This is the perfect portable antenna for me. Apparently, I’m hard on antennas. I’ve managed to break my BuddiPole. I’ve fixed it, but I need something more robust. So, I started looking for something that could take a beating, is light, easily configurable, and can handle watt ranges from QRP to at least 100 watts. After much searching and research, I settled on the CHA TD Lite system from Chameleon Antennas.
The MiniShack Conversion Begins
This is the ‘Before’ pic of my car. I took this pic last July, and will take new ones as the MiniShack takes shape.
Elecraft KX3 Kit Arrived!!!
Icom IC-7200
Yaesu VX-6R
I absolutely LOVE this little radio! It is my first ham radio, and is what I used to make my first ever ham radio QSO with KD5LQD. If for no other reason that that, it has secured a soft spot in my heart forever.
However, there are plenty of other reasons to love this little guy. Little though it may be, it is absolutely packed with features and abilities. I’m using the Diamond NR770HNMO antenna on my car, and I did upgrade the rubber ducky (you’re the one) to the Diamond SRH320A.
On to the review.
Review Criteria
So, for the sake of consistency, I’m trying to come up with a standard set of review criteria for all my reviews. I’m thinking of a scale from 0-10 in the following. I’m sure this will change over time.
Equipment
- Design
- Workmanship
- Sturdiness
- Features
- Ease of Use/Installation
- Performance
- Maintenance
- Cost/Value
- Overall Rating
- Followup (after at least 6 months)
Books/Articles/Website/Training
- Easy to read/understand
- Interest Factor
- Information
- Relevance
- Author Credibility
Service
- Knowlege/Skill
- Friendly
- Thorough/Forthcoming
- Aftermath/Follow-through
- Cost/Value