ARRL End Fed Antenna Build - Ham Radio

#YTHF21
In this video, we build the ARRL / HF-Kits End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) Antenna.
www.arrl.org/end-fed-half-wave...
www.hfkits.com/build-instruct...
Check out TheSmokinApe Merch Shop: shop.spreadshirt.com/thesmoki...
Please consider supporting TheSmokinApe Channel on Patreon Here: / thesmokinape
Links to products in the video: www.amazon.com/shop/TheSmokinApe
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check out my Antenna Playlist: • Antenna Playlist
Check out my NanoVNA Playlist:
• NanoVNA Playlist
If you liked this video you can see more like it here:
/ thesmokinape
You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram:
/ thesmokinape
/ thesmokinape
Thanks,
TheSmokinApe

[@don_n5skt]

Just got mine built following the instructions. Thanks for the clear, concise video, Ape

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Don, glad it was helpful 👍

[@grantbutcher5455]

Just got my kit today, will definitely be reviewing your video AGAIN on build day. Well done and thank you!!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Grant, hope the video helps 👍

[@colcarlmiss]

Great instructional video, pls make more. You are very good at it!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thats the plan. I have a few other build videos in my Antenna Playlist. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@jsa310]

Great idea to share the before/after resistor. Thank you for sharing! Great video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching!

[@ohaya1]

Really good, thanks for sharing, love the pacing of this demo

[@TheSmokinApe]

Tha is Ohaya, glad you liked it 👍

[@Jim.Hummel]

Superb! I really appreciate the pace at which you covered everything and your explanations of why something is or is not needed. Not only is this project appropriate for new Hams, but it would also be useful for all classes and experience levels and it looks like this would last a long time. Well done!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the feedback Jim, glad you liked the video 👍

[@WoodyPhillips]

Have one of these for field days. Works amazingly well.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, I've been happy with it as well. Thanks for watching Woody 👍

[@mikeburke7652]

Great video. I just ordered one of these earlier today and am looking forward to the build. Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with it Mike, it's a fun build 👍

[@billcrow5403]

Going to let my students build this antenna in class this semester. Great video, I'll be saving it!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Bill, glad the video is helpful!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Excellent build video Ape! I built one of these a few weeks ago and wish I had this video as a reference when I did.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Rob, they did a really good job with this kit.

[@winsorro]

Thank you for doing this video! I assembled my HF Kits 250w EFHW today, and without your video I would have struggled. It was a great project.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I still use this antenna, glad the video was helpful 👍

[@lovinglife3675]

Hey Ape , this build tutorial was smokin !!!! just what the Dr ordered … thanks a million and looking fwd to building this way… regards from Adelaide Aust. 🙏

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey LL, glad it was helpful 👍

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Nice job…enjoyed the build and post-diagnostics.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for checking it out Frank

[@packrat2569]

You’ve taken the mystery out of doing a build, I will give it a try. Great video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with it Packrat, it's a fun project 👍

[@packrat2569]

@@TheSmokinApe In spite of my mistakes, it hasn't turned out too bad (Just don't look at it!). I have it hung and I'm getting good signals on all bands but 10 meter. I haven't trimmed it yet so I think that should help. I could use some pointers on using the cheapest NanoVNA to check it out if you have any recommendations. Thanks again.

[@billpowell5931]

An excellent video! Very nicely presented. Everything seems pretty straight forward. I may have to add one of these to my travel trailer packing list so I can get on the air while on the road. And Winter Field Day... Hmmmm. Price sure seems right too. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks William, glad you liked the video!

[@raymondlewis2055]

Excellent!!! Best video on youtube showing unum build. Thanks and 73, AA4EZ

[@TheSmokinApe]

Wow, thanks!

[@trig6712]

Good ,job and from experience the End Fed Half Wave is an Excellent Aerial ..

