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Michael KB9VBR

@kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social

199 followers 68 following 164 posts

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

Posts Replies Media

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

We give the DX Launcher a workout hanging lines for a full wave loop antenna. The DX Launcher is a high-performance compressed air antenna launcher designed to send weighted tennis balls over tall trees with precision and ease. youtu.be/5BHhpzUl7fU #hamradio

Testing the DX Launcher: Is this the EASIEST Way to Hang a Wire Antenna?

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Travis wanted a full wave HF loop for 80-10 meters at his house. We put up over 283 feet of wire. What happened next is hard to explain. youtu.be/q0LbvPhCd2I

What Went WRONG with our Full Wave HF Loop Antenna?

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Come and hang with us this evening for a casual ham radio fireside chat. Saturday Sept 19 at 7pm CDT (0000 UTC, 20 Sept). It should be fun. youtube.com/live/vJx6nO9...

Let’s Talk Ham Radio: Fireside Chat Hangout

Join Joe, Michael, and Travis for a casual fireside chat. We'll be ...

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Check it out! I'll be chatting live with Tim Duffy, K3LR, of DX Engineering Today Friday September 18 at 3:00pm central time. It should be a great show. www.youtube.com/live/gdGkuYZ...

Creator Spotlight — KB9VBR Antennas

YouTube video by DXEngineering

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Backpacks meant for hiking often don't meet the needs of the ham radio community. The Rez Antenna System Ranger Pro backpack ups the ante with several ham radio specific design features. youtu.be/Sc8k8URoVe4

The Best Backpack for Parks on the Air? Ranger Pro Hands-On

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

After using it for six months, I take a second look at the Radioddity HF-010 vertical antenna. Is it still a great choice for a portable ham radio operations? youtu.be/no0Bp0pSbuE

Is the Radioddity HF-010 Antenna Still Worth It? 6 Month Field Test

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Fresh off the road, Joe and I are back in the livestream chairs. We'll dig into the autumn propagation forecast, look at what's new with Parks on the Air, and answer your ham radio questions. Thursday September 3 at 7:00pm Central Time (0000 UTC Sept 4). youtube.com/live/yDa8lev...

Ham Radio LIVE! September 3, 2026

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

NVIS or Near Vertical Incidence Skywave Propagation isn't about distance, but how to communicate on a local and regional level. youtu.be/ihTNyAre7Xc #hamradio

The Art of NVIS: The BEST Way to Talk Locally

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The 2026 Huntsville Hamfest totally exceeded my expectations. Follow along with me to see what you missed and to find out why this is the South's Friendliest Hamfest. youtu.be/4Dh1R1cMw8o #hamradio

The South's FRIENDLIEST Hamfest: Why Huntsville 2026 is the BEST!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The summer of dipoles continues! This time I build and tune a DX Engineering link dipole antenna kit. youtu.be/4umT6UGum48

This Antenna Rocks! Build a Link Dipole Ham Radio Antenna

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Join us on the Livestream tonight: Thursday August 6 at 7:00pm Central Time (0000 UTC August 7) for a big giveaway! One lucky viewer will receive a BM-17 headset courtesy of Heil Ham Radio. Plus we'll talk ham radio and answer your questions. youtube.com/live/uc3g8UZ...

Ham Radio LIVE! August 6, 2026

This month Travis joins the livestream to give us his perspective o...

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Can we battle the northern Wisconsin vacation traffic and activate six parks in one afternoon? Watch as we receive our just desserts and Dave shares a cool new tool for the Yaesu FT-891. youtu.be/zcbmXHI4tIE

This Device Helps us Activate 6 Parks Faster!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

The New and Improved Heil Ham Radio BM-17 headset is now available. Watch as I put this lightweight, portable headset on the air. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/1D9LLgaXNK0

All New Heil BM-17 Headset! Is this POTA's best Accessory?

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

You heard right, I'll be at the Huntsville Hamfest this year. But that's not all, find out who I'm partnering with at the event: youtu.be/mmXoHtNEZZM

Big Announcement! July 2026 Channel Update

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

V-Dipoles have become a poplar ham radio antenna of late for their portability and good performance. I show you how to take the REZ Antenna's Scout Antenna System and configure it into a V-Dipole ~KB9VBR youtu.be/b2Sf8AumPxE

REZ Antenna's Scout can do so much more! Build a V-Dipole Antenna

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Start the Independance Day weekend right by joining us on Thursday July 2 at 7:00pm CDT (0000 UTC July 3). Our livestream is packed! We'll wrap up Field Day, talk about 13 Colonies Special Event, plus have a special guest, and a BIG announcement tonight: youtube.com/live/nMv6Jkp...

