20.5 Foot Vertical Antenna - Better than a Rybakov?

[@pyreneesfarm7818]

You not only are a credit to HAM radio, but a gift to the places you visit.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so very much for the kind words my friend!

[@KaL_Terow]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I see me building another random wire. What kind of (camera) phone do you have? Love the vid even inside Iggy. 73 WP4 @ SATX

[@todd22827]

Threw this antenna together today and took it untested to a SOTA summit (Robertson Mountain, VA) and it rocked on 10 meters, wanted to operate longer but knew I was running out of daylight with a 2 hour hike out. Will definitely be using it again for SOTA / POTA.

[@JeffreyWilliams-x4x]

Walt this is awesome I watched the video ,did the dishes ,made this 20.5 footer ,, nothing over 6 watts Europe all over the USA this is a new favorite!! Al on 40 m,,20 m,15m ,17m Holly crap!! Thanks

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! That’s awesome

[@Thambiah-c3h]

6.5 X 6.5m dipole, using very long time, superb result- g7unf

[@TinyTJ04]

Great video. It's refreshing to see someone just getting out and having a good time for the sake of living life. No huge dollar radios, big money antennas, etc. Just going portable and 'runnin what you brung.'

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! That’s what I love to do, just enjoy radio and have a good time. 73 my friend

[@ercashin]

After doing some initial testing of the 20.5 concept in a VERY temporary configuration. I decided to build a portable antenna based on this concept. I purchased an 18' 5" telescopic whip ($17), a 3/8" mirror mount, and an old camera tripod. Got it put together and did testing with ground radials and elevated ground plane (resonant tuning by adjusting height of whip). That showing positive results, I built a 4:1 unum with a 2' 1" lead. Connecting the lead to where the whip connects to the mirror mount down to the unun with 2 elevated radials and . . .wow, I was hitting every band with minimal tuning on my G90. Testing with FT8 I was getting some great DX on 20m-10m. At one point I was over 450 spot reports in 10 min just on 20m. I tried 30m and 40m. Both tuned but only passable performance on 30m. I could tx on 40m but efficiency was not great. This is a winner for me and now have a very functional portable HF antenna solution. Thanks Walt!

[@kc8wvg]

Another thought-provoking video, Walt. Always, interesting.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! 73, Walt

[@edtruthseeker3337]

Fantastic video and information. I wish I still lived near the sea. I am a USAF vet and spent most of my career by the sea. I didn't have my HAM license back then. I will try the antenna. I use a "random" wire 141' antenna at home with elevated counterpoises. My antenna goes straight up to 28' and then slopes up to a 42' Spider Pole in the back of my yard. I only have less than 1/4 acre yard. My main counterpoise is under my antenna 3' above ground. It is the opposing force that sends my RF skyward. I can work 160 meters and up. From NC I have made contacts to Indiana on 160 meters. Our hobby is very fun for experimenting and finding out what works. 73 brother. Ed Cheek, KM4MMD

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks Ed! I really want to have something setup for top band one day. After I retire I’ll probably start playing around with 160 meter antennas. Your setup sounds awesome. 73, Walt

[@hughpatterson1480]

Thank you once more Walt! I'm cutting wire as soon as I finish this post! One thing I've found, and I'm no expert, is that it really pays to try as many antenna configurations as possible to find the one that works for you. I'm on the side of a big hill, surrounded by giant trees, including a Redwood tree that is seven or eight stories tall, My location makes for tricky because I have very little clear space. However, I slowly tried a bunch of different antennas and locations until I found something that works. I suspect there are many hams out there with the same problem. I know you do antennas by the water but I would love to see you do a video on antennas for areas where there isn't a lot of open space. The antennas you've built have worked for me but I suspect there are a few hams who don't try because they feel it can't easily be done. Thanks again for another great video...73...Hugh...KN6KNB

[@quadcam24v]

Gotta push the boundaries Walt by showing us the CB stuff. I imagine there is more to it then just reverb and giant power ;)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Haha I came from that world into ham radio. It will always have a special place with me

[@BrianBagley-v7t]

I really enjoy watching your channel. Great antenna and nice performance on the G90. I live in MT and moved from MA in '77. My last meal in RI was at Custy's. That place was heavan on earth.

