HAM RADIO Lowest Cost High Performance HF Antenna - You Can Make!

Here is an antenna system you can make for very little outlay. Versatile, Multi-Ban performance. Easily handles 100W SSB and requires no external ATU. Bend it and squeeze it into your QTH.
Web Site
hamradiostore.co.uk

[@d.jensen5153]

You were the guy who motivated me to make an EFHW antenna. With it I raised Adelaide, Australia using 200 mW. That truly made me a believer! Many thanks!

[@lambertpga]

Sir, my best wishes for 2022 and thank you so much for all your very great videos. I really love this one where you show how to make, step by step, a balun. It is the first video that shows me how to make a balun. Previously I did not dare to start fears to do it wrong. Thank You Again. 73's Lambert

[@watersstanton]

Happy new year! Yes it is pretty easy. Technically this is an UnUn which means "unbalanced to unbalanced." That is, coax to end fed wire *half wave in this case). 73 Peter.

[@anthonypeet474]

I'd like to see a few more videos like the one you just did Peter. Really enjoyed it and newbies like me can understand it 😁

[@watersstanton]

More to come! 73 Peter

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

Very good - I'm at this stage for experimenting further in the attic. :) Great timing. Thanks again!

[@watersstanton]

Good luck! 73 Peter

[@mikemiles3068]

Great video and I just coached my good friend through building his very first 49/1 and he loves it, I probably have made 25 or 30 over the past 50 years. 73. KV5P

[@watersstanton]

Great to hear your wok in helping others. 73 Peter

[@stuartvaughan8599]

Great video Peter. I've just moved to a smaller house. Built a cabin shack at the bottom of my small garden so this could be ideal. 73 - Stuart M7SFV

[@watersstanton]

Hi Stuart. Hooe yiu get on the air with this great antenna. 73 Peter.

[@txfotog]

Your opening statement about giving back to the hobby has just won a bell click from me! (I already subscribed a few weeks ago). I got hooked on several of your great videos while doing a search for EFHW antennas. I'm relatively new to HF and I am shopping for an HF rig and need to get ideas for antennas. Your videos are very helpful. So I will put your channel on my list for go-to, trustworthy information without having the latest & greatest equipment constantly thrown at me. Those channels have their place, but sometimes I could use some simple, straightforward information that you provide. Thanks & 73! Michael-WA5AZQ

[@raydavidsonm0ray.777]

Hi Peter, Many thanks for doing a "Project" video. I wish that you would do more Projects, as it seems that most of the videos that you make are mainly about products that you sell, (I suppose naturally since you own a shop through which you sell them) or use at home. However, I particularly enjoyed THIS video. It would have been nice to see the project from inside the box too, but hey, I guess the inside of the box should be easy enough for most of us to work out for ourselves, LOL. I was actually thinking more about brand new people to the hobby & those studying for their foundation license rather than myself & other experienced constructors'. Another project idea for a future or next video that I would like to see, is the construction of a "Line Isolator", of the type used in OCFD Aerials' & some of the various types of Centre Fed Aerials/Antennas which also use a Line Isolator of the type that look like a long plastic tube with the SO239 at the bottom, & the lugs at the top, one each side of the housing tube. I, and possibly many others would love to see exactly what is inside of those Line Isolators, and how to make one up for myself. Once again Peter, Many Thanks for a Great Useful Project video. Kind Regards, Ray, M0RAY. Kent.

[@watersstanton]

Hi Ray, as I explained at tge beginning of the video, I try to create a balance between priduvts and general styff. Thanks for yiur support. 73 Peter.

[@che59v]

It is so good to see hands on video again, as modern hams we are spoiled rotten with great radios and technology that is well priced. we still remember building our first DSB transceiver from scraps, and dealing with FRQ shift when ever the temp changed. Anyway, have a great new year and thanks again for making a great video.

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks. Great memories. 73 Peter

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thanks for the video Peter and I'm glad that you are going to keep a good hobby/commercial balance to your videos. As someone who has spent a working life in press and advertising, I know how counter-productive adver-torials can be. Don't know if you are familiar with Steve Ellington's work on end fed half wave antennas; he has done some experiments with traps for various bands which may be of interest to you.

[@watersstanton]

Thanks for watching and for the info. 73 Peter

[@junkseed]

Oh what do I see, a lovely Wavestate in the background? :) Thanks for the video! I got my HAREC yesterday and I am really a newbie and had my first QSO today. Greetings from Berlin Germany. 73 de Ingo DM5DK

[@watersstanton]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching. 73 Peter

[@tomkortoian3964]

Excellent Video ... Basic 1/2 half wave End-Fed for my small backyard may just be the way to go and can be somewhat hidden along my fence and even bent around the corners of the fence. Thank you for the great tutorials and educating us newbie hams! 73!! VE3FIO

[@watersstanton]

Sounds like a plan.

