Ham Radio 40/80 Meter Inverted V Dipole Antenna

This ham radio coil-loaded 40 and 80 meter inverted V dipole HF wire antenna is easy to build! Loading coils make this antenna a full size on 40 meters and a shortened 80 meter antenna. A perfect antenna for the ham radio operator with a smaller backyard.
For more information: www.amateurradio.bz/40_80_mete...

[@Lockemeister]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video and to show exactly what you are doing. I has been an immense help to me.

[@pauldallas5019]

This antenna really works! Here's a coil for us in Europe: 40mm diameter PVC former, 1.6mm diameter enamelled copper wire, 176 turns closewound. Works a treat. I got myself an ultra-cheap NanoVNA, which made tuning it a piece of cake. Many thanks to Dave, also to IK1ZOY and I2CN for sharing this great antenna. SV1UI.

[@davidschwartz9636]

Brilliant lesson / tutorial on coil construction and winding Dave, thank you. I'm just finishing my morning coffee, have got my tape measure, and am going to see if in my small garden I've got enough room to have a go at a loaded dipole version of this for 40/80 meters. But even if I don't have enough room for the antenna, what I've learned about coil winding will be a big help with other antenna designs. Regards to you and your family Dave, David (M0XQZ).

[@norbertstepien9185]

Excellent videos. Thanks Dave, I'm in the process of building my 80/40 and your instruction is essential viewing.

[@bbowling4979]

Dave - Another great video. Please keep making them! Quick tip: For a piece of pipe you can wrap a strip of paper around it and trim it so the ends just touch. Fold that strip in half for the mark on the opposite side. Fold it again to divide into quarters. Wrap the strip back around the pipe and make your marks.

[@NeWt0z]

Used this to add 80m to the 40m portion of my fan dipole, worked well. Thanks.

[@warrendraves2153]

Excellent coil making instruction. It gave me the confidence and interest to try this.

[@HowardOchs]

Great video, Dave! Thanks so much for taking the time, this may be my next project. 73, Howard W1HBO

[@Crewdog77]

Dave, you have the best instructional videos going. thank you for putting the effort into it step by step. I have learned so much from you.

[@michaelfrancis4657]

Great video. Thanks for the time and effort you put into it!

[@genebodenberger]

Finally got mine built after about a year and a half just piddling with it. I should swing it in the air tomorrow evening!

[@ColonelK0rn1]

Those are amazing SWR's right out of the workshop!

[@carl-gunnarhillefors7612]

Thorough as usual Dave! All Your projects shine with Your thoroughness!! ENJOY IT TO THE FULL! What contacts you may get! Good Sport! Well done!

[@marshallmjackson9]

Thanks Dave for giving me back my confidence after a few failed projects that cost me good money. Thanks Man: I've got the "Bull" by the horns now..

[@zizobal]

Dave, I do appreciate your technisc for making coils. From now on I will save time and improve my coils. Tnks and 73. PY2CN

[@pauldallas5019]

On 80m, my antenna would drift about 100kHz down when the coils were wet with rain. The problem was solved by putting a larger plastic tube over each coil, supported by plastic struts so it does not touch the coil. Snow is a different story: When snow-covered, the antenna doesn't work at all on 80m, though it remains perfectly useable on 40m. Thankfully, we don't get that much snow here in Greece!

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

OUTSTANDING tutorial!! The entire set-up worked GREAT! Thank you.👍 Instead of urethane, I used a couple of layers of UV-proof electrical tape.

[@DaveTadlock]

Yes! :) Diagrams and pictures are posted on my website. The link is at the top of my KZbin channel and at the end of this video. Thanks for watching and 73!

[@QasimSeeha]

WOW great job Dave !!

[@oh6cn]

Thanks for the video i enjoy watching this i made the coils the same day i had a little bigger size coils so the inductance is now around 150uh

[@berndb.5097]

I have built this type of antenna several times. The diameter of the coils has varied depending on the material available. The only important thing is that the impedance is around 100µH. In my construction proposal the author says that these are traps which due to the design of the antenna the coil have 5pF parallel capacitance. That gives a resonance around 7.1 MHz. 73 Bernd

[@2525trinity]

this is great. Thanks for posting. I've learned a lot from you.