[@AndrewSparkfish]

A pleasure watching your videos. ...not being a sad ham is a bonus.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much! 73, Walt

[@hallen4094]

HinWalt well I built myself a Rybakov after watching one of your videos on the Rybakov, I wound a 4:1 UNUN. Anyways I worked Tenessee today 55 /58 with 60W from my back Garden in N.W UK. So it's a keeper for me. Looking forward to using it for POTA. Thanks and 73's 🇬🇧🍻🇺🇲

[@haraldrosenstengel7700]

Hi Walt, thanks for the nice video. Testing selfmade antennas is a really interesting part of our hobby. 73, Harry, DG3IS

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@haraldrosenstengel7700 thanks Harry! I really enjoy playing with antennas

[@georgebradshaw474]

Good Morning Walt! I saved this video for this morning while having my coffee before getting ready for Church. As usual, you don’t disappoint. Your enthusiasm for experimentation in this hobby, gives us an emotional lift for the rest of the day! The food looked good as well. Have a great day, keep safe & stay well my friend! (🙏 Mrs) ‘73 AC3EA

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks George! I’m looking forward to next weekend as I’ve missed my church family and I’m heading home for a long weekend and visit. 73 my friend!

[@nicke.3011]

This has become one of my go-to channels for interesting ham topics. The 'bigger' channels are only worth an occasional visit these days.

[@timothysampson4944]

Really enjoy your videos! I've built several of your antennas with good results. Thanks for all your work putting these videos out for us to learn from.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much! I enjoy playing radio and making these videos. 73, Walt

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

Seems like a great performing antenna. I might have to build one myself. You keep giving me all kinds of antenna ideas.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I had a feeling this would be a decent antenna, especially in 10 meters. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Another great video and experiment Walt, I am working on some modeling for this series of antennas (random wire), to show the current distribution along the radiator. This helps explain the impedance at feed point of the antenna. When the current goes low the ohmic resistance is very high as well as the voltage, and when the current is high, voltage and ohmic resistance are low. Much like an off-center fed dipole, you find a point where the feed point has an impedance that is usable for multiple bands.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I will definitely be interested in your modeling. 73 my friend

[@jayKQ4DUX]

Thanks Walt..I appreciate the local cuisine and other sights in addition to the radio content.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’m enjoying my time here and want to document it. 73, Walt

[@bevo65]

Walt, your Rybakov video inspired me to make my own Rybakov. But I ended up doing one that was around 30 feet (I forget the exact measurement). I used a 4:1 unun and a 1:1 choke, along with five ground radials of the same length. My NanoVNA measured the SWR at 2:1 or lower across nearly all bands from 20m to 6m. On 40m, it was higher, but well within tuning range. You are an inspiration!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@bevo65 thanks and thank you for sharing that!

[@dandypoint]

Love seeing places you go in Rhode Island. My mom was from Providence. The current distribution on the antennas is most important. The high current portion is always a quarter wave from the top ( end). Getting it high as possible improves performance. The goal being to get a full halfwave of current on the vertical which you pretty much have on 15 and definitely have on 17 through 10. After that you have an even higher current peak on the higher bands. Which means even more current on the wire. I think the 5/8 point is probably the maximum length for general overall good performance and you hit that on 10 meters. After that it’s a matter of simply matching it to coax, which again you either hit it or came so close it does not matter! Have fun on the Rhode Island coast.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@dandypoint thanks and thanks for the great comment. I’m really enjoying Rhode Island. It’s a great place

[@McPilot_W3DDS]

Good Morning Walt. Just watched the video and immediately made the antenna. I had better results with the 9:1 Amazing results.. THANKS AGAIN!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Interesting, thanks for the info. I’ll have to tinker with a 9:1 sometime

[@McPilot_W3DDS]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I am not using a counterpoise (my coax is it). That might be making the difference. I am in an HOA and keeping it stealthy.

[@PatFortino]

Hi Walt. Thanks for the video. The 20.5 foot vertical sounds good. That way, I could strap it to one of my 7 meter fishing-pole masts without having to attach a couple joints of pole to the top like I do for the rybakov. I’ll give it a try.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

It seems to be a decent antenna, give it a try!

[@markviers998]

Great video as usual. This antenna looked a lot like my very first 10 mtr vertical when I was a newbie, except I used bamboo and I had no clue what I was doing so it didn't have nearly as good a match as this one.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I have actually thought about getting some bamboo for building antennas. I think that would be a cool vertical especially by the sea.

