It's the REEL DEAL! POTA-ble end fed half wave antenna review

The Reel POTA-ble end fed half wave antenna makes deployment a breeze as it is built into a chalk-string marker. Just reel out and reel in the antenna to your desired frequency. Fully deployed, it is a resonant 40 meter EFHW multiband antenna that also works on 20, 15, and 10 meters without a tuner.
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Chapters
00:00:00 Reel POTA-ble end fed half wave antenna
00:01:50 Looking at the antenna
00:03:37 Deploying the EFHW antenna
00:05:30 Tuning and frequency adjustments
00:07:16 on air test
00:12:57 My thoughts on the Reel POTA-ble antenna
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#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #PortableHamRadio #EFHW #EFHWantenna #portablehamradio #portableantenna #endfedantenna #endfedhalfwave #reelpotableantenna #antennareview #product review

[@joseneves2822]

Maybe one of the best efhw antenna out there The resonant point can be ajusted wherever you want I really like mine ... Very nice antenna

[@ronniet5680]

I used something like this years ago. Was originally called a yoyo vee antenna with two reels used as a dipole and single reel as an end fed antenna . They were made with a portable clothesline reels but people started using chalk reels instead

[@bigguyprepper]

I remember those, a friend had one at field day one year. We had less than stellar results

[@donaldchittenden671]

I have had one now for about 4 months now it is worth the money and very fast to set up. Thank you making the video and the time making the videos. 73

[@toddpolson6024]

I have had one for several months and really like it for portable ops. It is very easy to deploy and you can adjust the length on the fly for SWR. When I have the room to deploy a wire antenna, this is my go-to antenna.

[@caroleemoreno8086]

Just bought one yesterday!

[@thequarantinecatholic]

I have been looking at this antenna for two weeks! Ok I'm going for it!!!!

[@larryjohnson1966]

yes, that sounds like a neat trick having a roll up reel for the antenna. I like that the wire won't get hung up on all the other stuff I carry for the radio setup. Thanks for checking it out for me Michael.

[@ryankc9oza118]

I have 2. Great portable antenna

[@-Mark_F]

Very nice vid. That is an ingenious concept of just unrolling/rolling the antenna wire. Very cool. This would work even in an HMO community as a quick set up/break down antenna. TYFP!

[@jolebole-yt]

Excelent concept for a EFHW antenna. A bit bulky with the box on the back, but again what matters is performance and ease of setup. This one so far has been the easiest to setup I have seen so far. A version 2 of this antenna would be nice to integrate the toroid and the wire spool into a single case. Thanks for sharing your input Michael.

[@tonyd6071]

Out is stock as of 7-17 I’ll have to keep checking

[@thomashardy9994]

I bought an 80-10 EFHW but never put it up because of the long length. This EF easily fits in my yard as a portable using a mast. It satisfies my need to use HF within the constrains of my HOA.

[@spareiChan]

I like the idea of the reel, much like the use of tape measure tuned radial. Not for me personally though. Also TU for the p2p contact on Saturday. The sunburn and allergies were worth getting out and hiking.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm glad to get you in the log. The video from the activation will be released later today.

[@richallcorn]

What are those things in the background at the first of your video? They looked like a jet engine on a tower? Just curious ...

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Those are snow guns. This area is a ski hill in the winter.

[@greadore]

This is my go-to antenna for POTA activation, works great. I use the exact same configuration with a 32’ telescopic painters pole from Home Depot and the same 4’ plastic post. I extend the line all the way out and don’t even check the SWR anymore. Easy to set up and take down and performs well.

[@AnthonyEarl]

This & their choke have been on my to-buy list for a while now. Just ordered since they may become even more popular after this video📡

[@full_metal2452]

The music you have been using in the channel is a nice change 👍

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. It can be tricky to pick music that appeals to a broad audience and fits the tone of the video.

