Should I get an HF transceiver as a first radio?

[AKRover]

The 857D does have a built in SWR meter as well. It also has a minijack on the face plate for an external meter like this one made by LDG.

http://www.ldgelectronics.com/c/252/products/3/16/1

They also make a very nice tuner as well. Although it isn't controlled by face plate like the ATAS screwdriver or the FC-30 it does have a remote switch that can be mounted on the dash for instant automatic tuning via cat cable interface.

http://www.ldgelectronics.com/c/252/products/1/52/1


I still haven't figured out what I'm going to do for an HF antenna yet. I still like the idea of having a larger portable antenna that packs away fairly small that can be set up when needed. Like I need one more thing to set up at the campsite. I still want something mounted to the vehicle though too so that it most likely what I will end up doing first.

[mk4]

I picked up two hamsticks, a 40 M and a 20 M. The 40 M hamstick had a set crew that was jammed into the ferrule and I stripped the threads for the set screws on the ferrule on the 20 M. Looks like I'll have to return both and get replacements. I did manage to hook up the 20 M hamstick momentarily without tuning it.

Without being in tune, you could pick up quite a few stations in 160, 80,and 20 M. Above 20 M, it was pretty silent. Maybe with some tuning, the 20 M hamstick will work for some higher bands and the 40 will work for the surrounding bands. I could see using an antenna switch and using two hamsticks on the roofrack. That would give me quite a few bands to start off with, without having to change out the hamsticks, and at a minimal cost (~$50).

I used the ProAM/Valor hamsticks found at Hamcity.com. They're probably just as good as any other hamsticks out there, but they're cheap ($19 each) and you don't have to mess with the set screws when you collapse and change out the hamstick. I think that means you won't have to re-tune the hamstick when you put it back on. Also, something I didn't know, but the hamsticks use a different mount (threading) than UHF. So you'll have to pick up one of those as well if you choose to use a hamstick or SS whip. It's was ~$5.

The hamstick was mounted on my roofrack, so I'd say the tip of the whip was about 14 feet up in the air. Too tall for everyday use, but doable for highway travel and while stationary.

[gary in ohio]

Originally Posted by mk4

Without being in tune, you could pick up quite a few stations in 160, 80,and 20 M. Above 20 M, it was pretty silent. Maybe with some tuning, the 20 M hamstick will work for some higher bands and the 40 will work for the surrounding bands. I could see using an antenna switch and using two hamsticks on the roofrack. That would give me quite a few bands to start off with, without having to change out the hamsticks, and at a minimal cost (~$50).

You can hear with a short piece of wire. The hamsticks cut for a specific band. With a coaxial antenna tuner you can get +- 1 bands but thats about it. You can tune most bands but you generate high currents and will burn out a hamstick pretty quick. A low cost multi band antenna for HF is the hustler. YOu get a mast then put one or many coils on it. You can find coils on ebay most of the time. New the coils range from 15-30 per band and the mast 20-30 depending on size. DX engineering has some nice prices on them. http://www.dxengineering.com/Section...6&DeptID=8#Top

[bc_fjc]

Originally Posted by mk4

It looks as though there are three options:

1) tuned hamsticks
2) 102" whip with tuner
3) screwdriver with tuner

It seems like option 1 will be the easiest to get on the air and the least expensive.

You will need a tuner with both options 1 and 2. You can tune a hamstick to a frequency but it is vary narrow and you should use an antenna analyzer to get a good match. Tunning it with the SWR meter on the radio will be difficult.

With most screwdriver antennas you don't need an antenna tuner since you can adjust the antenna up and down using the control that comes with the antenna while watching the SWR meter.

Originally Posted by AKRover

I still haven't figured out what I'm going to do for an HF antenna yet. I still like the idea of having a larger portable antenna that packs away fairly small that can be set up when needed. Like I need one more thing to set up at the campsite. I still want something mounted to the vehicle though too so that it most likely what I will end up doing first.

I've collected a good number of antennas since I got into this hobby.

Here are the antennas I'm currently using:
-High Sierra Sidekick Screwdriver - currently on the truck with a 102" whip and N2VZ Turbo Tuner (no tuner required, turbo tuner is an automatic screwdriver antenna controller)
-Buckmaster 7-Band OCF Dipole - Portable use when I'm camping (no tuner required but can help)
-CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna - home station, I live in a antenna restricted area (antenna tuner required)

I have also tried the following antennas, antenna tuner required with all of these:
-Hustler 80, 40, 20 mobile vertical and home station in a dipole configuration
-Hamstick 80, 40, 20 mobile vertical and home station in a dipole configuration
and a number of home brew dipoles.

Getting a good antenna tuner is a good investment if you are going to get into HF it will be part of almost every antenna setup.

The biggest problem with running the hustler's and hamsticks mobile was having to get out an switch the antennas every time you wont to switch bands.

There is a far bit of trial and error to find the best setup for your needs, if you get involved with other Hams in the area you might be able to try out some of your options before purchasing a bunch of antennas just to find out they don't work the way you where expecting. The hunt for the perfect HF antenna for your setup can take a while so once you find something that works get on the air and continue your search.

73,

[AKRover]

So I passed the element 3 tonight and am now a general class. I think I'm done taking tests for while, it's time to actually learn how to operate and not just how to pass tests.

I still need to meet some local hams too, that would be very helpful I think.

[mk4]

Originally Posted by AKRover

So I passed the element 3 tonight and am now a general class. I think I'm done taking tests for while, it's time to actually learn how to operate and not just how to pass tests.

I still need to meet some local hams too, that would be very helpful I think.

The ARRL Antenna Handbook is a pretty good read. It's more practical than theoretical, but it can get complicated.

[AKRover]

I have started reading the antenna book and a lot of it seems very technical to me. Most of these concepts are completely new to me. I can understand some of it but it's information that I can't retain well. I end up skipping around and only reading the things that interest me. It will make a great reference to have around though.

At this point I don't want to concern myself too much with overly technical information. If something works and I don't completely understand why I'm OK with that for now. If it doesn't work though that's when it will become a learning experience.

I think I'm going to build the homebrew buddipole as my first HF antenna project. It looks very simple and I really like the commercial product so this would kind of be a way of test driving it to decide if it is something I would want to buy. The only thing I'm lacking is an antenna analyzer. The annual ham-fest is coming up next week though so I'm trying not to buy anything until then.

[gary in ohio]

If you get a ARRL Antenna book get a recent version, While the older ones have a lot of good info, they tend to use materials of the days and sometimes parts are hard to find. A modern book will use more modern materials.

[AKRover]

I have the 21st edition, I think it's the newest one. There is some stuff in the first few chapters that is way over my head. Having no previous experience with electronics and RF makes some of that stuff a little overwhelming. With some time and more experience I think I'll get a grasp on it someday.

[mk4]

Yeah, the Antenna book does have its complicated parts. For someone without a technical background, it can be overwhelming.

For starters, try reading the ARRL Handbook. It'll lay down some fundamental stuff so that you can understand HAM better (and the Antenna Book). It should be a prerequisite read for anyone before they get their license.

If you want to build an antenna, why not build a resonant dipole? Easy, cheap, tons of references.