Ham Radio LIVE! July 2, 2026

Start the Independance Day weekend right by joining us on Thursday ...

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Our ARRL Field Day Adventure takes us to a new campground with new challenges. Will we get antennas in the air and make contacts, or get skunked during the worlds largest ham radio operating event? ~KB9VBR youtu.be/w7xA1h-WA98

Ham Radio Camping at its Best! ARRL Field Day 2026

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Antenna analyzers are nice tools to have, but are not necessary to adjust an antenna. Here I show how to build a 20 meter dipole and tune it without using an analyzer. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/iv32l1FdI0o

Forget the Antenna Analyzer! Do This Instead

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

I attempt to build a 40 meter dipole antenna, armed with nothing more than a pocket knife and tape measure. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/Quja5S1O-IA

You need to build This Bushcraft Dipole antenna!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Ham Radio from inside a Submarine? You Bet! I travel to Manitowoc, WI to put the USS Cobia on the air for Museum Ships weekend. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/-2wx2yiJf0I

Ham Radio on a submarine! USS Cobia on the Air

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

I’ll be on the air for museum ships weekend, Saturday June 6 starting at 11am (1600 UTC) on the 20 meter band, callsign NB9QV, on the USS Cobia, a WWII submarine. I hope to catch you in the log.

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Host change for tonight: Joe is out and Dave is in. Join us Thursday June 4 at 7:00pm Central Time (0000 UTC June 5). We'll have the summer solar propagation outlook, look forward to Field Day, and look at some cool things that made their way to the shack. youtube.com/live/St5fNOJ...

Ham Radio LIVE! June 4, 2026

Guest change tonight! Joe is out and Dave is in. Join us on Thursda...

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Greg, KJ6ER's, Challenger Antenna is an off center fed vertical antenna with great performance on the 10-20 meter bands. I'll show you how you can build your own Challenger and put on the air. youtu.be/JgY8HPHmPaM

Why does this SIMPLE antenna always CHALLENGE me so much?

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

My new Elecraft KX3 QRP transceiver gets a workout as I test the Chameleon LEFS Feather Lightweight End Fed Sloper Antenna. youtu.be/L4QJKHQ0ry0

Chameleon LEFS Feather Antenna QRP Real World Test

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

My drive to this year's Hamvention included a couple of fun stops and some Parks on the Air (POTA) activations along the way: youtu.be/HyKRjQIPNa0

Hamvention Bound! POTA Activations and Ham Radio Fun

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

I take a tour through Hamvention 2026 and search the coolest things in the flea market and best deals at the show. youtu.be/4NxUItiGZvQ

Hamvention 2026: The Best Deals & Flea Market Finds

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

My Youtube channel is going on hiatus for the next two weeks as I prepare for Hamvention. But I have a question for you: what content do you want to see me bring back from the world's largest hamfest? Drop a comment and let me know.

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

For less than a dollar's worth of parts. you can use your original Chameleon PRV Coil in a center loaded configuration to improve performance. youtu.be/90SkGWgOsfM

Center Loaded Vertical Antennas? The results will surprise you!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

The Rybakov vertical antenna strikes agin, this time with the versatile REZ Antennas Scout XF system XFORM 4:1 transformer and Z25 telescoping whip. youtu.be/zOtaw7VpWVM

Can This Modular Antenna Beat Traditional POTA Setups?

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

The Spooltenna ULTRA is a 40 meter End Fed Half Antenna that is half the size and weight of Spooltenna's popular PARKS model. Does this size diet affect performance? Let's find out. youtu.be/DdSXw3iKKz8

Spooltenna Ultra Tested - Compact Antenna, Real Results

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

No joke! Joe and I are coming at you with a livestream on Thursday April 2 at 7:00pm Central Time (0001 UTC 3 Apr). Our April Livestream is packed; we'll answer your ham radio questions, talk about some cool things, and Joe needs some help. youtube.com/live/5vqycl_...

Ham Radio LIVE! April 2, 2026

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Become an ELITE member of POTA with the new POTA Platinum package youtu.be/GCdzDO5u5Go

POTA Platinum Membership Just Dropped and It's WILD

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Ham radio from an HOA? It can be done! The Chameleon Antenna HOA Guide lays out workable and tested solutions for apartments, condos, and single family homeowners struggling with restrictive covenants. youtu.be/fn51X7EEXjk

Ham Radio in an HOA? Here's What Works!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

I rove a couple of parks and put two antennas on the air: the Radioddity HF-010 and KJ6ER (POTA) PERformer. Which one will come out on top? youtu.be/Ygu0jv6Pb5E

Two Antennas Tested in Real Conditions - HF-010 vs PERformer!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Big change of plans! I was planning to go mobile and rove a few counties for the Wisconsin QSO party today, but instead I think I will just operate from home.

