Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Open Roads Radio forum for Ham, Amateur Radio and RV camping


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 02-26-2011, 05:13 PM   #1
KE5ZRT
Super Swell Guy
 
KE5ZRT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 273
Send a message via Yahoo to KE5ZRT
Talking My New Hamtenna Tornado

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!

This is my new six-in-one Hamtenna Tornado HF antenna array. I didn't invent it, but I named it anyway! It hears and talks well on 10, 15, 17, 20, 40 & 75 meters. If you look closely, you can tell the mount is bolted to the steel beam beneath the fiberglass roof. There is actually quite a bit of steel framework in the roof, walls and flooring to make an effective ground plane. The mount and hardware are all stainless steel. The mount is a little wobbly and I may replace it with something a little more sturdy, but I don't think it will go anywhere while the RV is parked. I am a full-timer, and we don't expect to travel much.

again...

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!


WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!
__________________
Extra Class Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator, VE, SKYWARN Storm Spotter, ARES Volunteer, TSA Security Officer, Full-time RV dweller (Amarillo TX for now), webmaster www.PanhandleARES.org, Married to ke5zru!

KE5ZRT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2011, 06:32 PM   #2
Radio
Administrator
 
Radio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Posts: 3,017
Default

Not for mobile use, huh?

Yeah, not counting wind, I bet the first bridge would probably take it right out!

I would have named it the dead spider array.
__________________

KU4OJ "Wade" Ships Captain, CFO, Chief Engineer
KG4DQQ "Kathy" 1st Officer, Navigator, Best Friend
2007 F-150 SuperCab - 2009 Rockwood 8280SS
Lot's of mostly Kenwood stuff

Radio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2011, 06:12 AM   #3
W9WLS
Senior Blame Catcher
 
W9WLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oakland City Ind.
Posts: 265
Send a message via Yahoo to W9WLS
Default

You would make a Porcupine PROUD !


This got posted in your other thread, not sure how that happened but it did... oh well.
__________________
DE: John W9WLS
W9WLS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2011, 07:23 AM   #4
Andy N1ORK
Senior Member
 
Andy N1ORK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Manchester, CT
Posts: 1,034
Send a message via Yahoo to Andy N1ORK Send a message via Skype™ to Andy N1ORK
Default

I like it!! How were the 'Hamsticks' connected to the coax? would be great to see a pic of that and a closeup of the assembly. Putting two of those back to back and you get muti-band dipole that could be rotated with a small rotator.
73
Andy - n1ork



__________________
CQ..CQ..CQ..DE ANDY, N1ORK..QTH Manchester, CT...QRZ..QRZ..
Hello anyone out there?
Is this thing on?
SkyWarn, CERT, EmComm
Andy N1ORK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2011, 11:03 AM   #5
KE5ZRT
Super Swell Guy
 
KE5ZRT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 273
Send a message via Yahoo to KE5ZRT
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy N1ORK View Post
I like it!! How were the 'Hamsticks' connected to the coax? would be great to see a pic of that and a closeup of the assembly. Putting two of those back to back and you get muti-band dipole that could be rotated with a small rotator.
73
Andy - n1ork
I have considered the rotatable dipole idea. In fact, here's a link to a multi band hamstick dipole project I have been strongly considering:

http://mysite.verizon.net/cpthaines/id33.html

I have re-worked the design because performance on 75 meters was poor with all 6 hamsticks. Now I am running 3 antennas for 20, 40, and 75 meters and it is performing well. Of course, I can change out any antenna for operations on any other band.

And, I doubled the adapter plates for more durability. The 65mph wind gusts last week bent the single plate a little. Here's a close-up of the coax connections:

__________________
Extra Class Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator, VE, SKYWARN Storm Spotter, ARES Volunteer, TSA Security Officer, Full-time RV dweller (Amarillo TX for now), webmaster www.PanhandleARES.org, Married to ke5zru!

KE5ZRT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2011, 09:48 AM   #6
KF5BET
Senior Member
 
KF5BET's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lafayette, LA
Posts: 507
Default

There was a motel in Alamogordo, NM when I was growing up that was called the Satellite Inn. It had one of those neon spikey ball things out in front. This kinda reminds me of that!

Looks pretty cool and am glad it works well on all of those bands.

I'm with Andy, would like to see how that thing is put together!!
__________________
Galen - KF5BET
Crysti - "the CHIEF"
Abbi - KF5BEW dd
Kendra - KF5FYS dd
Maggie - Cat chaser
2005 F250, 1996 Nomad
KF5BET is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2011, 06:42 PM   #7
WD8QBQ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 279
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KE5ZRT View Post
WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!

This is my new six-in-one Hamtenna Tornado HF antenna array. I didn't invent it, but I named it anyway! It hears and talks well on 10, 15, 17, 20, 40 & 75 meters. If you look closely, you can tell the mount is bolted to the steel beam beneath the fiberglass roof. There is actually quite a bit of steel framework in the roof, walls and flooring to make an effective ground plane. The mount and hardware are all stainless steel. The mount is a little wobbly and I may replace it with something a little more sturdy, but I don't think it will go anywhere while the RV is parked. I am a full-timer, and we don't expect to travel much.

again...

