Say Goodbye to that G5RV! Look at the ZS6BKW

[@AE4VJ]

Each leg of the radiator is 46’ 10”. Use 14ga stranded. The matching section is 39’ 1.5” of 450 ohm ladder line. What you use for insulators is up to you.

[@iamagr8hunter]

What bands will this cover with tuner?

[@AE4VJ]

With a tuner you should be able to get on all of the HF bands. An internal auto-tuner should easily handle it

[@iamagr8hunter]

AE4VJ thank you!

[@martygibson8656]

Are the measurements shown final cuts? Obviously tieing and bending shortens things , do we need to compensate for this?

[@AE4VJ]

You do not need to compensate for this as these amounts are negligible

[@richardowens9061]

Thank you, for doing this excellent presentation on the ZSBKW antenna! Not only did you build one for us, you went to the trouble of doing a video, too - and, that extra effort is greatly appreciated! I would like to make a couple of observations for consideration: Remember, ALL antennas represent some kind of compromise and this one is no exception. Despite its benefits, it may not be the best antenna for you. For one thing, it requires two sturdy supports for the ends that are also at a decent height (at least 40 feet to keep the ladder line from lying on the ground). If you have a couple of tall trees available, that's not a problem - but, operating in an open field or on a beach may present a significant challenge that you may not be able to overcome. Secondly, if you have only one support available to you, it will need to be erected in an inverted V configuration that may compromise the match it presents on the various bands. Furthermore, in a portable operation scenario with only one support that is less than 40 feet tall (common limitation), this antenna may not be the best option. Thanks, again, for presenting this as a viable option in many situations! 73 AI4IJ

[@trousertrout100]

Thank you guys for your time. I really enjoyed it.

[@AE4VJ]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@GregMckenzie-j6m]

i like the friendship qualities you both display in this great hobby !

[@AE4VJ]

I appreciate it! We lost Marc last May and it’s been really hard on me.

[@GregMckenzie-j6m]

@@AE4VJ I am so sorry to hear that ! Greg VK2GMC

[@buckeye5704]

I just finished the build and the tuning on mine. Got all of 40, 20, 17, 12 and the BOTTOM 2/3 of 10 meters. Tomorrow my elmer is loaning me a rig and I'll be calling CQ. Maybe I'll catch some of you having your night cap.

[@AE4VJ]

That is fantastic! Nice work and Congratulations!!!!!

[@marcelotoniolo4434]

Well done guys. What a beautiful place too....love the "sound" of spring.

[@AE4VJ]

Thank you!

[@kenharris5942]

I love wire antennas. I have an inverted L with an extensive radial field, a Half Square ( excellent performer), Ocf, and resonate dipoles. Still my ZS6BKW is my workhorse! It out hears and gives me more contacts. Period. Build them, they will come.

[@billa.2450]

I use a commercially made heavy duty version of this antenna with a balun at the 450/coax junction and it works very well at 45 feet off the ground. I can also use it on 75, but it is below my full size 75 meter dipole in performance. This is the best multiband wire antenna I have used in my 49 years on HF. I highly recommend you try one.

[@AE4VJ]

+Bill A. Thanks for sharing Bill! Excellent info for someone who is needs a nudge to build one.

[@TI3WTI]

What is the brand/name of the commercial version?

[@gravestonemyth]

A good source of antenna insulators is your local farm store. Electric fence insulators are the same thing. It would have been more helpful if you included the SWR readings upon completion. The apparent wardrobe malfunction was a nice touch!

[@buckeye5704]

I built my own ladder line as its made of unobtainium here in S. Africa. So far it was one of the most fun parts of this project. Hope to have the tower up soon and test my first ever home brew antenna in a couple days.

[@Stepclimb]

Tim, thanks to your video, I’m going to built this antenna with home made ladder line as well. By adjusting the spacers, one can achieve customized impedance on the ladder line.

[@buckeye5704]

@@Stepclimb You got it! Have fun and enjoy the build, its very, very rewarding. 73

[@jacquesoppermann917]

😂Same with me. A no go to get in SA so me and the wife also built the ladder.

[@jaredstyles]

Thanks for the video. First hf antenna I built was the g5rv, the second was the g7fek, finally I just bought a 404-ul antenna that works amazing for my setup. Hard to know what to do in the beginning but videos like these are really helpful!

[@AE4VJ]

Thank you Jared! Good luck and have fun in the hobby. What’s your call sign?

[@jaredstyles]

VA6MRJ

[@caryhaerlin5156]

Just got mine up today and SWR is 1.2-1.4 on 40, 20,17,12 got it 25 feet up inverted V. Made contacts in Ukraine, UK, and a few US stations over 1000 miles away !! great antenna !!

[@AE4VJ]

Thanks for sharing! Love hearing these reports

[@brianhind6149]

I build ALL my own antennas & want to thank you boys for a very informative video. The antenna is common bits & pieces, & the balanced line can be made easily (I make my own) but I realise that for the cost of window line, it is not worth the effort in your case. Great video boys. Cheers! VE6XX

[@AE4VJ]

+Brian Hind thank you Brian!

