Hey Walt just made my very first QSO! I took your words, learned how to hang wire, practiced a ton, bought a decent radio, and have been listening all week
Thanks again Walt. Love the channel and appreciate the help! So many channels are trying to sell stuff , You just give good information thank you thank you.
Hey Walt! Great video as always! I've had great success with the End Fed Half wave as a vertical mono band antenna down by the beach. I find that a great advantage of the EFHW vertical over the quarter wave, is that you DON'T need any radials! I just use my 10m length of coax as a counterpoise and a Common Mode Choke at the rig end. All the best from Wales my friend, hope to work you on the bands one day!
Always makes my day when you drop a new video. As a G90 portable operator as well, I learn SO much from your experience and antenna explorations. Next will be the Rybakov!!! 73 de N9BRO
Hey Walt! I really enjoyed the show. 👍📻⚡️Nice breakdown of your experiences and experimentation with these antennas. Great for learning and comparison. Thanks for the journey. 👍 Cheers, Tom - WA7FLY
Walt, your original Rybakov video inspired me to build one for the home QTH and I'm glad I did. It seems to have the low takeoff angle that I'd been missing in my 119' "random wire" end fed and my 40-10 OCFD. I've worked various countries in Eu (from Idaho) with that darned thing, that were unworkable with the EF & OCFD. Thanks for your videos, I've become a real fan. 73 -N7BWB
Thx for another good vid Walt. We all know, or should know, that every antenna is a compromise of a variety of parameters. However, even a marginal antenna in the air always beats a perfect antenna on paper. If one can get an antenna in the air and have fun, I count it as a winner! Thx for sharing the adventure. 73.
Fantastic summary and I would agree with your assessments for sure! I just picked up a sotabeams carbon 6 mast, and am considering antennas for it for ultralightish backpack portable. A 1/4w wire for 20 is my first thought, but a 9:1 and a dangly wire also has my mind thinking. I would love to see your thoughts on a short vertical that would fit that size mast. Any ideas?
Thanks Daniel, I've often thought about putting up a 17.5 foot wire vertically with a 9:1 and some counterpoise wires. It was the original thought I had when I put together that no radial "Coastal 20" antenna I concocted. I'm thinking 17.5 with 9:1 would give you a pretty good portable setup for 20 thru 10 if you have a decent ATU. Just an idea.
Hey there Walt, I've got a Xiegu G90 and a head full of good ideas, (or bad ideas...whatever) thanks to you. Experimenter and mad scientist! Another great video. Cheers!
Another really interesting video, but please don't forget the modified version of the Classic G5RV, the ZS6BKW; it shorter (94' vs 102') & I can work multi-bands without using any external AT, just my rig's internal AT (an IC-7300); 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸😃
Hey, here's an odd one...I had two end fed antennas in parallel. One is for the QRP station in my kitchen, and the other is out on the shack at the back of my lot. (The two are about 65 feet apart) I was on an activity group, and getting terrible signal reports. (like 2/2 3/2) I removed the house end fed, and my signals immediately wen to 5/7 5/9 15 miuntes later. Antennas can be wierd!!! 73's, VA3IRF
You are absolutely the best Ham teacher on the Tubes. I often go through your library of experiments and rewatch your videos. In regards to radials, in one video when you were operating at the harbor, you had a single radial with a bobber attached thrown in the water. Could you point me toward that video?
Thanks so much for the kind words Jason. That's pretty much how I do it all the time now when I'm portable in my harbor near my QTH. If you look back through my videos I think you will find what you're describing in the "Easy to Build Quarterwave Vertical" video or the "Half Wave Vertical Antenna - Saltwater Portable". If not any of the videos I've done in the last 6 months or so in the harbor will probably show it as well.
I read a treatise on polarisation when operating on the beach.... vertical wins over horizontal, unless you are very careful to get the height of your horizontal just right... and that will change with frequency-bands. Also, I am sceptical about these popular end-fed antennas; can't help thinking that the co-ax is live and works as a rough-and- ready counterpoise....My end-fed preference is the City Windom.... although, if using vertical, it is sensible only on it's half-wave frequnecy-band. But that's probably also true of any end-fed vertical once it is longer than 5/8 wavelength.
