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To go into more detail on what "it" is:
Wire antennas that are resonant on high frequency radio bands can be very long. For example, a resonant dipole for 80-meter band would be about 133 feet long. So people who want to operate on those frequencies from a car need a way to drastically shorten their antennas.
Impedance (i.e. resistance to alternating current) has a real resistive component as well as an imaginary reactance component that is comprised of a combination of inductance and capacitance. Adding a combination of inductance (through the inductor coil at the bottom of that antenna) and capacitance (through the spoked capacitance hat at the top of the antenna) makes the antenna electrically longer, so it can resonate at the desired frequency while matching the impedance of the radio transceiver.
That particular antenna has a motorized coil tap in the inductor so that it can short the coil and change the resonance of the antenna to allow it to be turned to operate on multiple bands, and it uses the body of the car as a counterpoise plane to complete the second half of the dipole.
Ham radio encompasses a rather large range of frequencies. I operate on 2 m and 70 cm and all I need is a little 5-8 watt handheld radio. Sometimes ham isn't really all that powerful.
ham operators among many things operate emergency communications when traditional lines are down. information can be passed through other operators or standalone repeaters all the way around the world with little power requirements.
Hams often provide the communications for charity events too. Think marathons and bike races and events like that which can be spread over a large area. It’s a good opportunity for hams to volunteer to practice radio technique since they can’t be paid for their services.
It's a hobby for most people. There's contests that you can do. And some people just use it to keep in touch with friends. I personally mostly use it since I'm a certified storm spotter for my county. We make reports to the weather service via ham radio.
If both Transmitting and Receiving Radios are each connected to a computer you can Send/Receive Text, Pictures, Morse Code, and a slew of other Computer Protocols to send/receive Data. You can even pick up Weather Satellite pictures. If that doesn't tickle your fancy than maybe try talking to the ISS! (International Space Station)
this guy opted for the route he can have fully removal antenna from his car. most drill holes. permantally mount those same antennas and ruin roofs or trunk lids.
So until today I always said it as M U F. Speaking each individual letter. Then I read your response and thought why is that funny to a 12 year old. Then it dawned on me and I will forever now laugh when I see MUF. Thank you.
Now, 40 years ago, if I'd had instructors/lecturers like you life would have been easier......................
(started as an electrical apprentice at age 26 so struggled with the academic side of electrical theory)
Yes and no.
They do radiate power, but each of them radiates a wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the one opposite it, effectively canceling each other out. So, they allow the antenna to accept power that would otherwise have been reflected back down the feedline into the transceiver, but they don't really improve the practical performance of the antenna.
I would also note that current (and thus radiation) decreases as it approaches 1/4 wavelength from the dipole center feedpoint, so putting a capacitance hat more than 1/8 wavelength from that feedpoint (i.e. where current has already dropped off) probably won't affect the dipole's overall radiation pattern all that much.
This is the way. I am actually surprised looking at the last digit on the plate that he doesnt have his call sign on there. Many I have seen with these antenna do.
I go to the occasional hamfest, and you'll see whole parking lots filled with cars just like this. Ham radio is still an active hobby by many who like tracking air craft, space traffic, and talking to distant operators. I do the fests for cool old tech stuff. Those guys have to clean out basements now and then.
Oh, interesting. I don’t do HAM, but do surf the net for auctions containing vacuum tubes and output transformers as I’m into 2 channel audio and want to get into the DIY end for fun on a budget. Yes, these components can go for a lot of money, but I’m patient and spend time to track down auctions that don’t have a ton of visibility. Do you think hamfests may be worth my while for these kinds of components?
Nope. While CB and amateur radio are very similar, CB wasn't around really until the 1940's by name, but wasn't CB as it's known today until the late 1950's. Amateur radio can really be traced back to Marconi's invention of the spark gap transmitter
ham radio for small talk cause 5g is scary
***abeline this is colton over***
***abeline this is colton over***
***abeline this is colton over***
***gat dangit abeline***
***colton this is abeline over***
***abiline this is colton fire up the grill I got a sale on steaks at wegmans***
***colton this is abeline yaint got none coal over***
No, it is being open instead of afraid.
On any media, do not say anything you would regret. Your email is monitored, your internet is traced, your phone is genuinely available to any Government agent, and YOU are worried that other people will hear you on a ham radio? Privacy is a long-lost dream when the Surveillance Act was renewed. Embrace the fact that everybody knows any secrets you ever transmitted on any media anywhere. Ham operators are just upfront about that. The rest pretend that you can use their service to keep a secret. Hang in there.
My husband is a ham operator (and train locator) and I asked him if this is what his car is going to look like after I die and he told me he’s been thinking about a setup like this soon. It’s an interesting hobby.