[@kf4hoq]

Hey Brad! Long time, no see! I was searching for ideas for a fanned dipole for 160, 80, and 40, which took me to a Reddit post, and someone posted a link to this video. Cool concept, and I might just build it! I already have a 160m horizontal loop up, but I wanted something better for 40m, in particular. It was bittersweet to see Marc in the video with you. Anyways, thanks for posting!

[@AE4VJ]

@kf4hoq it has been a while! I hope you are doing well. This is the antenna that Marc got me back active in the hobby and DXCC. It’s a great antenna and easy to build! There is a modification or a twist that Brian came up with and we did a video on that along with an interview.

[@JimN5QL]

Great presentation guys! Yours is the first antenna video that I have seen that poo pooed the end insulators! I have never used end insulators. I have always use the same rope that you talked about and I do not know the name of the knot that I use at the end but it was taught to me by my father-in-law to secure ropes. Again great job and thanks for sharing!

[@timhague882]

Just built and installed mine, don’t have room for a beam, worked VK and YV on 17 CW and YC on 20M SSB. Big reports on 40M around the U.K. pleased

[@AE4VJ]

That’s excellent!

[@kuizatz]

Modifed my G5RV to the specs you gents provided. I happened to have a roll of 450 ohm ladder about so down it came, trim, trim add, up again. Viola ! tunes up all over the place with minimal effort, havent made any contacts yet but the waterfall has more features in it now, especially on the 12,15 & 17M bands.. And now tunes all over 10M ZS6BKW for the win, 73 VK2JFK

[@AE4VJ]

Excellent to hear John! Hope to see you in the log soon!

[@johnpeterson7264]

Great video. Thanks for posting. I’m totally jealous of that beautiful yard and tall trees !

[@leskeegan9033]

I had a ZS6BKW up for several years. It was a commercial one I bought and it flat out worked well. Sadly it broke in a Tropical Storm and I bought another one but have not put it back up. Do not have the room or trees where I am now.

[@johncliff5417]

I was just going to add that for anyone who has a G5RV laying about you could modify it to the dimensions given for the ZS6BKW. This is already written by others here. I have always made my own antennas or modernized others to suit my requirements. I am an Ex class A1 Combat Radioman by trade. 16 years in the R. Signals. I would normally go to the stores and drew out copper wire, insulators and halyards. Coax usually came 50 or 100 ft lengths terminated with plugs on. If you wanted a antenna for a set of frequencies, you measured and cut the wire with insulators in between for different frequencies. With a jumper wire in-between to join up or shorten the total length. Any frequencies different to the ones already cut and made you would have to make up out in the field. Preferably in daylight. We normally did security frequency changes at midnight. All good stuff to give you the know-how to do it and get it write first time. Have fun everyone. The more you do it the easier it becomes. de John - G0WXU.

[@HoboFreightHamRadio]

That story right there is why I love amateur radio the practical know how folks apply to problem solving. Cheers from KF5OWH in Arkansas

[@albaroygladiadoryt8519]

Saludos hermano estoy muy interesado en hacer la antena ZS6BKW tengo todo el materia solo me falta hacer la escalerita que separacion tengo que colocar para que me de los 450 ohms ---yv4fzf desde venezuela 73

[@Pioneer936]

Why would you modify a g4rv

[@rickjones6414]

Simple but Effective! I never hear of this design so thanks for sharing and for creating such an informative and straight-forward video.

[@AE4VJ]

Thanks Rick!

[@kennethbell4681]

Thank you guys for the video. You got me out of the house and made me order some ladder line, and build something again. Here are some real world results from a careful builder. “If you have a G5RV, you should probably take it down…..” I listened to you guys with interest and took down my venerable G5RV that had served me well (of course, with a MFJ antenna tuner) for about 3 years. Anxious to cut the tuner out of the equation, I carefully built according to your instructions measuring 3x and cutting once, being careful to leave a extra foot on each end for possible trimming issues. I had the G5RV mounted at 35’ between 2 trees in the back yard with ample spacing, so I put the ZS6BKW in it’s place, hanging it with the same paracord. The ZS6BKW’s ladder line is longer, so for initial testing I left the extra ladder running across the deck about 10’ off the ground in the back yard. Using an antenna analyzer, the SWR results are fantastic on 40M with the SWR across the entire band less than 2.0!!! I can only use about half of 20M without the tuner, 30M, 15M, 60M are totally off of the scale. 12M and 17M are between 3 and 4 SWR. I did pickup the lower part of 10M, which I didn’t have with the G5RV. I spent a day shortening and lengthening the wire to trim, sliding back and forth hoping for some magic positioning. Your original lengths are about the best at 46’6” per side and 39’3” for ladder line. I raised the antenna to put the ZS6BKW’s ladder line at full length, but this made very little measureable SWR difference. RESULT? Hanging in MY trees at MY house, the G5RV SWR results are better on 80M and 20M (overall). The ZS6BKW is better on 40M and part of 20M. 17 and 12 are tuneable with my radio’s built-in tuner (but, alas…. little if any activity there). I do gain part of 10M. My results… yours, of course, are different. It would be great to see SWR across individual bands with your setup to compare to mine. I only see you testing 40M and 20M with a radio, which are the best on my setup as well.