Just today I put up my chameleon whip as a ground mounted vertical and my Tenn-Tennas 49:1 as an EFHW sloper. Made some contacts on 10 and 20 with the vertical and made some contacts on 40 with the sloper. Yes, my systems could be improved upon, but I think the most important thing is to experiment and make contacts!
Hey Walt! I broke out my G90 the other night & updated the firmware after it sat back in its box for 1.5 yrs. Took it out today for an activation @ 20W with a 17m hamstick. Planning some ultra portable POTA activations in the future. No room for my FTDX10 & 30Ah battery for these plans. 73!
Good video. I have been helping several guys with antennas lately and gave them this tidbit of information. In general the F layer varies in height from about 150 to 250 miles. The peak elevation angle of a horizontal antenna is simply determined by its height above ground. Roughly the signal is within 3 dB from 15 degrees above that peak angle to about 15 degrees below that peak angle. So since we know that a horizontal antenna 1/4 wave high has a peak radiation angle at about 90 degrees or straight up, it will be best for zero miles out to about 300 miles. Since an antenna 3/8 waves high has a peak angle of about 55 degrees, it will be best from 125 miles out to 560 miles. Since an antenna 1/2 wave high has a peak angle of about 30 degrees, it will be best from slightly less than 500 miles out to about 1250 miles. The peak gain for a dipole will be somewhere between 5 and 8 dBi over most real earth. This is not to say that an antenna 1/4 wave high can not work 1250 miles, but signals will be weaker, much weaker than with an antenna with a more optimal height for the distance. Verticals have a lower peak lobe (unless the horizontal antenna is high) so on 160, 80 and 40 the vertical is probably going to be better. On the higher bands I am pretty sure the dipole will always be one or probably more S-units better than a single vertical ( unless over seawater). It’s really hard to get a peak gain over 0 dBi with a single vertical. That said, I have worked almost 100 DXCC countries from my truck with a Hustler mobile antenna and 100 watts! There is a lot to be said for a simple vertical for quick and easy activations! There is also practically no radiation difference between a half wave dipole, End Fed Half wave, OCF dipole, Random end fed wire of similar lengths and heights above ground. I think your videos clearly demonstrate that whichever of these antennas fits a particular location or set of unique circumstances is going to be the best antenna for that case.
Vertical Polarization is the best Way to pick for DX. Except of you have a rotatable Antenna System you can choose the Direction you like to work and eliminate unwanted disturbing Signals and Noises from the other Directions at the Same Time. Yup UW, I totally agree on the Groundplane AT System. You are a Professional who knows his Antennas 💯👍🙋♂
Great video Walt. For 20m and up portable it's really hard to beat some flavor of vertical. Ham stick on the fender or telescoping whip on a tripod is almost all I use, though I am looking at a 1/2 wave vertical for 10-15 (the bands I use most).
I use a 40 end fed half wave vertical at home. Great low angle Dx. I find I need to touch up all the bands except 40 with a tuner but it’s worth it to have 7 bands on a single wire. Many thanks to “The OGO” for the idea. 73 de W3OY.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES no more experiments with it for me. It stays up. I just swapped out the 22 gauge wire for some No 13 PolyStealth, copper clad steel wire so it’ll last a long time. I was able to work Bouvet with it and 100 watts so it performs better than is should, on paper. Must be magic dirt under my tree.
Great explainer, Walt. I am thinking of hanging a vertical from a tree, but the only place I can put it up on my property is right next to my property line. So for the radials I can only really get them on one side, rather than configured as spokes in a circle like you have. I am assuming that I will have better luck getting out to the direction where the radials are?
Thanks! I've heard two different stories in that, one say you'll get better results in the opposite direction of the radials. I'm sure you will get out in all directions but might have a slight bit of gain to one side.