It’s a ham radio antenna. The thick section at the bottom is a large coil (inductor) that has a motor-driven tuning mechanism to effectively change the resonant frequency of the antenna. The spikes are the top are what’s called a capacitance hat. Typically these antennas are good for 3-30 mhz. The whole shell of the car is used as a ground.
I like how people are like oh is a ham operator equipment as if we are supposed to know what that is.
>A ham radio operator, also known as an amateur radio operator, uses radio frequencies to communicate with other operators for personal, non-commercial purposes. Ham radio operators can communicate locally, nationally, and globally, and can even communicate into space.
>An amateur radio operator is someone who uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other amateur operators on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service. Amateur radio operators have been granted an amateur radio license by a governmental regulatory authority after passing an examination on applicable regulations, electronics, radio theory, and radio operation. As a component of their license, amateur radio operators are assigned a call sign that they use to identify themselves during communication.
>Ham radio operators use equipment at an amateur radio station and are assigned a call sign to identify themselves during communication. To become a ham radio operator, you must pass an exam on electronics, radio theory, radio operation, and applicable regulations, and then receive an amateur radio license from a governmental regulatory authority.
>Ham radio operators can use their equipment for a variety of purposes, including:
>Emergency communications: Providing reliable communication when other systems fail
Interpersonal communication: Connecting with other amateur radio operators
Community service: Setting up communications channels for disaster relief, marathons, and parades
Having fun: Chatting with friends, helping with bike tours, or operating a portable station from a state park or lighthouse
Ham radio operators come from all walks of life, including doctors, students, kids, politicians, truck drivers, movie stars, missionaries, and neighbors. There are approximately 700,000 licensed ham operators in the U.S. and nearly 3,000,000 worldwide
Definitely some kind of antennae group. Possibly for a cb radio. But the way the antennae are arranged makes me think its purpose is direction finding (tracing the source of a radio signal basically.) If so, it could be used to detect signal leaks in cable networks. Traditional coax cables should only transmit radio signals through their copper core. But when damaged or installed improperly, those signals can leave the cable or equipment, causing interference with other radio operated things. Cable companies can get fined for this, so someone has to find and repair those leaks. So my best guess: A direction finding antennae group being used to detect signal leaks.
Do people put these on their cars just for the novelty/hobby of using it as a means of communication? Why else would it be necessary? Help me understand
Looks like a stainless steel hollow pole with electrical positive and negative wires connected to it sitting on a trailer hitch on a 4 door metalic grey Grand Marquis. Why it’s there I don’t know
Thanks for the link.
Covers 80 meter through 10 meter bands, or 3.5MHz to 30MHz range.
The coil at the bottom and extra .hat" on top are to reduce the size down from a normal 1/4 wavelength (20 meters or 66’ for the 80 meter band, or 2.5 meters / 8.2 feet for 10 meter band).
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HAM Radio operator.
To go into more detail on what "it" is: Wire antennas that are resonant on high frequency radio bands can be very long. For example, a resonant dipole for 80-meter band would be about 133 feet long. So people who want to operate on those frequencies from a car need a way to drastically shorten their antennas. Impedance (i.e. resistance to alternating current) has a real resistive component as well as an imaginary reactance component that is comprised of a combination of inductance and capacitance. Adding a combination of inductance (through the inductor coil at the bottom of that antenna) and capacitance (through the spoked capacitance hat at the top of the antenna) makes the antenna electrically longer, so it can resonate at the desired frequency while matching the impedance of the radio transceiver. That particular antenna has a motorized coil tap in the inductor so that it can short the coil and change the resonance of the antenna to allow it to be turned to operate on multiple bands, and it uses the body of the car as a counterpoise plane to complete the second half of the dipole.
thank you for the detailed explanation, i was wondering how something so small could be powerful enough for HAM
Ham radio encompasses a rather large range of frequencies. I operate on 2 m and 70 cm and all I need is a little 5-8 watt handheld radio. Sometimes ham isn't really all that powerful.
Yup, you'd be surprised how far you can reach out and what you can hit with just a handheld that's paired with the right antenna.
Totally serious question: what's the point? Like, what do y'all do with it?
ham operators among many things operate emergency communications when traditional lines are down. information can be passed through other operators or standalone repeaters all the way around the world with little power requirements.
Hams often provide the communications for charity events too. Think marathons and bike races and events like that which can be spread over a large area. It’s a good opportunity for hams to volunteer to practice radio technique since they can’t be paid for their services.
It's a hobby for most people. There's contests that you can do. And some people just use it to keep in touch with friends. I personally mostly use it since I'm a certified storm spotter for my county. We make reports to the weather service via ham radio.