[@AE4VJ]

+Kenneth Bell it is true to expect different results with different installations you may want to take a look at the G0GSF antenna if you have the height as it takes half the space of the zs6bkw. I’m glad that got you out of the house and experiencing the essence of the hobby! Remember, a resonant antenna doesn’t always mean a 1:1 swr.

[@moviestudioland]

I appreciate this analysis. I truly do. Thank you for this hard work.

[@AE4VJ]

Marc and I received an email from G0GSF (ex ZS6BKW). The following is part of his email: Just this morning a friend of mine, Keith G4OKT, alerted me to your video on the ZS6BKW, the antenna I designed way back in the early 1980s. I had a look at it and enjoyed it very much. Congratulations on such a lucid explanation of how the antenna performs and also how you went about constructing it. I noticed a number of comments from others, too, so you're certainly generating some interest. You may be interested in a shortened version of the antenna (there was at least query along those lines in the comments section). I designed it around a year ago and after subjecting it to the usual computer simulations with EZNEC6, my local amateur radio club (Chester & District Radio Society) built the antenna and specifically the matching section for it. There is an optimum impedance for L2, the 'series-section matching transformer', to give it its fancy name, which is somewhat lower than 450 ohms but the antenna is very tolerant as you demonstrated so will probably work with 450 ohms too. We were aiming for 380 ohms and Bruce M0CVP achieved 388 ohms at his first pass. That was absolutely fine. Of course the velocity factor is important and so we measured that too and found it to be very close to 0.9 for the open-wire line he built. Maybe you'd like to try the compact version of this multiband antenna but call it the G0GSF since that's my call these days, as it has been for the past thirty years? 73 Brian G0GSF (ex ZS6BKW). Marc and I plan on building one soon to give it a go and a video on it as well so stay tuned. The weather isn’t looking good for this weekend so it probably won’t be the next video published, but I expect it to be after the next one.

[@RichardDePas]

I would be very interested in seeing the shortened version and know if it would perform on 80m with a match box.

[@James_Bowie]

So, did you go ahead with that?

[@33csmartin]

Looking for options to put in the attic. So I am interested in this shorter version and don't mind trying something new! Please send me dimensions and if you have a video of it it would help.

[@AE4VJ]

We do have a video. It’s the G0GSF antenna video

[@AE4VJ]

The ZS6BKW jr Better known as The G0GSF Antenna compact ZS6BKW

[@timmotel5804]

Interesting. However, unless I really missed something, the only difference between the two antenna types is the ZB6BKW is a little shorter than the G5Rv?

[@Andrew-yx7sf]

I have a G5 that just broke in the last storm. I might bring the rest of it down and try this antenna.

[@AE4VJ]

I think you’ll be happy with it

[@billa.2450]

I use a commercial version of this antenna with a one to one balun. It is the best all around wire antenna I have used, It is 10db under a full sized dipole in 75 meters, but excels on the higher bands including six meters.

[@stevecampisano3116]

Hey Bill, where'd you get the "commercial version" of this antenna? de W1SMC ..... thanks

[@mikesawyer1336]

Look at that ham radio Heaven. You have Enough land and high trees to make a project like this a snap and a success. In The Tristate area we have lots generally 50 feet wide and 100 ft deep max and challenges at every turn.. Wow would love to have a place like that!

[@classicrestostv1fletch764]

Move out to the country Mike, you only live once Sir. Cheers.

[@stevegibson9671]

How about trying an open wire fed doublet cut for 40? I finally got one up and it works great. 73

[@gregrush6570]

I was distracted with the open zipper fly. Sheesh! I would also simply solder those connections to the ladder line instead of trying to justify using different materials and argue which one gives the least amount of trouble. A good solder joint won't provide changing SWR readings due to corrosion or rust. It only consumes at the most 1/2 inch of lead material and you simply leave it alone. Of course, you can just do what you did in the field on the fly, but there doesn't seem to be enough "fly" experience here.

[@AE4VJ]

lol. Yeah well he is no longer with us. Marc was a phd in electrical engineering. I usually crimp then solder. This was simply a demonstration of the antenna. A good practice video may be a good idea.

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

I am a huge proponent of this antenna. I’ve worked on 100 W literally 8000 miles east to west using it at 48 feet high with the ends at least 35 feet high. This is the best wire antenna very few talk about. Would like to use part of this video for my channel that helps to teach hamRadio as well as the importance of a quality Antenna. I’ll be sure to credit your channel in the description section as well as show the locations of the contacts that you made. Great job on this one guys! Larry de K7HN

[@AE4VJ]

I’m goo with it Larry! Thank you for viewing and the comments!

[@submarineradioman5535]

Who buys wire antennas? Build your own!

[@tommycheshire5508]

I was unable to see how you connected the 450 ladder line to the coax. I would certainly like to see or hear about that. You have convinced me to build one since last week’s storm broke my G5RV. Tommy. N4KBM.

[@AE4VJ]

I did a video on how to transition from coax to ladder line.