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Trig, I really like that antenna 👍

[@davidwilcox9110]

A great training video. Will recommend it to all the new hams I am Elmering. End fed antennas just fit better in many shack arrangements to get started in ham radio on the HF bands.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey David, you are correct in that they are very versatile and have many mounting options. Thanks for checking out the video 👍

[@homeralbufera7068]

Clear and informative explanation.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Homer 👍

[@barrykery1175]

That was really a great informative video. You spelled it out in simple easy to understand terms. Well done. Barry, KU3X

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Barry, glad you liked it 👍

[@jeff-73]

Thanks for the vid. It helped with my own custom build.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome jj, glad it was helpful 👍

[@johnstrome7173]

Great job, I built one of these according to the plan but using parts that I sourced separately and was having trouble tuning. I went back and reworked it after watching your video and bingo. Please keep the videos coming

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey John, glad it was helpful. No plans to slow down on the videos, thanks for watching 👍

[@joejoslyn9745]

Great step by step, this kit looks great. It really opens it up, lets you see how and where all toroid wraps are going, to really help understand antennae theory. Oh, and props to you for actually doing what your video title says. So tired of muddling through titles, with no real talkin the video about the actual title of the video! Well done!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Joe, glad you liked the video 👍

[@thork0tjt515]

Great job Smoke! I’m gonna give this kit a try! 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, glad you liked it 👍

[@johnbauman4005]

Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks John!

[@yakovrokhlin316]

I built this kit and took it to a POTA park on a sunny day. I was amazed by this antenna performance. I could work SSB with Alaska and Azores. Both 40 and 20 meter bands have 1.2 : 1 SWR reading. I am very satisfied. Thank you for your instructional video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That's awesome, thanks for checking the video out Yakov

[@brentjohnson6654]

I just got one in the mail. I ordered through the ARRL. Now I want to build it when I get back from my trip. I fly out tomorrow. I hope to take this portable once I get it setup. Thanks for the video. I ordered it since you made it look so easy. Haha. Jk. I am not afraid of solder so it should be good. I will drive up on another trip and bringing this and assorted stuff to do portable from the lake cabin. Might as well since we won’t be able to afford gas at the marina. Al the best! 73!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with the build, I have been using this as my main antenna for over a year.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@TheSmokinApe good to hear. I will initially try it out at the qth and then take it portable.

[@dovpauzner5093]

Well done !

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks 🙏

[@kennethblackwell1137]

Well done, thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Ken!

[@DavidHead-W4WLC]

Well I ordered the kit and I finished up around 7PM tonight. I used your KZbin video and the instructions from HF Kits. It isn't as pretty as yours was as I have fat fingers and getting wires to their correct location in the correct length for me was a bugger bear. Anyway I got it up at about 8 ft at the box and at about 6 ft at the other end with some droop in the middle. SWR was really good across the bands, even the ones it isn't designed for. Tomorrow I will get it up properly... Thanks again for the videos you make. de W4WLC

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thats awesome man, glad you hear it's working out for you 👍

[@WilliamParmley]

Cool! Thank you!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks William, glad you liked it 👍

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Awesome video, very cool build!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man 👍

[@jonwestdal69]

Thanks for the videos Ape, they're all very helpful. I've been using this EFHF for awhile now and it works quite well. Early last summer my wife and I got to our dirt in New Mexico and I hurried to get the antenna up. Checked it out with my VNA (thanks for your videos on how to use a VNA) and the SWR was out on 20 meters, nothing my tuner couldn't handle. Over the summer I made a contact in Venezuela (20 meters) and New Zealand (15 Meters). The snow started flying at 7k feet in NM so time to pack up the RV and head somewhere warmer. Imagine my surprise when I disconnected the EFHW and discovered I had the antenna connected to the lug for the counterpoise and of course the counterpoise connected to the lug for the antenna. So my antenna was laying in the dirt, and yet it worked.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha, you are not the first person to do that! Glad to hear it’s working out for you 👍

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"So my antenna was laying in the dirt, and yet it worked." What is not much discussed is that the counterpoise IS as much antenna as anything else in this rig. In fact, the feedline going to the UNUN is also part of the antenna unless your counterpoise exactly balances the antenna (or vice versa in your case). In other words, it is a transformer and really doesn't make a difference which end is the "antenna" and which end is the counterpoise. Problems are likely if you don't use a counterpoise. You still have one whether you realize it; the coax feedline becomes the counterpoise, and maybe your body!