[@jasomeeko]

hi dave these vids are great i am looking around for some old radios and collecting stuff for a antenna .very helpful and detailed.thank you

[@petervillette4002]

Great Video Dave, But love the tunes with it lol. Keep the great work up

[@Michael-nf2yx]

that is a great video. I will be building one of these soon. I do a bunch of wood work..... spar urethane will probably last longer or some marine urethane. The polyurethane is an interior product... but will probably last a long time in this situation. this will be a fun project. I hope mine is as neat as the one you did.

[@DaveTadlock]

@N6WK The 1" loop is for additional capacitance and will lower the SWR by .1

[@DaveTadlock]

@JorahLavin I now have this antenna project added to my web site. I also included a diagram of the coil form for drilling holes. Go to amateurradio.bz then click on "Zed Zed's Antenna Projects." Scroll down and right now it's the second link from the bottom of the page. The stainless steel hardware used to make the coils is as described in the video. See also my "Dipole and Inverted V Antenna Basics" and the "40 Meter Inverted V Antenna - Build, Tune and Test!" videos for more information.

[@KillercatRadio]

Thank you for the video, greetings from New York- KB2GQZ

[@DaveTadlock]

The coils for this antenna really are designed for use from at about 3.650 to 3.700 MHz. The antenna can be tuned higher in frequency by removing 3 to 6 turns from each coil then experiment with the 80 meter length. To work the CW portion make the PVC forms slightly longer and add 6 turns to each coil and adjust the 80 meter length. After watching this video you will be ready to build the 40/80/160 m inverted V. The tri-bander is easier to raise in frequency but a little tricky to tune. 73! :)

[@theodoresears4679]

Thank you for good videos.

[@user-ez2lg1th5s]

another outstanding video ...thanks dave ...73

[@tglenn3121]

Thanks for the video. I'm wondering though, when winding the wire, does each 'turn' need to be in direct contact with the other turns? I mean, will it not work properly if there is a gap between turns? I saw a photo on eHam in which the person used caterpillar grommet to help keep a consistent 'gap' between each turn. So, this is why I'm not sure whether or not the wires need to be touching for it to work properly.

[@RichardLawn]

I followed your helpful construction video exactly and the antenna works perfectly!! Kudos! Now I'm wondering if I can add a 17 meter element? I have a feeling that since it doesn't fall as a harmonic it won't work well. -Rick w2JAZ

[@ON4AEM]

Very interesting Dave.Educational indeed.Enjoyed watching this video.Even in metrical sizes ;-) TNX Regards, Wim.

[@DaveTadlock]

@N6WK In the video I coat the coils with clear polyurethane to help protect the coils. Sometimes the polyurethane will leak past the masking tape and may cause a short or a poor connection. Also, remove the nuts and flat washers from the coils to inspect the magnet wire as a break may be hidden under a flat washer.

[@ea6wu]

thanks for the video !

[@DaveTadlock]

@N6WK BTW, I'm running 800 watts and have not yet had a problem.

[@rammgarr]

Master Tadlock.,what is the best and simple as way to make antenna just for listening the 40meter range frequency's..i am not ham radio operator just a big fan .,i got a pretty good size yard do i need to erect a tower of some kind

[@johnhanson4970]

Hi Dave. I built this dipole system last Winter after passing my General license exam. I just had my 64' DMX tower set up and want to know what you recommend for feed line from dipole to base of tower. My shack is 150 ft from the tower and I have LMR-400-DB buried in conduit. There are so many types of coax and considering the cable is hanging in the wind and such it might need to be more flexible than the more rigid LMR 400.

[@christiandegrassi]

Hi Dave, thank you for the awesome video. I am a newbie and I am trying to build this antenna. I noticed I wound the coils clockwise or opposite to the direction in the video. Does this affect the antenna?

[@gaWalt]

Thanks Dave for your quick response! Sorry, I used your first name. I should have listened to the beginning of the video because you intro yourself as Dave. I'll give those specs a try and let you know the results. Thanks for your help and keep up the great work! Very good details! Gary K2DG Arlington, TX

[@bocatablanco]

Great video, i´m thinking about doing that antenna for my shack! 73´s from EA1IFF

[@tyrionstark5734]

What's a good antenna for 80, 40, 20, and 10 meters?