[@AE4VJ]

Mating your Coax to Ladder Line kzbin.info/www/bejne/aabaZpmme8ljic0

[@michaelzehrfeld7766]

The ZS6BKW is a very good Antenna........but when it´s needed to use a long Koax-feedline until the shack........isn´t there much loss?

[@AE4VJ]

The only loss is in the coax and on HF loss is generally low. How long of a run?

[@michaelzehrfeld7766]

@@AE4VJ Okay - then it is not a problem. I had forgotten that the ZS6BKW resonates on different frequency bands. Big losses on the coax cables only arise if you go into the coax cable after the chicken conductor in the case of non-resonant antennas and the whole system has to be tuned with a tuner. tnx for the Video and always "good propagations"....

[@Pioneer936]

@@michaelzehrfeld7766 if you use heiliax coax it won't be an issue

[@stevethefishingsanta7771]

Hello from KC4HNS in Columbia SC. Hope to be able to build this antenna soon. Am physically handicapped but hopefully I will be able to get some help from some Columbia hams.

[@donlehocky7348]

Thanks for making this video. I was going to build the G5RV, but saw this and was curious.... I built this antenna over the last few days. It performs great over my attic dipole. There was a 10-15 db rise in signal strength. The attic dipole used to perform "pretty good" until I had the solar cells installed on the rooftop. I'm sure those deflected the signal..... Anyway, I used 14ga stranded, coated wire and made the center insulator for it from a section of clear acrylic that I have (I'm a small sign maker) and used rope that I purchased from Rural King as the end pieces. One end is fastened to my house and the other end I shot up in a huge oak tree over a branch with a bow & arrow using thin rope as a leader. On its downside, I attached a 2.5 lb weight that hangs against the tree trunk and it keeps the line taught, but will give when the tree moves....which isn't often....it's a HUGE tree. I used 3" to 2" PVC pipe as the center support (I know, I know) and used one guy from the house for stability. Great little project. Maybe I'll catch you on. de KA3DON.

[@AE4VJ]

Awesome Don! Glad you are have a good experience with it! Hope to see you in the log soon!

[@thequarantinecatholic]

@@AE4VJ Great story! I have tons of bamboo in my yard, I may give that a try vs. the PVC. Great video and comments! Congrats on your antenna!!! How do you keep the PVC pipe in place?

[@AE4VJ]

I may have to watch this again to refresh my memory of the pvc pipe.

[@Joseph-mx6ie]

How high up is the long wire thank you for the video

[@AE4VJ]

Sorry for the delayed response. I had a death in the family. It’s up about 40-45’

[@MatthiasLenardt]

Thanks for sharing that wonderful experience. 😊 Many greetings Matthias 👋 DL1NDG

[@AE4VJ]

Thank you so very much! 🙏

[@MatthiasLenardt]

@@AE4VJ I thank YOU! Have good contacts with your antenna and nice QSO's. 😉

[@AE4VJ]

I got my DXCC with it.

[@azcharlie2009]

Just about any antenna will work good if you put it up in trees that are a 100 feet in the air. Try using trees in Arizona where about 15 feet is as high as they get.

[@cattail3]

All the great antenna ideas, but still need at least 45-50 vertical feet for the center line. How I wish I could put some of these great antenna ideas to work for me, but that center feed point height is a killer!

[@AE4VJ]

You really need to get the ladder line off the ground. You can pull it back, tie it off in a slope and get something to work.

[@moviestudioland]

One very well done video. Been looking for a general purpose antenna for my Drake TR4 T4XB collection to transmit on from Las Vegas. I have a 60 foot width small back yard.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

i see this video couple times fantastic antenna and low power

[@n5ifi]

If you are only going to have one antenna up in the air, a ladder line fed loop or doublet is the best antenna you can build period. NOTHING will work more bands as reliably and with excellent results as either one of these antennas. You can easily build every piece of it yourself including the feedline and tuner if you choose. Make the antenna as long as the lowest band you plan to operate and it will work great on every band above that. With the right homemade tuner, I've even seen very short antennas work lower (than ant designed length) bands with excellent results. (ie 70 foot overall antenna length working 75 meters with Link-coupled--or inductively-coupled--antenna tuners with no obvious loss of signal strength)

[@davidpeterson1521]

I've been using my own ladder line for years and it works great. I highly recommend building your own.

[@AE4VJ]

Do you have any pointers on building your own?

[@sparky5860]

Correct me if I’m wrong but it seems the only differences in this antenna and the G5RV is the radial length... where the G5RV is 102’ and the ZS6BKW is 94’...... Also the ladder line lengths differ where the ZS6BKW is 39’3” and the G5RV is 32’6” Both 450 Ohm......

[@AE4VJ]

450ohm ladder line

[@bhenry5091]

HI How did you determine that the ladder line should be 39' 1 1/2"? I've seen other builds of this antenna where they measured the velocity factor of the ladder line first and came up with 38 1/2 ". Would have liked to see the tuning process. Did you alter the original length of the ladder line, or just the dipole arms? Good video. Thanks. Brent VA7HUM

[@americaswayout4489]

I have a doublet that has 40 ft of latterline and the 51ft traditional each side, it will be simple enough to shorten. If this will resonate everywhere you say, it certainly will be great.