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!


WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR MOBILE USE!!!
Very smart to have the XYL have a ticket, you can get away with all sorts of neat things.
Reminds me of an inverted Discone

JIM
WD8QBQ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2011, 08:45 PM   #8
KE5ZRT
Super Swell Guy
 
KE5ZRT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 273
Send a message via Yahoo to KE5ZRT
Default

60 mph winds today and the Hamtenna Tornado still stands like a dead spider! Its not doing so well on 80 meters though. I may have to borrow an analyzer and retune everything.
__________________
Extra Class Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator, VE, SKYWARN Storm Spotter, ARES Volunteer, TSA Security Officer, Full-time RV dweller (Amarillo TX for now), webmaster www.PanhandleARES.org, Married to ke5zru!

KE5ZRT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2011, 06:00 AM   #9
Andy N1ORK
Senior Member
 
Andy N1ORK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Manchester, CT
Posts: 1,034
Send a message via Yahoo to Andy N1ORK Send a message via Skype™ to Andy N1ORK
Default

Thanks for re-posting those pics again Chris. Could you please tell us and show us how the antenna was made? Where did you get the curved mounting plates, how are they connected to the roof mount and how are the 'Hamsticks' wired? We are all anxious to see your handiwork. Hope to hear you on the EchoLink net tonight.
73
Andy - n1ork



__________________
CQ..CQ..CQ..DE ANDY, N1ORK..QTH Manchester, CT...QRZ..QRZ..
Hello anyone out there?
Is this thing on?
SkyWarn, CERT, EmComm
Andy N1ORK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2011, 10:32 AM   #10
wa8yxm
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Mobile, on the road
Posts: 1,139
Send a message via AIM to wa8yxm Send a message via Yahoo to wa8yxm Send a message via Skype™ to wa8yxm
Default

I wonder how that would work if it was "hitch" mounted. I can think of a very easy way to do that and I'd have the 37 foot frame rails to act as ground plane. .. I do use a 4btv fed by an auto tuner (long wire tuner) on occasion.. Just now I'm using a long wire though.
wa8yxm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2011, 08:39 PM   #11
PhulesAu
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Texas, Mostly
Posts: 11
Default

I'm guessing 2 hustler resonator plates with a spacer. What diameter is your coil ?
__________________
Mark
KE5PPH
PhulesAu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2011, 10:49 AM   #12
Dizzy-Dick
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Cut & Shoot, TX
Posts: 98
Default

I have a Hustler tri-band mobile antenna that has one of those spreader mounting plates. Never thought about adding a second one. Just remove the nut put on the second one, replace nut and you have it. Nice job, the only difference is that the antennae for different bands has large coils at the base of the ones that I have and I only have 10-15-20-40 and 80 meter tops.

Mine worded good on the back of my truck when I was pulling a travel trailer, although it was somewhat directional. Now that I have a motor-home, I have not use it. Thanks for the ideas. Good Job.
__________________
Dizzy Dick (WB3DZY)
Newmar Dutch Star
Jeep Liberty 4x4 Toad
Dizzy-Dick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2011, 11:46 AM   #13
Andy N1ORK
Senior Member
 
Andy N1ORK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Manchester, CT
Posts: 1,034
Send a message via Yahoo to Andy N1ORK Send a message via Skype™ to Andy N1ORK
Default

Looks great! I know where to get the tri-band adapter plates, but where did you get the connector from the plate to the coax? Would like to know the parts you used there.
73
Andy - n1ork



__________________
CQ..CQ..CQ..DE ANDY, N1ORK..QTH Manchester, CT...QRZ..QRZ..
Hello anyone out there?
Is this thing on?
SkyWarn, CERT, EmComm
Andy N1ORK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2011, 01:56 PM   #14
KE5ZRT
Super Swell Guy
 
KE5ZRT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 273
Send a message via Yahoo to KE5ZRT
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy N1ORK View Post
Looks great! I know where to get the tri-band adapter plates, but where did you get the connector from the plate to the coax? Would like to know the parts you used there.
73
Andy - n1ork
The connector for the coax to the plate came with the mount hardware. The mount is from Firestick, and I bought it from the CB and chrome shop down the street from me. The mount was intended to be a door frame mount I believe. Anyhow, the connector is nothing special and can be purchased at any truck stop in the CB section for about $5.

The connectors for the hamsticks can also be bought for $5 each at a truckstop, or you could buy them at a hardware store for $2 (3/8" x 24 thread x 1/2" bolts and couplers).
__________________
Extra Class Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator, VE, SKYWARN Storm Spotter, ARES Volunteer, TSA Security Officer, Full-time RV dweller (Amarillo TX for now), webmaster www.PanhandleARES.org, Married to ke5zru!