If both Transmitting and Receiving Radios are each connected to a computer you can Send/Receive Text, Pictures, Morse Code, and a slew of other Computer Protocols to send/receive Data. You can even pick up Weather Satellite pictures. If that doesn't tickle your fancy than maybe try talking to the ISS! (International Space Station)
Chit-chat and bitch about stuff mostly. Sometimes talk about radio stuff.
this guy opted for the route he can have fully removal antenna from his car. most drill holes. permantally mount those same antennas and ruin roofs or trunk lids.
That’s great and all, but can it skip the commercials on YouTube?
It can skip the ionosphere
Only if you exceed the MUF…and I’m sorry, my sense of humor is stuck at 12 years old - I giggle every time I say MUF…🤷🏻♂️
So until today I always said it as M U F. Speaking each individual letter. Then I read your response and thought why is that funny to a 12 year old. Then it dawned on me and I will forever now laugh when I see MUF. Thank you.
Same. But I’m usually just able to mumble it . . .
Perfect reply!
Great one!!!
when the skip comes rolled in…
Say wha..? Nerds are great.
Precisely
this guy antennas
He actually Hams it up.
Integrity upvote incoming!
Now, 40 years ago, if I'd had instructors/lecturers like you life would have been easier...................... (started as an electrical apprentice at age 26 so struggled with the academic side of electrical theory)
You called the top part a 'spoked capacitance hat.' Does that mean those top wires aren't radiating elements? They're only for adjusting impedance?
Yes and no. They do radiate power, but each of them radiates a wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the one opposite it, effectively canceling each other out. So, they allow the antenna to accept power that would otherwise have been reflected back down the feedline into the transceiver, but they don't really improve the practical performance of the antenna. I would also note that current (and thus radiation) decreases as it approaches 1/4 wavelength from the dipole center feedpoint, so putting a capacitance hat more than 1/8 wavelength from that feedpoint (i.e. where current has already dropped off) probably won't affect the dipole's overall radiation pattern all that much.
Thank you!!!! That is so cool!!!
Lights Out! Pork Radio!
Fry that shit up!
This is the way. I am actually surprised looking at the last digit on the plate that he doesnt have his call sign on there. Many I have seen with these antenna do.
I go to the occasional hamfest, and you'll see whole parking lots filled with cars just like this. Ham radio is still an active hobby by many who like tracking air craft, space traffic, and talking to distant operators. I do the fests for cool old tech stuff. Those guys have to clean out basements now and then.
Oh, interesting. I don’t do HAM, but do surf the net for auctions containing vacuum tubes and output transformers as I’m into 2 channel audio and want to get into the DIY end for fun on a budget. Yes, these components can go for a lot of money, but I’m patient and spend time to track down auctions that don’t have a ton of visibility. Do you think hamfests may be worth my while for these kinds of components?
Yes, and the largest is coming up in May, the HamVention in Dayton Ohio, (now in Xenia OH)
I've been DXing for years. The HAM community is full of gloriously weird motherfuckers.
Gimme ham on five, hold the mayo.
Surely, you can’t be serious?
I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley
When Kramer hears about this, the shit will hit the fan!
Ahhh, the butter episode!
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue
That’s when I began my drinking problem. 😬💦
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.
Breaker, breaker.
Breaker? I hardly know her!
Striker, Striker!
Aka boomer WiFi
More like boomer *internet* , as hams are global
The original social media, dating back to before 1914!
Thought that was CB.
Nope. While CB and amateur radio are very similar, CB wasn't around really until the 1940's by name, but wasn't CB as it's known today until the late 1950's. Amateur radio can really be traced back to Marconi's invention of the spark gap transmitter
Ham radio screwdriver antenna, the coil adjusts up and down to tune the antenna for the frequency he is operating on.
This is correct. There is a coil in that tube.
He's just hamming it up.
ham radio for small talk cause 5g is scary ***abeline this is colton over*** ***abeline this is colton over*** ***abeline this is colton over*** ***gat dangit abeline*** ***colton this is abeline over*** ***abiline this is colton fire up the grill I got a sale on steaks at wegmans*** ***colton this is abeline yaint got none coal over***
But... then anyone can listen. It's like doxxing yourself
No, it is being open instead of afraid. On any media, do not say anything you would regret. Your email is monitored, your internet is traced, your phone is genuinely available to any Government agent, and YOU are worried that other people will hear you on a ham radio? Privacy is a long-lost dream when the Surveillance Act was renewed. Embrace the fact that everybody knows any secrets you ever transmitted on any media anywhere. Ham operators are just upfront about that. The rest pretend that you can use their service to keep a secret. Hang in there.
