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Excellent Go Box For Sale

Excellent Go Box for sale. Covers 160m thru 432 mhz all modes including a netbook with WSJT modes. All equipment stows inside the pvc/aluminum waterproof audio case with 2 handles, total weight 32 lbs.

POTA SOTA Field Ops with the Chelegance MC-750 Vertical Antenna System

Looking for a portable and easy-to-use HF antenna? The Chelegance MC-750 Portable HF Vertical Antenna is designed to provide a hassle-free setup process and an efficient, high-performance antenna for portable ham radio operations.

Introduction:

If you are looking for a portable and easy-to-use HF vertical antenna, then the Chelegance MC-750 Portable HF Vertical Antenna system is worth considering. These antennas are designed to provide quick and effortless setup without requiring tools, making it ideal for field operations and emergency services.

Features:

The MC-750 Portable HF Vertical Antenna is built to provide an efficient quarter-wave vertical ground plane antenna for 40 through 6 meters. It can handle up to 100 watts and features a female SO-239 connector and jacks for up to 4 preassembled, 11.48 ft. counterpoise radials. Additionally, the antenna comes with a 7 MHz loading coil, 1.64 ft. extension, 17 ft. telescopic whip, and a cable winder, all packed in a carrying bag for easy portability.

Takeaways:

The Chelegance MC-750 Portable HF Vertical Antenna provides a hassle-free setup process. The antenna offers good efficiency for a compromised portable ground based antenna. The telescoping whip and preassembled radials make it easy to get on the air quickly, while the included carrying bag makes it easy to pack and transport.

The Chelegance MC-750 portable antenna system for field day, parks or summits on the air and emergency communications.

How To:

Setting up the MC-750 is simple and straightforward. First, unpack the kit and extend the telescoping whip to its full length. Next, attach the 7 MHz loading coil to the base of the antenna and connect the antenna to your radio using a coaxial cable with a PL-259 connector. Finally, lay out the preassembled radials on the ground in a star pattern, ensuring that they are evenly spaced, and connect them to the antenna base.

FAQ:

Q: How does the Chelegance MC-750 Portable HF Vertical Antennas perform on different bands?
A: The MC-750 is designed to operate on the 40 (with loading coil) through 6 meter bands.

Q: What is the maximum power handling capacity of the MC-750?
A: The MC-750 can handle up to 100 watts of power.

Documentation @ DX Engineering:

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/nce-ch0010009

Conclusion:


The Chelegance JNCRadio MC-750 portable HF antenna, is a good choice for portable or emergency use. It is easy to set up and comes in a compact well designed case for easy transport. The reference marks etched into the antenna sections make it easy to get the SWR in the ballpark,

Note that the antenna base/spike does not use the standard 3/8×24 mount. The base uses a metric M-10-1.5 thread so other antenna systems like the MFJ-1979 would require some type of adapter.

In terms of performance, the Chelegance MC-750 is a reliable ground-based vertical antenna that provides decent RX and TX capabilities for the 20 meter band and up. The 40 meter loading coil is a compromise at best but will get you on 40 meters. The Chelegance MC-750 is a good option for situations where no trees are available or quick activations are in mind.

Ham Antenna Calculator (HAMANTCAL)

This article explores the features and benefits of HamAntCal Version 3.5, a powerful tool for building your own antennas. With step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and important safety tips, this comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into antenna building for both beginners and experienced users alike.

Introduction:

For those interested in building their own antennas, having the right tools and information is essential. HamAntCal Version 3.5 (Ham Antenna Calculator) is a valuable app that provides a simple and intuitive way to calculate the starting length for constructing your antennas in feet/inches or metric. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using HamAntCal, step-by-step instructions on how to use it, frequently asked questions, and conclusion.

Benefits:

HamAntCal has a variety of benefits, including the ability to work in both feet/inches and metric systems. Its easy-to-use and intuitive interface make it simple to calculate starting lengths for building your antennas. The app can calculate the starting length for “Dipoles,” “Verticals,” and “Inverted Vee” antennas. There is also a page for calculating 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 5/8, and “Full Wave” length.

One of the standout features of HamAntCal is its ability to work with “Inverted Vee” antennas. The developer encountered different and conflicting information for calculating the length of an “Inverted Vee” antenna. To test this, the developer calculated for a “Dipole” using the “Dipole” calculator.

Then they put together a “Dipole” with a support for the center insulator as well as the ends and measured the resonant frequency with an antenna analyzer. As the ends were lowered towards 45 degrees from horizontal, the resonant frequency increased. This means that the length of the “Inverted Vee” would need to be increased to stay resonant at the same frequency as the dipole.

The “Inverted Vee” calculator in the app has a slider that starts up with an angle of 45 degrees and can be adjusted down to 20 degrees continuously re-calculating as it is moved. This corresponds to about 4.5 to 2 percent added to the length of the “Inverted Vee.”

Step-by-Step:

Using HamAntCal is simple, here are the steps:

  • Download the app from the App Store on your iOS device.
  • Open the app.
  • Choose the type of antenna you want to build from the options presented: “Dipoles,” “Verticals,” and “Inverted Vee.”
  • Enter the frequency you want the antenna to resonate at.
  • Select the measurement system you want to use (feet/inches or metric).
  • The app will calculate the starting length of your antenna.

Takeaways:

When using HamAntCal, it is essential to keep in mind that no antenna calculator can give exact results in every case. Many factors can affect the resonant frequency of an antenna, including the wire used, height above ground, ground type, and nearby objects. It’s always a good practice to add a little extra wire and then trim up to the desired frequency.

FAQs:

Q: What frequencies can the calculator handle?
A: The calculator can handle frequencies from 30 Khz to 500Mhz for the “Dipole,” “Vertical,” and “Length” calculators. The maximum for the “Inverted Vee” calculator is 60MHz.

Q: Will the calculator provide exact measurements?
A: No, the calculator does not give exact measurements, and the results will need to be trimmed using an antenna analyzer or SWR meter to the exact frequency after installation.

Q: Is it necessary to leave extra wire on each section for trimming and wrapping around the insulators?
A: Yes, it is important to leave some extra wire on each section for trimming and wrapping around the insulators.

Conclusion:

Overall, the HamAntCal Version 3.5 is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that can help antenna builders get started on their projects. With its updated interface, settings menu, and compatibility with both feet/inches and metric measurements, it offers a great deal of convenience to its users.

However, it’s important to remember that antenna building can be a complex process, and there are many factors that can affect the resonant frequency of an antenna. While HamAntCal can provide a starting point, proper matching methods and equipment should always be used to ensure a safe and effective installation.

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