is normal for this unit.

I then took the cover off and could not smell the “magic smoke” and there was no visible issues on the board itself. No burn marks on the board, everything attached and no signs of any thing out of the ordinary.

I did have a backup PS so I’m still on the air with a 25 amp unit rather than the 30 amp unit that now is a paperweight.

The replacement from “The Toronto Toystore” will set me back around $220.00 after shipping/taxes, so it won’t break the bank and they have one in stock so “fingers crossed”.

So, this morning I look out into my backyard and notice the counterweight attached to the end of my “Stealthy Inverted L” is laying on the ground. A quick check found that the wire itself was intact but…. (yup but again) the wire had slipped off on of the branches that support the horizontal section of the wire. This does happen every now and again so…. 30 minutes later I’m back on the air.

The plan now is to see if the band comes to life (the numbers are looking good) and I can get (more than) a few contacts in the log.

.

Ending on a positive note I was able to contact VE3FI Bill as he activated POTA CA-2376 as part of his cross Canada tour. I guess the antenna is working after all that.

73bob

Just like last year!

I was using a bit more power this year. Project TouCans is running somewhere between 3 and 5 Watts at the moment.

He caught me just before the gang go the oatmeal ready, (we're camping on the edge of Great Basin National Park), On top of that, a RBN station in Japan had spotted Project TouCans about half an hour before. There wasn't a grey line between our locations, so I'm curious about what was going on, but delighted to have made the QSO!

Here's the activation in Cesium so you can see where the sun was in relation to the QSO. The QSO takes place at 14:49 near the end of the animation.

Anyone who has been with me for awhile knows that every now and again “Murphy” of Murphy’s Law fame comes for a visit.

Things here have been going fairly well (Ham Radio wise) recently. I have been able to some contacts (mostly 20m SSB) during the daytime and also in the evenings (mostly 40m SSB) and considering the band conditions I think that’s pretty good.

But (and you know there had to be a “but”!

After making some evening 40m ssb contacts last night I shut off the power supply and left the shack. I came back to the shack and turned on the power supply and the radio would not turn on.

I did a quick check and the power supply now had an output of 4v dc. Not what I was expecting as before I shut it down it was steady at 13.5v dc which is normal for this unit.

I then took the cover off and could not smell the “magic smoke” and there was no visible issues on the board itself. No burn marks on the board, everything attached and no signs of any thing out of the ordinary.

I did have a backup PS so I’m still on the air with a 25 amp unit rather than the 30 amp unit that now is a paperweight.

The replacement from “The Toronto Toystore” will set me back around $220.00 after shipping/taxes, so it won’t break the bank and they have one in stock so “fingers crossed”.

So, this morning I look out into my backyard and notice the counterweight attached to the end of my “Stealthy Inverted L” is laying on the ground. A quick check found that the wire itself was intact but…. (yup but again) the wire had slipped off on of the branches that support the horizontal section of the wire. This does happen every now and again so…. 30 minutes later I’m back on the air.

The plan now is to see if the band comes to life (the numbers are looking good) and I can get (more than) a few contacts in the log.

.

Ending on a positive note I was able to contact VE3FI Bill as he activated POTA CA-2376 as part of his cross Canada tour. I guess the antenna is working after all that.

73bob