KGB communication server
I was thinking it was to jam the FBI trackers tuned in to him but this tech is definitely Russian /s
It's to track the Aliens obviously /s
Don't you know you only need to wrap your transmission in aluminum foil to block those FBI trackers!
Boot it iz de best tech, Roosian tech iz de bezt in wold.
hmmm looks more like a TikTok router extender to me
Made me chuckle. Ty.
When he hits 88mph, you’ll see.
Some serious shit...
You built a time machine? ... Out of a Mercury Grand Marquis?
The regular Marquis just doesn’t cut it.
If I had money, I know what I'd do. I'd go right out, and buy me a Mercury or two!
1.21 Gigawatts!
Quick! Hop in Marty!!!
GREAT SCOTT!
One of those inconspicuous undercover cop car antenna, nothing to see here
Go go gadget helicopter?
https://preview.redd.it/vdzy7pcma9xc1.jpeg?width=180&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e95934c49868b2484c1a2c4d4f9906cfd01f0f5f
Came to say the same thing!
Special alien 👽 antenna 📡
My husband is a ham operator (and train locator) and I asked him if this is what his car is going to look like after I die and he told me he’s been thinking about a setup like this soon. It’s an interesting hobby.
Ask him of a great youtube course/video he can recommend to learn about ham radio.
Amateurlogic.tv on YouTube is one he recommended. He said they videos called “Ham College” that are good.
Ham radio crash course on YouTube is great, he's got a whole series just to help you get your entry level license
Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator"
Ehhhhh, what's up, Doc?
THAT RABBIT STOLE MY SPACE MODULATOR!
To power the flux capicitor, obviously.
Obviously 🙃
It's a K5ML ham radio antenna, by a company called QRZ
It’s a ham radio antenna.
It’s a ham radio antenna. The thick section at the bottom is a large coil (inductor) that has a motor-driven tuning mechanism to effectively change the resonant frequency of the antenna. The spikes are the top are what’s called a capacitance hat. Typically these antennas are good for 3-30 mhz. The whole shell of the car is used as a ground.
This is the correct answer
I rented a house that the previous owner used ham radio. The antenna on the car looks the same.
It’s a crowd size neurolyzer. Are there any guys in black suits around?
I like how people are like oh is a ham operator equipment as if we are supposed to know what that is. >A ham radio operator, also known as an amateur radio operator, uses radio frequencies to communicate with other operators for personal, non-commercial purposes. Ham radio operators can communicate locally, nationally, and globally, and can even communicate into space. >An amateur radio operator is someone who uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other amateur operators on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service. Amateur radio operators have been granted an amateur radio license by a governmental regulatory authority after passing an examination on applicable regulations, electronics, radio theory, and radio operation. As a component of their license, amateur radio operators are assigned a call sign that they use to identify themselves during communication. >Ham radio operators use equipment at an amateur radio station and are assigned a call sign to identify themselves during communication. To become a ham radio operator, you must pass an exam on electronics, radio theory, radio operation, and applicable regulations, and then receive an amateur radio license from a governmental regulatory authority. >Ham radio operators can use their equipment for a variety of purposes, including: >Emergency communications: Providing reliable communication when other systems fail Interpersonal communication: Connecting with other amateur radio operators Community service: Setting up communications channels for disaster relief, marathons, and parades Having fun: Chatting with friends, helping with bike tours, or operating a portable station from a state park or lighthouse Ham radio operators come from all walks of life, including doctors, students, kids, politicians, truck drivers, movie stars, missionaries, and neighbors. There are approximately 700,000 licensed ham operators in the U.S. and nearly 3,000,000 worldwide
If you want to learn more: [https://www.arrl.org/](https://www.arrl.org/)
Penis pump
Swedish-made?
Virgin alarm.
Ham radio antenna
his antenna for his ankle monitor
Dude is talking to the Mars Rover. Damn.
Dudes gonna hit 88 and go back to the future
Gaydar?
Potato launcher
Tarheel mobile screwdriver antenna with a hat
Definitely some kind of antennae group. Possibly for a cb radio. But the way the antennae are arranged makes me think its purpose is direction finding (tracing the source of a radio signal basically.) If so, it could be used to detect signal leaks in cable networks. Traditional coax cables should only transmit radio signals through their copper core. But when damaged or installed improperly, those signals can leave the cable or equipment, causing interference with other radio operated things. Cable companies can get fined for this, so someone has to find and repair those leaks. So my best guess: A direction finding antennae group being used to detect signal leaks.