[@deanheckman908]

I absolutely loved your video! Just as a side note, instead of drilling out the balun top cover. Put a bit of pressure on those screws, so they self tap. It makes it so the screws become captive. Great video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the tip Dean, glad you liked the video!

[@bondubasher]

This was an excellent piece of work, much appreciated..73s Dusty G7TFZ

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Dusty, glad you liked it!

[@KO4VNX]

Actually doing the build was a great teaching tool.... I made one of these (not with a kit) by hand and I really, really wish I had seen this video first! Also, your tests with the resistor and showing the difference that the capacitor made, and your explanation of why the SWR line would look much different using a real antenna was spot-on!!! I also have to be honest... this kit looks a lot easier than me doing it all from scratch when I was building one. I'll buy a couple of these kits as backup!

[@KO4VNX]

And dude, I need to send you a traeger....

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah man, this was a decent kit that was easy to assemble. Glad you liked the video, thanks for watching bro

[@andrewdeweerd461]

Man I like your cadence. Keep it up.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Andrew 👍

[@HammockRadio]

Great video Ape. I was just looking into doin one of these myself!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, it was a fun project build 👍

[@antonioliriololi]

3:48 Gracias por compartir tan valisosa información!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Antonio 👍

[@Robbbbooo]

Excellent presentation. I am going to buy the kit now. I think I will crimp on another length of wire to make it suitable for 80M as well.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with the build Rob, it was a fun project 👍

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Ape, You did a great job on the build. Enjoyed watching the video. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Don, be safe bud 👍

[@mikemiles3068]

Good video❗️so good I just watched it for the third time and just ordered it from the AARL but it did go up to $69.00✅

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, let me know how it turns out 👍

[@NN3RP]

You could have bought the parts separately instead of a kit....much, much less than $69. I did a research based on the parts list of the kit and bought enough for building several....all parts are almost here. 73 es happy new year...Rafael / NN3RP

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Great job 👏

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, it's a pretty easy kit build 👍

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

@@TheSmokinApe I'm embarrassed to say it's an antenna I've never built, just never had the need. I do now though as a backup antenna for my 10m Spiderbeam pole.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@MM0OPXFieldRadio I primarily use End Fed wire antennas due to my HOA so I’ve done a few different builds

[@robertgarrett7628]

Nice build. First note, some instructions show winding clockwise others counter clockwise. Flipping toroid over may make wires better align with terminals. Next item is that drilling cover holes is not needed. Screws run through cover before assembling to box become “captive hardware” so they don’t get lost later.

[@hooterfivesix]

I wish I had watched this before building my ARRL EFHW. The video I watched and the instructions were not as clear. Good job!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey HFS, thanks for the comment I’m glad you liked the video 👍

[@davidnicholson8887]

Good video. I used it for reference when I assembled my antenna. Two suggestions. If you examine the (4) screws for the cover, you will see they have a shoulder. You screw them into the cover and at a certain point they will “pop” through. The screws are now trapped onto the cover and will not fall out when you remove the cover. The second suggestion may be classified as overkill. I lightly grease the gasket with Molykote. This is a non-petroleum based grease that helps waterproof the seal.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice, thanks for the info David 👍

[@AnglinTexas]

I just got mine built this morning and came here to make the same comment about the lid screws. Day late and a dollar short. My Nano gets here in a couple days. I’ll test it out and see how I did.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Great video man. Informative and entertaining. #YTHF21 #TeamReplay for the win!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RobB_VK6ES]

For fast efficient soldering you want a tip that has the best heat transfer rate for the size of the task. The small conical tip you have here is OK-ish for fine work but the shape almost ensures the contact area is minimal and therefore has an inferior heat transfer rate. By switching to a chisel point or truncated cone and using the flat face of the tip you will greatly increase contact area and consequently the heat transfer rate. A rapid heating has at least two advantages, the flux is less likely to fully boil off and less total heat is introduced into the component.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man 👍

[@AlvinMcManus]

Thanks for the video it will help with my building of this kit. I just received it in the mail yesterday it will be my first build as a ham. BTW...It has increased in price by $20 since this video. Hello inflation. Hey, You crimp just fine. I just use a different tool is all. Same results.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with the build 👍

[@AlvinMcManus]

@@TheSmokinApe I was wondering about using different antenna wire than what comes with the kit. Specifically THNN 14AWG Stranded Copper by Cerro Wire. I have a fresh spool of it to construct a BBTD whole house ALE antenna. This would work on the EFHW too I would think and it is a bit stronger and heavier than the wire in the kit. What do you think? Better, worse, no change, or WTH?