[@AE4VJ]

+America's Way Out you would need to trim it, but in theory it should work if the ladder line is correct

[@americaswayout4489]

@@AE4VJ I have an MFJ 1:1 that has the pressure insert style wire hookup with coax so239 on the other side, should it work to lower the common current and also make the transition to coax?

[@AE4VJ]

It should

[@robertbird7297]

Would the ladder-Line be 450 ohms? I am not sure that you folks mentioned that or not.

[@AE4VJ]

It would

[@danielsensing4343]

Nice video guys i have been using this antenna for several years now, the Great Steve Hunt G3TXQ SK once wrote just make a coax fed dipole resonant on 5 mhz. then remove the coax add 41 feet of ladder line to the feedpoint tune to 24.950 mhz. and trim the ladder line till lowest swr on 24.950 mhz. and it will work well on 40,20,17,12,10

[@AE4VJ]

+Daniel Sensing thank you sir for the comments! That’s a pretty good way to look at it!

[@davidfradley12]

Looks grate one question balanced aril coax should there be a 1 to1 balum there

[@AE4VJ]

That’s what the choke is for

[@HamRadioQso]

What would be a minimal height to hang this. One end would be no issue. I have a 100 foot tower. The other end is the issue can it slope and still be effective

[@AE4VJ]

50’-60’ should work very nicely. It can slope and will be just fine.

[@AE4VJ]

Just get the ladder line off the ground. It can be pulled back to an arc if needed.

[@HamRadioQso]

@@AE4VJ thanks for the reply

[@hitman0937]

I have a ZS6BKW that was made by W8AMZ. It worked well on all the bands you mentioned but, I found it to be very noisy and took it down in favor of dipoles and even verticals with less noise. Could be the way I had it strung up in the trees. Did you guys notice increased noise?

[@AE4VJ]

AE4HZ the only time I notice elevated noise is when the wire insulation is chafed and sorting again a branch. This will eventually happen after some time in the sun and friction, no matter the antenna. With mine, this is the only time I’ll notice a lot of noise.

[@zsradioham]

Yes, noise does increase on any ladder or open feedline as the vertical wire pick up the noise. Actually both ZS6BKW & G5RV are back to back L-antennas. That says it all.

[@livingadamman7994]

Great vid thanks fellas. Just got mine delivered to Australia from US took 5 weeks ! It's my first ham antenna and I hope I made a good choice. I'm hoping I can get is set up well. Can I extend the coax to shack and if so what is best to use ?

[@AE4VJ]

You can extend the coax. How much are you looking to add? That may depend on which coax you want to use. What antenna did you buy?

[@radiopro1068]

Was the center suspended from the tower? Any precautions on distance to Tower?

[@AE4VJ]

This suspended from the two legs in trees. I would run a lead of about 10’ if one leg is supported from a tower or metallic structure.

[@ve9ham]

Nice job. I like the insulator ideas and the high trees. A program by W5DXP suggests a 55 foot dipole fed with 12 feet of LL should do 40, 17, 10 M without a tuner. Nice for portable use.

[@MrJr669]

Assembled and installed one of these today works great on the 5 bands swr is acceptable on all.......

[@AE4VJ]

+MrJr669 that’s great! Nice job!

[@BasHeijermans]

SWR is not a measure for performance or losses, it really is not. Just telling you the system is 50 Ohm like a dummyload. Resonance is mostly NOT 50 Ohm, it's uncommon it is with a multiband antenna. You take SWR as a performance reading and that is so incredibly wrong. Resonance has nothing to do with 50 Ohm or SWR, it has to do with the wavelength. And the ZS6BKW is too short to resonate on low bands, even when the SWR is 1:1 it will not radiate because the radiators are not in resonance with the frequency. Nothing more to it.

[@jameshinman9548]

@@BasHeijermans but it works because it's a variation of Tesla's 94ft random. I think I trust his opinion

[@albertmorris4889]

Hi fellow York Co. Hoodlums I had a G5RV for several years while moving around & after settled here. Age and weather (read as falling tree branch in the winter) finally put it out of action. I've been considering a replacement -- someday (HI HI) and this just may be it. 73 Al - WB8FEQ

[@AE4VJ]

+Albert Morris hey Al! I think you’ll be impressed with it! Also you may want to check out the G0GSF antenna. It’s a compact version of the BKW, but has some nice features.

[@RobertMacCready]

Antenna is interesting. I would work on the audio part of your video and I think you could have shown much more on the "how" part of assembly. Like show the assembly of the center insulator. How did you and where did you tie off the ends? What's that knot you are describing? Where did you hang the center and how did you get it up there. And there is much more. You've got a great story but didn't tell it all. On a positive note...thanks for not slugging down beer or wine while you were doing the presentation.

[@metalbill]

When you tie or fold the wire at the end of the antenna, does that extra wire count in the length? Or, does the end measurement go to the furthest point of the fold or knot?

[@AE4VJ]

It gets counted, but an extra inch or so is negligible. You don’t want an extra foot of wire. Remember, it’s a lot easier to make the wire shorter than longer.

[@mrtechie6810]

ZS6BKW -- what would happen if you changed the driven element from a dipole into a closed loop (quad/diamond/rhombic)?