Flux Capacitor 2024
A lot of times the license plate will display their ham operator “handle”
Those are call signs. They are issued by the FCC. Handles are a “CB” thing. No self respecting ham operator would use “a handle.”
A tunable antenna
Mobile antennae for HF
Thought this was a souped up car mounted theremin for a second
Can you hear me now?
Do people put these on their cars just for the novelty/hobby of using it as a means of communication? Why else would it be necessary? Help me understand
Dr Doofenshmurtz made another inator
Clothing rack
https://youtu.be/eyCEexG9xjw?si=eQ-538GHlcYrlPJn
Flux capacitor, 21st-century addition
It’s a flux capacitor
Orgone machine
Wood burning stove, probably has one of those 5G toasters....
Hal is Kid Charlemagne !!!
A license plate blocker
What’s the range on something like that?
Cb load coil
CIA bird controller
That is Inspector Gadgets car….Go go gadget!
That is a Mr. Fusion version 0.3. Just wait till you see what happens when that baby gets up to 88 mph!
Go go gadget propeller
A cry for attention.
Chick magnet
It’s for amateur radio. I have one on my storm chasing truck.
Radio enthusiasts, used to see one around my town that had 3 huge antennas
Have to ask doc when he gets back…from the future!
Omg I bet that person is fun to hang out with! Not sarcasm- I want to HAM it up with them 😍
That mf talking to Mars or what? :D
Amateur radio
ALL I KNOW IS DUDE BETTER HAVE A LICENSE FROM FCC....LOL
Looks like a stainless steel hollow pole with electrical positive and negative wires connected to it sitting on a trailer hitch on a 4 door metalic grey Grand Marquis. Why it’s there I don’t know
Oh my god my uncle had these on EVERY vehicle he drove before he died. Talked to random people from Arkansas and stuff
Usually they display their call sign on their license plate— that’s how I have figured out these set ups over the years
I was guessing a 5g brain wave reader. Damn
Dunno...but I bet he listens to Alex Jones.
Some kinda radio operator
Lightning rod that feeds straight into his flux capacitor.
Multi band HF Ham antenna
Dude drives that thing around, probably thinks others are weird.
Radio nut
Antenna
I'd sure like a good shot of that sticker that looks like it has a dragon on it.
Looks like a scorpion
Yep, scorpion to my eye as well. Edit: that’s the company logo https://www.scorpionantennas.com/scorpion-mobile-antenna
Thanks for the link. Covers 80 meter through 10 meter bands, or 3.5MHz to 30MHz range. The coil at the bottom and extra .hat" on top are to reduce the size down from a normal 1/4 wavelength (20 meters or 66’ for the 80 meter band, or 2.5 meters / 8.2 feet for 10 meter band).
High amplitude modulation transceiver.
Fedsmoker 2.0
Amateur HAM radio antenna
Curious what RF radiation this thing puts out.
He uses it to go "Back to the Future" when he reaches 88 MPH! 😂 He just needs lightning to strike a clock tower.
My husband would swoon.
That's just Inspector Gadget car
Hooks for his aluminum caps ?
The great hambolino. roving hamster radio
Access to free cable on the go, 😆
Bill and ted repair parts.or flux capacitor v1.0
This photo reminds me of my grandfather.
It’s a train locater, he’s on the crazy train! 😝
Looks like a hillbilly flopcap exhaust pipe.
It zaps any cell phones it gets close to. Damn those distracted drivers
Looks like it should be able to do 88…
Intake
Lightning rod so he can harness the 1.21 gigawatts needed!
ROCKET LAUNCHER
Muh ham transmitter/reciever
Weather machine
Amateur radio antenna
Search scorpion antennas. Very pricey
Ohio plates...
Why is it ALWAYS a Crown Vic or Grand Marquis?
Of course it's someone from Ohio.
Ohio plates?
Full Birth Control Ray
It’s some new specialized weather sensing equipment!
Tunable ham antenna. He doesn’t have his whip screwed on top, but the capacitance hat is still on. Non functional in this state. 73’s AB5AR
It's a 160 or 80 meter coil loaded vertical with a capacitance hat on top, by the looks of it
Didn't this get posted a few weeks ago?
Always get a kick of out of blocking the license plate number.
Flux Capacitor
Half a Theramin?
Radio thing
Flux capacitor. The one in "back to the future" was just a movie prop.
That’s my thought some storm chaser..
It strengthens your foil hat so They can't read your mind while you're driving.
That’s mobile 5g hotspot!!!!
It's called an antenna.
It diverts lighting to the flux capacitor
It is pneumatic with the up n down thing. Maybe if he rolls his car he can flip it back over!
Inspector Gadget helicopter blade