Chalk Line Antenna Reel - Best Wire Antenna Hack I Have Ever Used! EFHW, Dipoles, and More.

[@Kevin-tt5wt]

I'd spray paint about 6" of line different colors where your bands are most resonant. ORANGE/17M BLUE 20/M etc

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

That's a great idea!

[@Bdub1952]

Thank you for your ideas. I just completed a kite reel antenna, holding an 84' end fed, using a cheap kite reel I found on Amazon. Works a treat.

[@AlvinMcManus]

Good idea. So good in fact someone is already marketing it! Still cool.There are some really big chalk-line reels in the construction biz. Some the size of a small football.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Yeah I realize somebody else was marketing it when I talked about it last week on the video where I showcased the product that their marketing

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

That is a good idea. I remember seeing clothes line winders (kind you get for camping) and thinking, I could use that for an antenna. Despite using chalkines for DIY, this idea never occurred to me 😂.

[@JeffCowan]

Wait, if the dog has really pointy-up ears, can you just use those for your winder?

[@WECB640]

Dude, you get some corrugated metal as a spinning background behind you and put on a real hard stutter, and you've got a classic Max Headroom impersonation. LOL!!!

[@KarlWitsman]

Funny! But beware... if you think radio gear is expensive, a wife is much more expensive. Ha ha!

[@1979Iceman]

Awesome video! I love the idea about having 2 for a dipole 😊 I’m with you on the over thinking things lol. You kept it simple and elegant, love it! Now I need to go buy a few more spools lol.

[@Barty.Crowell]

One thing I've heard of with this setup is to remove a little insulation *about* where it's resonant and use an alligator clip to connect from the transformer to the antenna

[@mrkopecky]

I used 28 gauge. I broke it quite easily. At perfect EFHW length. If/when I break it again. I’ll pick up some 22 or 24.

[@Barty.Crowell]

First video of yours I've been and my first thought is the ham version of Explosions&Fire. Subscribed!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I need to check this guy out! 🤣 thanks

[@batica81]

I've seen a ham use this in the field, it works really well.

[@Aimsport-video]

Great for tunable counterpoise as well.

[@enginedave]

Tape measure would work too

[@ryankc9oza118]

Glad it worked out. Great easy project

[@kb8m203]

Nice job. Been wondering bour doing something similar, now i need to give it a try.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Sound like it worked like a charm! 73!

[@deankq4adj125]

Wonderful video Dude!

[@PalmettoflyerSC]

Love your videos and your T-shirt. Are you in the Charleston, SC area or just a vacation trip?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I just love visiting sle of Palms, Charleston etc. I feel like a trip is in order soon ( i need a new shirt)

[@503Nick]

Good morning!

[@KN4VA]

With 30 gauge wire, what would be the reasonable max SSB power one might expect to use? I am assume QRP levels like 20w or less, but I am not sure.

[@Jody_VE5SAR]

I was going to suggest adding computerized motor control to the winder for remote/auto tuning... but no... go find a wife instead! 🙂

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Haha. You know, I thought about it recently as I have a motor sitting in my garage. Winter project!

[@happydog4929]

Thanks

[@byd3k157]

Thanks for posting! I just built my Irwin special. Do I still add chalk? 73;s and Happy New Year! Hope to see you at Hamcation.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Adding chalk would be a mess, but also, would leave your mark...... So it's your choice, no extra dB. No hamcation for me. Have fun!

[@KuehncIncorporated]

You'll need a bigger balun for a "wife"

[@ronrico2620]

When you can't cast a baitcaster so you tell everyone the zebco is the best fishing pole

[@DanielFlores-K7PKB]

How do you connect the wire in the winder to the transceiver? Thanks for the video.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

A ring adapter at the end of the wire onto my efrw post. I'll get a quick video out next week. Or a alligator clip. Cheers

[@knightwolf1872]

What are you using for the hitch mount & pole? Would like to do something like that with my truck.

[@LB0FI]

Less than eight minutes?

[@k2cjbradio]

Great hack! 73 de Chris K2CJB

[@therandomwire1]

I thought you GOT on KZbin to find a wife 😅. So I'm guessing that leaving wire on the winder makes a coil. How much does that coil make a difference vs straight wire? Sounds like another video, right after you find a partner. Chuck's gonna be pissed.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

You should make some and sell them.

[@enginedave]

Someone already does. Real POTA-ble EFHW antenna

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

I'd rather buy from here ! , ;)

[@poseypapusdiazfamily4630]

A wife has to be chosen super carefully and upgrades cost way too much later.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

hmm. Interesting. Thanks for the advice.

[@j.d.-alawyerexplains5064]

As to the wife…choose carefully!😊

[@revbikerbigd8664]

What did you use 9-1 ,49-1 , 4-1 ????

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I've used them all.

[@revbikerbigd8664]

@@HAMRADIODUDE in this video, what did you use??? 49:1 ?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

at 5:14, it shows a 9:1 unun. So I will assume that. Cheers@@revbikerbigd8664

[@patring620]

96 feet for 17m, because moar wire for better fars!

[@westreamlive2u826]

I used that same chalk line winder 20 years ago. My idea was stolen

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I created the chalk line in 1742

[@ae4xo]

Yeah but a wife will prevent pota time mostly

[@timmiesloan9850]

I don't think you should look for a wife. You want a YL. They don't complain as much when you buy radios..hi hi

[@larrygrigar3793]

*****