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

Great stuff , very interesting . Thanks Peter 👍

[@watersstanton]

Glad you enjoyed it. 73 Peter

[@XXXJAB]

What a brilliant video Peter. I can’t wait to give this a try. I have some very fine insulated copper wire which would be easily held vertical with a small helium filled balloon. I loved the 1972 journal with comparisons for today. Thank you, Jim

[@watersstanton]

Thanks Jim. Like yout antenna idea. 73 Peter

[@mariannevanoostenbrugge3541]

thnks for your great video's, i am starting again after many years and will do exam next month for my N licence, Nice starters project, this transformer, Most things i already have , except the capacitors, to put an internet order out for just two capacitors wouldn't be very economical, that's why i thought to use a piece of rg28 as capacitor, since this cable has a nice capacitance of 100 pF/meter , but then i did not understand the purpose of the C, since the whole transformer is fed with coax and therefore already capacitive .

[@geoieify]

I really enjoy your videos. I’ve been inactive on HF for several years and just recently getting back into it. Bought an icom 7300. And made a telescoping vertical antenna. So I appreciate your help. Got my first ham license in 1959. Would enjoy a QSO. 73s W0BAM

[@watersstanton]

Wow, that is great news. Welcome back! Take it easy, sit back, and enjoy yourself. 73 Peter.

[@nigelbrooks6756]

Great video and great approach , thanks

[@watersstanton]

Glad it was helpful! 73 Peter

[@pasixty6510]

Great video again. After having built quite a lot of 49:1 transformers on 240-43 cores, this was the first instructions in years to give me some new ideas of how to build them. …By the way, you can even build them without soldering. I use enamelled wire, twist the first two turns and tap there, all wire ends (incl. the twisted) are sanded off and go into insulated screw terminals. There’s enough space for the coax and the capacitor(s). Screw down firmly and there you go. Also your configuration could be made solderless, if you wire-wrap the tap… o.k., guys no more excuses. Build it. 73 from Germany 👋🏻

[@watersstanton]

Great to hear from you and the info. Take care. 73 Peter

[@maurasmith-mitsky762]

Showing how to make a 49:1 unum was a big help to me. I am intimidated to work with little electronic parts, being a novice. Now I have an idea of what to do.

[@watersstanton]

Glad to help. 73 Peter

[@puritanjc]

thanks for another excellent video

[@rene0]

The discipline it takes to have a pen, almost empty, in perfect condition and never chewed on.

[@watersstanton]

Er……. was tge ret of tge video OK? .

[@danielsteele7544]

Dear friend U really sparked my historical interest when u gave us that wonderful report on the spys that were caught by MI5.wonder if u could somtime talk about the radios used in the famous Lancaster Bomber There arnt many like u still kicking out there.I think it would be good for Radio legacy.U have a Knack for and i think a love for the radios that won the battle of Great Britann.Greetings from Lake Station Indiana USA.We love u here.D Steele KD9MSF.May the God that I know,the Lord Jesus Christ bless u and keep u and cause his face to shine upon u.Thanks for teaching me so much .

[@watersstanton]

Hi Daniel. Lovely wirds and very much appreciated. I have one if thise Lancaster radios in my garage. As a young lad I could not afford one. It works on the medium wave band but really needs some work to be done on it. Take care. 73 Peter.

[@jamesgoacher1606]

Thank you. It is refreshing to see your build of the UnUn. I am not sure when I took my RAE possiblty a little later than '71 and I believe that SSB was very new and Heathkit was very much around at the time.

[@hubercats]

Thanks again, Peter! - Jim (KK7CSC)

[@watersstanton]

YOU ARE WELCOME. 73 Peter

[@ehayes5217]

Love ur channel! 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸 dit dit 🤓

[@watersstanton]

Nice to hear from you. Been to Dayton about twenty times in the oast. 73 Peter.

