Ham Radio Blog | HF Vertical Antennas & HOA Flagpole Antennas, 160-6M

We get lots of email asking for more examples of RV and camping ham radio adventures. Here's a short story with video and pictures of a campground portable ham radio operation with a Greyline Performance HF Vertical Antenna and 40 Watts in the Sawtooth Wilderness near Sun Valley, Idaho. It was so quiet, if we could here it, we could work it. We were on a high ridge with a giant mountain reflecting the signals (or so it seemed!). Click to read the story. Ham Radio is fun again. Pass it on.

(Video) 20 minutes of ham radio fun works all over the country during the CWT contest from Northern Idaho using a portable go kit "ski bag" amateur radio station for 160-6M. 24' HF Vertical Antenna + 100 Watts. So much fun on the short waves. 

LISTEN IN... Cycle 25 is obviously showing up!

(Video) Worked Afghanistan T6AA with 100W and my portable, go-kit, Greyline 24’ Flagpole Antenna, aka HF Vertical Antenna from the north Idaho lake cabin. Ham Radio is so fun again! 

Ham Radio is more fun with friends. As this is Spring Antenna Planting Season, Jon KL2A flew to W3 to help a buddy install a Greyline 28-foot Flagpole Antenna (HF Vertical Antenna) to compare the vertical with his Loops up 80' in the trees. The results compelling, the pictures are stealthy. Ham Radio is fun again. Pass it on to your friends too.

We all have different ideas on how to match our antennas. Remote Tuners at the antenna to Desktop ATU's in the shack. What's the difference? We share alternative matching options popular with our clients, here. Remember, Ham Radio is fun again! Pass it on...

Common questions answered here, such as, "How do I tune up on the bands?" and "Do I need a tuner at the base of the antenna?" Pro tip: be sure you are feeding the longer, upper vertical side of the antenna. Yep, it happens that some folks are feeding the lower section. It's much better using the upper radiator. Don't let that be you, right? Seriously, let's get you back on the air again with Real DX confidence and look good doing it. Ham Radio is fun again, and more important than maybe ever before. Short wave radio is Preparedness (prepper) and useful for emergency communications too. Pass it on.

Why is Greyline Performance Smarter, Stronger, and more Elegant? Here's a few reasons. 

First, the important reason, Real DX from 160-6M. That's smart.

Aesthetics gain approval from the most discerning XYL, HOA, and family members. That's smart elegance. 

Rugged with real wind ratings you can trust (and confirm with a calculator), that's strong and smart. 

Homeland Security and security at your home. That is smart, strong, and elegant. Here's our list...

KO4IOE has no trouble with the neighbors in his fussy Florida HOA and he works the other side of the world with his 20' Greyline Flagpole and only 100 Watts! 

"I have been making many contacts and yesterday on 17 meters @ 8,632 miles,  India from South Florida." 2 S-units louder than his dipole.

See his DX Flagpole Antenna picture here.

Greg's wife approves of the Greyline Flagpole Antenna and it looks beautiful in her Garden. (pictures) Greg is happy because he works into East Africa, Alaska, Europe and South America with his HOA HF Vertical. Real DX 160-6 for Greg + XYL approves. Be like Greg.

16' DX Flagpole with 2:1 SWR on 160M. Roy uses the SGC-237 remote tuner. What a work horse. See his beautiful QTH and HOA Flagpole Antenna install, here. Nice car too, Roy!

Paul shows off his roof mounted 28-foot DX Vertical Antenna by Greyline Performance. "Been working Europe easy with 100W" Work DX on all bands, like Paul.

Happy Wife, Happy Ham! "With 600 watts I can talk all over especially into Europe. 5-9 plus 10db signal reports from most contacts." New Ham in farm country loves the quiet bands & loud signals. His wife really likes his DX Flagpole when the flag is flying too. He's having so much fun, he's upgraded to Extra.