[@mgwaala]

Thanks Walt, very cool! I just ordered the 10m mast and am going to hang a 29 ft. wire on it. We'll see how it cooks.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Awesome! Good luck with that antenna

[@PhilON4VP]

Hi Walt, I've been following some videos on the Rybakov and radom wire verticals. I will give this 20,5 ft antenna a try. I'm just not into food reviews ;-) 73 from ON4VP, Phil

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! No worries, just putting the food at the end for those that want to stick around. 73, Walt

[@gtretroworld]

Interesting antenna, especially surprising how it performed on 11m. Thanks

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@gtretroworld thanks for watching! 73, Walt

[@josephgomes8543]

Another good one for the Archives, Walt. I am continually amazed at the Reach of those vertical antennas and low power! You rock, brother, keep up the good work, Joe. KC1MTM BTW, you may check out George's In Galilee, it's more of a Restaurant than a take away but the food and drinks are great.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks Joe! George’s is on my list. I’ll start hitting the restaurants when it gets cold. 73 my friend!

[@F4LDT-Alain]

Hey Walt, yet another great refreshing and inspiring video, this antenna will make it to my long list of DIY aerials. I really like your way of life, I'm kind of sharing it these days here on the coast of Brittany with good seafood and as much DX as I can at this very favorable place. Weather hasn't been cooperating much for going portable over the past few days. Well, this is Brittany eh? It has the same reputation here for weather as Seattle has in the US HI*3. Hope to catch you on the air, best 73s!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Merci beaucoup mon ami! I hope to visit Brittany one day, it’s my kind of place. Catch you on the bands my friend! 73, Walt

[@KO4VNX]

1.4 SWR, that is smokin'!!! Nice antenna, and, I didn't realize that the G90 could sweep your SWR for you! This antenna looks great!!!

[@KO4VNX]

and man, you are killin' me with that food! Ship some to me!!! It looks GLORIOUS!!!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes the G90 is amazing, it does a lot for what it cost. I’m going to have to go on a diet soon from the local food 😂 73, Walt

[@jerryKB2GCG]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES love my G90! That sweep is just so easy

[@WildeGreg]

Another great video. You have me experimenting with antennas. I'm looking forward to your videos about how to calculate and decide what balun or unun to use.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! I’m working on it

[@jeifaskme9980]

Great shirt!! Got my licence over 30 years ago when was in the navy. Ve#nvy

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I have been involved with several Canadian shipbuilding projects over the years. I have some pride in your navy. 73, Walt

[@imahamjim]

Nice to meet you at convention today walt. Always look forward to ur great videos. Jim K1AZ. ps TKS fer letting me take our picture together

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

It was so great meeting you and talking radio. Hope to catch you again here in New England while I’m here.

[@davidmerchant8245]

Food network meets Ham radio...LOL. Who knew you are such a FOODIE. You have also inspired me to build some of your antenna configurations. The next time you're in Poland, how about some local cuisine in the videos!!. Great job!!!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’m really trying to catch more of the local flavor in my videos while I’m traveling and I wish I would have done this when I was in Poland. All the best and 73

[@Aussat]

Great video Walt, Always a pleasure too watch your video's, Love the food bit's as well! 73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@Aussat thank you very much my friend! I’m enjoying the local food here for sure.

[@blugoose86]

Fun video Walt. You touched on two senses, curiosity with the new antenna build, hunger hankerings for sea food. I'm gunna have to watch your videos before midnight I see. LOL

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! Hahaha

[@christophermarshall5765]

Nice one Walt. Shows how far you can send a radio signal using a balun, & a length of wire.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! Yes indeed, and that saltwater gives it a little umph too 😂

[@ajfogertyfan8245]

Walt for a fixed mobile or beach portable antenna about 20.5 feet in length, check out the Ocean State Job Lots in the swimming pool supply stuff for their two piece 16 foot telescoping swimming pool leaf skimmer poles. They are made from very strong ribbed blue metallic finished aluminum tubing. The most amazing thing about them is the price - probably less than 20 bucks on clearance sale this time of the year at the end of the summer. Very sturdy for supporting low NVIS dipoles as well. The two telescoping sections do not come in electrical contact as bullt, I use short jumpers across the plastic coupling collars made from coax shield braid or ground strapping braid secured to the tubing with hose clamps. I’ve used what I call the DX Skimmer as a quarter wave on 20 and 15 by adjusting the overall length of the two sections, also used it with a nominal 4 to 8 foot adjustable Hamstick skimmer at the top to get the total radiator length up to about 24 feet. The bliur metallic finish is non conductive , I use a Dremel tool with a sanding drum to get down to bare bright aluminum at points where the jumpers are secured with the hose clamps. Then poles are very light but strong, and a lot of bang for the buck! They also work very well on 80 and 40 meters as large fixed mobile verticals with an adjustable base loading coil and 500 pf on. 40 and 500 or 1000 pff on 80 shunt capacity across the feed point. Chris AJ1G Stonington CT