I haven’t heard you mention an antenna similar to the BuddiStick with 1 elevated radial. I used mine yesterday on a POTA activation and made 80 contacts in 2.5 hours running 100w. I’m going to try using 2 elevated radials here pretty shortly. In the G90 front, I don’t condone use of cheap Chinese radios. I’ve only owned one and it failed within a week (not a G90) so I’m very soured towards them. It’s too bad Icom and Yaesu couldn’t come out with radios with these features at the same price point. I had a 705 but didn’t seem very field worthy without adding a lot of bulk and weight. I now have a Lab599 TX-500 for my QRP activations.
Hi Walt, I have a very basic question about the wires for a ground plane. Could these be put in a garden under about 4 inches ( 10 cm) of ornamental gravel ? Asking for a friend who has to reassure his wife it won't be an eyesore. All the best, Pete
Honestly I think it would work but it would be pushing the limits. As close to the surface as possible. It’s the surface that’s acting as the RF reflecting ground
Hi Walt, looks like were on the same page re portable antennas, if you're only going out for a few hours or for the afternoon keep it simple, it's a time saver setting up, more time on the air.
ron n4net general class ten or so years now ?I HAVE TRIED SOME OF THE SAME stuff you are showing in viedos now,,,benn down to thbeach sand bridge etc. did not take radio,,,,,, been to afton mt made contactsback incb days.how do iget in contact with you ???? ron
Its just a theory that still needs much more testing but im about to lean in the direction that verticals are better in bad conditions ( like we had most of the week due to solar activity ) and in good conditions the ole 40m EFHW is hard to beat....Everyone please weigh in on your experiences on this..
I have been through the same curve of endless verticals and horizontals, all restricted by the great parameter of available space. What I found, was that a good horizontal will utterly crush it on first skip. It will struggle on subsequent skips a *lot* more, unless you can put it up very high. And if you can get the antenna that high? Your channel and my comment, ain't relevant. You probably own fields and tractors. A vertical will absolutely not be better on first skip. Equal at the very best, maybe even worse. But, if you're looking for DX, you have a *chance*. A chance you'd simply never have with the horizontal antenna.
Check out TH-cam, and specifically search for the following video "Roy, W7EL, explains antenna modelling using EZNEC". Fast forward to 45 minutes and watch from there. I have done my own antenna modeling using EZNEC and Roy is spot on.
Hey Walt just made my very first QSO! I took your words, learned how to hang wire, practiced a ton, bought a decent radio, and have been listening all week
![โอ้เธอช่าง... - บี้เดอะสกา ft. ต๋อง เทวัญ (Prod. by ป๋าเพชร) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zbWhiLFmVL0/mqdefault.jpg)
Becoming my favorite ham TH-camr.
Thanks so much!!!!
Hey Walt just made my very first QSO! I took your words, learned how to hang wire, practiced a ton, bought a decent radio, and have been listening all week
@@Mandarin110631 congrats!!!! This makes my day. Thanks for letting me know. Now I have to get you in my log! 73, Walt K4OGO
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES definitely!
All day today hunted and finally w a random wire 88feet and 9/1 unun called into a pota pileup and eventually got through! So psyched
Great summary Walt. Nicely done!!
Thanks so much Tim!
Very interesting. Well done,Walt.😊😊😊
Thank you!!
My notepad is rapidly filling up with your ideas! Great work Walt. Thank you. 73, Mike, M0MTJ
I think I knew a lot of the stuff you mentioned here, but you have done an outstanding job of putting it all together! Great video once again!!!
great advice towards the end, about upgrading, the solar cycle upswing, etc👍🇺🇸
Thanks!
Thanks again Walt. Love the channel and appreciate the help! So many channels are trying to sell stuff , You just give good information thank you thank you.
Keep trying new and different things, it's a fun way to learn!
Thanks Mike!
Hey Walt! Great video as always! I've had great success with the End Fed Half wave as a vertical mono band antenna down by the beach. I find that a great advantage of the EFHW vertical over the quarter wave, is that you DON'T need any radials! I just use my 10m length of coax as a counterpoise and a Common Mode Choke at the rig end. All the best from Wales my friend, hope to work you on the bands one day!