[@zaperfan]

Great job whats the power handling ? of that wonderful antenna

[@GeoN0JRJ]

Very, very good. I always enjoy your videos and I ALWAYS learn a lot. 73! George, N0JRJ

[@toclose33]

I have a 12 in metal antenia and want to wire it up on a so cone ter how do I do that?

[@norbertstepien9185]

Hi Dave, another excellent video. I am assuming that once the coil is polyurethaned then it will be structurally stable and wires should no longer move, is that correct?

[@cl5ltd]

I would like to build this antenna and had a couple of questions - how critical is the height above ground for the ends of the antenna near the traps? For portable ops I have a 9 meter mast ( 27ft) and tie off points for the antenna ends are not always available and resorting to a steel tent peg in the ground and the ends/traps being quite low to ground. The resonant frequency would need to be more like 3.600 so should 3 or so turns be added? How many meters of 18 AWG magnet wire is needed - seems 200 grams is 30m or .440 pounds. Don't want to run short! A video on fine tuning coils would be great. Thanks for your excellent videos Dave - so well explained in clear terms and even with mm for us that work in metric! If you could host higher resolution version of videos on your site even better.

[@jamesentenman9769]

Dave. Can I use the same measurements and coils on the 40,80, and 160 meter antenna using an end fed setup instead of an inverted V? My coax feed is about 15 feet from my shack, so I would prefer to use it this way. Can't wait to get started. Love your videos. KI7MLM.

[@dkaplan2005]

Dave, Great video! Really great instruction. I Love to make antennas .. just finishing a 6M portable Yagi myself . 73 David, KJ6GLX

[@DaveTadlock]

@N6WK Add w w w to the beginning of it. KZbin will not let me post the actual link. I've also added a link to it on the 40/80 antenna project page on my web site. The other page is mostly pictures but you can probably email the original author, too. The link to my web site is posted on my KZbin Channel.

[@19134ANDY]

Hello and thanks for the video. Question do you recommend a 1.1 balun for this antenna

[@justincase3880]

Dave, do you know the inductive value of your coil (milli or micro Henrys)? .. as I have hundreds of feet of 22 gauge .. since this antenna is end loaded, I’d think the current is not expected to exceed what 22 g can handle ...

[@louisseaman8455]

Going by your descriptions, I figured your trap to be about 125 uH; Would it be fair to say that if 125uH could be achieved with a different size wire, like insulated 12 or 14 AWG, that constructing a trap with the same L would be about right...all other things being equal?

[@litobf1275]

Bravo muy bueno GRACIAS

[@ronvaliant9337]

How about using clear "FLEX SEAL" on the coil to keep the elements off it?

[@themidnightrdr7292]

Thanks for putting these videos up! I am a new Ham and looking for antenna options. Your information had been invaluable. I have a few ??"s.... Will I be able to use the built in (limited) tuner on my FT-450D to cover all of 80? Could this 40/80 dipole be built as a "fan dipole", adding another set of legs for 20 meters as well? I have a vertical up right now that covers 10-17, and would like to find a 20 through 80 solution that works with my rigs built in tuner. 73

[@dgc57]

I would like to know if the fan idea would work also, but with 20M and 10M also.

[@jimchester2423]

Nice job Dave, Thanks again. My Grill rotisserie made this job ALOT easier.

[@MykeNukem]

Excellent tip. Best I've seen. Good thinking!

[@Airel17]

Would plastic dip for weather proofing work to coat the wires? Thanks for making your videos. I subscribed

[@DaveTadlock]

For use at 3.920 to 4.000 MHz remove 7 turns from the coils (71 turns). Make 80m wire length 68-1/2". Mark wire at 10" (attach to coil) and 16" (attach to insulator). Wrap at least 10 turns of wire where attached to insulator and don't trim off the excess. Should be resonate at about 3.980. Tune by unwrapping wire on insulator end letting it hang at a 90 degree angle. Form about a 1" loop in end of wire. Maximum length hanging down is about 3-1/2" from bottom of loop to wire (3.920 MHz).

