Michael KB9VBR
@kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social
I’m on a mission to inspire and educate the amateur radio community. Licensed since 1999. Video producer and online content creator. I love camping, bicycling, Parks on the Air, and the ham radio lifestyle. #HamRadio #POTA #Video #Photography #Cooking
The Alpha Antenna Hextenna is Two Antennas in One. Not only can it be used as a dipole, but also as a 1/4 wave vertical antenna for 10 - 20 meters. How does it work? Watch now: youtu.be/23FubDnqI_8
TRULY VERSATILE! The Hextenna is TWO ANTENNAS in one!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
November 26, 2025 at 10:27 PM
The Alpha Antenna Hextenna is Two Antennas in One. Not only can it be used as a dipole, but also as a 1/4 wave vertical antenna for 10 - 20 meters. How does it work? Watch now: youtu.be/23FubDnqI_8
Your first Parks on the Air activation can feel intimidating, but starting out can be as simple as setting up and hunting other POTA stations! Join me as I cruise the 20 meter band and pick up park to park contacts. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/FkcZlZqjg1o
Your first POTA ACTIVATION can be this EASY!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Your first Parks on the Air activation can feel intimidating, but starting out can be as simple as setting up and hunting other POTA stations! Join me as I cruise the 20 meter band and pick up park to park contacts. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/FkcZlZqjg1o
Aurora is pretty active in north central Wisconsin.
November 13, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Aurora is pretty active in north central Wisconsin.
Alpha Antenna's HexTenna is a legal limit rigid portable ham radio dipole and vertical antenna system. As a dipole it covers two through 40 meters and as a vertical antenna, 10 through 20 meters. Is it the ultimate POTA antenna? We put it on the air to find out ~KB9VBR youtu.be/B7xe8Wz0nwM
Is this the BEST DX portable antenna? Alpha Antenna HexTenna
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Alpha Antenna's HexTenna is a legal limit rigid portable ham radio dipole and vertical antenna system. As a dipole it covers two through 40 meters and as a vertical antenna, 10 through 20 meters. Is it the ultimate POTA antenna? We put it on the air to find out ~KB9VBR youtu.be/B7xe8Wz0nwM
Joe and I are back and ready for a whole new season of livestreams! Join us on Thursday November 6, at 7:00pm central time (01:00 UTC Nov 7) for a fun discussion of ham radio topics and other things. Drop into the chat as we are ready to answer your ham radio questions. youtube.com/live/aIC7UnE...
Your Ham Radio Questions Answered LIVE November 2025
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Joe and I are back and ready for a whole new season of livestreams! Join us on Thursday November 6, at 7:00pm central time (01:00 UTC Nov 7) for a fun discussion of ham radio topics and other things. Drop into the chat as we are ready to answer your ham radio questions. youtube.com/live/aIC7UnE...
I answer common questions that I receive about my vertical antenna tripod, feed point, whip, and radials as I set up and activate US-1441, Blue Mound State Park. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/FQef7ho90QQ
My Ham Radio Vertical Antenna SECRETS!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 10:07 PM
I answer common questions that I receive about my vertical antenna tripod, feed point, whip, and radials as I set up and activate US-1441, Blue Mound State Park. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/FQef7ho90QQ
The CentyLab PocketPD is a USB Type-C bench power supply that fits inside your pocket and is perfect for ham radio applications. Paired with a USB Type-C PD/PPS charger or power bank, it is a full-featured power supply that can provide up to 20 volts and 5 amps. youtu.be/NnTKe5HLURE
This Tiny Gadget Turns USB-C Into a Power Supply!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The CentyLab PocketPD is a USB Type-C bench power supply that fits inside your pocket and is perfect for ham radio applications. Paired with a USB Type-C PD/PPS charger or power bank, it is a full-featured power supply that can provide up to 20 volts and 5 amps. youtu.be/NnTKe5HLURE
This week on the Activation Log, I share some background about my recent multi park POTA rove of Wisconsin's Menominee River and talk about how I go about planning these types of activities. Read now: www.jpole-antenna.com/2025/10/24/m...
Menominee River POTA Rove - KB9VBR Antennas
I love when I can group a Parks on the Air rove into a theme. These themes often easily translate into a story which makes a video,
www.jpole-antenna.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:32 PM
This week on the Activation Log, I share some background about my recent multi park POTA rove of Wisconsin's Menominee River and talk about how I go about planning these types of activities. Read now: www.jpole-antenna.com/2025/10/24/m...