Perfect setup! Hope to catch you on the bands! 73 de K4OGO
Really liking your videos and your K.I.S.S. principle. Getting back into the hobby after a long absence and learning/re-learning tons. Thx buddy.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Great information Walt. The simpler the better. Thanks for sharing !
Thanks! I agree, simplicity
Always makes my day when you drop a new video. As a G90 portable operator as well, I learn SO much from your experience and antenna explorations. Next will be the Rybakov!!! 73 de N9BRO
Thanks so much! You are going to love that Rybakov with the G90! 73 de K4OGO
Hey Walt! I really enjoyed the show. 👍📻⚡️Nice breakdown of your experiences and experimentation with these antennas. Great for learning and comparison. Thanks for the journey. 👍 Cheers, Tom - WA7FLY
Thanks so much Tom!! 73 my friend
Walt, your original Rybakov video inspired me to build one for the home QTH and I'm glad I did. It seems to have the low takeoff angle that I'd been missing in my 119' "random wire" end fed and my 40-10 OCFD. I've worked various countries in Eu (from Idaho) with that darned thing, that were unworkable with the EF & OCFD. Thanks for your videos, I've become a real fan. 73 -N7BWB
Thank you so much! I'm trying to figure out a way to get one up at my home QTH too. 73 de K4OGO
Thx for another good vid Walt. We all know, or should know, that every antenna is a compromise of a variety of parameters. However, even a marginal antenna in the air always beats a perfect antenna on paper. If one can get an antenna in the air and have fun, I count it as a winner! Thx for sharing the adventure. 73.
Thanks Mark, I totally agree!
Excellent info Walt. Thanks for the tips.
Thank you Randall!
Fantastic summary and I would agree with your assessments for sure!
I just picked up a sotabeams carbon 6 mast, and am considering antennas for it for ultralightish backpack portable. A 1/4w wire for 20 is my first thought, but a 9:1 and a dangly wire also has my mind thinking. I would love to see your thoughts on a short vertical that would fit that size mast. Any ideas?
Thanks Daniel, I've often thought about putting up a 17.5 foot wire vertically with a 9:1 and some counterpoise wires. It was the original thought I had when I put together that no radial "Coastal 20" antenna I concocted. I'm thinking 17.5 with 9:1 would give you a pretty good portable setup for 20 thru 10 if you have a decent ATU. Just an idea.
Hey there Walt, I've got a Xiegu G90 and a head full of good ideas, (or bad ideas...whatever) thanks to you. Experimenter and mad scientist! Another great video. Cheers!
Hahahahaha thanks Jeff!
KN4VA You always have the best information. Thank you for sharing with the Amateur Radio community.
Thank you so much for the kind words.
Another really interesting video, but please don't forget the modified version of the Classic G5RV, the ZS6BKW; it shorter (94' vs 102') & I can work multi-bands without using any external AT, just my rig's internal AT (an IC-7300); 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸😃
Great video Walt. The best thing about wire antennas is that if you don't like it you can pull it down and do something else.
Thanks Rusty! yes you are absolutely right
Excellent video Walt! This is getting me finally start making and stop buying antennas. I yearn for some experimentation.
Thanks! Hope to catch you on the bands with those antennas!
Hey, here's an odd one...I had two end fed antennas in parallel. One is for the QRP station in my kitchen, and the other is out on the shack at the back of my lot. (The two are about 65 feet apart) I was on an activity group, and getting terrible signal reports. (like 2/2 3/2) I removed the house end fed, and my signals immediately wen to 5/7 5/9 15 miuntes later. Antennas can be wierd!!! 73's, VA3IRF
interesting, yes antennas can be very weird for sure. 73 de K4OGO
You are absolutely the best Ham teacher on the Tubes. I often go through your library of experiments and rewatch your videos. In regards to radials, in one video when you were operating at the harbor, you had a single radial with a bobber attached thrown in the water. Could you point me toward that video?
Thanks so much for the kind words Jason. That's pretty much how I do it all the time now when I'm portable in my harbor near my QTH. If you look back through my videos I think you will find what you're describing in the "Easy to Build Quarterwave Vertical" video or the "Half Wave Vertical Antenna - Saltwater Portable". If not any of the videos I've done in the last 6 months or so in the harbor will probably show it as well.
