Love this antenna, just set it up tonight and was able to finally work you on FT-8 on 30 meters, and made a POTA contact. Made my night. I bought this a few months ago and first time setting up got tangled in the tree. Had to cut the wire. Contacted Reel POTAble and they were really great and quick in getting it replaced. Thanks for your video.
I used something like this years ago. Was originally called a yoyo vee antenna with two reels used as a dipole and single reel as an end fed antenna . They were made with a portable clothesline reels but people started using chalk reels instead
I have had one for several months and really like it for portable ops. It is very easy to deploy and you can adjust the length on the fly for SWR. When I have the room to deploy a wire antenna, this is my go-to antenna.
yes, that sounds like a neat trick having a roll up reel for the antenna. I like that the wire won't get hung up on all the other stuff I carry for the radio setup. Thanks for checking it out for me Michael.
Very nice vid. That is an ingenious concept of just unrolling/rolling the antenna wire. Very cool. This would work even in an HMO community as a quick set up/break down antenna. TYFP!
This is my go-to antenna for POTA activation, works great. I use the exact same configuration with a 32’ telescopic painters pole from Home Depot and the same 4’ plastic post. I extend the line all the way out and don’t even check the SWR anymore. Easy to set up and take down and performs well.
Excelent concept for a EFHW antenna. A bit bulky with the box on the back, but again what matters is performance and ease of setup. This one so far has been the easiest to setup I have seen so far. A version 2 of this antenna would be nice to integrate the toroid and the wire spool into a single case. Thanks for sharing your input Michael.
I bought an 80-10 EFHW but never put it up because of the long length. This EF easily fits in my yard as a portable using a mast. It satisfies my need to use HF within the constrains of my HOA.
I like the idea of the reel, much like the use of tape measure tuned radial. Not for me personally though. Also TU for the p2p contact on Saturday. The sunburn and allergies were worth getting out and hiking.
I have had one for an about 6 months b or so. Plays very nice. I do mostly CW so 30w is about the max. I was using 59 W one day and the unit got warm and the SWR STARTED to rise. Brought it back down to 30!W and all was fine. My only complaint is, I wish I could get a little more power out of it in CW, but other than that it worked great
You sold me I’ll order tomorrow! What is a good antenna analyzer like you have or any other one you recommend? Thanks 73s Joe WB9VVH once in Steven Pointski now inTN
In this video I was using the full featured RigExpert AA-2000, but it is overkill out in the field (the display does look good on video, though). I actually prefer their smaller Stick-230 when I'm out and I carry it along with me in my portable kit. I've done a review on it here: th-cam.com/video/sL5be82EfkU/w-d-xo.html
This is awesome. However, I’m concerned about the actual method going on inside the winder, given the wire looks to be insulated. The idea of winding is absolutely brilliant but it’s as if a linked dipole was in use without any metal to metal linking. Any hints of what’s going on?
What is the stake 0:02 that you are using at the feed point in? Looks kind of like a fence post but with a step on lip. Looks ideal for poda. Didn't see a link with your others. Great review.
I've use to have an original Pro-Set and I currently use the BM-17 lightweight headset (review: th-cam.com/video/qB1z2g8m090/w-d-xo.html). All of the Heil headsets have great audio and stellar microphones. The Pro-set 7 would be amazing in a high noise environment like Field Day, but I don't think I would want to use it out in the field as it may block out too much background noise, limiting your situational awareness.
Great review.... Be careful with your subaru, not sure about yours, but my 2017 Outback would run the battery down holding up the back tailgate over an extended period of time...
