I use a homemade 49:1 UNUN and 130ft of wire that is hooked up over the top of a pine tree. The wire goes vertically up the tree before bending at about a 35 degree angle and terminating atop a fence post. I do not use a counterpoise but I ground the UNUN to an 8 foot ground rod for lightning protection . I have worked many European stations on 75 meters with both CW and 75 SSB. I have also worked all over Europe and some stations in Africa as well as VK's and ZL's on 40 meters, 20 meters and 15 meters. 10 meters also works fine. I run a maximum of 100W with an Icom -7300 as well as running QRP. I seriously doubt is there is a simpler antenna than a HWEF that works as well, N2SN.
While researching videos on the Tennena 49:1 I came across this video and was impressed with the performance of the 20 meter HWEF, so much so, I believe I can try this out in may small backyard. I have the DX Commander 10 meter pole and I just ordered the Tentenna 49:1 Unun today. Thaks Walt great video.
You can have all the expensive named antennas from Buddipole to Chameleon, but this great video proves its all down to basic Antenna theory here and Physics, good Job from the UK ! You don't need to buy anything else....
Great contacts, Walt. That was a lotta fun to watch so I imagine it was more so for you. I have to get out this year and work portable from a beach in four land!
I took my 991a on vacation to the Gulf this year with an efhw... great experience.. I strung my wire from the vacation rental house (with the owners permission) to a pole about 140 ft away.. had some great contacts all over the western hemisphere. We made a video ourselves! Anyways if you haven't done this on vacation, do it!
Thanks! I’ve been struggling with microphones, broke my better mic during my last video, it sheared off in the wind. Such is life on a windy loud beach. 73, K4OGO
I used a TennTennas 49:1 to do my first POTA activation with no counterpoise. So easy to have just a single wire and we activated the park (10 contacts) within the first 20-30 minutes only running about 30 watts. I'm going to have to bring it to the beach this summer to try some DX.
I just got mine today will be running wire tomorrow. I'm going with approx 130' 12 ga. speaker wire with 50' of RG213 to back to my FTDX101. Great video and new subscriber. 7 3 KN6TUX
What is the actual length of the 20 meter wire you're running? I have a QRP Guys antenna which I use 28 feet of wire for 20 meters and I have two 66 foot end feds - 1 I use for my home station - and the other one for POTAs - both with 49-1 baluns. The 66 footer is resonant at 40, 20 and 10. You can't beat them. By the way - nice video - great to see VA Beach. As I mentioned in a previous note, I was stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard back in the late 60s and we used to head to Virginia Beach when we could.
I believe the length was 32’-9” which is a true half wave around 14.280. I think I will try the 66 foot length down by the sea wall here in Portsmouth. Thanks for watching and 73 from your old stomping ground!
Another nice video. I enjoy experimenting with antennas doing portable operating. I recently found the "spark plug" EFHW and it has exceeded my expectations. I'm curious if you'll give it a try sometime as well. 73 and thanks again for the video.
Thanks so much!! Yes I saw Mike K8MRD using that antenna in a recent video and I want to try it out. Glad to hear it exceeded your expectations, now I’m even more interested. It’s on my list!! 73!
Great Sand Spike! Now I have something else to make as well before I go to visit my brother-in-law in Huntington Beach. Strong enough do you think to drill a hole close to the reducer... stick a small metal crossbar through to stomp into the ground(?)
Great video....amazing to me that little 5% counterpoise does much but hey who knows......Did you try it without the counterpoise? I would think that your coax shield was the main counterpoise. Love your channel.
I actually didn’t try it without the counterpoise. I did a bit of research before building that antenna and found several places suggesting the 5% counterpoise. I actually tried a longer one at five watts QRP with the QRPGuys EFHW and tossed it because it ran my SWR up higher. I used that EFHW without a counterpoise and had good results. There’s a video of it on my channel. Thanks so much for the kind words and watching. 73, K4OGO
How do you keep the pole from flopping around inside your beach tube and getting scratches on the pole? Do you wrap the pole with something, or a cloth? You are the hero of portable operators!
Haha I’m not sure I’m a hero. The first time I used it I just sat it in the tube. This time I cut a piece of pool noodle I bought at Dollar Tree about 3 inches long, put a slice in it and stuffed it around the pole at the top of the tube.
