MFJ-1835 Cobweb antenna review and testing

[@mikeshiking7453]

Been using a cobweb antenna here for a few years now and they work very well, its a full size half wave dipole on each band. Also only about 9ft square so doesn't take up much room so great for small gardens...

[@varoujan78]

Right right, thats the key. each band is a full size no compromise dipole in parallel with each other.only thing the ends are bent to each other which is a plus, they reinforce each others radiation and hence the efficiency.

[@kellytaylor3915]

I thought your presentation was done very well. We see all kinds of Ad's for stuff. However getting out there and putting it together and testing as well as letting other get the scale of these Cobweb antennas. I say good job. Look forward to see what you test next N5STK 73's

[@davecasler]

Nice antenna and nice demonstration.

[@niftyfiftycampingadventure795]

Sold Eric.. Got a 1836H on the way... Thanks for the upload. 73"s HS0ZOU

[@randyterrell4704]

Good video but would have appreciated some information on the 2:1 bandwidth on each band. At the impedance transformation necessary, would expect it to be relatively narrow. Good job!

[@Nobody-ld7mk]

There is a lot to be said about an antenna with low reactance, even at a compromised length. Enjoyable Video, Get the front feet up on that 450 it's driving me nuts.

[@hawkeye454]

Looks like an awesome antenna....might try to get one soon. Thanks for the video

[@n4bc852]

Great video, Eric! Always look forward to a new one. You convinced me with this one ... I ordered a MFJ-1835 today. I'd been sitting on the fence, trying to decide ... 73 de Dick N4BC

[@dannyfivefifty]

The MFJ 1835 cobweb antenna is fantastic, however when securing all of the nuts and bolts, I used guerrilla construction adhesive in a small tube. For $200 you cannot beat this antenna, I've work more DX with it then I can mention it is affixed to a 10 foot mast on my back deck, and when I first put it up I didn't think I was going to receive any signals. Given it a shot, and you will not be surprised.

[@digitalmediafan]

What about noise level ? I get s6 of it with a long wire on 20m

[@gillugo2073]

That is great...read on e-ham, that someone has used it on 40 meters, which is great...good luck with the new antenna, and may you have many dx contacts...73, de K2YNY

[@VE3IPS]

great video on how to build it and its on my Dayton list

[@the_original_jt]

Nice video. I plan on getting one of these ASAP.

[@vonzigle]

Did you find that the horizontal polarization helped with power line noise, etc.?

[@gillugo2073]

Thnx for the clarification UFO

[@gillugo2073]

GREAT VIDEO..I WILL BE ADDING THE 1835H TO MY COLLECTION..I READ THAT ONE HAM USES IT ALSO ON 40 METERS

[@HamRadioConcepts]

GIL LUGO I will tell u 2 nights ago I was receiving 40 m on that cobweb at s9 but the same station was only s5 on the vertical, that was without tuning the cobweb but it sure does receive well

[@uforover3596]

I posted at eHam that I am using the MAST that my Cobweb is mounted on as a vertical on 40m. The cobweb is just adding a bit of top hat loading. I know that one ham said he is able to tune his up on 80 & 40m, but I would have my doubts about how well it would work on those bands even with a tuner. Just because you can get something to load up with an antenna tuner does not mean it will work efficiently. A lot of the power will be changed to heat before ever reaching the antenna.

[@varoujan78]

Looks like a loop but Its not a loop. its open in the middle. It is dipole ends bent towards each other. No gain but hi efficiency because of current coupling at the centers and voltage coupling at the extremeties. same principle as the hex beam or Moxon beam or the VK2ABQ rectangle.

[@digitalboomer]

Looks good, I'm looking at the MFJ-1838 which includes 40m, plus I can hang my laundry out to dry as well! ;-)

[@brandonray4682]

Do you like that antenna? how the swr? hows the TX/RX?

[@francismcclaughry3794]

I liked that . I have the big gap and i.m sure the cob web is not as expensive. I have a low take off the gap. right now I 'm have antenna problem to. I can't seem to keep a table end on the cable. I waiting for new cable ends from Amazon they are expensive I know that much thanks for Video for one it cost me five dollars to get them delivered and before I could go out to the brick and moter store , and get the ends and all I had to do is drive to the store.

[@radiolinux45]

The Cobweb Aerial was invented by Steve Web G3TPW

[@karlkaukis4445]

Eric - I appreciate the wind but am not going to bare with your. Not my style. Regardless, great review on an antenna concept that I for sure am going to use with my station. Am in between antenna construction projects and the cobweb is perfect for the fill. Thanks for the info.

[@W-733_KWX]

Awesome videos, thanks for sharing :) Soon relocating to Canada, so we'll maybe have a QSO someday :) 73 and HNY 2018 from ha7wx Chris

[@WB4GQA]

When listening on SSB, you should be using "slow AGC" instead of fast. Much better receive audio on slow AGC. Good video!

[@briand9513]

I disagree in a contest situation like he was in. When big qrm signals come in from the sides, the AGC will destroy a weak signal if he's trying to copy them. In a ragchew, however, slow agc for sure.

[@StreuB1]

Great video Eric, thank you!! Too bad it doesn't have 40m but that would add a lot of size. For the bands its got, how easy it is to assemble and put up and how compact it is; seems like its a no-brainer. I think I will be making a purchase...I think this fits my needs to a T. Thanks again and 73!

[@kevinhellar6854]

Nice video.. you are right under that electrical transformer on the pole....wondering how that affects your performance

[@radioweaksignalwork7610]

Great Review!!! Thanks

[@keiths7929]

Since when is SWR checked on the SSB mode? I would have used FM instead.

