The idea of the Frankentenna was to have multiple antenna options to apply to a given field situation. Propagation (short path, long path, or NVIS) as well local environment must be considered. An example might be having to setup in a parking lot with no trees for a dipole or EFHW antenna. There may be space restrictions where there is not enough room to string a long antenna or a height restriction where overhead power lines may restrict how high an antenna can be. Often when I go to a campsite for a weekend, I do not know what I will be facing.
Trees, power lines, and campsite space are often restrictions I face. Having multiple antenna options allows me to safely operate at my campsite. An example is trees. Sometimes I have to use the trailer hitch on my truck instead of the hitch on my camper to clear trees for a vertical antenna. Sometimes I have to move the antenna away from both the truck and the camper. If power lines are nearby, I am height restricted.
My kit hasn't changed much. I did go to a bigger box mainly to fit my camera tripod and 17' whip antennas. I still have a lot of free space in the new box. The box will normally reside in my camper or the back of my truck. Either way I am not carrying it far.
The top box is the old one.
This first image show the basic building blocks of the system. Included are the tripod with adapter, mallet, hardware kit, adjustable wrench, choke, throwing weight and line, twine, coax jumper, 25' coax, (2) 50' coax and a ground spike.
Next are the antennas I use with a 31' push-up pole (kept in the camper), and the trailer hitch mount with extender kept in the truck. Shown is the 9:1 UnUn with the trailer hitch adapter, 28.5' random wire antenna with a 16' counterpoise, 73' wire antenna with a 55' counterpoise, and a tent stake to secure the end of the 73' antenna. The 73 footer is usually run as an inverted "L" or a long wire. The short antenna is good for 40-6 meters and the long antenna is good for 160-6 meters.
Mainly for EmComm I include a 2-meter/440 MHz slim Jim antenna that can be hoisted into a tree or used with the push-up pole.
The next image shows parts to make a Tactical Delta Loop (TDL), 120' dipole or a 17' vertical antenna with a counterpoise. Included is a Chameleon 5:1 Micro transformer, TDL spreader wire, TDL hub, (2) 17" whip antennas, (2) 60' antenna wires. I also have (4) 22" extensions to make a 25' vertical.
This last image shows some new bits and bobs I added. Shown are the (2) 17" whips (2 whips total in the kit), (4) 22" extensions, Chameleon Faraday Counterpoise system, Chameleon Blank adapter, and the Chameleon M-40 coil. The BlankAdapter/M-40 coil promises 100 watts digital which I am going to try on my next outing if I have the clearance. I can make 17' and 25' vertical with it. I am also looking forward to trying the Faraday counterpoise system. I am hoping it will be better than stringing out wire on the ground.
There is the kit. Lots of versatility allowing me to tailor my antenna to my circumstances at the time. If I want I can pull a few pieces out for a particular trip and leave the rest at home. But, The whole kit doesn't take up much space, I'm not carrying it anywhere, and It is the same system I can use for FunComm and EmComm. The most important aspect of radio communication is knowing your equipment and what it can and cannot do.
YMMV and I hope this will give you some ideas for your own system. I encourage you to get out and operate. Have fun and if you goof up, don't be afraid to laugh at your self. It is fun to try new things. Personal satisfaction comes when your system works like you intend it to. Carpe Diem, be safe, and have fun - de Scott
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