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.
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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great video
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.
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.
Tracey – great video but I don’t envy you in the snow!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Intresting but mounting the feedpoint on top of the pole seems counterintuitive to me… What’s the advantage of doing that?
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
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.
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
I love my par end fedz antennas. Easy to setup. No tuning needed. Worked VK land from Oklahoma with my 20 meter antenna
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.
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
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..
Thank you Tony! It would be great to see a video of you operating portable from the hills. 73 Tracy VE3TWM.