I explore three hidden gems in this POTA rove through the Menominee River State Recreation Area, some of the most scenic, and under-appreciated, parts of Wisconsin's landscape ~KB9VBR youtu.be/A-fckQkImBc
Exploring SECRET POTA parks: Wisconsin's Menominee River!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 10:06 PM
I explore three hidden gems in this POTA rove through the Menominee River State Recreation Area, some of the most scenic, and under-appreciated, parts of Wisconsin's landscape ~KB9VBR youtu.be/A-fckQkImBc
Chameleon Antenna ups the performance of ground wire radials with their new product, the CHA FSR or Faraday Strip Radial system. This is a rugged ground counterpoise system improves on the convenience of faraday cloth and the effectiveness of wire radials. youtu.be/oMnQppoFhoE
I tried the Faraday Strip Radials for my antenna, and WOW!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
October 15, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Chameleon Antenna ups the performance of ground wire radials with their new product, the CHA FSR or Faraday Strip Radial system. This is a rugged ground counterpoise system improves on the convenience of faraday cloth and the effectiveness of wire radials. youtu.be/oMnQppoFhoE
When we do events like the Ham Radio Campout, I often get asked on how to mitigate interference caused by other stations. In this week's Activation Log, I list my three step plan for peaceful multi-operator ham radio: www.jpole-antenna.com/2025/10/10/w...
What happened at the 2025 Wisconsin Ham Radio Campout? - KB9VBR Antennas
When you get a bunch of hams together and on the air, you are bound to get interference from the adjacent transmitters. There are a few methods that can mitigate things
www.jpole-antenna.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM
When we do events like the Ham Radio Campout, I often get asked on how to mitigate interference caused by other stations. In this week's Activation Log, I list my three step plan for peaceful multi-operator ham radio: www.jpole-antenna.com/2025/10/10/w...
Season 14 of my channel kicks off with the 2025 Wisconsin Ham Radio Campout. Our 3rd annual event at Buckhorn State Park, US-1443, is the biggest and best yet, and probably the largest in-person POTA event in the state of Wisconsin. See what happened this year. youtu.be/Rs0q-J6CPi4
The Wisconsin Ham Radio Campout SURPRISES Everyone!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
October 8, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Season 14 of my channel kicks off with the 2025 Wisconsin Ham Radio Campout. Our 3rd annual event at Buckhorn State Park, US-1443, is the biggest and best yet, and probably the largest in-person POTA event in the state of Wisconsin. See what happened this year. youtu.be/Rs0q-J6CPi4
In our finale, season 14 starts next week, Dave and I head to Lake Wissota State Park, US-1460, for a multi-operator activation as part of the Wisconsin Parks on the Air event. Can we sustain over 100 contacts an hour for the seven hour event? youtu.be/lKSfuzPmKlo
I'm being challenged to do the impossible!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
October 1, 2025 at 9:11 PM
In our finale, season 14 starts next week, Dave and I head to Lake Wissota State Park, US-1460, for a multi-operator activation as part of the Wisconsin Parks on the Air event. Can we sustain over 100 contacts an hour for the seven hour event? youtu.be/lKSfuzPmKlo
Big things are happening with the Ham Radio Outdoors Channel! Learn how you can be a part of it. youtu.be/m8A49Ucde-c
EXCITING Channel Changes You Need To See!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
September 26, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Big things are happening with the Ham Radio Outdoors Channel! Learn how you can be a part of it. youtu.be/m8A49Ucde-c
Which is right for you: Straight Key or Paddle? The Xiegu VK-5 straight Key and VK-6 paddle are two new products from Radioddity for CW operators. These keys are beautiful, functional, and a perfect companion for your G90, X6100, and X6200 transceiver. youtu.be/vXoiASq4f_o
Straight Key or Paddle? Which is BEST for you?
