Ham Radio – HF Portable Par End-Fedz EF-20, Jackite Fibreglass Pole Deployment

This video shows how easy is is to set up an end-fed HF antenna and a fiberglass pole, even in non-ideal weather. Sorry for the water on the lens; there was a lot of wet snow coming down on this day.

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20 replies
  2. dutchboy47501
    dutchboy47501 says:

    Why did you put the matchbox on the top of the pole? If you put the other end up high you could just run the antenna down to your rig and use much less coax.

    Reply
  3. twmckim
    twmckim says:

    Hello and thank you for your very good question. You are absolutely correct; but based purely upon anecdotal evidence, when used in a sloper configuration the End-Fedz seem to work better when the fed end is elevated. I often use the antennas strung between 2 poles and in that configuration I want to get most of the antenna up and in the clear, hence the need for mounting the matchbox up the pole. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

    Reply
  5. twmckim
    twmckim says:

    Thank you Peter! The snow is not so bad, it is the cold that will kill you LOL. Seriously though, if you know how to dress for cold weather you can be quite comfortable in the winter. Only my fingers were cold while shooting this video. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

    Reply
  6. HenryB46
    HenryB46 says:

    I also use the PAR EF-20 for portable ops-it’s a great antenna-but like one of the previous comments have had bad luck with the matchbox at the top of the pole. It just doesn’t seem to work as well as with the box at the bottom. My pole is a 41 foot Spider Beam-great pole.

    HB.

    Reply
  7. longhop20
    longhop20 says:

    Just wondering, with all the PAR End-Fedz you own, have you tried to rig your own radiator to one of their matchboxes? Perhaps add your own wire cut to 10 meters on the 20 meter matchbox. I have an FT-817 and just received a 20 meter PAR and made two 5 watts contacts this weekend to Missouri after tossing the wire 10 feet into a tree beside my driveway. I’ll try your method of feeding the PAR from the elevated end next time. More videos please,,,, you have the Knack! Denis, VA3ONO

    Reply
  8. twmckim
    twmckim says:

    Hello Denis and thank you for the kind words. I’ve never tried what you suggest as the manufacturer strongly cautions against using the antennas on any band they are not specifically designed for. On the subject of using different lengths of wire, a full wavelength can be used on the specified band as opposed to the half wavelength supplied; this allows for the antenna to be deployed as a half-square which can produce gain. 73 and good DX from Tracy VE3TWM.

    Reply
  9. hfsdr
    hfsdr says:

    I use these extensively, and agree with their versatility and portability. Works well for portable ops. 20ft model works well for 20m vertical and even smaller to carry in backpack.

    Reply
  10. twmckim
    twmckim says:

    Thank you for the comment, K7TP. I am seeing more comments in favor of putting the matchbox on the bottom; I’m thinking of doing an A/B test to check this out (can do as I have two 40m End-Fedz). Always learning something new; I love this hobby! 73 from VE3TWM.

    Reply
  11. steveinkentucky
    steveinkentucky says:

    Regarding using another band with a matchbox, only the 10/20/40 allows you to cut another radiator for 10-60m. I bought #534 .26 gauge Silky wire from The Wireman and cut several lengths. One exclusion to using the matchbox is under Tech Notes on the web site. You can use a T connector with a counterpoise and use the 20 as a 40, or the 40 as an 80. I’ve used it as a sloper, with the box at both the top and bottom. I use it with a Jackite pole in the field and the combination works well.

    Reply
  12. Daniel De Rudder
    Daniel De Rudder says:

    Intresting but mounting the feedpoint on top of the pole seems counterintuitive to me… What’s the advantage of doing that?

    Reply
  13. M6PEC
    M6PEC says:

    I can really feel the cold you have in this video hihi, its funny how i dont feel it till its time to pack up and go home, thats what you call love for the hobby, i love /p well done 73 de 2E0PEC

    Reply
  14. twmckim
    twmckim says:

    Hello Dan and thank you for watching. I usually run the antenna between two 31′ poles as opposed to configuring it as a sloper, so I am used to putting the feedpoint up high. In addition, I have had excellent success at my previous home QTH with the fed up about 30′ on a TV tower sloping down to a back fence, giving me the impression that feeding high works well. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

    Reply
  15. twmckim
    twmckim says:

    Thank you 2E0PEC. Too true; when you are having fun it’s amazing what you’ll put up with. I’d really like to see a video of you operating portable…any thoughts of shooting one? 73 from Tracy VE3TWM

    Reply
  17. m0bob
    m0bob says:

    Great video. It’s nice to see someone dedicated to the hobby. I am hoping to go out tomorrow morning and try a similar set up in my local country park. The location is just to the east of London. I have a fishing/roach pole, a unun end fed wire antenna, a golfing buggy 12v battery, Yaesu FT 857D and an ATU/aerial matching unit. Luckily enough, it is 27c here at the moment. It isn’t the snow or cold weather that would harm me, it’s the wife if I don’t get home on time ! 73.

    Reply
  18. N7JFP
    N7JFP says:

    Nice to see amateur radio and the great outdoors being combined. The Par End-Fedz antenna looks like a good portable antenna to have. Great video, keep them coming. 73, N7JFP

    Reply
  19. Tony TSAudioVisual
    Tony TSAudioVisual says:

    Great video,I love this WX..I have just started in Amateur Radio ,but I have been going up the hills for over 40 years,The Radio is just an addition to my outdoor kit,all the best 73’s Tony (M6TSA) photos on QRZ.com..

    Reply

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