[@timmack2415]

It's interesting, the SWR is indeed lower, but using antenna modeling software, the G5RV is actually a better radiator.

[@AE4VJ]

But the g5rv isn’t a multi band antenna

[@timmack2415]

@@AE4VJ Sure it is.

[@SamCreecy]

I bought 2 of the ZS6BKW. Two just in case a tree snaps it. Also got a Balun Designs unit for it.

[@davidabraham1969]

You bought two? From where?

[@off-trailseeking3965]

Where at?

[@robertharden4092]

Just for kicks will this antenna work on eleven meter twenty seven mhz? Thanks Bob H. KC9LRA

[@garysoutham8746]

Greetings from Ontario Canada. VE3NCV Gary. I watched your video and got a lot of information from it. I will be building this antenna soon. Thanks for sharing. 73s

[@AE4VJ]

+Gary Southam excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@mycoblue9320]

Yup, I am going to build one for field day or for camping, thanks guys!, 73 from Mark / NQ0A (Moab UT)

[@AE4VJ]

Mycoblue excellent! Let us know how it turns out!

[@shanehean1]

Could you easily convert an existing G5RV? Especially an MFJ commercially made full size G5RV? eg shortening elements etc

[@AE4VJ]

+Shane Hean is the ladderline 450 ohm?

[@shanehean1]

@@AE4VJ Yes 450 Ohm ladderline and uses multistrand non insulated copper for wire elements

[@AE4VJ]

+Shane Hean and only center insulators? No 4:1 balun or anything, right?

[@shanehean1]

@@AE4VJ Correct

[@xray9alpha]

@@shanehean1 Did you convert your MFJ G5RV to this antenna? How does it work? I'm thinking of doing this and at a slight inverted v.

[@vigwelding926]

Just curious, how far in the air were you able to string the antenna. I wasn't able to clearly see the height or tell if it was an inverted antenna from the video.

[@AE4VJ]

It was a bit higher than the length of the ladder line. It was configured as a dipole. Flattop

[@vigwelding926]

@@AE4VJ Thank You for the reply. I was thinking about constructing this antenna and maybe doing an inverted "V" since I don't have any trees around.

[@sonus289]

I have a full size g5rv that a friend gave me that he never used...brand new...i think im gonna try the zs6bkw before winter sets in!!!!.....

[@AE4VJ]

Robert Shine I think that is an excellent idea! Let us know how it works for you.

[@MrDynaflow]

Took your video to heart. Did as you pointed out and I am very pleased with the results. Thank you for making the video. Wi9i

[@AE4VJ]

+George Hinkle thanks for the comment George! Great to hear!

[@andrewevanoff1192]

HI buddy! I just bought a new travel trailer. This may be the antenna I'll use when camping. I prefer to use a copper clad steel, stranded, insulated 18 ga. antenna wire from the Wireman. It's more just durable and will never stretch. It's very hard to see when it's up in the air, thanks to it's non-reflective black insulation. The insulation will never crack either. The THHN wire is made for being pulled through conduits. It's outer clear insulation layer will deteriorate quickly, after UV exposure from the sun.

[@AE4VJ]

Andrew Evanoff very cool!

[@draza-x4b]

can you use 300oh ribbon if you cant get 450 ohm flat line

[@n8sot]

Love it!!!!!!!! One question. My tower is only 35ft. What is the best way to take care of the excess ladder line???? Thanks guys!!!!!

[@AE4VJ]

You don’t want the ladder line right up against the tower anyway as it could react with it. You can pull the ladder line back in an arc opposite of the tower. It doesn’t need to be perfectly straight, but you don’t want it laying on the ground.

[@jgwimmer]

LOL...that 500' roll of #14 AWG is about $70 now.....dang copper!! I was hoping you'd put the dimensions in the section above but I got it.

[@AE4VJ]

Jeff Wimmer Southwire Building Wire Stranded Copper 14 Ga, 1 Conductor 15 Amp 600 V 90 Deg C 500 ' Red www.amazon.com/dp/B0089PYXUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vQ40Cb259KVND

[@BryanHaviland]

about $47 at Lowe's www.lowes.com/pd/southwire-500-ft-14-awg-stranded-blue-copper-thhn-wire-by-the-roll/50149800?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-rpe-_-google-_-lia-_-106-_-electricalcable-_-50149800-_-0&kpid&store_code=663&k_clickID=go_1793722707_69617672072_346785626058_pla-397718858554_m_9012725&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz6PnBRCPARIsANOtCw31-Gmu1Q4ctQ11luaHBkg9dAEe3MqtVfdxNSm-gWLeB6DqwJiM1d8aApDlEALw_wcB

[@MrJkubinski]

How exactly do you go about separating the center and the shield of the coax so that it connects to the ladder line?

[@AE4VJ]

Unbraid the shield and use some heat shrink or tape the hell out of it and put a ring terminal on it. The. You can use a center insulator and some brass screws. That may be a good video to do...prepping the coax for that.