[@ronjoseph7973]

I’m currently using a ZS6BKW in a small 30’x50’ garden 20’ high as an inverted V sloper that works OK. The reason is I live in an antenna restricted neighborhood. I’ve found a way to put up a 10-40 EFHW about 35’ in the tree and then over the ridge of the house dropping it into the attic where it couples to the transformer. The coax then goes through a small hole in the closet and then to my transceiver. The problem I was faced was finding a quality 49:1 unun. It’s very difficult and time consuming to find components and in the end it’s less expensive to buy one. I located some poorly made generic Chinese units but wanted a LDG. The only place I could find one was at your store. The shipping was as much as the unit but still came out to less than $75 USD. We are going to have some roofing work done this fall and at 72, my XYL refuses to let me get on the roof. I’m going to have the roofing company install it instead. I’m going to use and antenna switch to go from the ZS6 which is oriented N-S to the EFHW which will be E-W. I’ll give you my report as soon as I get the project completed. I’m just glad your company had the LDG transformer in stock. Also, I’ve heard some say a line isolator or choke balun in series is a good idea to minimize common mode current. I’m currently using a LDG 1:1 current balun on my ZS6 and it seems to work reasonably well. KC5RJL Houston, Texas

[@watersstanton]

Hi Ron, great to hear from you and glad the 49:1 worked out OK. Hope rge roof work goes well and sound advice from the KYL!

[@ehayes5217]

I don't believe this is a "new" video, but it's still great info!

[@watersstanton]

Well it didn't exist last week!!

[@ehayes5217]

@@watersstanton Gosh, well it looked familiar, but I'm obviously wrong☹️Sincerest apologies to u Sir & best 73!🇺🇸

[@markramsay6399]

Great video Peter. Mark, 2E0

[@watersstanton]

Thanks 👍 Take care Mark. 73 Peter

[@MrURA1986]

Great video. I have a AH-4 150' end fed antenna and was going to add a vertical dual band antenna with ground radals from DX Engineering. Its about 43' that I can lower. I'm in a HOA. Do you think this is a good choice? Thanks

[@user-yt7cg8kf9z]

good video, We can certainly have fun making a balun for up to 100W power output. However, for high-power transmission, it is advisable to thoroughly learn and understand baluns designed for such purposes or to purchase them from reputable companies, sometimes it might be dangerous. - G7UNF

[@watersstanton]

Yes 11KW of RF can generate a potent voltage at the end of an EFHW!

[@RobB_VK6ES]

Just to be crystal clear the manufacturers name of the core is Fair rite. Another popular name you may find is Amidon which is where the 240 size designation originates. As to the chosen capacitors note the 3kV rating and when connected in series as shown here the capacitance reduces to half but the voltage rating of the combination doubles to 6kV which is important for a half wave end-fed because the ends of the radiator will have high voltage applied.

[@watersstanton]

Yes yiu are correct on all points. 73 Peter

[@tixilx]

Yet another really beneficial presentation - Thanks ☘️

[@watersstanton]

So nice of you

[@davidc5027]

A little more expensive, but is a "all band antenna", the random loop antenna fed with ladder line. The part that adds expense is the tuner and 4:1 balun.

[@watersstanton]

Yes agreed, or maybe the classic doublet, but again with a big additional cosr. Thanks for sharing. 73 Peter

[@robertallbright]

Excellent brings back many memories 73 Robert G3RCE

[@watersstanton]

Yes indeed. 73 Peter

[@g0fvt]

Although I have historically spent a significant amount of money in the shop it is good that your video content is independent. Those FT240-43 ferrites have nearly doubled in price over the last few years, possibly the high demand....

[@watersstanton]

You are right, they have gone up a lot. However, it still makes a cost effective alternative to build your own. 73 Peter.

[@g0fvt]

@@watersstanton very true Peter, I would advise anyone to be careful where they buy them though, as you know not all cores were created equal. Of course it is possible to check them with a VNA or some antenna analysers.

[@davem0udb]

hamgoodies sell what they say as fair-rite cores at reasonable prices.

[@watersstanton]

oK thanks 73 Peter

[@charlesm127]

Yes I’ve bought some from there, they seem good to me

[@brianard3796]

I noticed , in videos by others on the transformer ..the first 2 turns have been two wires instead of one .. May I ask , why do you do only one wire the first two turns ? Any particular reason ? The wire you use ...Any particular reason ? I am returning to ham radio , never built one ( unun ).. Although I'm using a 40m efhw.. I look forward to hear your reply...! 73 , Brian K4ARD

[@theoview]

Fantastisch Peter, is het mogelijk een verticale draad antenne te maken met de EFHW . Bijvoorbeeld 20 meter draad langs een fiber telescopische hengel… dankuwel , 73 Theo

[@robinbrown7019]

The best on you tube.

[@watersstanton]

Thanks.

[@cowboy6591]

Color me confused!! It looks like you tapped the THIRD winding of the coil Seeing as though we count the "Passes Through the Core" or do you count the outside windings, that would be two for sure.

