A new way to match your portable-POTA-SOTA vertical antenna.

We show a way to match a short vertical antenna that provides a 1:1 SWR on all bands. Then we use WSPR to demonstrate that we can receive signals and that other stations can receive our transmissions with this antenna. We discuss the losses in loading coils for vertical antennas and in ferrites that are used in EFHW antennas. We will show a better way to make loading coils that are more efficient in an upcoming video.
If you operate ft4 or ft8 using WSJT-X software, you already have WSPR capability. WSPR is one of the modes provided by the WSJT-X software.
Here is a very good video about antenna efficiency:
th-cam.com/users/livemDL6dea_...
Here is a link to a video that shows how our dummy load was made:
• EFHW emissions violate...
Here are some videos about losses from ferrites in EFHW antennas.
• EFHW Antenna Power Rating
• EFHW Spurious Emission...

[@dandypoint]

Good job. You must be a EE like me. I particularly noted your comment on a shorted coil turn.
I have been helping and teaching radio to new hams as long as I can remember. I have been a ham 60 years so not quite that long but almost! Your demo should sure convince hams that a good or perfect SWR by itself is no indication of efficiency. I always tell guys to record their SWR when a good antenna is new and if the SWR ever gets real good and the bandwidth between 2:1 SWR points increases, then the efficiency had to go down because loss increased. Probably the coax! Keep up the good videos!
73, de N4DJ

[@Jimscoolstuff]

Thanks for your comment and your advice. 73, Jim, KQ8E

[@markymarko7]

COOL STUFF!!!

[@Jimscoolstuff]

Thanks for your comment.

[@off-trailseeking3965]

Just wondering how the mag loop's "efficiency" compares to the the EFHW's. Looking forward to your loading coil video. Thank you!

[@theoview]

Thanks Jim, as Ham newbie I learning so muche ! Already built a MAG loop antenna 10-40M . Greetings Theo PA0HTY

[@Jimscoolstuff]

Thank you for your nice comment.

[@taylormayhew369]

Thank you for your great demonstration.
I need a way to see if my Experiments are Brodcasting and how far their effect is.

[@Jimscoolstuff]

Good luck with your experiments.

[@kylefreemason]

Hi Jim just found your channel. Which do you think is more efficient the 9:1 unun, 49:1 or a coil like wrc? Each is lossy but unun vs coil, I wonder which has the most loss? Also, if using a random wire, which would have less loss, using a 9:1 or running directly to a tuner cutting the 9:1 out?

[@off-trailseeking3965]

Good question.......

[@daveN2MXX]

Your videos are very valuable. Unfortunately, rather than understanding antenna system efficiency, ERP, and learning best practices, many determine efficiency based on "it works" or "it is good because it is easy and quick". Isn't it funny that some portable operators drive 2 hrs to get to an operating location, then use a garbage antenna because "it sets up fast".....Crazy.

[@Jimscoolstuff]

Thank you for your comment.