Today I went out to test the WWSPRLite, the Super Antenna MP1C in dipole configuration, and the PowerFilm F15-1200 thin-film, flexible solar panel powering the WSPRLite.
So I took the dogs along to play in the sea while I deployed this gear. The PowerFilm was an absolute pleasure to deploy. I laid it out flat on the ground put a rock over the flap and let the wind hold it down. I used a 12-volt to USB adapter plugged directly into the thin-film flexible panel. Then I plugged the WSPRLite into the adapter, no battery required!
Setting up the Super Antenna MP1C Dipole on the Chameleon Antenna tripod was very simple. I used a drop pouch filled with rocks as a center weight for the tripod, which worked out really well. I would have used the SuperPod sent by Super Antenna, but I thought it might not be tall enough for the dipole configuration.To simplify tuning this time, I used one of the frequency guides, marking the placement of the slider on each side of the dipole. If you’re careful, you’ll get consistent and repeatable result.
Being out for such a short time I’m quite pleased with the results of the dipole. In fact I’m so pleased that I’m going to be out again tomorrow with the Dual WSPRLite test kit, to simultaneously test two different antenna systems. Naturally one of them will be the dipole.
Here are some of the pictures from the field test. You’ll also find some of the same pictures in addition to videos on my Instagram account.
Although this might seem like a rather abstract post the goals were:
- Test the PowerFilm F15-1200 solar panel
- Deploy the Super Antenna MP1C Dipole configuration away from the safety of my home
- Get comfortable with the WSPRLite in the field.
Don’t forget, if you like what I’m doing, please share this blog with someone or some place where people might enjoy it.
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