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@AlvinMcManus should work just fine, you may need to adjust the length as you tune but it would be fine.

[@rudyackerman5747]

Just finished building this kit. I bench tested it with an Nano VNA H4 to check the SWR readings. When running the scan from a computer with the NanoVNA software, my SWR readings were higher then when I just ran it from the Nano VNA it's self. Scanning from 6.9mhz - 30mhz (no cap) through the computer interface I got SWR readings of 1.4 (6.9mhz) up to 6.57 (30mhz) unplugging the computer those same readings dropped to 1.4 - 4.6. With the cap soldered in they were 1.3 - 2.43 on the computer, and 1.25 - 1.75 on the Nano VNA its self. I Calibrated the Nano VNA it self, plus ran the calibration from the software as well. The only change was just plugging the Nano VNA in to the computer with a USB cable. In any case I'm happy with it. I will be at the BVARC POTA @ Galveston Island event this Sunday and hope to tune the wire length there. Thanks for the Videos

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Rudy. I have never seen a variation like that, you can delete the calibration and apply a new one to see if that helps.

[@jeffreycanipe1936]

Great presentation skills. I like the way you progress, not to quickly, so those of us who have never done this can understand it.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the feedback Jeffery, glad you liked the video 👍

[@ManuelPinner]

These are good for Hams that live in HOA,

[@TheSmokinApe]

They sure are, thanks Manuel 👍

[@danev1969]

This is the antenna I plane to use with the restricted space I have. Thanks for the excellent demonstration. 73, KJ7YBK

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Dan, glad you liked the video 👍

[@HamRadioOutlet]

Great video! Nice clear directions.They bumped up the price to $69.95 however.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks HRO, glad you liked the video 👍

[@richarde735]

@22:30 damn that’s a HUGE microphone!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha

[@rtoledo2]

can't sleep listening to 20 meters playing mr. critic below

[@yugbe]

I purchased this kit 13 months ago, built it, and left it outside for 12 months. Yes, sounds dumb, but I wanted to see just how it performed as a permanent fixture. When I cracked it open, there was a minute amount of humidity build up. I had to use a paper towel to wipe it up, and it was just a little damp. Take it for what it is, for a year in the Frisco TX weather, i cant complain. It has been an effective antenna. When I solder crimp connecters I use my anderson connector crimpers, as I love how they crimp, and I hold the soldering iron tip under the connector and heat it until the solder melts and wicks inside the crimp area. To me it ensures that the entire connector is hot enough to bond to the solder. I don't think there is any issue with your method, just sharing mine. :) 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Guy, glad to hear it's holding up for you. Mine has been up since I made that video, almost two years ago. I was thinking about cracking it open and taking a look around. You may have convinced me that it's time!

[@yugbe]

@@TheSmokinApe awesome! I wish I had taken pictures or video myself.

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@brettwicker5114]

Awesome video! Your picture of your house is beautiful, grass so green, sun so happy. That Sun MUST have clicked Like and Subscribe, cause that will make you happy. After building the ACK EFHW I instantly wanted to build one that would handle full power 100w from my shack and BAM here comes APE with another, let me show you that video! Thanks Ape! -YVY

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, this was an easy kit that had all the dang parts 👍

[@stacyadiaz]

I think I'm going to buy and build this antenna just for the experience...maybe use it for POTA. I have no antenna building experience but this video and the ARRL instructions look easy to follow. I was a bit discouraged with the hard-core hams bashing this kit...it's only $79 and no, I can't build one for $10 because I don't have 90 percent of the material needed lying around. Another ham wrote an extensive, in-depth post on QRZ explaining how he improved on the antenna. I don't have an EE degree and he went way too in depth with the article from me to comprehend.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It’s a good kit that will teach you about antennas and I still use mine to this day. Good luck with the build 👍

[@benjaminyoung3489]

Very nicely done my man. This looks like a very nice kit and I really like that I have to build it myself. I was wondering if this will work with my 20w rig?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Benjamin, thanks for watching the video... this would have no problem on 20w.