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hey Chris! Thanks for the great tip. I left my long extension painters pole back in Virginia and have been looking for something to support my dipole mount. Definitely going to Job Lots and looking for this. All the best and 73, Walt

[@andy2E0JIU]

Hey walt,really enjoyed that!!! Loved the 11m bit n nice bit of food too n not just radio:) great work mate.licensed up now so hope to catch you on the air soon mate.73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! Hope to get you in the logbook soon! 73, Walt

[@turtlecreek4633]

Appreciate seeing the local food runs! also digging the experiments with different ant lengths. 73 w3rrm

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’m enjoying catching the local flavor and culture.

[@jimnichols9604]

Exelent post, I think I’ll build a 4:1 and try it out. By the way, that’s a GREAT shirt you are wearing 😊

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’ve worked on several Canadian shipbuilding projects over the years. The True North Strong and Free! 🇨🇦

[@corsavic1]

Amazing Walt great video and food the best keep em coming mate, this is the way of the ham 73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you my friend! I’m enjoying the local flavors here in Rhode Island

[@45Unit]

Awesome!! Good radio and good food. Thanks for showing off the famous locations and food icons in Rhode Island.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@45Unit thanks! I’m really enjoying the Rhodie culture

[@bduff5004]

IGGY’s. Way to go!!!! And…..a Dells. You are rocking it Walt

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I’m practically a Rhodie now 😂

[@bduff5004]

Yep! Next step is to try Olneyville Weiners aka NY System. Proper order is “3 all the way, small fry, and a coffee milk” Amazing but bring the rolaids!!! LOL

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Great video and yep will have to try one of these days

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’m going to experiment with it some more for sure

[@jamesloder7241]

Thanks Walt for another great video! Perhaps I missed it but in your opinion is this better than thr Rybakov?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@jamesloder7241 I think it’s better than the Rybakov on the higher end like 10 meters but the Rybakov is better on 20 and 40.

[@ashleyoglesby4845]

I don’t know anything about antennas, but I’m cheering u on! 🎉😂

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much Ash!!!!!!

[@JeffreyWilliams-x4x]

Awesome, food for thought ,,,I wish you would publish a laminated flip card book we can Cary out in the field with us to build these wonderful antennas ,I would buy the first autographed copy lol

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’m trying hard to get a sketchbook finished and published. Hopefully soon, I might just put it out in pdf and you can laminate it. 73, Walt

[@marke3218]

I enjoy what it must be like to be sober my friend. keep up the great videos.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! 73, Walt

[@richwallace4632]

Could you talk about our pack some day? Love this channel learning about antennas. I’m blowing the dust off of my cb, that’s where came from as well. Have my ham license too.

[@curryconsult]

Hey Walt! GREAT t-shirt! Thanks for the advertising!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! I’ve done a lot of work on several Canadian shipbuilding projects over the years.

[@curryconsult]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRESI’m retired RCN and now live in Southwest NS on the Gulf of Maine. VE1GU.

[@ryank5tar]

That looked like a beautiful day, Walt. I had my eye on the Lobster roll and the Tuna grinder.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@ryank5tar it was a great day! I’m thinking lobster roll at my next stop

[@bitemykrank1970]

I like the work you do my friend, it saves me doing it for myself. A TRUE old school experimenter, I like that. I wonder how this wire length would go on a 9:1 it may improve the SWR

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Yes I think I might experiment with a 9:1 but those numbers with a 4:1 made me happy

[@bitemykrank1970]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Not saying they were bad, just they might improve with a 9:1 if the wire is close to 450ohms. A 9:1 & 24.5ft wire can be 1:5 or less at 14mhz.