[@ouijim]

Thank You. Noticed some evaluation on KZbin about using 3 tap primary with 21 turns "tightly" wound wire (no crossover) (49:1) or 24 turns (64:1) having better efficiency? I assume smaller toroid core was used FT-140-43 - Hoping someone with proper test equipment will take measurement ; )

[@watersstanton]

I did try some other combinations but this example gave the best performance in terms of wide band coverage. I could get superb results on the LF bands, but at the expense of the upper HF performance. Thanks for your contribution. 73 Peter.

[@RobB_VK6ES]

Size of core is directly related to power handling capacity. The 240 or 2.4 inch OD is good for at a few hundred W PEP so is a good choice for the power restricted beginner and still have capacity when upgrading to a more senior license. The 43 mix favours the bands below 14 MHz and given the current solar cycle this is where you will find most usage.

[@TheLjh73]

Would a counterpoise be necessary?

[@radiotec76]

I've built two of these already. I used 1 Amidon FT140-43 core and two FT240-43 cores superglued together because I want the 49:1 transformer to handle more power just in case I may need it. The two FT240-43 core 49:1 transformer should have more than enough capacity for my power needs. I put two 220 pF 16 KV rated capacitors in series from the primary center conductor to ground. Yes 32 KV is overkill but it should be totally safe with any power level.

[@watersstanton]

Thanks fir sharing. Two cores will certainly handle higher power but niUot maximum US power.

[@digitalmediafan]

Really good guide but I am wondering what do I search for re the box or case you show at the end ?

[@watersstanton]

I got mne from RS Components on-line shop. 73 Peter

[@digitalmediafan]

@@watersstanton thanks yes I know but I wondered what the part no was but I've found a similar one. Obviously the so239 and banana plug you have to add yourself ?

[@raydavidsonm0ray.777]

Hi again Peter, I've been reading the other peoples comments & I've noticed mention of 64{1 ununs as well. Could you please throw some light on these as to the advantages/disadvantages of the use of 64:1 types please Peter. Also your opinion on the correct windings. I can only assume that the pattern/cross over is the same type of configuration as the 49:1 unun.?? ? ? Please would you correct me if I am wrong about this. As I am also an instructor, I would not want to be giving the wrong advice to students wishing to make and use what they have built for themselves. Many Thanks for some great practical educating Videos. 73 Ray.

[@watersstanton]

Some users claim a better match. I have always used 49:1

[@andrewchurchley5705]

Thank you Peter. Could you please tell us why the secondary is split across the core? It's been puzzling me for years!

[@watersstanton]

To avoid self resonance and other possible issues. 73 Peter

[@lomgshorts3]

Teaching antenna fundamentals to new Hams is a worthy aspiration. If Hams understand how an antenna works, then their choices will be very superior. The choices they make can be many, perhaps just a random length, or maybe a very involved rhombic (if they have the real estate to set it on). You carry all the ingredients for horizontal or verticle antennas? Good! Thank You for this video, those that learn from it will thank you also. 73's de W4FJF.

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks for sharing. 73 Peter

[@redfonzie21]

I've got a question. Regarding that radio you show at the end of this video, are those still able to be purchased? Or has that bit of controversy with Russia taken those off the market for current availability?

[@watersstanton]

They are NOT made shipped from Russia. Check our websire.

[@redfonzie21]

@@watersstanton You said the shipment had left Russia... So that's why I asked.

[@phils2180]

@@redfonzie21 I believe they have moved production to the UAE.

[@javierbiaggi3072]

Thanks for your generosity sharing so much information. By the way I love the watercolor airplanes that hang here and there in your home will you share some stories of them; did you painted them?

[@watersstanton]

You are so welcome! No I am not a painter. Just fascinated by aircraft. 73 Peter

[@javierbiaggi3072]

@@watersstanton i Weiss I could paint. But how proper radio is a kinde of air-craft. Since a child I was fascinated with radio, it was and is a magical wonder!

[@buddhistsympathizer1136]

Thank you for the information, Peter. With this antenna, no counterpoise or earth is needed? You don't include any connection in the details. Thank you

[@watersstanton]

You don't need a counterpoise/

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Hi Peter. With respect to stand alone 13vdc power supplies is the negative 13vdc output connected to the mains input earth. Or is it double insulated. ? I am using a 49:1 balun whereby the outer coax is earthed via the balun and grounding rod in soil. If I connect a voltmeter from ground rod to mains earth there is a voltage present. If I connect ground rod to mains earth it sparks as current is flowing. No radio or power supply connected. So I am assuming I have a bad house earth. So I will start disconnected one at a time appliances in the house. No trips are tripping. Have you encountered this problem. Cheers from old George