The old ident is back :) thank you !
That was done just for you Stuart, hahahaha
Great video and basic understanding
Thank you Jose!
This is Wyn GW4TUD by the way!🙂
I read a treatise on polarisation when operating on the beach.... vertical wins over horizontal, unless you are very careful to get the height of your horizontal just right... and that will change with frequency-bands. Also, I am sceptical about these popular end-fed antennas; can't help thinking that the co-ax is live and works as a rough-and- ready counterpoise....My end-fed preference is the City Windom.... although, if using vertical, it is sensible only on it's half-wave frequnecy-band. But that's probably also true of any end-fed vertical once it is longer than 5/8 wavelength.
Great content!
Thanks Matt!
Just today I put up my chameleon whip as a ground mounted vertical and my Tenn-Tennas 49:1 as an EFHW sloper. Made some contacts on 10 and 20 with the vertical and made some contacts on 40 with the sloper. Yes, my systems could be improved upon, but I think the most important thing is to experiment and make contacts!
Yes absolutely, experiment and make contacts!!!
Hey Walt! I broke out my G90 the other night & updated the firmware after it sat back in its box for 1.5 yrs. Took it out today for an activation @ 20W with a 17m hamstick. Planning some ultra portable POTA activations in the future. No room for my FTDX10 & 30Ah battery for these plans. 73!
Keep making the G90 Mafia proud hahahaha
Good video🇺🇸
Good video. I have been helping several guys with antennas lately and gave them this tidbit of information. In general the F layer varies in height from about 150 to 250 miles. The peak elevation angle of a horizontal antenna is simply determined by its height above ground. Roughly the signal is within 3 dB from 15 degrees above that peak angle to about 15 degrees below that peak angle. So since we know that a horizontal antenna 1/4 wave high has a peak radiation angle at about 90 degrees or straight up, it will be best for zero miles out to about 300 miles. Since an antenna 3/8 waves high has a peak angle of about 55 degrees, it will be best from 125 miles out to 560 miles. Since an antenna 1/2 wave high has a peak angle of about 30 degrees, it will be best from slightly less than 500 miles out to about 1250 miles. The peak gain for a dipole will be somewhere between 5 and 8 dBi over most real earth. This is not to say that an antenna 1/4 wave high can not work 1250 miles, but signals will be weaker, much weaker than with an antenna with a more optimal height for the distance. Verticals have a lower peak lobe (unless the horizontal antenna is high) so on 160, 80 and 40 the vertical is probably going to be better. On the higher bands I am pretty sure the dipole will always be one or probably more S-units better than a single vertical ( unless over seawater). It’s really hard to get a peak gain over 0 dBi with a single vertical. That said, I have worked almost 100 DXCC countries from my truck with a Hustler mobile antenna and 100 watts! There is a lot to be said for a simple vertical for quick and easy activations! There is also practically no radiation difference between a half wave dipole, End Fed Half wave, OCF dipole, Random end fed wire of similar lengths and heights above ground. I think your videos clearly demonstrate that whichever of these antennas fits a particular location or set of unique circumstances is going to be the best antenna for that case.
Thanks for commenting and sharing!
Ez and clear explanation. As usual great video. 73
Thank you so much my friend!!
Great video! Did you ever try vertical moxon on HF?
No and it's an antenna I really want to build
Vertical Polarization is the best Way to pick for DX. Except of you have a rotatable Antenna System you can choose the Direction you like to work and eliminate unwanted disturbing Signals and Noises from the other Directions at the Same Time. Yup UW, I totally agree on the Groundplane AT System. You are a Professional who knows his Antennas 💯👍🙋♂
Thank you so much UG!!!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES You welcome Sir 👍
Great video Walt. For 20m and up portable it's really hard to beat some flavor of vertical. Ham stick on the fender or telescoping whip on a tripod is almost all I use, though I am looking at a 1/2 wave vertical for 10-15 (the bands I use most).