[@LubbockDawg]

THANK YOU for this video. I just bought the kit and your walking us through it will help a lot!! Question - do you lose much with 100 ft of RG8x, and with the window pass-through?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it, I do have some losses but it’s nothing I’m worried about 👍

[@DonzLockz]

Good video Mr Ape. I like the explanations while you build it. In the graphic with you and your house, you have the antenna going over your house, I'm guessing it not a metal roof. My roof is metal so I don't think that's an option for me unless I go much higher.🤔

[@TheSmokinApe]

No metal, thanks for checking it out Don 👍

[@AlvinMcManus]

Once again a great video. You are so calming and soothing. No drama I like it. Did you ever figure out what the element wire was made of? I am building that same kit tomorrow so I was reviewing the steps when I heard to comment you made about the element wire. So, didya?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Pretty sure it's AL, but not certain. I did have to trim it often because it would stretch 👍

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

Any plans on doing video on new RF Exposure Rules? Very nice video, even if you are not a DIY person this you would be able to do.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have been thinking about it 🤔

[@michanoymark2109]

Hi beautiful work! What projection length did you reach at the end? And have you tried grounding? Is radials? Thanks

[@dennissteinerd1548]

Excellent, Excellent video. Just bough one. Your soldering technique is just fine. I would trash the cheap crimp tool however and get something more comensurate with your level of talent and knowledge. Like a Klein perhaps. 28 bucks on Amazon. Thanksl.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thank for the kind works and for checking out the video.

[@southjersey10]

Very nice demonstration. This is a good project for when I’m house bound. I live in the cold, snowy and icy rain 🥶 north and wonder how well the antenna wire would hold up in those conditions. 🤔

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mark, glad you liked the video. The element wire is pretty thick if that helps.

[@southjersey10]

@@TheSmokinApe Ha! That makes sense 😀

[@ErwinSerle]

Yes, spoel is the Dutch coil indeed ;-)

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome 👍

[@BrianWM8G]

Thanks for the video, Ape. I’m sure I’ll watch it again a few times if I pick the kit up. What program did you use for the artwork for the installation diagram?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Brian, I used Canva 👍

[@dnssigns]

I run a high power version that can handle at least 1000w. About the only difference is I have two toroids stacked and wrapped with the wire. I use 136' of marine wire. No choke or counter poise. My swr is flat 1-1 to a max of 1-1.8 across 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 meters.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s awesome, did you build it or buy?

[@derrick_builds]

Crimpin ant easy yall.... Good build sir.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Derrick, thanks for checking it out 👍

[@BigRed1500LC]

Here is a little tip. Move the counterpoise terminal to the same side of the housing as the driven wire. Attach approx 6 to 8 feet of 450 ohm ladder line. Shorten your main line by the same amount and connect it to the main line of the 450 ohm ladder line. The other conductor of the ladder line terminates in mid air. You then have a built in counterpoise for portable or temporary use. BTW I would recommend you install the 100 pf cap in this configuration. This is a combination of the EFHW and Zeppelin antennas. You will usually find that this makes it totally useable on 6M as well.

[@f.allenrisler5303]

Great job! Have you made a subsequent video which demonstrates the grounding or counterpoise of which you spoke? Also I would like to add something to the backside of the unun to wrap the wire for portable use such as field day or POTA, any suggestions?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Here is one I did on a 9:1 end fed, the same principles apply. Some folks get wire winders from Amazon or 3d print them.

[@oldfartonabmx2122]

I built the hfkits 100 watt version. Recently I opened it up and found a lot of moisture inside, even though I strategically used silicone sealant. It possibly got in through the seal for the box lid, or I'm even wondering if it wicked in through the threads of the bolt the antenna wire mounts on. (I was careful where I put silicone, so I didn't cause any electrical insulating problems). I dried it out then put silicone with the lid seal and more around the wire bolt. (eye bolt and so239 I siliconed well the first time.) It'll be interesting to look again after a bit more rain to see if I stopped it. Nest one I build I'll buy their pressure compensation valve to help.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That pressure valve might be the way to go, thanks for sharing OFOABMX!