[@Tommyr]

I would have went for the fish & chips! I'll have to try that antenna next.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I’ll grab some fish n chips soon! 73, Walt

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

Hello again and thanks from Upstate NY !!! '73

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

More: If you ever make it this far North, make sure to let us know!! '73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I will definitely let you know! 73, Walt

[@grahambeech1731]

Great video, just one question would a 9:1 unun work too

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@grahambeech1731 yes I think a 9:1 might work but maybe not as well as the 4:1. Would be worth giving it a try.

[@mikedodds7547]

Well, I needed an excuse to get that 25ft telescoping whip from Chameleon, so when the spouse asks where it came from, I'll just say Walt said I needed it! 😁 Good video as always, 73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hahahahaha thanks!

[@alvinpope9315]

Hi walt love your videos just asking do you think this would work as an inverted L ,your thoughts 73s from 9z4apa.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I don’t know if you would get that incredible takeoff angle you get from it being completely vertical. It might work but probably not as well. 73, Walt

[@chuckmcdermott7053]

Walt, thanks for your videos;they are fun, informative and get me in the mood for radio. Question that everyone is going to roll their eyes at, but does tuning the antenna have any effect on the receiving side or is it just for the transmission.

[@paulsengupta971]

The antenna acts equally on receive and transmit, though for transmitting, matching the impedance is more important.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

That’s a great question, I’ve found that transmit is affected more by trimming and I don’t see much change in receive as I make short trim adjustments.

[@STombatu]

Dear Walt, I have been following your videos for a long time now. Great inspiration and big respect for your antenna knowledge. I have a question and there aren't many hams that can answer me but I think you as a salty could give some advice. I am on my sailing boat and will sail from South Africa to the US across the Atlantic soon. I have got a G90 and would need to install an antenna on the boat. On the mizzen mast which is 10m high I could run a wire to the back and would be quite off the other rigging wires. Could you recommend a set up for a vertical antenna. Probably best ground plate would be a wire directly hanging into the water. I saw this set up on one of your videos. Your support would be highly appreciated. 73 Chris OE6WTZ

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hi Chris, I’ve thought about this before, I’m actually thinking about getting something to live aboard while I’m up here in Rhode Island as I sail myself. I would get a wire vertical 7.62 meters (that’s the 25 foot Rybakov) and get a 4:1 transformer at the feedpoint, from there I would run a wire from the ground side of the 4:1 to any metal object you have in the hull near the waterline. Like an overboard through-hull discharge port or rigging stay. I think this would give you an incredible permanent solution for 40 through 10 meters which is the bands you would likely want while offshore anyway. Fair winds and following seas my friend! 73, Walt

[@MyHamRadioJourney]

Another great video! Now I have another antenna to try. 73s

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you my friend! I had a feeling this would be a decent one

[@echo2papa2]

Walt, how critical is the length of the wire? I've had trouble getting repeatable measurements for a fixed length of wire. I'm using a surveyor tape measure, soft tape.

[@marke3218]

Sir you feel like my friend

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! 73, Walt

[@shagitup]

Wow, awesome videos as usual. Picked up a G 90 and my General largely because of you! What cup holder radio holder are you using for your G 90? I’ve been shopping around. Thanks! I know you’re a busy guy! Tim at G5TM I think said hi! Sam KQ4QIA. Fellow Monarch and retired Navy.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hi Sam, Thanks for the kind words! I hope you’re loving that G90, it’s such a great little radio for the price. That cup holder thing is just a tray I got in Amazon and to be honest it’s very flimsy and about to break. I wouldn’t recommend the one I bought. 73, Walt GO BIG BLUE O-D-U!!!

[@shagitup]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES That's what I was thunking! Words are hard. LOL. Looking at Lidoradio. Thanks Walt! 73!

[@Montaguy]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! 73, Walt

[@M6EastCoastGirl]

Nice antenna Walt … Even nicer dinner! Nom, nom, nom! 👏

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks!! It was so good!!! 73

[@blackswampAR15]

Hey Walt where did you get that back pack?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I found that at a TJ Maxx store in Virginia Beach. The brand is Highland Tactical

[@n3ljs399]

What was the frequency on 11M you made the QSO with 4 zero 7? Any others frequencies that would be good to listen on? N3LJS

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@n3ljs399 channel 38 LSB (27.385) channels 37, 39 and 40 are great for DX as well. Just remember 11 meters is LSB. 73, Walt

[@paulsengupta971]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Listening around 27.450-27.650 I've generally found that to be USB.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@paulsengupta971 yes I believe that’s the freebanding norm

[@cmarchi128]

Where did you get the orange knob covers?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

They came off a RS-918 radio I have.