Great video Walt. Love the location and your antenna setup. How long did it take for the DX Commander mast to arrive after you ordered up. Be well, be safe. Love your videos. 73, George K2WO
Great video Walt! Just subscribed. I want to try this with my Tenntenna 49:1 100+ balun and 12 meter spiderpole. Would more counterpoise be necessary since I will not be on a saltwater beach?
Thanks for subscribing! You will be fine with just the short counterpoise a 49:1 unun. I’ve even been successful with any counterpoise on an EFHF but I had a long coax. Good Luck!
nice job Walt.. curious on those DX contacts.. were you tuning around and finding them.. or did you just camp on a frequency and start calling CQ.. Thanks for the video... 73 Kevin ~ k0klb
Kevin, I normally tune around and find them. Typically I look at the SDR waterfall on my transceiver and then tune over and listen. Thanks for watching! 73, Walt K4OGO
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES ahhh.. I see.. that’s a good idea.. I’ll try that next time.. the reason I asked is that in my last Windmill antenna video I did hunt most of the contacts.. but then I sat and started calling CQ and was surprised by the number of responding stations, so wasn’t sure how you were getting your QSO samples... I’ll add your method of scanning the scope too.. nice video. keep it up.. thanks.. 73 Kevin ~ k0klb
Walt, Just a question about the speaker wire you use if you don't mind. Do you use Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) or Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) speaker wire? I guess I'm kinda old school and don't like the idea of using copper clad aluminum wire. What's your opinion on this point? Tnx es 73 kc3zo
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks. Is it available in US. Trying to find where its sold. Only getting UK sites. Appreciate if you could let me know where to buy it. Thanks
Of all the different antennas that have tried so far from the beach, which one is your favourite? I realise that you have not done side by side comparisons.
Honestly this one is a close second to the Vertical Random Wire I did with the Nelson Antenna UNUN and that’s only because they were both multiband. As far as true DX the speaker wire quarterwave vertical I did for 20 meters was the best performer because it was truly resonate but it was limited because it was one band. Currently I’m really digging this Slidewinder Coil setup I’m using because I can get it up and down so quick and I don’t need a tuner when operating.
I review and test several items and usually give credit where credit is due. I mention in the video that I bought the item and don’t know the manufacturer. All the best and 73, K4OGO
It’s outrageous that the name of the product that is being tested, is in the title, so that people will know what the product is that’s being tested in the video.
I use a homemade 49:1 UNUN and 130ft of wire that is hooked up over the top of a pine tree. The wire goes vertically up the tree before bending at about a 35 degree angle and terminating atop a fence post. I do not use a counterpoise but I ground the UNUN to an 8 foot ground rod for lightning protection . I have worked many European stations on 75 meters with both CW and 75 SSB. I have also worked all over Europe and some stations in Africa as well as VK's and ZL's on 40 meters, 20 meters and 15 meters. 10 meters also works fine. I run a maximum of 100W with an Icom -7300 as well as running QRP. I seriously doubt is there is a simpler antenna than a HWEF that works as well, N2SN.
While researching videos on the Tennena 49:1 I came across this video and was impressed with the performance of the 20 meter HWEF, so much so, I believe I can try this out in may small backyard. I have the DX Commander 10 meter pole and I just ordered the Tentenna 49:1 Unun today. Thaks Walt great video.
You can have all the expensive named antennas from Buddipole to Chameleon, but this great video proves its all down to basic Antenna theory here and Physics, good Job from the UK ! You don't need to buy anything else....
Thank you! 73, K4OGO
@@WECB640 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Great contacts, Walt. That was a lotta fun to watch so I imagine it was more so for you.
I have to get out this year and work portable from a beach in four land!
Nice contacts across the pond Walt, it just goes to show what you can do with low power and a wire with a little salt water for good measure!!73
Yes indeed! Thanks for watching!! 73
I am a year late and watching you for your time. I just bought one of these and it will be delivered tomorrow. Thumb up and have a great day.
Thank you so much! You will really like this unun.
I just bought one of these antennas last week. Now I’m anxious to get it up in the air. Thank you very much Walt for all that you do. 73
Thank you for watching! Good DX my friend
I took my 991a on vacation to the Gulf this year with an efhw... great experience.. I strung my wire from the vacation rental house (with the owners permission) to a pole about 140 ft away.. had some great contacts all over the western hemisphere. We made a video ourselves! Anyways if you haven't done this on vacation, do it!
