An Easy Build Guide for A 49:1 EFHW Antenna!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Just want to make one quick note: somewhere around the middle/end of March, the wire was swapped from Kevlar wire to DX-WIRE UL (www.dx-wire.de/dx-wire-antennendraehte-litzen/dx-wire-ul/) Vectran Wire. This still allows for great strength antenna wire, but I was able to reduce the cost of the kit by purchasing this wire. I'm always interested in suggestions for future wire use in different kits. ****Kits are currently not available until appx June 2024****

[@heidamath6794]

Bought it, built it, tuned it, used it on a POTA got the longest contact in my logbook of almost 10,000 miles! My FT710 can tune on 10m. No tuner needed across all of the other 3 bands! It is my new go to for POTA. I put the feed point on a 15 foot mast and stake the end in the ground. AWESOME! W2UWK 73

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I love hearing stuff like this! Nice and thanks for sharing! Yesterday, I took a tech out and his first contact with the antenna was (if I recall correctly) France and Spain. Too easy. It's the winders, I added some 10dB mixture to them :D

[@leonardmiller76]

This is absolutely the best EFHW out there!! I just printed the winder, and I love it. I did change things as an experiment using a autotransformer winding, and trying a variable capacitor instead of fixed. I'll try tuning the capacitor for the best match. Very nice video on how to put this thing together. Thank you!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Such kind words, thank you. I would love to know which variable capacitor you use?! I think that would be fun!

[@ShooterReadyStandBy]

Good job Sean. I would probably use another screw and wing nut for the antenna wire instead of soldering. Makes it easier to repair in the field when the wire breaks.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

You could definitely. It considered my mind also. Hardware is cheap at the store. Also could be made into a fan dipole the same way. Cheers.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Great suggestion, actually. I am out of kits now. I should have more supply in the next week. However, because of the amount I ordered, I got a discount, which should allow me to add the extra set of hardware in, for the choice of the builder.. Take care.

[@chrissortman6826]

I can't wait, just bought one.. thanks, and keep em coming.

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

Great job Sean! Keep it up and do what you do!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks! Will do! take care, aloha.

[@WeedyCreek]

Well done and nicely presented. Thank you.

[@kensejkora4424]

Nice build demo. Wouldn't it be better to place the ground lug between the hex nut and lock washer, and then screw the bolt tight, thereby squeezing the ground lug between the bottom of the hex nut and lock washer? Then the wing nut will fit tight against the top of the hex nut for connecting the counterpoise. Just a thought. 73 Ken -- WBØOCV

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Once you fit the fork connector in there, there's no issue.. cheers

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I just re read this. Yes that'll work! Thanks

[@mrkopecky]

Gonna test mine today.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Awesome. Feel free to shoot me an email with any questions. Thanks and enjoy

[@LB4FH]

Looks like a nice kit 👍

[@marcelookunz-lu1fk]

Se agradece citar medidas en "metros" 73 desde la Republica Argentina.

[@Bob_w7kd]

Thanks!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank You!

[@N0RMJ]

Maybe you mentioned in video, but I missed it. What gauge of magnet wire are you using there?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

22 gauge. It's been good for 100w on ft8 digital for an hour at a time. I'm thinking about beefing it up to 18. That will definitely beef it up more. What are your thoughts

[@RMJ01]

I just picked up some 18. I think I used 16 on another build a while back. Wasn't too hard to wrap.

[@Sgtoscarcolon]

The cooling fan is sucking out the air or blowing in? I'm confused about the direction it should be on my go box. Please help!!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Is this in reference to something on this video? If so, please link me a time stamp. Thanks.

[@kengerace]

Looks like you’re using the “new” 2463251002 torriod. Not the 140 or 240 43 mix. Just bought several to try. Seen some videos where it gives you about 10-15% more efficiency especially at the higher frequencies. Hadn’t seen a kit come with one yet.

[@norrinradd8952]

Does the sticker include spicy ketchup? Nice build guide, Dude.

[@randomcrap763]

Just bought one of these and will build it this weekend. Apologies for the stupid q, but if I have continuity between the inner and outer post of the So239 wouldn't that mean the antenna is shorted?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hey there! I hope you enjoy the build! @Mike-M0MSM made a pretty good video here - th-cam.com/video/mVlFHi2qpWo/w-d-xo.html . Or perhaps his description is easy enough, as well: From Mike's video -
"Why is it showing a Short Circuit. 49:1 Transformer EFHW Well that's because it is.
Let me explain, if you use a multi-tester to check continuity it will show a short circuit, in the same way that a voltage transformer does. With the 49:1 both ends of the wire are connected to the coax, one to the centre the other to the braid or shield. and if you were to connect it to a DC power source it would indeed go short, heat up and blow/pop or melt depending on the energy used. However, the 49:1 is used in an AC circuit and therefore it is not a sort, it acts as a inductor, inducing current into the secondary windings and as such transforming the 50 Ohms Load from the transceiver into the 2800 Ohms needed by the antenna and vice versa."
I hope this is helpful for clarity, and good luck with the build, I hope it goes well for you!

[@randomcrap763]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Yep that clears it up thanks :)

[@chunkylover54]

i need one!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Looks like there is about 3 kits left this morning. There will be a delay after that while I await a new shipment of wire.

[@radioman3229]

when will this be back in stock? I have checked multiple times. 73 NS9T

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

10 weeks or so. There is a delay on the toroid's and no companies have them, unfortunately (Except the ones that mark them up). Thanks!

[@radioman3229]

@@HAMRADIODUDE anxiently awaiting...thanx

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Well up in the air but liking that it is kevlar

[@dongelinas5990]

Do you sell these fully assembles: I am partially blind and will never be able do do this correctly

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I can do that. Reach out to me and I'll be happy to figure out all the details. Thanks.

[@BJC1649]

What size is the capacitor that came with the kit?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

100pf / 3000kv, Cheers!

[@dougdaniels]

What toroid is that?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

1934-1079-ND

[@Screamingtut]

wego