[@cmarchi128]

Also can you do a video on GMRS/CB radios?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Maybe someday, I’m mostly an HF guy.

[@akiddoo8113]

Love those orange knobs! Wish I had orange knobs. Bet my radio would work better. But I don't know where to find them.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I can’t find them online. I took them off a RS-918 radio I have.

[@tmccusk1]

Hi Walt. Awesome video. Looking forward to the 4:1 vs 9:1 video. On my new G90 I have been turning down the power to 1 watt before I tune it. Is that necessary? Thank you

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks, no that is not necessary. The radio turns the power down internally itself when tuning. I keep mine up at 20 and tune away. Been doing it for as long as I’ve had the radio.

[@tmccusk1]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thank you

[@eagle9800]

Wow you think too much Walt. That's an amazing antenna think I'm going to have to make 1 now. Love the 11m contact that's going to upset a few😂😂. Well done 73 Steve ZL1YX

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you! Yes that video has upset a few, that’s disappointing and I’ve had a couple people with negative comments that I just deleted and blocked. That 11 meter QSO with that Happy Mon in Jamaica was one of the most fun contacts I’ve made in a long time. 73 my friend!

[@eagle9800]

Some people are so precious. You just keep doing what you do best. That antenna is certainly going to have a lot of people thinking. I've done something similar with aluminum tubing instead of wire. Must dig it out again. 73 Steve ZL1YX ❤​@@COASTALWAVESWIRES

[@Matt-qq8dh]

Fantastic video. Looking at the wire length chart (at 2:17 minutes), you could get away with cutting one foot off the Rybakov and still be in the middle. I don't know if this will cause an issue. Will it? Just thinking. That is what I like about your videos. They get me thinking about the different wire builds and also the what-ifs. I also like the scenic views that you do in your videos. Thank you very much. 73 Matt KF4KSK.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@Matt-qq8dh thank you Matt, I’m all about those what-ifs too. Yes I think you could definitely trim the Rybakov down and it would still work. I’m wondering if it would have any effect on the lower end like 40 meters. It’s definitely worth a try.

[@Matt-qq8dh]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES You might have a point there. I know that the longer the lengths of wire the better you can tune in the lower bands. I am doing great on the 41 ft. random wire slope form that you have in one of your other videos. Thank you again. 73 Matt KF4KSK

[@chuckdaddyo]

Hey Walt. I’ve had a lot of success with the Rybakov antenna. I changed it a little. I placed the wire at the top of my 10 meter pole which made feed point about 2 meters off of the ground. I then went ahead and used long tent spike to elevate four radials, 25 feet long, from the feed point to about 8 inches off of the ground. I’ve been making some really good DX QSOs the longest in to souther Chile on 15 meters. It’s been really cool to watch you and adapt and experiment on your foundational information. If you were to use ground radials, because you’re away from salt water, what would you suggest?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I built the Rybakov as well as the 17.5 and other verticals when I was in Poland well inland and I typically just use five counterpoise wires around 5 meters long each spread out on the ground in a star shape. 73, Walt

[@kennethherring2918]

Walt, I've actually duplicated the Rybakov and made several contacts. It seems as though I need to try this antenna out too. Great video. By the way, I too have a G90 and wanted to customize the knobs so, where did you order them from?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I can’t find those knobs online. I took them off a RS-918 radio I have. 73, Walt

[@2e1paw]

Would you do videos on builds ? Thanks

[@Bones469]

Wait, the G90 can be opened for 11? I was looking into that a few months ago as that would make a good prepper backup radio but never saw for sure that it would run down there.

[@Rusted_Link]

Can you add a link to that back pack?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I found that at a department store. The brand is Highland Tactical.

[@Rusted_Link]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I searched and did discover the brand but could not find that unit. Thanks Walt. I hope to have a QSO with you one day. I used Google Lens BTW. Slick little tool. 73 Keep these videos rolling it encourages all of us!

[@Rusted_Link]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES one more question. Is it the "Roger" model?

[@jerryKB2GCG]

shame that there are so many 20 foot masts, wonder how bad laying the last 6” on the ground would make it. Thanks for another great video !