Will do, thanks for watching!
Hey yo man Uncle Walter Man, a happy monday to you from the German Frontier. 73 de Your Friend Uncle Guenter 💯🎸🙋♂
Happy Monday my friend!!!!
Learning a lot from your videos! Thanks for positing them!
Thank you! 73, Walt
Great job working it on the bands Walt! Audio was good too 73
Thanks! I’ve been struggling with microphones, broke my better mic during my last video, it sheared off in the wind. Such is life on a windy loud beach. 73, K4OGO
Love the Tenntennas!
me too!
I used a TennTennas 49:1 to do my first POTA activation with no counterpoise. So easy to have just a single wire and we activated the park (10 contacts) within the first 20-30 minutes only running about 30 watts. I'm going to have to bring it to the beach this summer to try some DX.
Well done, Walt...Very interesting use of the TennTenna. I have two of them use as a sloper 66 ft wire 40-10 M.
Great videos! Been trying a lot of your ideas with great results.
Thanks so much!!!
Great work Walt. I grew up in Va. Beach and I know exactly where you are set up. Keep up the cool videos.....KB4OI
Thanks!! Yes the old days at Croatan Beach when I was growing up were so much fun. 73, K4OGO
I just got mine today will be running wire tomorrow. I'm going with approx 130' 12 ga. speaker wire with 50' of RG213 to back to my FTDX101. Great video and new subscriber. 7 3 KN6TUX
Thank you so much! You’re going to have a great time with that antenna. 73/K4OGO
Subscribed! Excellent video and love your enthusiasm. Keep up the great work 73
Thank you so much!! 73
I love the wonderful experience of making contacts with a simple EFHW antenna and a qrp set. Keep up the good work. Like your videos!!
Thanks so much Fred! I love it too! 73, K4OGO
Hi my friend this KP4PUA excelent antenna my friend today I will be putting the videos so you can see it take care 73!!!!
Was great making the contact with you, love your TH-cam channel. 73!
New subscriber,great video n great contacts .73
Thanks for subscribing! 73, Walt K4OGO
What is the actual length of the 20 meter wire you're running? I have a QRP Guys antenna which I use 28 feet of wire for 20 meters and I have two 66 foot end feds - 1 I use for my home station - and the other one for POTAs - both with 49-1 baluns. The 66 footer is resonant at 40, 20 and 10. You can't beat them.
By the way - nice video - great to see VA Beach. As I mentioned in a previous note, I was stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard back in the late 60s and we used to head to Virginia Beach when we could.
I believe the length was 32’-9” which is a true half wave around 14.280. I think I will try the 66 foot length down by the sea wall here in Portsmouth. Thanks for watching and 73 from your old stomping ground!
Another nice video. I enjoy experimenting with antennas doing portable operating. I recently found the "spark plug" EFHW and it has exceeded my expectations. I'm curious if you'll give it a try sometime as well. 73 and thanks again for the video.
Thanks so much!! Yes I saw Mike K8MRD using that antenna in a recent video and I want to try it out. Glad to hear it exceeded your expectations, now I’m even more interested. It’s on my list!! 73!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Mike's video is what convinced me to get it.
Great Sand Spike! Now I have something else to make as well before I go to visit my brother-in-law in Huntington Beach. Strong enough do you think to drill a hole close to the reducer... stick a small metal crossbar through to stomp into the ground(?)
That's a great idea and will probably work well.
Great video....amazing to me that little 5% counterpoise does much but hey who knows......Did you try it without the counterpoise? I would think that your coax shield was the main counterpoise. Love your channel.
I actually didn’t try it without the counterpoise. I did a bit of research before building that antenna and found several places suggesting the 5% counterpoise. I actually tried a longer one at five watts QRP with the QRPGuys EFHW and tossed it because it ran my SWR up higher. I used that EFHW without a counterpoise and had good results. There’s a video of it on my channel. Thanks so much for the kind words and watching. 73, K4OGO
How do you keep the pole from flopping around inside your beach tube and getting scratches on the pole? Do you wrap the pole with something, or a cloth? You are the hero of portable operators!