Mines a 2014 and I’ll leave the back open all day long when we are out camping. I don’t have the automatic lift gate like the newer Outbacks have, so maybe that’s the issue
This antenna doesn't have a provision for a counter poise. In the absence of a coax choke, the antenna most likely will use the coax shield as its counterpoise. I suppose if you believe a counterpoise is necessary, you could clip one to the ground side of the PL-259 connector and then use a choke on the feed line to prevent common mode current on the coax. As for counterpoises on End Fed Half Wave antennas in general, there is quite a discussion if they are necessary or not. EFHW antennas will work fine with or without a counterpoise. I've had good results either way. So I'm not going to say they are required, but I'll leave it up to you if you wish to use a counter poise with the antenna or not.
Has anyone opened one of these up? I’m curious how they’re connecting in the other end of the wire to the rest of the transformer and the connector inside.
Thanks for the video. Is there something about the impedance characteristics of the coupling method that precludes cranking the wire in to 1/2 wavelength on the WARC bands to avoid the need for the tuner? de AC7PB
Shortening by wrapping the reel should create an inductance at the feed point. The RF behavior of an inductance might disconnect the feed point from the rest of the wire. Where am I wrong with this reasoning?
Yes it is. We found a wild grape plant in the garden when we moved into the house and since have supplemented it with a Frontenac vine. It doesn't produce enough to make wine, but we have made the most amazing grape jelly out of the fruit.
Since I seem to tangle every single wire and cable that I own, this looks like a nice form factor to keep things tidy. Performance is impressive, too. Great video, as usual. Thanks! 73, Brett K5WXP
That looks like a fun toy! I live in an apartment, so something temporary like this is ideal. I could stretch it to a tree 30’ away and see how that works. Thanks for the video! KF0QNM
Michael, another very good video - thank you. I am curious about fence post. Any info about name or place to purchase? As always, you are appreciated - KQ4IXD
Honestly, I'm ok with that. I get a lot of offers to review things (and I turn down more than I actually review). My basement is overflowing and if it helps a boutique company get their name out, it's all good.
Love this antenna, just set it up tonight and was able to finally work you on FT-8 on 30 meters, and made a POTA contact. Made my night. I bought this a few months ago and first time setting up got tangled in the tree. Had to cut the wire. Contacted Reel POTAble and they were really great and quick in getting it replaced. Thanks for your video.
That’s awesome, they have great customer service. I’m glad to get you in the log.
I have been looking at this antenna for two weeks! Ok I'm going for it!!!!
Maybe one of the best efhw antenna out there
The resonant point can be ajusted wherever you want
I really like mine ... Very nice antenna
Just bought one yesterday!
I have had one now for about 4 months now it is worth the money and very fast to set up. Thank you making the video and the time making the videos. 73
I used something like this years ago. Was originally called a yoyo vee antenna with two reels used as a dipole and single reel as an end fed antenna . They were made with a portable clothesline reels but people started using chalk reels instead
I remember those, a friend had one at field day one year. We had less than stellar results
I have had one for several months and really like it for portable ops. It is very easy to deploy and you can adjust the length on the fly for SWR. When I have the room to deploy a wire antenna, this is my go-to antenna.
I have 2. Great portable antenna
yes, that sounds like a neat trick having a roll up reel for the antenna. I like that the wire won't get hung up on all the other stuff I carry for the radio setup. Thanks for checking it out for me Michael.
Very nice vid. That is an ingenious concept of just unrolling/rolling the antenna wire. Very cool. This would work even in an HMO community as a quick set up/break down antenna. TYFP!
I've seen this antenna in quite a few videos, but this is the first with a link I've seen 👏
This is my go-to antenna for POTA activation, works great. I use the exact same configuration with a 32’ telescopic painters pole from Home Depot and the same 4’ plastic post. I extend the line all the way out and don’t even check the SWR anymore. Easy to set up and take down and performs well.
Excelent concept for a EFHW antenna. A bit bulky with the box on the back, but again what matters is performance and ease of setup. This one so far has been the easiest to setup I have seen so far. A version 2 of this antenna would be nice to integrate the toroid and the wire spool into a single case. Thanks for sharing your input Michael.