[@jeanlouisberthault7603]

hello, thanks for sharing, very good job, hello from france

[@DaveTadlock]

@N6WK Check the magnet wire to make sure it did not break when tightening the hardware. Try changing the angle of the antenna elements before taking it down. Check for polyurethane inside the hardware stacks as it may cause a problem and make sure both coils have the same number of turns. It's likely a problem in only one coil. Hope this helps. If you spot the problem then please post it here. 73 :)

[@alejandrolillov.8224]

From what you see in the grid of the notebook the diameter of the PVC would be 2"

[@tommyschales1697]

Anyone tell me, what gauge wire did he use whether it is stranded or solid? Thanks i just watched the video and did not hear what gauge wire to use. not for the coils. W5TGS

[@katmanclancy]

Perhaps you will help me, I have asked others and get,"oh there are loads of diagrams on the internet, or there are a list of measurements on line.. look this is not helpful for me I just want to know at twenty five feet of height how long and how far away from the centre is each leg going to be? Thanks Owen in Ireland!

[@rzimmer1]

awesome videos thanks for sharing. i have a question to ask if you can help me. i want to get a shortwave radio and wanted to know what kind of antenna that can be made to cover most bands in general. any help to me making my own antenna that would be great. i liked and subbed oh i wanted to tell you i am limited to a lot of space.

[@richarde735]

where you been Dave? haven’t seen any new stuff in a long while.

[@edwymer2226]

Dave. Does the wire have to be 18 guage.?

[@creativeprepping]

What about adhesive shrink wrap to seal it?

[@gaWalt]

Paul, Thanks for your video! I'd like to build the coils so they work on the CW end of the bands. How many turns do I use for the coils and what is the length of the pieces of wired added to the end of the coils? Thanks, Gary K2DG

[@petercarty6379]

Dave your class

[@DaveTadlock]

@N6WK This coil is really designed to be used lower in frequency. Try taking one turn off the coil then check the antenna again. It might take removing a couple of turns to get it resonate. I should do a another video for an antenna that works higher in frequency on 80. I'll probably call it the "Breakfast Club Special," hi hi. KZbin is a world wide audience and so this antenna would appeal to many as it is. I also work lower in frequency and my phone limit is no lower than 3.600.

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

You said the formula for the coil is in the manuals. I learned that many years ago (in college), but ... is the permeability of the coil the same as for an air core or does that PVC change it? *73 de AF6AS*

[@kenburdickcpa]

very detailed good work' 73 Ken KB5T

[@JorahLavin]

You have a lot more patience than I do. I'd have that thing on a turning jig pretty quickly. You probably could adapt an old apple peeler for the job in a few minutes.

[@Zajebancije]

Hi, Dave! I love Your work. Have You ever built a G3ZY multiband wire antenna? I am choosing between the three wire multiband fan dipole for 40, 20, (15) and 10 m and a G3ZY type for those bands which seems to be very interesting but I don't have the lengths for the sections. Do You have any information on that? Thank You very much and keep up the good work!! 73!

[@fredshead3956]

Hi Dave, are the specifications for the 7 meg traps same for inverted V as they are for a normal Dipole? Fred in England.

[@althepal6818]

Is there a difference between a coil loaded dipole and a trap dipole?

[@budprepper3811]

can you explain ladderline vs coax for feedline? thnx

[@mikeydvd1]

this is awesome, great video 73s ai1i

[@DirtNerds]

did I calculate wire length correct? 50mm(1.9685") x 78 = 153.543 inches or 12.79525 feet

[@technicaltrack5061]

Whats very confusing about this video & other diagrams all over the internet is that 50mm is NOT 1.5 inches!!!! 50mm is OVER 2inches, 39mm is roughly 1.5” & when making antenna coils having the correct diameter is critical. So which is it, 2inches(50mm) or 1.5inches(39mm)?

[@originalusernamefail]

Hey there, I don't have any 18 gauge wire, which is about 1.02mm, so I am planning on using 1.2mm wire and increasing it to 86 turns, this gives about the same inductance. Can you see any problems in doing this?

[@wx9dx]

How did ya do with the DX window? :)

[@purplemutantas]

I may have to experiment with loading coils for my wire dipole. By the way, a balun is NOT needed on a dipole. My 10 meter aluminum tubing dipole gets good SWR all over the band without a balun. On 28.120, the frequency it's cut for; the swr is 1.3:1. Of course I run QRP power, so that might be a factor in the good SWR. I don't know.