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

No I would let the wire dangle in the breeze at the top. I’ve done that with other antenna builds and not had an issue

[@SmokeSignalsRF]

Another great video with fun, learning and great food! 73s W1FYG 🎙

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much my friend! I’ve gotta visit the Clubhouse soon!

[@ChrisMichael-x8j]

Walt, how do you decide between a 4:1 and a 9:1. Everything I’m reading tells me to use a 9:1 with a random wire.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@ChrisMichael-x8j 9:1 on random wires 29 feet and longer is what I’ve found. The shorter wire lengths like the Rybakov (25’), the 20.5 and the 17.5 have a lower feedpoint impedance somewhat closer to 200 ohms thus the 4:1 ratio makes a closer match.

[@timg5tm941]

Ok so 20-10m .. it competes well v Rybakov (5/8 on 10m). But don’t forget you get much better efficiency on 40m with a Rybakov as it’s 75% the length of a quarter wave, but the 20.5ft design is 30% of a 1/4wave.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I agree Tim, this is definitely a high band 20 to 10 antenna.

[@MikeN2MAK]

Good eats and good DX!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I’m going to fill my logbook up and get fat while I’m in Rhode Island 😂

[@tnoldforester]

Another great video. Looks like the wire cutters will be busy today. Would a 3ft counter poise work like on the Coastal 20? I guess I’ll let you know later. How’s your wife doing? I hope she is doing well. Please give her my regards. 37s (73 reminds me too much of my age)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! The short counterpoise might work but I would probably make it 6.5 feet long. That seems to be a proven length for random wire antennas for 20 meters and higher. My wife is doing good and improving, thanks for asking! 73, Walt

[@christophersmith1155]

if i use a antenna analyzer and get the antenna resonant for 11 meters. around 18 feet 1/2 wave for 11 meters , do i still need to use a balun or unun ?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

You can get away with a 1/4 wave length and no balun or unun but not with a halfwave wire. The feedpoint impedance will be too high and you will definitely need to an unun. I’ve built halfwave verticals for 10 meters and needed a 64:1 to make it work

[@pyreneesfarm7818]

Yaesu FTX-1 looks like a nice radio, released in 2025. It will be fun to see how it compares to the G-90

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@pyreneesfarm7818 will be interesting to see the final price

[@jerryKB2GCG]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRESonly 6-10 watts, Tuner is extra, will be priced like the ic-705

[@robslagle]

I'm pretty far inland... i live where there is prairie mud soil... my elmers around here are telling me that vertical antennas won't work here very well...but I guess wires and ununs are cheap enough to try it out, right?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes indeed, I spent the good part of two years working in Poland far inland and built some verticals there with good success. Definitely experiment and try some verticals. 73, Walt

[@ChrisMichael-x8j]

Walt, I’m new to making antennas, but have read that the feed point impedance of an EFRW is 350 to 450 Ohms yet you use a 4:1 rather than a 9:1 with great success. This suggests that the estimates of the impedance for EFRW antennas is incorrect. How did you determine that a 4:1 would work?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@ChrisMichael-x8j I’ve found that the feed point impedance for EFRW for lengths 29’ and longer is 350 to 459 ohms as you stated but the shorter lengths of 17.5, 20.5 and 25 feet have a lower impedance thus I use a 4:1 for those shorter lengths.

[@RadioReporter]

Hi Walt, this is Tom, WB3EME in Hanover, PA. Love your antenna experiments and currently have the 17.5 version up in the back yard, soon to be lengthened to 20.5 ft. I also have a G90. Where did you find the cup holder mount for the G90? I love the little rig, but haven't figured out how to mount it in my car. I am also a big fan of QRP Livestream Net on Sunday nights at 7PM EST. I didn't hear you but did hear Kevin, K0KLB, check you in one night. 73's & thanks for all of the great videos.

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hi Tom, that cup holder tray I have is very flimsy and I’m not real happy with it but here’s the link from Amazon: Qihoo Car Cup Holder Tray Table... www.amazon.com/dp/B0994QX1Q7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Thanks so much for the kind words, hope to catch you in the air! 73, Walt

[@RadioReporter]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks Walt! I think I will order the mount. Better than nothing, which is what I have now. Hope to work you someday. 73's Tom WB3EME

[@thomascurrin]

So, this should work with a 25' whip at 20.5"and a 4:1 unun? Does that sound right?

