Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Last week I put the 20m Yagi up… but I cut a couple of corners. This time, I let you into the real process - no shortcuts, no tidy 10-minute edit. Just proper fault finding in the field.
We start with a suspected mismatch and work methodically through the system:
- Testing the feedpoint and patch leads
- Checking continuity with a basic multimeter
- Isolating sections of coax and the choke
- Swapping components and chasing intermittent faults
- Eventually tracking it down to a dodgy section of coax / connector
In the end, I rip it out and replace the run with fresh Ultraflex 7, build a temporary choke, and get the antenna back on air - all the way over the pole into North America and Australia.
Moral of the story? Test everything before it goes up the tower… but if you don’t, this might help!
If you enjoyed last week’s longer format - this one goes deeper too.
Next up: 160m vertical… and I suspect that’s not going to be straightforward either!
Callum.
Last week I put the 20m Yagi up… but I cut a couple of corners. This time, I let you into the real process - no shortcuts, no tidy 10-minute edit. Just proper fault finding in the field.
We start with a suspected mismatch and work methodically through the system:
- Testing the feedpoint and patch leads
- Checking continuity with a basic multimeter
- Isolating sections of coax and the choke
- Swapping components and chasing intermittent faults
- Eventually tracking it down to a dodgy section of coax / connector
In the end, I rip it out and replace the run with fresh Ultraflex 7, build a temporary choke, and get the antenna back on air - all the way over the pole into North America and Australia.
Moral of the story? Test everything before it goes up the tower… but if you don’t, this might help!
If you enjoyed last week’s longer format - this one goes deeper too.
Next up: 160m vertical… and I suspect that’s not going to be straightforward either!
Callum.