[@ericmagnuson4034]

Thanks for the Vid! In a few places, the instructions were confusing. It talked about removing the insulation close to the core??? Still don't understand that part.... Thanks again! K9MGZ

[@richardfryer8646]

.... looking at the info on the net, it would seem to suggest that the T-240-2 toroid iron powder core may be a better mix, providing better efficiencies on the for the higher bands... especially 20 thru 15 and above, with the 43 mix more efficient on 80... 40 meters is a toss-up. I would consider swapping core materials after looking at a couple of videos and some data charts if this antenna is to be primarily to be used on the higher bands... I notice the little QRP guys UNUN antenna, designed for 40 and up I have one, uses a #2 mix core.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

3:49 Notice in the diagram the wires of the primary and secondary are NOT twisted, but the instructions, such as they almost are, say to twist loosely. That puts strain on the wires where they cross each other as you wrap the toroid. So I didn't do that. I laid them parallel on the toroid. It probably isn't a big deal but something to think about. I bought a set of stepped drill bits from Harbor Freight, they work great and make nice big round holes in plastic for the SO239 socket. One thing I didn't do, but should have, is paid more attention to the orientation of the solder pocket when I fastened the so239. I used Locktite to keep the screws from unscrewing. Anyway, solder pockets ended up sideways and that's okay, worse would have been upside down. Looks like you put them in sideways too. 19:45 I allowed the lid screws to be tight, drove them in with a screw-drill. This captures the screws so I don't have to worry (as much) about losing them.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Thomas. I have heard people say that untwisted is better for efficiency, I have never tested that. Good call on the solder pocket, you don't want that upside down.

[@dickstrassburger6950]

Very nice explanation and pacing. Before I begin my build, I am questioning if I should weatherproof the transformer box. Since this is intended for outdoor placement, are there any concerns for moisture penetrating any of the screws or chassis-mount connector? Would a layer of silicone sealant between the case and nut or connector be added assurance or waste of time?

[@TheSmokinApe]

People seem to debate this and some add vents and drill holes at the bottom. One thing that happens is when its cold out and you use this device you will get condensation moisture that will need to escape... I am not really sure what the "right" answer is.

[@davidwilcox9110]

You can solder and crimp these wires because they will be inside the box and not moving or flexing. But if you crimp wires that will be flexing (used outside the box) it reduces the ability of the wire to flex at the edge of the connector and makes a weak point that is going to break before a flexible multi strand wire will. It defeats the purpose of stranded wire. It makes it like a solid piece of wire vs a stranded piece of wire. So soldering a crimp on an antenna wire is asking for trouble. Use stranded and crimp only.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info Dave 👍

[@themasterhammer]

Looks like I need to upgrade from my current Radom Wire HF Antenna

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'm pretty happy with this kit 👍

[@billvincent3726]

Very nice video. Did you know the way you wound the toroid is the inverse of the way they do it in the ARRL instructions? I went with your info.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That probably happened because I am a lefty, work fine though. Good luck with the project Bill!

[@ChrisRomp]

Dang, I didn't even know these were available from ARRL. I just got mine from HF Kits directly but the shipping was a little bit from Amsterdam.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I think this is a new thing that the league is doing 👍

[@Martin_PA0KGB]

Well Chris now you know how we feel in The Netherlands when we order something in the US. shipping costs are high

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

I would have thought about extending the 16:1 UNUN maybe with 6x windings instead of 4 lots of 9 turns, it is possible to have the matching box in the crawl space above the bedrooms and bring the long wire out through a small hole sealed up using a gromit so moisture doesn't come into the crawl space.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'm notmsure about 16:1. Yes you can mount it that way, keep in mind there are very high voltages at the end of the element, you don't want it anywhere someone might touch it 👍

[@phildavis7734]

There was no need to drill out the holes in the lid. Those holes are deliberately tight so that when the screws are forced through they remain captive, if you look carefully at the screws you’ll notice that they are only partially threaded and are waisted closer to the head. The end result is that if you remove the lid the screws don’t drop out and are lost.

[@JimmyShot]

I thought the crossover on a 49:1 was on #8. Eagerly awaiting to see what the deal is

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'm not sure it matters, stay tuned to see what happened 😉

[@JimmyShot]

@@TheSmokinApe I’ve wondered but didn’t have a spare torrid to play with. I await with anticipation!