[@normy31]

Hi I know this is an older video, I have a question. This will be my first antenna I ever built, I am wondering why the #14 THHN stranded wire you use has a sheathing? Would you want a bare wire? Please note, I don't know antennas well, just curious! Thanks Jon, W1JJN

[@AE4VJ]

Hi John! There are a couple of reasons for using insulated wire. First, the calculations Andre done with that (slightly different velocity factor) and the other is it will keep the radiator from shorting against trees and other things it may encounter.

[@normy31]

@@AE4VJ thank you Brad!, 73

[@moviestudioland]

@@AE4VJ Thank you. This is very critical and good information for a successful deployment!

[@davidverville2021]

How high is it? will it work as a inverted V? Is the dipole section flat? Do you need the ladder line to drop straight down? Is the radiation pattern similar to a dipole or both depending on the band?

[@AE4VJ]

Others have thought about trying it as an inverted V, but it’s designed as a flat top. This doesn’t mean it will not work. It was up somewhere around 50’. Ladder line doesn’t have to come straight down and the pattern varies per band.

[@jorgevergarasalas]

Buenas noches desde Chile, Por estos lados sólo disponemos de cable 300 ohms. Qué largo recomiendan? Acabo de terminar una de 14.20 metros de largo por lado y 11.10 metros de cinta 300 ohms. No siontaniza en 7 MHZ eb mi IC 7300. Agradezco alguna sugerencia. Good evening from Chile, On these sides we only have 300 ohm cable. What length do you recommend? I just finished one 14.20 meters long per side and 11.10 meters of 300 ohm tape. My IC 7300 does not tune in 7 MHZ. I appreciate any suggestion.

[@TI2GBB]

Helo @AE4VJ Just one question, there is a difference using wire cable insulated? It is necessary to use an insulated cable or we need to peal the cooper wire cable? Thanks from Costa Rica TI2GBB Greg

[@AE4VJ]

I would always use insulated wire you don’t want it snorting against trees, leaves etc.

[@TI2GBB]

@@AE4VJ Perfect, thanks for the advice!

[@AE4VJ]

Glad to help!

[@jessi_cakesssroblox7563]

what did you get with swr mid band every band on your analyser ?

[@AlGritzmacher]

Forget the nuts and bolts at the center insulator. Burndy split-bolt connectors all the way!

[@willgilliam9053]

the problem with being a HAM in the southwest of the USA... we don't have what you call trees, people hate towers, and Mesquite doesn't grow that tall. Do you guys have any ideas for magnetic loops?

[@AE4VJ]

Will Gilliam Marc and I were just having lunch and discussing the next few projects. I think magnetic loops is a good topic. Can’t promise when, but I think it should be on the list. These type of comments and exactly what we need so thank you for that!

[@willgilliam9053]

​@@AE4VJ sucks having to be portable. Moved in next to a AM radio station, became a HAM. Felt the suck. HF antennas that are man portable from 160-40m. Even if i can only squeeze a 1000 Hz of bandwidth out of it, Its useful for the digital HAM :D 73

[@djamalbendaoud5325]

Hi, guys I had the zs6bkw for years and it worked well on all those bands you mentionned . It was up on a metal post of about 10 m or so up the roof. But I had to put it down as the post didn’t stand a strong wind and then went on a loop antenna for upper band and a g5rv/ junior for 30 and 40 and even some portion of 80m . I’d be very interested to try the shortened version of the zs6bkw ( I mean the G0GSF antenna). Vy 73 de 7X5AV

[@AE4VJ]

+DJAMAL BENDAOUD excellent post! the G0GSF video will go live tomorrow. Marc and I modified the ZS6BKW to test and shoot the footage. We also have an interview with G0GSF in that video. It’s about an hour long but there is a lot of info in it.

[@JosephLorentzen]

I am wondering if 15 meters could not be added to ZS6BKW by using the fan fold like principal. Just adding second element with each leg being 11 feet 2 inches or as tuned with its interaction with the normal ZS6BKW.

[@bentrotor4917]

I am going to make this but will on,y be able to get it about 28-30 feet high in the middle. The two ends will be about 12 feet high. Is that going to make it a poor setup.

[@DJChrisArgueta]

South Carolina looks beautiful. Love the video. I will build this antenna. 73

[@AE4VJ]

+Chris Argueta KI6AMK excellent! Thanks for taking a look. You may be interested in the G0GSF antenna as well.

[@johnkemas7344]

Too much messing around with both coax and ladder line for me. I just use a dipole cut to what ever band I want to be the lowest frequency I want to use, IE 40M or 80M , then run ladder line to a small "Balanced" match box I built with 1:1 Balun or standard match box, one with a 4:1 Balun inside. (1:1) Balun better for a true balanced tuner) Tunes any band easily that is at the cut frequency or above. It's call a Doublet and works great. I use for POTA activations where I don'r have to worry about running the balanced feed line into houses etc. I'm sure this variation works to and doesn't require a balanced tuner, so it is simpler in some ways , and nice video!

[@AE4VJ]

The zs6bkw is in the doublet family

[@AE4VJ]

Thanks for taking a view and your comments.