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
September 24, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Which is right for you: Straight Key or Paddle? The Xiegu VK-5 straight Key and VK-6 paddle are two new products from Radioddity for CW operators. These keys are beautiful, functional, and a perfect companion for your G90, X6100, and X6200 transceiver. youtu.be/vXoiASq4f_o
September 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Wisconsin Parks on the Air is on! Catch Dave KZ9V and I at US-1460 Lake Wissota State Park. We’ll be on the air until 2300 utc. Using callsign W9P. Michael ~KB9VBR
September 20, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Wisconsin Parks on the Air is on! Catch Dave KZ9V and I at US-1460 Lake Wissota State Park. We’ll be on the air until 2300 utc. Using callsign W9P. Michael ~KB9VBR
The Chameleon Antenna CHA M25 Loading Coil unleashes the full capability of your SS25 25 foot telescoping whip on the ham radio 40 meter band by allowing you to fully extend the whip for 40 meter contacts. See how the M25 Coil works here: youtu.be/McsKxX-nHkM
EXPAND your 40 meter ham radio coverage with this simple add-on
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
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September 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
The Chameleon Antenna CHA M25 Loading Coil unleashes the full capability of your SS25 25 foot telescoping whip on the ham radio 40 meter band by allowing you to fully extend the whip for 40 meter contacts. See how the M25 Coil works here: youtu.be/McsKxX-nHkM
Working on this week's video, what do I see? Urban deer photobombing the frame.
September 15, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Working on this week's video, what do I see? Urban deer photobombing the frame.
We spend a long weekend at Wildcat Mountain State Park, a premier Wisconsin camping destination! I also put three antennas on the air, making incredible ham radio contacts. Which will be the best? The POTA PERformer, Challenger, or Rybakov? youtu.be/bagq00z7mhs
#Hamradio #POTA
#Hamradio #POTA
Am I CRAZY to use three antennas in ONE POTA park?
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
September 10, 2025 at 9:12 PM
We spend a long weekend at Wildcat Mountain State Park, a premier Wisconsin camping destination! I also put three antennas on the air, making incredible ham radio contacts. Which will be the best? The POTA PERformer, Challenger, or Rybakov? youtu.be/bagq00z7mhs
#Hamradio #POTA
#Hamradio #POTA
Dave, KZ9V, joins me to show off an entire ham radio portable station he keeps in a small cigar box. youtu.be/eNIvf89TSf4
An ENTIRE portable ham radio station in one box!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
September 3, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Dave, KZ9V, joins me to show off an entire ham radio portable station he keeps in a small cigar box. youtu.be/eNIvf89TSf4
Coffee and 40m FT8 this morning.
August 31, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Coffee and 40m FT8 this morning.
Earlier this year, while at Hamvention, I picked up the Alpha Antenna SS34+ 34 foot stainless steel whip. This is the longest telescoping antenna on the market! Find out what happens when I put a full 1/4 wave vertical radiator for the 40 meter band on the air. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/0fA1qSpfegA
I Tried Alpha Antenna's SS34+ Whip and Here’s What Happened!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
August 20, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Earlier this year, while at Hamvention, I picked up the Alpha Antenna SS34+ 34 foot stainless steel whip. This is the longest telescoping antenna on the market! Find out what happens when I put a full 1/4 wave vertical radiator for the 40 meter band on the air. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/0fA1qSpfegA
A frequent question I get is "What's the best antenna for portable operation?" I scoured my notes and logs and analyzed countless photographs and videos of over 150 POTA activations I did in the last year, and came up with FIVE favorite antennas for Parks on the Air. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/Nz10os_lkCQ
My Top Pick for Portable Antennas May Surprise You!
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtu.be
August 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM
A frequent question I get is "What's the best antenna for portable operation?" I scoured my notes and logs and analyzed countless photographs and videos of over 150 POTA activations I did in the last year, and came up with FIVE favorite antennas for Parks on the Air. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/Nz10os_lkCQ
Beat the dog days of summer, join Joe and I for another evening of Your Ham Radio Questions Answered. Thursday August 7 at 7:00pm CDT (0000 UTC 8 August). We've got some great topics and as always, we're ready to answer your ham radio questions. youtube.com/live/nk_Nsvl...
Your Ham Radio Questions Answered LIVE August 2025
YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas
youtube.com
August 7, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Beat the dog days of summer, join Joe and I for another evening of Your Ham Radio Questions Answered. Thursday August 7 at 7:00pm CDT (0000 UTC 8 August). We've got some great topics and as always, we're ready to answer your ham radio questions. youtube.com/live/nk_Nsvl...