[@kd6hucatmsndotcom]

I've seen this antenna in quite a few videos, but this is the first with a link I've seen 👏

[@gregmalonewa3gm680]

I have had one for an about 6 months b or so. Plays very nice. I do mostly CW so 30w is about the max. I was using 59 W one day and the unit got warm and the SWR STARTED to rise. Brought it back down to 30!W and all was fine. My only complaint is, I wish I could get a little more power out of it in CW, but other than that it worked great

[@joebirdwell5071]

You sold me I’ll order tomorrow! What is a good antenna analyzer like you have or any other one you recommend? Thanks 73s Joe WB9VVH once in Steven Pointski now inTN

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

In this video I was using the full featured RigExpert AA-2000, but it is overkill out in the field (the display does look good on video, though). I actually prefer their smaller Stick-230 when I'm out and I carry it along with me in my portable kit. I've done a review on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX2Yk5huZ6qZobc

[@NamasenITN]

Shortening by wrapping the reel should create an inductance at the feed point. The RF behavior of an inductance might disconnect the feed point from the rest of the wire. Where am I wrong with this reasoning?

[@mcdonald1743]

Don't need it , but i want it. My favorite antenna so far is the super antenna. So portable and you can get the swr perfect.

[@sc20910]

This is awesome. However, I’m concerned about the actual method going on inside the winder, given the wire looks to be insulated. The idea of winding is absolutely brilliant but it’s as if a linked dipole was in use without any metal to metal linking. Any hints of what’s going on?

[@madmoe1]

I love Rib Mountain. Im a bit south and don’t make it up to often, but the Autumn view from that place is breathtaking.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Autumn is amazing on the hill. Rib Mountain is practically in my back yard so it is an easy spot for me to do a Parks on the Air activation.

[@NolanRollo]

This solar cycle is amazing. Handing out 51s like it's candy 😂

[@The3DPrintingWarrant]

Great video. Did you have a choke on your coax?

[@chrissewell1608]

No, just my 🐓

[@davewhite7679]

What was that annoying CW that I briefly heard in the background? 🤣🤣🤣

[@cprendon3]

What is the stake 0:02 that you are using at the feed point in? Looks kind of like a fence post but with a step on lip. Looks ideal for poda. Didn't see a link with your others. Great review.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I neglected to put that in the links. It’s a four foot plastic fence post. You can find them at farm and ranch stores like Tractor Supply Company.

[@bat-fq6nl]

Thanks for the videos, I am considering this one , just to many to decide upon, lol.

[@KD9ZHF]

You did your job. They are sold out!

[@ronki5gnl689]

Still have some black wire antennas on the eBay link

[@joebirdwell5071]

What headphones and mic do you recommend I am looking at a Heil PS7, 5 or 4. Thanks WB9VVH

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've use to have an original Pro-Set and I currently use the BM-17 lightweight headset (review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3OUq2WdbdJjb5I). All of the Heil headsets have great audio and stellar microphones. The Pro-set 7 would be amazing in a high noise environment like Field Day, but I don't think I would want to use it out in the field as it may block out too much background noise, limiting your situational awareness.

[@TheRetrospectVault]

I have the same battery

[@briansalsbery9968]

Thanks for the video. Is there something about the impedance characteristics of the coupling method that precludes cranking the wire in to 1/2 wavelength on the WARC bands to avoid the need for the tuner? de AC7PB

[@K7LZZ]

Great review.... Be careful with your subaru, not sure about yours, but my 2017 Outback would run the battery down holding up the back tailgate over an extended period of time...

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Mines a 2014 and I’ll leave the back open all day long when we are out camping. I don’t have the automatic lift gate like the newer Outbacks have, so maybe that’s the issue

[@nerdinium]

I looked on their web site. Every wire color and both bnc and pl-259 connectors are all sold out. 😢

[@N5BSB]

We have some black wire still available on ebay.