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes that will probably work even better that my setup here. 73, Walt

[@thomascurrin]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Well, when Chameleon gets them back in stock I'll give it a try and see how it goes. By the way, I'm trying a low (1-2m above ground) efhw with a long counterpoise right underneath it on the ground as an NVIS experiment on 40m. Thanks

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@thomascurrin that sounds like a cool experiment. I bet the receive will be incredible on that antenna

[@ve2zdx]

These rocks are begging for antennas. Awesome place for portable radio! 73!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Yes this place is great and I’m staying nearby so more fun to come here! 73

[@tonym7cvk430]

Good morning Walt I am away in a few weeks I have my 4:1 and a roll of wire in the bag I will try this one out 73 M7CVK Tony

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Have fun and good luck with this one Tony!

[@WECB640]

Kudos for not giving your callsign on 11M, and not saying "10-4 good buddy" on the ham bands. LOL It takes concentration to remember what band you're on. Good antenna Walt. MMANA-GAL shows it will work 20-10M, but has very high SWR on 15M. Glad you got a good match there with the 4:1 UNUN on 15M. About 1 to 2db gain (most on 15M) and about 10 to 14 degrees off the horizon depending on band used. An all around winner! Enjoy the yum-yums. The seafood reviews are a nice touch. 👍 73 OM

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hahaha, I’m wondering how the pure hams are going to take this one! Thanks for the great insight my friend! 73 OM

[@WECB640]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES If you need a defense atty for hamcourt, let me know. LOLOL

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@WECB640 Blahahaha you got it!

[@steveburnham5073]

I have my CB on and listening (Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB).

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I have that same radio, love it!

[@steveburnham5073]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES turn to Channel 20 and some from the Mojave. No SSB needed.

[@Bairam_1AT865]

Ciao Salty, to be honest my shortrybakov is around 5.8m i find out this lengh by using mmanagal. I was looking for the best performance and best performance on 10m as well. By the way i believe that those are the best size for work 20 to 10m bands. I guess from 6.5 to 5.7m are all good.....ciao Salty Walt ;)

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Good stuff! Thanks for the info my friend. 73, Salty Walt

[@Bairam_1AT865]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES sorry Walt, just checked the best lenght and seems that i was wrong. i guess i made mine shorter because im using a portable pole of 60cm when close.......but best performance lenght on mmanagal should be around 6.8m. I said "around", because we need to think about the velocity factor of the wire, so 6.45m to 6.65m....... So ur antenna is doing great Walt, u find the Salty lenght ahahahah ciaoooooo

[@ZAR797]

The food looks good. Interesting antenna! 73 ZS land

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! The food was great

[@jameslarrimore1419]

You are awesome great radio stuff and my second passion is food so the video is a hit stay save 73 from Kc3yun

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thank you so much! 73 Walt

[@MaineGirl-W1GRL]

Wow - Jamaica!

[@robertmeyer4744]

Interesting. i did try 25 foot on 4:1 on 11 meters CB. it did work good but I had to tune a bit. SWR was like tad under 2:1 . Now I have to give 20.5 ft a try. 5/8 wave. When you model that over 5/8 wave the lobs get crazy and make null points. 5/8 wave looks better for DX with low take off angle then a 1/2 wave. both are good. the 5/8 is a tad better . The shape of donut changes a bit. I modeled it and not tried it. The Gain Master 5/8 wave 10/11/12 meter antenna uses that length with a matching coil and cap to get 50 ohm. I think the Rybakov may be better on 20 meters . and the 20.5 foot better on 10 meters. But that just modeling and not real word test . I will do at some point. I made the same 11 meter contact on different day. and CB been going good. FT 8 on 10 meters getting better as we go into fall . I see the trend. 73

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Thanks! Yes I’ve always been told the 5/8 is the holy grail of verticals for takeoff angle and DX

[@robertmeyer4744]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES I used MMANA to model the 5/8 wave before. DX commander has lots of video's on MMANA. How I learned it.

[@johnnorth9355]

Must give that antenna length a try. Why do I suddenly feel hungry ? I really don't understand why people are sniffy about 11m DX - it's a real blast. 73 M7BLC

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

I agree, I love 11 meters! It’s my radio roots

[@johnorrells3797]

Food critic too! Well if you ever give up radio you could do food 😂😂😂😂😂

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Hahaha “Walt’s Seafood Shacks and Dives”