I bought an 80-10 EFHW but never put it up because of the long length. This EF easily fits in my yard as a portable using a mast. It satisfies my need to use HF within the constrains of my HOA.
This & their choke have been on my to-buy list for a while now. Just ordered since they may become even more popular after this video📡
The music you have been using in the channel is a nice change 👍
I’m glad you enjoyed it. It can be tricky to pick music that appeals to a broad audience and fits the tone of the video.
I like the idea of the reel, much like the use of tape measure tuned radial. Not for me personally though.
Also TU for the p2p contact on Saturday. The sunburn and allergies were worth getting out and hiking.
I'm glad to get you in the log. The video from the activation will be released later today.
Out is stock as of 7-17 I’ll have to keep checking
I have had one for an about 6 months b or so. Plays very nice. I do mostly CW so 30w is about the max.
I was using 59 W one day and the unit got warm and the SWR STARTED to rise.
Brought it back down to 30!W and all was fine.
My only complaint is, I wish I could get a little more power out of it in CW, but other than that it worked great
You sold me I’ll order tomorrow! What is a good antenna analyzer like you have or any other one you recommend?
Thanks 73s Joe WB9VVH once in Steven Pointski now inTN
In this video I was using the full featured RigExpert AA-2000, but it is overkill out in the field (the display does look good on video, though). I actually prefer their smaller Stick-230 when I'm out and I carry it along with me in my portable kit. I've done a review on it here: th-cam.com/video/sL5be82EfkU/w-d-xo.html
This is awesome. However, I’m concerned about the actual method going on inside the winder, given the wire looks to be insulated. The idea of winding is absolutely brilliant but it’s as if a linked dipole was in use without any metal to metal linking. Any hints of what’s going on?
What are those things in the background at the first of your video?
They looked like a jet engine on a tower? Just curious ...
Those are snow guns. This area is a ski hill in the winter.
Great video. Did you have a choke on your coax?
No, just my 🐓
What is the stake 0:02 that you are using at the feed point in? Looks kind of like a fence post but with a step on lip. Looks ideal for poda. Didn't see a link with your others. Great review.
I neglected to put that in the links. It’s a four foot plastic fence post. You can find them at farm and ranch stores like Tractor Supply Company.
Thanks for the videos, I am considering this one , just to many to decide upon, lol.
I love Rib Mountain. Im a bit south and don’t make it up to often, but the Autumn view from that place is breathtaking.
Autumn is amazing on the hill. Rib Mountain is practically in my back yard so it is an easy spot for me to do a Parks on the Air activation.
BEAUTIFUL 💯👍
Don't need it , but i want it. My favorite antenna so far is the super antenna. So portable and you can get the swr perfect.
What headphones and mic do you recommend I am looking at a Heil PS7, 5 or 4. Thanks WB9VVH
I've use to have an original Pro-Set and I currently use the BM-17 lightweight headset (review: th-cam.com/video/qB1z2g8m090/w-d-xo.html). All of the Heil headsets have great audio and stellar microphones. The Pro-set 7 would be amazing in a high noise environment like Field Day, but I don't think I would want to use it out in the field as it may block out too much background noise, limiting your situational awareness.
INFO P,LEASE ION THE FENCEPOST, PLEASE
Great review.... Be careful with your subaru, not sure about yours, but my 2017 Outback would run the battery down holding up the back tailgate over an extended period of time...
Mines a 2014 and I’ll leave the back open all day long when we are out camping. I don’t have the automatic lift gate like the newer Outbacks have, so maybe that’s the issue
Talk to me about a counterpoise and choke? Are they necessary?
This antenna doesn't have a provision for a counter poise. In the absence of a coax choke, the antenna most likely will use the coax shield as its counterpoise. I suppose if you believe a counterpoise is necessary, you could clip one to the ground side of the PL-259 connector and then use a choke on the feed line to prevent common mode current on the coax.