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Great review...bought mine 8 weeks ago and works great in my HOA. Easy up and down ...would diffinately recommend it. Paul K1YOU

[@thomashardy9994]

I use mine in the same situation.

[@Ricapar9x]

Has anyone opened one of these up? I’m curious how they’re connecting in the other end of the wire to the rest of the transformer and the connector inside.

[@N5BSB]

Sorry, that's our IP. I understand everyone would like to know. But this is what makes ours different.

[@kimoclyde]

​@@N5BSB Do you have more in stock and where?

[@chrissewell1608]

Dude!.... Is that a grape arbor behind you? That is awesome looking. 🍇🍷

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes it is. We found a wild grape plant in the garden when we moved into the house and since have supplemented it with a Frontenac vine. It doesn't produce enough to make wine, but we have made the most amazing grape jelly out of the fruit.

[@chrissewell1608]

Lets build one!

[@DK5ONV]

BEAUTIFUL 💯👍

[@evertwenderpirt6328]

Did you say "40%meter band" at 1:22 into the video?

[@wkjagt]

40 through 10

[@k5wxp22]

Since I seem to tangle every single wire and cable that I own, this looks like a nice form factor to keep things tidy. Performance is impressive, too. Great video, as usual. Thanks! 73, Brett K5WXP

[@gregsmith1116]

Cool end-fed antenna!

[@lightingnut]

Looks like they make snow up there

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yep. It’s a ski hill in the winter

[@mcarroll5885]

$120? A ham and his money are soon parted!

[@mysteryham4065]

I like it.

[@TheRetrospectVault]

And you are testing at the bad ground site

[@todddibiasi4215]

Out of stock. Can you trust eBay?

[@ronki5gnl689]

Yes, if you use Michael's link.

[@N5BSB]

Yes the link in the description.

[@todddibiasi4215]

I got it off ebay and its great!

[@mikesmith5139]

Nice video. Thank you. 73

[@Sonicgott]

That looks like a fun toy! I live in an apartment, so something temporary like this is ideal. I could stretch it to a tree 30’ away and see how that works. Thanks for the video! KF0QNM

[@EricFullwood]

Seems kinda gimicky. Kite winders never break. Jus Sayin.

[@forgottenamericana]

Looks like it is in a repurposed chalk snap line carrier.....

[@kmh752]

He says that it is.

[@aa3konthego]

Yes it is. It still has the. Chalk fill sliding g door.

[@flatlandermirrors]

Is that Dave in the background?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes it is. I recorded part of this video the same day we worked on the linked radial video

[@k5wxp22]

He was the one sending code. 😂​@@KB9VBRAntennas

[@joelh1950]

A little over priced I would say !

[@fm71450]

Michael, another very good video - thank you. I am curious about fence post. Any info about name or place to purchase? As always, you are appreciated - KQ4IXD

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The fence posts can be found at a farm and ranch store, like Tractor Supply Company or similar place that sells animal fence supplies.

[@OdieInAz]

Out of stock.

[@ronki5gnl689]

Have 19 black wire antennas on the eBay link

[@CT7ARQ]

Bulky and expensive. There are a spanish 3d printed version mutch more cheaper and lighter.

[@kimoclyde]

Mind sharing? I doubt they're as good as this one, but I'd like to compare.

[@bigwoodssteve8018]

You had to return it? SMH🤣

[@mitchellhemrich]

Man, no kidding. This guy just sold the company 50+ of these things in one video and they're making him send it back!? 😂😂😂

[@N5BSB]

No he doesn't, there are several options for Michael. Including keeping it, a Giveaway for subscribers, and forwarding it to another Ham to review.

[@N5BSB]

​@@mitchellhemrichNo he has multiple options.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Honestly, I'm ok with that. I get a lot of offers to review things (and I turn down more than I actually review). My basement is overflowing and if it helps a boutique company get their name out, it's all good.

[@NolanRollo]

This solar cycle is amazing. Handing out 51s like it's candy 😂