[@watersstanton]

Hi George., sounds as if your RF earth is OK. As for AC mains, you really need a qualified electrician to determine if you have a problem.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

@@watersstanton Thanks for the reply. Yep a good electrician is the only solution I can think of. Cheers from old George

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Hi Peter are you able to answer the question related to Ham Radio 12V power suppliers. Does the negative 12v from the power supply connect to earth on the mains plug via the case or should I contact Waters and Stanton directly. It's important on some stations so multiple earth paths are not made. Cheers from old George

[@phils2180]

I've also made a couple of these. Wickes do some small IP rated electrical junction boxes which are perfect for this and they're cheap and durable. I'm hoping the TX-500 will become available again soon.

[@jamesstytle5258]

You said to solder the tap onto the second turn, but it looks to me like it’s on the third turn (if each time the wire goes into the center of the toroid is a turn). What am I misunderstanding?

[@watersstanton]

I think if you follow the wire round you will actually count 2.25 turns. Just follow the illustration. 73 Peter

[@jamesstytle5258]

@@watersstanton Thank you! I appreciate your videos and look forward to watching them and learning.

[@danny_mixmandan_james]

Hi Peter - interesting about the long wire - I’m moving into a terrace house that has a metal roof and metal awning … what would you suggest on a budget as nowhere to put my G5RV or CP6S. Plan on using 80,40 and 10m. Thanks. Dan

[@watersstanton]

Dan, as you give no detaiks of space I can’t really answer the question. But I always favour an end-fed half wave. I fear 80m might be a challenge though. You will need to consider bending a wire around the back yard. 73 Peter.

[@danny_mixmandan_james]

@@watersstanton Hi Peter - the terrace house is about 4.5m wide. There’s no garden. At the back there’s a small walkway with a wall between the terrace houses and the units next to us. Out the front there’s an awning that just about covers a car length with a metal corrugated roof and a driveway for access. I don’t think the G5RV will work due to the amount of metal plus there’s a Body Corporate who make the rules living there so would need something stealthy. I was thinking of running the G5RV in the gutter but water and close proximity of the metal roof would cause no-end of issues. I magnetic loop might work if I could find one that wasn’t QRP and inexpensive. I do have a home-made one I was given but never been able to tune it in an anything. Thanks. Dan

[@TheArtofEngineering]

I have voice and sound envy!!!!

[@watersstanton]

Thanks/

[@mikebohemia1947]

Věry interesting thanks. Why are half the windings wound in the opposite direction? 73.

[@watersstanton]

It tends to avoid sekf resonance and other issues. 73 Peter

[@mikebohemia1947]

@@watersstanton thanks Peter. I love your videos. 73 and good health. Mike ok8msw

[@edb.793]

Which dipole should I put in my attic? End fed half wave for 40M? 40M Windom? Trap dipole?

[@watersstanton]

They will all work if you have the space. I would favour the EFHW. 73 Peter

[@TheLjh73]

Would a counterpoise be necessary? I really want to make one of these for myself

[@TheLjh73]

And might I also add, You sir, are the most awesome teacher. Love your method.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice............................

[@watersstanton]

Thanks

[@madcarew5168]

If I use an atu do I still need an unun? Thanks.73

[@rolnas21]

ATU usually cannot much EFHW antennas, but manual L tuner with enough L and C could much EFHW with less loss

[@watersstanton]

If the ATU can match it - no. BUT you can end up with some RF problems and tuning can be very twitchy. I personally would much prefer an UnUn. 73 Peter.

[@timg5tm941]

The only concern I have with your multi trap design is that any traps within the vicinity of the middle third of the longer wavelength can, to some degree, blunt the high current region kicking out most of the rf. For that reason a 15m trap with a 20m Efhw tends to be near that “danger” area, less so a 17m trap. A 10m trap is similarly an issue with a 20m Efhw. 10/12, 15/17, 12/15, 17/20 are the better combinations.

[@watersstanton]

The added small inductance will reduce bandwidth, but not efficiency. Check out the position of traps in a tri-band Yagi.

[@Daniel-M7BCE]

Isn't that how the Hustler BT-4,5 and 6 work?

[@watersstanton]

Hi Daniel. The Hustler models are quarter wave antennas but the trap operation is the same. 73 Peter

[@revbikerbigd8664]

Wear safety glasses when winding wire!

[@62chevrolet]

Superb! De Kk7bcs 73

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks. 73 Peter

[@stephenwalters9891]

I like your easy listening music, Peter. G7VFY

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks. 73 Peter