I use a 40 end fed half wave vertical at home. Great low angle Dx. I find I need to touch up all the bands except 40 with a tuner but it’s worth it to have 7 bands on a single wire. Many thanks to “The OGO” for the idea. 73 de W3OY.
Thanks! I'm mostly a 20 thru 10 guy myself. You'll enjoy experimenting with a half wave vertical.
"The OGO" hahaha I like that!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES no more experiments with it for me. It stays up. I just swapped out the 22 gauge wire for some No 13 PolyStealth, copper clad steel wire so it’ll last a long time. I was able to work Bouvet with it and 100 watts so it performs better than is should, on paper. Must be magic dirt under my tree.
Great explainer, Walt. I am thinking of hanging a vertical from a tree, but the only place I can put it up on my property is right next to my property line. So for the radials I can only really get them on one side, rather than configured as spokes in a circle like you have. I am assuming that I will have better luck getting out to the direction where the radials are?
Thanks! I've heard two different stories in that, one say you'll get better results in the opposite direction of the radials. I'm sure you will get out in all directions but might have a slight bit of gain to one side.
Awesome. Thanks for the video. Kevin, KD9VMP
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt K4OGO
I haven’t heard you mention an antenna similar to the BuddiStick with 1 elevated radial. I used mine yesterday on a POTA activation and made 80 contacts in 2.5 hours running 100w. I’m going to try using 2 elevated radials here pretty shortly.
In the G90 front, I don’t condone use of cheap Chinese radios. I’ve only owned one and it failed within a week (not a G90) so I’m very soured towards them. It’s too bad Icom and Yaesu couldn’t come out with radios with these features at the same price point. I had a 705 but didn’t seem very field worthy without adding a lot of bulk and weight. I now have a Lab599 TX-500 for my QRP activations.
Playing with portable antennas with my Trusdx qrp radio
So much fun!
...& re the ZS6BKW, I must say, of course, it wudn't be an EZ portable antenna if used horizontally; however, as an Inverted Vee, it might😃🇺🇸
Hi Walt, I have a very basic question about the wires for a ground plane. Could these be put in a garden under about 4 inches ( 10 cm) of ornamental gravel ? Asking for a friend who has to reassure his wife it won't be an eyesore. All the best, Pete
Honestly I think it would work but it would be pushing the limits. As close to the surface as possible. It’s the surface that’s acting as the RF reflecting ground
Hi Walt, looks like were on the same page re portable antennas, if you're only going out for a few hours or for the afternoon keep it simple, it's a time saver setting up, more time on the air.
Absolutely Adam!!
ron n4net general class ten or so years now ?I HAVE TRIED SOME OF THE SAME stuff you are showing in viedos now,,,benn down to thbeach sand bridge etc. did not take radio,,,,,, been to afton mt made contactsback incb days.how do iget in contact with you ???? ron
Its just a theory that still needs much more testing but im about to lean in the direction that verticals are better in bad conditions ( like we had most of the week due to solar activity ) and in good conditions the ole 40m EFHW is hard to beat....Everyone please weigh in on your experiences on this..
Interesting theory, will be interesting to hear others
ATU?
Internal antenna tuner
I have been through the same curve of endless verticals and horizontals, all restricted by the great parameter of available space.
What I found, was that a good horizontal will utterly crush it on first skip. It will struggle on subsequent skips a *lot* more, unless you can put it up very high. And if you can get the antenna that high? Your channel and my comment, ain't relevant. You probably own fields and tractors.
A vertical will absolutely not be better on first skip. Equal at the very best, maybe even worse. But, if you're looking for DX, you have a *chance*. A chance you'd simply never have with the horizontal antenna.
Great input, thanks!
Excellent video... KQ4GYH sends
Thank you! 73, Walt K4OGO
Check out TH-cam, and specifically search for the following video "Roy, W7EL, explains antenna modelling using EZNEC". Fast forward to 45 minutes and watch from there. I have done my own antenna modeling using EZNEC and Roy is spot on.
Hey Walt just made my very first QSO! I took your words, learned how to hang wire, practiced a ton, bought a decent radio, and have been listening all week