[@W8ASA]

Suggestion: Turn up your microphone gain to match your intro music. To hear you speak, I have to turn up the volume, only to be blasted by the music.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the feedback Ken

[@jamesgeorge1709]

😅For that much money it should come pre drilled, You did a nice job and can be proud of your skills. 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

That would be great if it was pre-drilled. Thanks James 👍

[@languagetruthandlogic3556]

Great video, thanks for posting. Do you have any info on the best way to deploy this antenna? It claims to use any method but I have found widely varying swr. Is best swr the best propagation. Thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks. I currently have it mounted in a sloping configuration but have done inverted V as well.

[@larrymeans7046]

Great video. One question. I have a ef 9to1 unun. What is the difference between mine and a 49 to 1 unun other than how the torrid is wound. The length of my wire is 71 feet. Thanks again. I enjoy your videos. Easy to understand.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The 49:1 is the impedance ratio, so it can match 2,450 ohms to 50. The 9:1 can match 450 ohms to 50... does that help?

[@anxanywhere]

This is a great video, thanks a lot! I used the same kit and build my 49:1 UnUn following the instructions from HFKits, before watching your video. I wish seeing it before assembling the kit. One think that I like from your video (I struggled a lot with that part) is the fact that you assembled the cable lugs outside the box, allowing easy soldering task, in particular the part that includes condenser legs… oh boy, it was painful doing this inside the box 😓 On my measurements, using a 2k7 resistor, the antenna analyser is showing 1.2 SWR at lower end of the 40m and 1.8 SWR at the higher end of the 10m. Still need to test it with the shorter wire with coil, should I try to improve that higher end of the 10m?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Anx, it sounds like your SWR is pretty good. 10m is going to be a struggle as the band is very wide. If you tune it for ten you may pull it out of “resonance” on 15,20 and 40

[@brentjohnson6654]

Another nice video, Ape. Been thinking of end fed and that means building another wire antenna. I do like it. I am one of those that likes the nanoVNA. Haha. What are your thoughts on EF Random Wire antennas?

[@TheSmokinApe]

My first "real" HF antenna was a Random Wire and I liked it very much, I also have a video on building the EARCHI 9:1 Random Wire that might be helpful. The thing to remember is that you need a tuner with a random which is different than an EFHW, so when you sweep the antenna with the NanoVNA it will not look resonate on all bands. Good luck with the project Brent!

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@TheSmokinApe thanks. I will look up that video. I understand the random being non-harmonic and usually a 9:1 match rather than the EFHW using a 49:1. I also assumed a tuner was required. It is unclear to me how you run an antenna not meant for bans of interest. I will go find your video. You probably explain that.

[@robertmeyer4744]

great build. they see parts ! just box the board for the core the core. I have most everything so just the box and the board for core and they have vents ! all found from your link . still looking for a box for 2 or 3 stack T 240 cores . may try electrical box plastic home depot . them wire clamps I have are the 2 stud ones. Amazon has them. I am going to try a new trick to 49:1 . replacing 100 PF cap with arco mica trimmer. adjustable one. find the best point and put on LCR meter and read PF . just a test . 73's

[@TheSmokinApe]

I need to invest in some of those trimmers, thanks Robert 👍

[@Joe26003]

Awesome video. What version of NanoVNA are you using and does it come with the computer program youa re showing in the video?

[@TheSmokinApe]

It was a NanoVNA H4 and NanoVNA-Saver, I have some videos that might help. Thanks for watching WJ 👍

[@BillCodyColorado]

@@TheSmokinApe What firmware version are you using for your NanoVNA H4?

[@davidbertz3198]

Great video. Just built the same kit and recently purchased a NANO VNA to test it and tune. When you tested it with the 2400 ohm resistor, was there a minimum watt resistor that can be used? I have what I need but they are 1/4 watt. Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

You should be fine with the 1/4W, the VNA won't put out that much power.