My vehicle buried in 20 inches of snow

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

The Radioddity HF-010 is a portable HF vertical antenna with coverage between 6 and 80 meters. Does this ham radio antenna deliver? Let's take a deeper look. youtu.be/UU45u9FDYqg

Radioddity's NEW HF-010 Antenna - Is it a Massive Upgrade?

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

REZ Antenna Systems raises the bar with the XForm 4:1 transformer and Scout XF modular antenna system. We test the 4:1 transformer, Z-17C compact whips, and Surveyor Adapter with a vertical delta loop antenna. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/NF_sfXS761M

GENIUS! Rez Antenna System Scout XForm Transformer on the air

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

I love it when multiple POTA parks align, and I found a great 3-Fer in Northwestern Wisconsin: Tuscobia State Trail, Wild River State Trail, and Ice Age National Scenic Trail. youtu.be/imCpw3ahwFY

How I ACTIVATE Three POTA Parks all at Once!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

I set out to create a low cost, easy to build, way to connect my Koss SB40 headset to my Yaesu FT-891. Follow along to build your own headset adapter cable. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/_j4E6mbrK8o

This DIY Yaesu headset adapter hack saves you money

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

What goes on behind the scenes competing in the Minnesota QSO Party? Determination, skill, and a bit of luck come to team K0M as we blow this year's ham radio event out of the water. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/liJA7tfd0xE

We Crushed it! Minnesota QSO Party 2026

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Saturday is the Minnesota QSO Party and we need your help. Dave and I will be running a multi-transmitter station at US-4236 in Wabasha County for the event with special event callsign K0M. We want your contact! Exchange is MN County or State/Province and FIRST NAME. Help us get to 1000 QSOs

Michael and Dave sitting in a truck making contacts for the QSO Party

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

The groundhog saw its shadow, which means Joe and I are back for Your Questions Answered. Thurs Feb 5 at 7:00pm CST (0000 UTC 6 Feb). We'll recap Winter Field Day and talk about what's going on with HamClock. Plus answer your ham radio questions. youtube.com/live/oQmvILD...

Your Questions Answered LIVE | February 2026

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

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Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

It's a January thaw courtesy of the hot performance of the Spooltenna end fed 40 meter half wave antenna. Can it deliver 4 ham radio bands on this Parks on the Air activation? youtu.be/QzIiwt_cigY

AMAZING Spooltenna heats up FOUR ham radio bands!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Dave, Joe and I head to a cozy cottage on a lake to operate for 2026 Winter Field Day. Will the Polar Vortex freeze us out? Will our 3 Station Indoor operation be successful? Will Joe put on pants? ~KB9VBR youtu.be/c64HwIEWrkM

Winter Field Day 2026 Extreme Cold Challenge

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Team Polar Vortex is ready for Winter Field Day. Catch Joe, Michael, and Dave as we operate from a luxurious Wisconsin lakeside cottage as the temperature falls to -20 F. Club call N9CNF. Hope to catch you on the air.

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Joe and I hit the road to activate five POTA parks in south central Wisconsin. We also run into a problem that almost stops us dead. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/d-bFMKVkPZY

POTA Activation GONE WRONG? What almost stopped us!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Is the Koss SB40 Communication headset for portable ham radio operation as good as the discontinued Heil BM17 headphones? I put it on the air to find out youtu.be/eN4AO21BvvU

I'm Using This Headset for Every POTA Activation Now!

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Start the year out right by joining Joe and I for our monthly ham radio livestream. Thursday January 1 at 7:00pm CST (0001 UTC 2 Jan). We'll discuss new year ham radio goals, spill our plans for Winter Field Day, and answer your ham radio questions. youtube.com/live/ZPIYz2G...

New Year Ham Radio Goals | Your Questions Answered LIVE

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Happy New Year! Please indulge me a bit as I tell you a story about how the world's fastest computers were built in a small town in Western Wisconsin: youtu.be/e4bze9gU5VY

This Small Wisconsin Town Built the World's Fastest Computers

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas

Michael KB9VBR @kb9vbrantennas.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

This week I demonstrate two effective portable ham radio antennas as we hit the road to activate two Parks on the Air locations in Wisconsin. Chris and I also share a little holiday cheer at the end. ~KB9VBR youtu.be/m70JOFDzNT4

Why Simple HF Antenna Setups Beat Everything

YouTube video by KB9VBR Antennas