[@mikeve3mkx774]

Great video ! Well done. Can you be so kind to confirm the size of the PVC pipe, you said it was and 1 1/2 Dia then you say it was 48mm dia. 48mm is approx 2". Im assuming you mean 2". Thanks again. Mike

[@technicaltrack5061]

EXACTLY

[@theodoresears4679]

Please help. I am just good cb operator. I am getting intentional qrm from illegal c.b. operations.

[@w9gb]

Performance of 40 meter segment on 15 meters? The O.D. of 1-1/2" schedule 40 gray plastic electrical conduit is 1.90",

[@ct2kiu931]

Hi there, i´m trying this antenna, tuned th 40 meters and when i install the coil, excelente for the 40. how can i tune the 80meters?? thanks in advance. P.S. i need a rapid help if you please, cause i'm bilding this antenna to use in Jota/Joti in the next weekend.

[@marshallmjackson9]

I see in the video that you used 78 turns of # 18 gaguge wire on a 1-1/2 dia. coil form. What is the difference in the number of turns if I use #16 gaguge wire on an 1-1/2 dia. coil form?

[@mynameisnobody5462]

New to this whole antenna building but my question is , the wire wrapped around your coil seems to me that it might be the added length needed to make the 80 meter antenna the length it should be if no coil was installed. Am I wrong in my thinking?

[@berndb.5097]

The coil blocks the rest of the antenna (1,2m) from around 7.1MHz and acts as an extension for the 80m band. You are right :-)

[@HamRadio2008]

I found that taking a digital picture and then blowing it up on the computer is useful for counting turns, I do this for 37-43 ferrite toroids.

[@victormanuelquezadavazquez3907]

Hello Dave 73,may english is bad sorry but ...how many turns are for 80 mts.in your tramp? 78? tanks for your atention,and congratulations for you page¡¡

[@JorahLavin]

@zerozedzed thanks for the reply. I hope to have my tech ticket later this year, and you can count on my return visit to your site and to see your videos. I've already shared this one with my "hams" circle on Google Plus.

[@hossycourt9005]

Very we'll done

[@pisk1780]

Olá Davi é o site que vc tinha com os projetos de antenas tentei o link do vídeo mais não está no ar! Vc tem pág no face Book com aqueles projetos? 73 Brasil 👍

[@rogerodell955]

Dave, so if I want to talk on 3.830 MHz, I would remove a few turns on the coil?

[@berndb.5097]

.....or you have to shorten the 1,2m section.....but removing a view turns is also possible (and the better way....).

[@JorahLavin]

If you have a web site where you could list parts and measurements, you'd make this even more excellent. (I found your site from your profile, but I can't find such lists. Perhaps I just need some direction?)

[@MrDirkhead]

Paul you mentioned 18 gauge wire is that "AWG" or "SWG". Great video by the way. 73 M3ULT

[@kenwood9401]

davxe, is 33"3 1/2 from the end of coil or total wire

[@DaveTadlock]

+jeff morgan That's the length of the element. I started with 35'. That leaves an extra 10" for connecting the feed-point and 10-1/2" for connecting the coil. If you're using wire with insulation that is not as thick as I use then you'll only need 10" to attach the coil. The extra 10" at the feed-point will have some left over that you trim off. Tuning the 80 meter section will affect 40 but only slightly. Tuning 80 is by removing or adding turns to the coil and/or adjusting the length of the 80 meter section. Removing one turn from the coil will raise the antenna by about 40 to 50 KHz on 80. Shortening the 80 meter wire length by one inch will also raise the antenna by about 50 KHz. If you shorten the 80 meter wire length by very much then trim off any extra. Wrap at least 6 turns of wire at the end insulators before trimming. The 40 meter section will go down slightly in frequency if you shorten the 80 meter length. Make the 40 meter length shorter if needed after raising 80 meters. More information on my web site. The link is in the video description. 73

[@DaveTadlock]

@N6WK Here is a link to another version tuned for 3.875: qsl(dot)net/ash_ares/new_page_7(dot)htm and more info on the ASH ARES page.