[@billlamm4688]

I have a challenging lot I am putting up an off center fed dipole (because that is where the trees are) I am thinking of using a matching window line like this antenna.. thank you for the current balun idea.. wondering if using your lengths but off center at 20 (ish) % would work? Let the fun of testing begin 😀

[@AE4VJ]

+Bill Lamm I’m all for experimenting. You may want to take a look at the G0GSF antenna. It’s designed by the same guy and requires half the space. If you have y’all enough trees, it may be a good option. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6rTq6imjs1mq9k

[@claudem.p.7969]

VERY NICE. Is it like having one wire to the left, one to the right and at the center point continue to the rig the left and right wires with a spacing of 3.5 inches so no need for an insulator at the top or a connection with a coax ? you have two wires that comes in the shack to an external tuner and use the balanced line connector. Am I on the right track or in nowhere land. 73 VA2SOB Claude

[@AE4VJ]

+Claude M. P. The vertical line is 450ohm ladder line that is the matching section. There is a center insulator at the top and bottom of the matching section to provide strain relief to the connections and to keep them from getting twisted and shorting.

[@martygibson8656]

HI guys, sorry no pics of the 3D printed centre support yet. coming soon. Can you tell me what success youve had on 80m? my tuner is struggling. Any ideas? thanks vk5vz

[@zs1we325]

No doubt about this antenna. The Zs6bkw is amazing. You wont be sorry, best bang for buck you can get. Zs1we

[@AE4VJ]

Thanks for the comment Brandon!

[@welder8309]

Can the feed Point connection be soldered instead of bolted together will it affect the SWR or anyting

[@AE4VJ]

It sure can, but it’s a good idea to have some strain relief.

[@welder8309]

Thanks for the info

[@w4mkh]

Does the ladder line have to be free hanging vertically or can some of it be laying on the ground? I'm not sure I can get the feed point 40+ feet in the air.

[@AE4VJ]

You don’t want it laying on the ground, but you can pull it back into a slope if you need to. That’s how I used mine.

[@w4mkh]

@@AE4VJ OKay. Thanks. That will help.

[@MaverickFlyBoy622]

Question about Radiating Wires. I seen you tied them around string at the ends and also looped/tied them at the center insulator. Did you measure it before you tie them or did you make that strait part in between the ties 46.8'? I thought tying the radiating wire like that would mess up something...Weather it be electrically or radiation pattern wise.

[@AE4VJ]

+Austin DeMarr tut little bit shouldn’t matter. I would go a few inches longer on the far ends where you secure it to the rope.

[@randyreynolds986]

Is a 4:1 balun necessary and how many turns of 4" coax to use for choke? 6 maybe?

[@AE4VJ]

No balun needed. We recommend at least 6 turns at 6”. If you have the coax, maybe do 10 turns at 10”

[@34813ctr]

I enjoyed your video - I have a question for you - I operate an icom 751A - at present I am using a sg239 tuner - I operate afair bit on 80m but as I listened to your comments it appears that it needs to be tuned on 80m - so here is the question - can I attach the coax to my antenna tuner and use my tuner to tune when 80 m and when operating on the other bands ie 20, 40 and 10 just bypass the tuner. Your thoughts are much appreciated Burt

[@AE4VJ]

Yes. You can leave the tuner in-line

[@34813ctr]

@@AE4VJ thank you for replying to my message

[@DavidVine-DOCVIDPRO]

Thanks for the heads up on this design.

[@tommycheshire5508]

How high was the antenna up? N4KBM. How long would a 10-40 meters be and how long would the twin lead be?

[@AE4VJ]

It was about 40’ or so.

[@robertjackson3856]

Can the antenna be scaled down by a factor of two? I don't have any 45' trees. Hopefully scaling by two would result in a 20 meter and up multi band antenna with some use on 40 meters maybe with a tuner.

[@AE4VJ]

Robert Jackson you’ll loose a couple of other bands if you do. Most likely 17 & 12. There are a lot of articles online so feel free to experiment. That’s part of the hobby

[@marctarplee503]

It can be scaled down. If you reduce the flat top to 45’11” and shorten the matching section to 19’8”, you should wind up with an antenna that has low SWR on 20m, 10m and the bottom of 6m and 2m. There are much better ways to get out on 2m, but the antenna could be a lot of fun to use during an Es opening on 6m. 73 N4UFP

[@mixxndj]

I have a ZS6BKW in an in inverted V configuration & I am pretty happy with it. What would you say is the optimal height at the apex ?

[@Vfoust]

As high as possible

[@beeline717171]

Would this antenna yield any results in a garden at ground level?? I don't have any trees and can't put one on the house

[@AE4VJ]

Not optimal. You may be better with a self supporting vertical.

[@beeline717171]

@@AE4VJ ok thanks

[@DL6UK]

Hi there, we are also advised to stay in here in Germany. As the last storm damaged my HF vertica I have now time to build and put up a ZS6BKW JUNIOR antenna. The horizontal length is 14.2m. I´m not sure if what I found out about the vertical feeding line. I read that it is 12,2m. To me it seems to be far too long. Do you have any information about the dimensions? Otherwise I´d go for a half size g5rv antenna. Thanks!

[@AE4VJ]

www.mpoweruk.com/papers/MaakToe.pdf Here’s the article from RADCOM