A PORTABLE DREAM: FIELD TESTING MFJ TELESCOPIC ANTENNAS FOR SOTA AND POTA

Author: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML

Pictures and testing: Lee Bezuidenhoud ZS1GWL
www.learnminds.co.za

Introduction

Hello, fellow ham radio enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for the next great portable setup, especially for those SOTA (Summits on the Air) and POTA (Parks on the Air) outings. Well, I’ve got some good news for you. I recently took a set of MFJ telescopic antennas out for a field test, and let me tell you, it was worth discovering an ideal antenna for QRP (low-power) SSB operation. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into this exciting journey!

The Antennas: The Heart of the Operation

MFJ-1820T, MFJ-1810T, and MFJ-1806T

These aren’t just any antennas; they’re designed specifically for 20M, 10M, and 6M bands. What makes them special? Well, they’re lightweight, super easy to set up, and they’re your ticket to reaching good contacts wherever you go. But here’s the kicker: they’re also incredibly easy to tune. The build quality is absolutely brilliant and the connection point is solid.

Tuning Made Easy

You know how some antennas require a Ph.D. in electrical engineering to tune? Not these babies. All you have to do is extend the telescoping sections. It’s as simple as that. And when you try it with your radio’s SWR indicator you’ll see it tune perfectly every time. You’ll be up and running in no time.

The Setup: As Easy As Pie

Setting up can sometimes be the most daunting part of any portable operation, but not this time. I used a 90-degree PL259 to SO239 adapter and a converter from PL259 to BNC female to connect the antennas.

To make things even better, I added a suitable length of counterpoise wires for each antenna using an eyelet large enough to fit around the 90 degree bend. I made a short wire that’s a little longer than a quarter wavelength of the band in question. The result? A rock-solid, efficient setup that you can deploy faster than you can say “CQ.”

The Radios: A Plethora of Perfect Companions

Ah, the choices we have for radios these days! Whether it’s the Icom 703 (the model which I used for testing), the Icom 705, the Yaesu FT-817, the Elecraft KX3, the Xiegu G90, the Xiegu X6100, or the Discovery TX-500 by Lab599, you’re in for a treat. Each of these radios brings something unique to the table, but they all pair beautifully with these MFJ antennas.

The Field Test: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Morning: 20M Band

I kicked off my day with the MFJ-1820T at the lookout point in Sir Lowry’s Pass. What a lovely view from up there. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the 20M band was buzzing with activity. I couldn’t have asked for a better start. The antenna was a breeze to set up using an eyelet to link the counterpoise instead of using the Icom 703’s ground directly. The internal tuner had zero issues tuning and I was making SSB contacts in no time.

Afternoon: 10M Band

As the day progressed, I switched to the MFJ-1810T to see what the 10M band had to offer. Let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. The antenna performed like a champ, and I was reaching contacts with crystal-clear audio.

Evening: 6M Band

As the sun began to set, I decided to give the MFJ-1806T a whirl on the 6M band. The antenna lived up to its reputation, rounding off a day that was nothing short of amazing.

Conclusion: The Perfect Match for SOTA and POTA

So, what’s the takeaway from all this? If you’re looking for a portable setup that’s easy to use, effective, and perfect for SSB operation, this combination of MFJ telescopic antennas and any of the aforementioned radios is a match made in heaven. It’s ideal for those SOTA or POTA outings where you want to set up quickly and start making contacts without any fuss.

Whether you’re a seasoned ham or new to the game, this setup promises a memorable experience. The ease of tuning, the quick setup, and the flexibility to switch between bands make it a joy to use.

So, if you’ve been on the fence about your next portable setup, I hope this article helps you make up your mind. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat about this fantastic hobby of ours. Here’s to many happy portable adventures! Cheers!