In this engaging ham radio tutorial, Frank KG5HJ from Tank Radio demonstrates building a portable, non-intrusive counterpoise system for hamstick antennas mounted on a Skyhook tripod, ideal for park activations where ground penetration or tree usage is prohibited. He details the assembly process, including soldering ring terminals, crimping Powerpole connectors, and using 17-foot radial wires tuned for 40-meter bands, while troubleshooting minor supply issues like insufficient wire lengths. The setup is tested successfully on 20 meters, showing improved SWR from 1.1 to 1.2, proving its effectiveness for freestanding, quick-deploy operations, with all resources linked in the video description.
Links:
Tank Radio Pints – https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/drinkware/products/tank-radio-pint-glass ~.23
Skyhook Video – https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PLE3Cxo_iXmumTvL6mWOduWSGYczwgIZOJ
Design Ham Nuggets stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmOio04Ps20
gigaparts headphone bag – https://www.gigaparts.com/explorer-ip-hpb-modular-headset-bag.html
Amazon:
Amazon 20gag wire – https://amzn.to/47eXrlr
ham stick mounting points – https://amzn.to/4n6YHNb
HF antenna mount – https://amzn.to/47eXrlr
The Ham Stop – https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamStop
The Sky hook Quad – https://www.etsy.com/listing/1877881640/theskyhookx4x8s-aluminum-military-mast
The Pod Tri Pod Adapter – https://www.etsy.com/listing/4365804663/thepod-ham-radio-antenna-tripod-adapter
the LARS Mast Adapter – https://www.etsy.com/listing/4358677946/thelars-mast-adapter
New Tanker Radio Gear:
New Tank Radio Pillow – https://www.etsy.com/listing/4295008136/tank-radio-pillow-for-amateur-radio
New Tank Radio Black Out T Shirt – https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-black-out-t-shirt-on-demand-order
Tank US Band Plan Pad – https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies – https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats – https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack – https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack
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