As for counterpoises on End Fed Half Wave antennas in general, there is quite a discussion if they are necessary or not. EFHW antennas will work fine with or without a counterpoise. I've had good results either way. So I'm not going to say they are required, but I'll leave it up to you if you wish to use a counter poise with the antenna or not.
Has anyone opened one of these up? I’m curious how they’re connecting in the other end of the wire to the rest of the transformer and the connector inside.
Sorry, that's our IP. I understand everyone would like to know. But this is what makes ours different.
@@N5BSB Do you have more in stock and where?
Thanks for the video. Is there something about the impedance characteristics of the coupling method that precludes cranking the wire in to 1/2 wavelength on the WARC bands to avoid the need for the tuner? de AC7PB
I looked on their web site. Every wire color and both bnc and pl-259 connectors are all sold out. 😢
We have some black wire still available on ebay.
Shortening by wrapping the reel should create an inductance at the feed point. The RF behavior of an inductance might disconnect the feed point from the rest of the wire. Where am I wrong with this reasoning?
Cool end-fed antenna!
Did you say "40%meter band" at 1:22 into the video?
40 through 10
Dude!.... Is that a grape arbor behind you? That is awesome looking. 🍇🍷
Yes it is. We found a wild grape plant in the garden when we moved into the house and since have supplemented it with a Frontenac vine. It doesn't produce enough to make wine, but we have made the most amazing grape jelly out of the fruit.
I like it.
Nice video. Thank you. 73
This solar cycle is amazing. Handing out 51s like it's candy 😂
Great review...bought mine 8 weeks ago and works great in my HOA. Easy up and down ...would diffinately recommend it.
Paul K1YOU
I use mine in the same situation.
You did your job. They are sold out!
Still have some black wire antennas on the eBay link
What was that annoying CW that I briefly heard in the background? 🤣🤣🤣
I have the same battery
Lets build one!
Is that Dave in the background?
Yes it is. I recorded part of this video the same day we worked on the linked radial video
He was the one sending code. 😂@@KB9VBRAntennas
Looks like they make snow up there
Yep. It’s a ski hill in the winter
Out of stock. Can you trust eBay?
Yes, if you use Michael's link.
Yes the link in the description.
I got it off ebay and its great!
Since I seem to tangle every single wire and cable that I own, this looks like a nice form factor to keep things tidy. Performance is impressive, too.
Great video, as usual. Thanks!
73,
Brett K5WXP
And you are testing at the bad ground site
That looks like a fun toy! I live in an apartment, so something temporary like this is ideal. I could stretch it to a tree 30’ away and see how that works. Thanks for the video!
KF0QNM
Looks like it is in a repurposed chalk snap line carrier.....
He says that it is.
Yes it is. It still has the. Chalk fill sliding g door.
$120? A ham and his money are soon parted!
Seems kinda gimicky. Kite winders never break. Jus Sayin.
Michael, another very good video - thank you. I am curious about fence post. Any info about name or place to purchase? As always, you are appreciated - KQ4IXD
The fence posts can be found at a farm and ranch store, like Tractor Supply Company or similar place that sells animal fence supplies.
A little over priced I would say !
Out of stock.
Have 19 black wire antennas on the eBay link
Bulky and expensive. There are a spanish 3d printed version mutch more cheaper and lighter.
Mind sharing? I doubt they're as good as this one, but I'd like to compare.
You had to return it? SMH🤣
Man, no kidding. This guy just sold the company 50+ of these things in one video and they're making him send it back!? 😂😂😂
No he doesn't, there are several options for Michael. Including keeping it, a Giveaway for subscribers, and forwarding it to another Ham to review.
@@DodgeDipDuckDiveNo he has multiple options.
Honestly, I'm ok with that. I get a lot of offers to review things (and I turn down more than I actually review). My basement is overflowing and if it helps a boutique company get their name out, it's all good.
This solar cycle is amazing. Handing out 51s like it's candy 😂