[@RC-Heli835]

Awesome video SApe ! I was wondering how you arrived at the resistor for the dummy antenna at 17:15 love how you included the Nano VNA readings on the Transformer before and after adding the resistor as well as SWR sweep later when tuning the antenna length. Did you do a single sweep on the SWR readings? Also for a sweep that wide did you need to calibrate the Nano again? I think the manual always recommends calibrating for any new bandwidths. These antennas are crazy cool! No expensive mast is needed because you can literally set it up on your house or if you have 1 decent tree. Also like the yard pic showing the final setup man! Pics are worth a thousand words. Very good video! I just had watched MOMSN build the same antenna with the loading coil for 80 Meters which is also a great video, love his work as well.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video Blade. I did the resistor that was based off the expected impedance of the antenna. Yes, you should recalibrate or load a saved one when changing sweep frequencies.

[@RC-Heli835]

@@TheSmokinApe I just saw another video of a guy that has a 12V relay coil setup to by pass the 49:1 on his EFHW antenna when he chooses to. That way he can get 160, 60 and 6 Meter on the 130 ft wire alone. Here it is if you get a minute. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJbIaYGqpap4jZY With a tuner could the EFHW be tuned to 11 meter? I run dump trucks and all dump trucks run 11 meter CBs. Sometimes its nice to be able to get a radio check when no other trucks around. I have an 11 meter base setup for that but no Ham yet. I've been learning the Ham stuff because of the need to make the CBs better since my work requires it.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@RC-Heli835 thanks man

[@thomasmaughan4798]

The UNUN is 49 to 1 so you simply multiply the 50 ohm input by 49 for 2450 ohms. However, unless you are super precise, it probably won't be precisely 49 to 1 so any resistor in the general vicinity ought to work (2200 ohms seems to be a common value to test 49:1 unun's).

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@RC-Heli835 "With a tuner could the EFHW be tuned to 11 meter?" It would probably work even without a tuner depending on the radio. Most radios with built-in tuners can cover up to a 3:1 SWR and that's pretty much the entire spectrum. External tuners can typically match up to 10:1 SWR. Where you may get some odd results is that if your antenna is longer than 1/2 wavelength (ie, 5.5 meters in this case) it will have lobes; even stronger in some directions and deep nulls in some directions. If the antenna is vertical the stronger lobes are horizontal and thus excellent for skip; much better than a simple quarter wave vertical. But if your antenna leans or is horizontal then those lobes could create nulls where you don't want them but maybe you don't care and just take whatever you get and call it good. A vertical 5.5 meter antenna will be perfectly omnidirectional and have a bit of gain over a typical quarter wave vertical.

[@charleszimmermann7784]

(Soldering comment) Did it work? Then it was a good soldering job😉 Thanks for the Video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out Charles 👍

[@boscobosco7072]

Try heating the opposite side of the lung and let the solder pull through from one side to the other I think you think you’ll find a much better solder job.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the idea 💡

[@weshawkins7165]

Just found your site a few days ago and wish we had all this training and instruction 35 years ago when I got started. I have a tech license but haven’t been active in years. I just purchased one of these and I have some tall trees I can get this antenna up into. Can it be hung vertically or does it need to angled up? I can probably get it up in tree about 30 ft and string it to another tree at a little higher up or level.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It can be; horizontal, vertical or an inverted L or V. Glad you like the vidoes Wes 👍

[@bobgailhurley46]

Hi Ape. Very nice video! I plan to purchase this kit and use it for POTA activations. I'm still very new and learning, so I have a question. Every activation will be different since every site will be different. If I launch a line up a tree, and hoist the antenna up, the height of the antenna will be different at every activation. Additionally, at some sites I may hang a sloper. At other sites I may do an inverted V. And at still other sites I might run it horizontally. So, what would that do to the SWR, and how do I handle that? Do I cut and trim the antenna at the first activation and just hope for the best after that?

[@thomasmaughan4798]

It will affect the SWR somewhat. Changing the length is not likely to help much BUT you might think about rolling it up a bit. One strategy is to have the near end stripped so you can fasten it to the UNUN at different places rather than trimming the far end. What will happen is capacitance to ground if you are doing inverted V from the end. That capacitance can be compensated by a slightly longer antenna if I remember right.

[@seanpaul5858]

"Crimpin' Ain't Easy" sounds like a t-shirt slogan

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha