Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
If you’re a ham radio enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of the MFJ Hamsticks. These high-power mobile ham radio antennas are a popular choice among operators due to their performance, convenience, and versatility. They can handle up to 600 Watts and are available in several band versions, including 10m, 15m, 17m, 20m, 40m, and 75/80m. This wide range of options allows operators to choose the antenna that best fits their specific needs and frequency preferences.
A Closer Look at the MFJ Hamsticks
The longest of the MFJ Hamsticks, the MFJ-1675T, boasts a 134.62 cm (53 inch) long base and a 101.6 cm (40 inch) whip with ferrule, giving you almost 2.44 meters (8 feet) of a real mobile antenna. This combination of height and power provides an exceptional single frequency mobile antenna experience.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of MFJ Hamsticks begins with the selection of high-quality materials. The fiberglass rod, which forms the core of the antenna, is made super thick to ensure durability and strength, especially to withstand the mobile pounding of the road. This rod is then covered with a black anti-static jacket that not only protects the loading coil but also ensures the antenna blends in seamlessly with your vehicle.
Next, the wire is wound around the fiberglass rod. This is a crucial step as the amount of wire wound around the rod depends on the band the antenna is designed to operate on. The wire is then covered with shrink wrap tubing to protect it from the elements and to provide additional structural integrity. In effect, the fiberglass section becomes a loading coil for the antenna.
The top half of the antenna is a stainless-steel whip with a ferrule that holds it in place with two sets of Allen screws. The whip is made from high-quality stainless steel to ensure it is both flexible and strong. The whip is then attached to the fiberglass rod, completing the assembly of the antenna.
Tuning the MFJ Hamsticks
Tuning the MFJ Hamsticks involves adjusting the length of the stainless-steel whip. The whip is adjustable for the lowest SWR (Standing Wave Ratio), which is a measure of how efficiently radio-frequency power is transmitted from the power source, through the antenna, and into free space.
To tune the antenna, you start by setting the whip to a length suggested for the desired frequency band. You then use an SWR meter to measure the SWR at the desired operating frequency. If the SWR is too high, you adjust the length of the whip and measure again. This process is repeated until the lowest possible SWR is achieved.
It’s important to note that the resonant points can differ depending on the frequency you choose and how the antenna is mounted. Therefore, the tuning process may need to be repeated if you change the mounting of the antenna or wish to operate on a different frequency within the band.
The Many Uses of MFJ Hamsticks
The MFJ Hamsticks are incredibly useful for a variety of applications. They are primarily designed for mobile operations, providing an economical solution for mobile HF operation. With their high-power handling capability of up to 600 Watts, they are ideal for those who need a powerful, reliable antenna on the go.
The antennas are also a popular choice for Parks on the Air (POTA) activations. Their durability and ease of setup make them an excellent choice for these types of portable operations.
In addition, the MFJ Hamsticks can be used for home stations, especially for those with space constraints. They can be mounted on a balcony or rooftop and provide a reliable and effective solution for HF communication.
The MFJ Hamsticks are also a great choice for emergency communication setups. Their ease of assembly and disassembly, combined with their robust construction, make them a reliable choice for emergency situations where rapid deployment and tear-down are essential.
Incorporating MFJ Hamsticks into Home Base Antenna Systems
The versatility of the MFJ Hamsticks extends beyond mobile operations. They can also be incorporated into home base antenna systems like the MFJ Octopus, MFJ Big Ears, and MFJ Dipole.
The MFJ Octopus Antenna is a four-band antenna that uses MFJ Hamsticks as its base elements. This unique antenna system allows you to mount four pairs of hamsticks and operate on any four HF bands simultaneously.
The MFJ Big Ears Antenna is a dual-band antenna system that also uses MFJ Hamsticks as its base elements. This antenna system allows you to operate on two HF bands at the same time.
The MFJ Dipole Antenna is a simple and effective antenna system that uses a pair of MFJ Hamsticks as its base elements. This setup allows you to operate on a single HF band.
In conclusion, MFJ Hamsticks are a versatile and powerful antenna solution, suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re operating mobile, activating a park, setting up a home station, or preparing for emergency communications, the MFJ Hamsticks have got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned ham radio operator or a newbie looking to expand your antenna arsenal, MFJ Hamsticks could be a great addition to your setup.