Haha I’m not sure I’m a hero. The first time I used it I just sat it in the tube. This time I cut a piece of pool noodle I bought at Dollar Tree about 3 inches long, put a slice in it and stuffed it around the pole at the top of the tube.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I purchased the two PVC pipes. When I make one I want you to autograph it.
@@tommycheshire5508 hahaha you got it!
good stuff. EFHW my goto antenna.
Thanks! 73, K4OGO
Great video Walt. Love the location and your antenna setup. How long did it take for the DX Commander mast to arrive after you ordered up. Be well, be safe. Love your videos. 73, George K2WO
Thanks so much!! It only took about a week from England to here in Virginia and that was the week before Christmas. 73, K4OGO
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks Walt.
Great video Walt! Just subscribed. I want to try this with my Tenntenna 49:1 100+ balun and 12 meter spiderpole. Would more counterpoise be necessary since I will not be on a saltwater beach?
Thanks for subscribing! You will be fine with just the short counterpoise a 49:1 unun. I’ve even been successful with any counterpoise on an EFHF but I had a long coax. Good Luck!
Hello, always educational videos. But how do u decide .... Balun, UnUn, 1:1, 4:1, 9:1, 49:1 etc etc
Thanks! That's a great question and will require a lengthy answer. I'm going to do a video on this very soon.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES ok, looking forward to that, thanks 🫡🫡
nice job Walt.. curious on those DX contacts.. were you tuning around and finding them.. or did you just camp on a frequency and start calling CQ.. Thanks for the video... 73 Kevin ~ k0klb
Kevin, I normally tune around and find them. Typically I look at the SDR waterfall on my transceiver and then tune over and listen. Thanks for watching! 73, Walt K4OGO
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES ahhh.. I see.. that’s a good idea.. I’ll try that next time.. the reason I asked is that in my last Windmill antenna video I did hunt most of the contacts.. but then I sat and started calling CQ and was surprised by the number of responding stations, so wasn’t sure how you were getting your QSO samples... I’ll add your method of scanning the scope too.. nice video. keep it up.. thanks.. 73 Kevin ~ k0klb
@@hamradioqrp-k0klb Thanks again and good DX my friend!!
Walt, Just a question about the speaker wire you use if you don't mind. Do you use Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) or Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) speaker wire? I guess I'm kinda old school and don't like the idea of using copper clad aluminum wire. What's your opinion on this point? Tnx es 73 kc3zo
I use the $16.99 Monster Speaker Wire I get at Walmart. It’s CCA and I’ve had nothing but great success with it. 73, Walt K4OGO
thats cool. How long is the DX commander travel pole
10 meters, 33 feet
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks. Is it available in US. Trying to find where its sold. Only getting UK sites. Appreciate if you could let me know where to buy it. Thanks
@@JobGreg you have to order it from DX Commander in Uk. They ship DHL and I got mine in 4 days
I ordered one of those a couple of days ago, the unun of course. You used only 16 feet of wire?
As you can see it works great! 73
What size pool noodle did you use in your sand spike
I just got a cheap one at Dollar Tree about 3 inches diameter and cut a slit in it to wrap it around the pole
ooo yeach
The pole holder looks like just PVC glued together. What are the dimensions of this holder?
Yes exactly, a 2 foot long 3 inch pipe with a reducer to a 2 foot long 2 inch pipe. All PVC
Did you cut a point on the smaller PVC pipe to make it easier to drive into the sand. Do you use any type of hammer to persuade it into the sand?
Of all the different antennas that have tried so far from the beach, which one is your favourite?
I realise that you have not done side by side comparisons.
Honestly this one is a close second to the Vertical Random Wire I did with the Nelson Antenna UNUN and that’s only because they were both multiband. As far as true DX the speaker wire quarterwave vertical I did for 20 meters was the best performer because it was truly resonate but it was limited because it was one band. Currently I’m really digging this Slidewinder Coil setup I’m using because I can get it up and down so quick and I don’t need a tuner when operating.
Placing the manufacturer's name in the title makes the video seem like an advertisement.
I review and test several items and usually give credit where credit is due. I mention in the video that I bought the item and don’t know the manufacturer. All the best and 73, K4OGO
It’s outrageous that the name of the product that is being tested, is in the title, so that people will know what the product is that’s being tested in the video.
Haha exactly!