Pack away System.

Hi Guys,

I have been looking around on YouTube at the T2LT Antennas and using a 8 meter flag pole.

If i am able to find enough CB traffic in my area so that i can get back to CB's i will have to have a system that can be packed away. 
I will not be able to have a permanent setup.

I first thought of maybe a car mag mount Antenna popped on to my metal shed roof.
I then thought about the T2LT Antennas.

As i have a few mobility issues a cannot keep wrestling with heavy equipment.
So i would like to hear your ideas on the two systems that i have mentioned.

Or maybe you guys have better suggestions that you could share.

MM.   26-CT-4242.

Hi Martin, If you don't want to build it yourself take a look at Sotabeams, his equipment is extremely light and is designed to be put up and taken down quickly. When I was regular portable I used a Extendeable fishing pole to attach a 2m beam and a long wire for HF , all easily dismantled?? The fishing pole will bend in the wind, but I never had one snap on me 73 Tony

Hi BAREFOOT,

Do you have a link to Sotsbeams ?

MM.   26-CT-4242.

Yes no probs, if its okay with Admin?

Sotabeams

Hi BAREFOOT,
Thank you for the information, I will take a look.

MM.   26-CT-4242.

The T2LT will out perform the mag mount, that's the route I would go down. I've worked all over Europe and beyond using one for both 10 & 11 meters.

73's Gary.

Thanks Garry.
All this information is very helpful.


MM.   26-CT-4242.

Local or DX the aim? If it's DX then a dipole configured as an inverted V using a push up pole as a support for the center. Tie the pole to a fence post with bungees and you're good to go.

Hi NC,
I would be happy for local but if i could then DX would also be great.
I think i am going to have to wait until i can get hold of something to use for a mast.

MM.   26-CT-4242.

Hi Guys,
A little update.
My wife managed to pick up an Antenna today.



I don't know what it is called as there is no markings on it.

Next on the list is some poles that fit together and some coax and connectors.
Then i will have my antenna system that i can put up and take down when i like.

Then pray that all this has not been a wast of time and money.

MM.   26-CT-4242.

That looks very much like a Excalibur , am sorry to say that is not going to perform very well at all 

You will probably get better results from a dv 27 on a biscuit tin lid 


Craig

Thank you Craig for the information.
Luckily it was just something to try.
When i finally get some poles or something i will probably be better off with the T2LT antenna.

Well you have to give me 10 out of 10 for trying LOL!!

MM.   26-CT-4242.

I personally haven`t had much luck using a mobile antennas for home base and i`ve tried a few.I settled with a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna which works up to around 8 miles local and had great reports with dx contacts. You should get similar results using a T2LT  

good luck

John

Thank you John.

From what i am hearing through various scorces there is next to no-one on CB in my local area, that is why i don't want to pay out as i don't have the money to waist.

MM.   26-CT-4242.

Hello Martin, 

I have to agree with Craig that antenna looks very much like an Excalibur. They don't have a good reputation at all I'm afraid. 

You will definitely be better off with the T2LT. You can buy them on the internet cheaply or make one yourself even cheaper literally for pence. Remember a T2LT must be suspended in free space and away from any metal objects including metal or carbon fiber poles. I use a 10 meter fiberglass telescopic pole and run it up the side of that, works a treat!!

There is a very active "South coast SSB net" held weekly with lots of stations calling in near and far. You would need a SSB capable radio and a decent antenna system to make the most of it.

Have you considered doing the amateur radio foundation exam? There really is a lot more activity on the amateur bands and you get loads more radio spectrum to play on. Any investment you make in kit will definitely not go to waste.

The reality is that the days of flicking a C.B. radio on and  the channels being full of local breakers are gone. There are good opportunities to make contacts but a decent station and some patience and determination will be required. 

Best 73's Gary.

Hi Gary,
Thank you very much.
The information is much appreciated.

I had considered the amateur radio but after listening with friends that do Ham i was not really that impressed.
It seemed very same old same old, my apology to those Ham guys but i don't think it is for me.

I think in my mind i was thinking about the good old chats we used to have about all sorts of topics.
But it is looking more like i will be lucky to even make a contact on the CB.
It would probably pay me to stick to chatting to friends on Skype.
It is a shame as i did enjoy the old days.
I have not given up yet.
I will still do some more experiments to see how i get on.

MM. 26-CT-4242.

Hi Martin.

You're very welcome. I really wouldn't give up, it may not be like the old days but there is definitely enough activity to enjoy the hobby. You will have to be prepared to invest some money to get the best results possible though.

I would have another look at amateur radio. I'm not sure what you've seen with your friends but it really is a broad spectrum of bands and modes that are available. VHF & UHF are used much more for the rag chews that I think you're looking for. HF is used for local and world wide QSO's. There's all sorts of modes to experiment with. Analog, Digital, networked repeaters, slow and fast scan TV. Satellite, Morse Code, Microwaves, FT8, DMR, AM, FM, SSB, the list goes on and on!!! Food for thought???

Whatever you do don't give up, find something that works for you and your interests. All the best of luck.

73's Gary.

Thank's again Gary.
I will be doing a few more experiments just to see how i get on.

MM.   26-CT-4242.

Hi Martin
I was in the same boat as you when i returned to radio with just silence as nobody on around my way.
I then went down the Ham road and got my licence.
Since going that route i am finding my old m8's from the good old day's had gone the same way and we are having the same sort of banter we had back in the 90's.
Don't give up on radio think about a ham licence get an older HF set that is wide-banded and you will have the best of both worlds.

Hi Alan,
Thank you.

As you can tell my main hobby is model making.
And being on a part pension i struggle being able to purchase things needed for that hobby.

The idea of going back to CB was only going to be a little side line.

Today I am going to pick up some poles from a friend that i can use for the Antenna.
So i will so how that goes.

I might see if there is a new CB rig that has the sort of channels that you guys that about something like SSB.
Maybe you guys could point me at something new on Ebay so that it will give me an idea of what to look for (Cheap).

MM.   26-CT-4242.