KE5ZRT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2011, 06:43 PM   #15
Andy N1ORK
Senior Member
 
Andy N1ORK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Manchester, CT
Posts: 1,034
Send a message via Yahoo to Andy N1ORK Send a message via Skype™ to Andy N1ORK
Default

Thanks Chris! Now I need to go out and get the stuff. I already have the Hamsticks and a dipole mount for the two 20m ones.
73



__________________
CQ..CQ..CQ..DE ANDY, N1ORK..QTH Manchester, CT...QRZ..QRZ..
Hello anyone out there?
Is this thing on?
SkyWarn, CERT, EmComm
Andy N1ORK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2011, 10:36 PM   #16
K7MEE
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 5
Default

So, I see the antenna's. They all look the same length and you have them labeled for the different bands. How are they tuned for each band having one coax running to them? Not smart when it comes to building them.
__________________
Mark, K7MEE
General Class Operator ~ Storm Spotter ~ Emergency Medical Technician
K7MEE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2011, 07:15 AM   #17
Andy N1ORK
Senior Member
 
Andy N1ORK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Manchester, CT
Posts: 1,034
Send a message via Yahoo to Andy N1ORK Send a message via Skype™ to Andy N1ORK
Default

Mark,
Each 'HamStick' has a whip that can be tuned for best SWR. Don't know how Chris did it, but I would first tune each one seperately with an MFJ analyzer for the band it was designed for. Then I would put them all on the mount and use the analyzer to verify each band and retune as required. On their own, each HamStick should tune to a low SWR, but as they are mounted together, there is proximity interaction between them and they should be retuned. If you use an automatic or manual external tuner, it may not be as critical. One thing you should remember about Hamstick type antennas, is DO NOT insert the whip more than 3" into the top of the coil section.
73
Andy - n1ork



__________________
CQ..CQ..CQ..DE ANDY, N1ORK..QTH Manchester, CT...QRZ..QRZ..
Hello anyone out there?
Is this thing on?
SkyWarn, CERT, EmComm
Andy N1ORK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2011, 02:18 PM   #18
K7MEE
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Idaho
Posts: 5
Default

Thanks Andy. That makes sense. I have an MFJ analyzer. May just have to try that sometime.
__________________
Mark, K7MEE
General Class Operator ~ Storm Spotter ~ Emergency Medical Technician
K7MEE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2011, 03:16 PM   #19
KE5ZRT
Super Swell Guy
 
KE5ZRT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Amarillo
Posts: 273
Send a message via Yahoo to KE5ZRT
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy N1ORK View Post
Mark,
Each 'HamStick' has a whip that can be tuned for best SWR. Don't know how Chris did it, but I would first tune each one seperately with an MFJ analyzer for the band it was designed for. Then I would put them all on the mount and use the analyzer to verify each band and retune as required. On their own, each HamStick should tune to a low SWR, but as they are mounted together, there is proximity interaction between them and they should be retuned. If you use an automatic or manual external tuner, it may not be as critical. One thing you should remember about Hamstick type antennas, is DO NOT insert the whip more than 3" into the top of the coil section.
73
Andy - n1ork
You pegged it Andy. I had help from an Elmer friend, KC5HKT, to tune to minimum SWR with each antenna individually. I put the multi-mount together later without an analyzer and I crossed my fingers that it would work! I am using an LDG Z100 autotuner and the SWR on my radio display shows to be good. I should probably try the analyzer again though. While tuning the whips, I cut 1/4" at a time with an angle grinder (my favorite power tool) until minimum SWR was achieved.

K7MEE, I apologize for being slow to respond, but it looks like Andy did a fine job of explaining my work.

Here's another cool hamstick project that I am going to build next. I think it will perform better than what I have and will eliminate the need for a ground plane. It will be RV park friendly too!
http://mysite.verizon.net/cpthaines/id33.html
__________________
Extra Class Amateur (Ham) Radio Operator, VE, SKYWARN Storm Spotter, ARES Volunteer, TSA Security Officer, Full-time RV dweller (Amarillo TX for now), webmaster www.PanhandleARES.org, Married to ke5zru!

KE5ZRT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2011, 10:13 AM   #20
One Country Boy
Senior Member
 
One Country Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wewahitchka, FL
Posts: 1,204
Default

I have a Hustler setup similar to that. I've never run the Ham Sticks, just the Hystler resonators. I may give the Ham Sticks a try. That is very interesting.

I have a short and a long shaft to mount beneath the resonators. I sometimes couple both of them together with a barrell type connector and have had good results that way, especially on 40 and 80 meters. The more length you can get beneath the resonators the better the results. Which makes sense.

Like all of us, I'm always looking for a better antenna for the RV. Sure enjoyed this thread.



__________________
Jim ~ W4EWA
One Country Boy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
hamrtenna, hamsticks, multi-mount, six-in-one, tornado

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:41 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×