April 8th 21, 09:14 AM
posted to rec.radio.amateur.dx,rec.radio.amateur.equipment,uk.radio.amateur
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Apr 2015
Posts: 165
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[M0IAX] The Inflatable HF Antenna from RadioGeeks
On 07/04/2021 18:30, M0IAX via rec.radio.amateur.moderated Admin wrote:
M0IAX
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The Inflatable HF Antenna from RadioGeeks
Posted: 07 Apr 2021 06:32 AM PDT
https://m0iax.com/2021/04/07/the-inf...om-radiogeeks/
As you may know (if youve been following my posts on instgram and
twitter) Im a big fan of quick to deploy simple antennas. But I wont use
any old gimmick or rubbish. It has to work.
So a could of years ago I was interested in the RadioGeeks inflatable
antenna for 2M which I bought and had some success with even from my
boat at sea level. They recently updated the VHF version to include
70cm, I bought that recently as well and that will feature in a later
post when I get time to walk up a hill to test it properly.
But this isnt about the VHF/UHF version (its also not a review. I dont
do reviews) No, this is even more interesting because the latest
Inflatable Antenna from www.RadioGeeks.co.uk covers HF bands,
specifically 40, 30, 20 and 17m.
You do need a tuner for it, and its recommended that you elevate it
slightly only use the provided feeder coax (ie dont extend it).
Order process
Ordering is quite simple, from the websiteÂ* Antennas | radiogeeks.co.uk
find the Click to Order button, fill in the form and tell them what you
want. Tom will reply with details of how to pay. It took a couple of
days to get my order for the two antennas I bought from stock. The HF
antenna was a pre-order so I had to wait a little longer.
Setup and tear down
Inflatable HF antenna next to original 2M VHF packed in carrying bag.
These antennas are similar in size.
To deploy inflate the antenna by blowing into the red valve, it only
takes a few breaths. If possible lift it up suspended from the top, or
attach to a suitable pole. Connect the coax to your radio tune to the
desired frequency and tune. Thats it, you are ready to go within
minutes, no need for radials. Similarly tear down takes a minute or two,
deflate by pushing the valve in, squeeze the air out and fold into the
bag and you are ready to move to a new POTA/SOTA or just go and have a
cup of tea.
Use
Radio Geeks Inflatable HF Antenna and IC-705/AH-705
FT8 doesn't count ....
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