On a tip from my buddy Eric (WD8RIF), I ordered a QRPGuys Tri-Band Vertical Antenna kit last week.
Not only will this antenna pair beautifully with my MTR-3B, KX1, and FT-817ND but I had completely forgotten I ordered it.
When I pulled the QRPGuys package from my post box, it was as if a little Christmas had arrived. I mean, is there a better feeling than getting a new kit in the mail–? I don’t think so.
Time to heat up the soldering iron!
I recently built one of these, but haven’t deployed it in the field yet.
Can’t wait! Look forward to your results too.
I think you’ll be pleased, Thomas. I have the 40-10m UnUnTenna. One of my favorite. It’s my antenna of choice when I’m able to “work” from the car. I use a drive-on tailgating flag stand holder, a 33′ MFJ telescoping mast, and boom, I’m up and running. Very quick, easy, light, and effective.
Jack
NG2E
Oh dear. I might have to copy your setup there! Thinking that might be a great option for the truck hitch.
Cheers,
Thomas
K4SWL
Its a great antenna and I paired it with my MTR3B but now its being also used on my Icom 705
Thanks for the comments, Bob and John!
My plan with the Tri-Bander is to use it with a fiberglass pole to make SOTA (and POTA) activations a little easier.
Eric (WD8RIF) employs his Tri-Bander quite a bit for POTA activations and loves it.
Cheers,
Thomas
Recently put one together. Followed the very clear instructions for the tuning procedure and took a few turns off the 40m toroid. Once done used some clear nail varnish to keep the coils in position.
Works a treat, so easy to deploy with a 6m pole, full size 1/4 wave on 20m. 3 bands no atu!
Will be my go to antenna for my tri band, SW-3B transceiver.
73s
I’m new to HF and CW. Just finished building the QCX-mini 40m transceiver. I also finished putting together this antenna and followed the instructions for trimming the vertical wire and removing turns from the toroids to get the SWR below 1.5:1 on both the 20m and 40m settings. Using the MFJ-259B SWR Analyzer to measure SWR and impedance, I get readings of 1.2:1 for SWR and 40 ohms impedance. I’m concerned that it’s not near the standard 50 ohms. Is this an issue that I should try to fix? If so, then how should I go about fixing it?
It is not an issue!
1.2:1 swr will not affect your antenna performance.
Good luck and don’t worry about it. It is very good!
Jack, W7QQQ