[@brianmartin7964]

What is the over all width? I am limited on space to put it up/down.

[@davidcappello]

Nice video!

[@jkruse1151]

What is the total radius of the antenna end to end, and how does it hold up in bad weather?

[@aaronmiller112]

I'm fixin to buy this antenna. Would it work better on my 30 foot tower or my 70 foot tower? I'm curious of the angle of radiation and what would happen if I mounted it on each tower?

[@JayNearnberg]

Do you think I would be able to assemble the cobweb in an attic - a an HOA community? WB2MKX

[@HamRadioConcepts]

im afraid unless you have an attic with more than 12 feet it probably wont fit

[@ionogramjuliusruh4178]

Nice video thank you. At the end of the video you mention to compare the cobweb with the hygain av-680. Is this still on your todo list ? Wonder what the 2:1 bandwidth is of those two antennas. 73

[@vincentmckever5210]

How about stacking 2 of these puppies? .....N6OA/4

[@geewhizwhatdiduexpect4666]

It's a flattened out Hex beam.

[@joekrepps]

Hey! Followed you over from Calum's video on some guy who could only manage a 6' height off the ground for his cobweb. What height did you decide would work best for this antenna?

[@StreuB1]

Yes!

[@KB6YAF]

Thanks for this video. Say, has anyone tried to extend this antenna with some lightweight fiberglass rods in the ends, enough to add 40m?? One would probably have to mount the antenna in such a way that the mast could stick up a couple of feet past the center platee, then add some poly rope to the ends to support it better.

[@varoujan78]

A 40 m version wouldnt be too big, spreaders would be 13 ft instead of 6.5 ft and weight could go up to 17-18lbs not too shabby..center plate should be beefed up too. I am thinking of doing that in October, its too dog gone hot in this center Cal valley to do anything. 90 degrees at 10pm!

[@gilbreathca]

Those center plates look square. How wide are they? Seem to be about 8" to 12" square by my guesstimate.

[@cyelinek]

Good Evening Sir. I am wondering how much that antenna cost you and if you know of plans to be able to build it. I am in rural Canada on a corner lot in a small town a long way from radio stores and I am a visually impaired amature radio operator.

[@davidkreinberg1690]

Hi. I just purchased a MFJ-1835. Thank you very much for making this video of the setup. I'm having trouble tuning this antenna and was hoping for some help/advise. I noticed that your wire elements have soldered eyelets on the tuning end where they attach to the insulators. My wire kits only had the soldered eyelets on one end (which I attached to the balun box), but the other end was just unterminated wire that I attach around the screw/nut arrangement for adjusting while tuning. I was wondering - did your wire kits come with terminators on both ends, or did you solder the terminators to the free ends? I think adding the eyelets would assist in tuning at the insulator point, as your video shows. I am having a difficult time getting the SWR down into a decent range on every band except 20M. That has no problem getting down to about 1.4 in the CW portion where I'm shooting for. The others range in the high 2's to 3's and I can't get them any lower. I've opened up the balun box just to see if all looks well in there. All solder connections are nice - no cold joints visible. The construction went together quite well in about 2 hours total. Tuning is another matter. I have the whole assembly on a tripod at 6-7 feet off the ground, as you show. I'm using a Rig Expert AA-54 to assist with the tuning. Any help you can give would be most appreciated! Thanks. 73 de Dave W5ABM

[@Mark300win]

David Kreinberg were u able to fix the problem?

[@shawnwegner1906]

How. Tight should I tighten to

[@stater3]

Does anyone know if the cobweb will work in a valley location?

[@varoujan78]

No problem, valley or mountain. If the soil under it contains minerals, its better for radiation. I know that from the days I had a Cubical Quad.Actually the Cob Web looks like half a Quad.

[@stater3]

OK good to hear that. I Was wondering about the radiation pattern to make it out. Also you mentioned about soil condition. Maybe a radial system at the bottom would be the same?

[@stater3]

OK good to hear that. I Was wondering about the radiation pattern to make it out. Also you mentioned about soil condition. Maybe a radial system at the bottom would be the same?

[@Isszarya]

Should be twin speaker wire single wire is a no no

[@ralph9987]

Same as spyder beam?

[@shawnwegner1906]

Do you. Hav the. Clamps backwards

[@douglasfelsenthal3544]

WA0RSD Whats your recommend as qrp Do we have enough radiation resistance

[@KO4L_Lloyd]

Dude, NOticed the power lines appear close to your setup. Be careful when raising them. Especially the vertical. Dont want it in the fall zone .

[@davidhook7528]

Eric, are you familiar with the RH-DX1020 SpiderDXMan Antenna? I just found it on Radiohausamerica.com but can't find many videos about it. Would love to see a video on it, Thnx de K1DHH

[@varoujan78]

Are the wires precut and labelled or color coded? are Are the spreaders predrilled and marked, ?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Yes they are in individual bags marked with the bands, and everything is predrilled

[@N2LRB]

You mentioned tightening the wires. But wouldn't tightening shortening the wires somewhat thereby changing the swr. Or was there a physical way to tighten them? Can you describe the tightening process?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

N2LRB no, the wires are the same length electrically, its just making them a bit more rigid once they are in place, without distorting the position of the antenna.

[@N2LRB]

So how do you make them more rigid?

[@steve0432]

Regarding to your question I think this what he is doing ... watch at 2:28

[@mumi009]

Did those power lines in the background just look close, or were they really that close?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

they are close enough to touch it but yes they are close.. That's why i got this cobweb, the wire dipoles are too close when i stretch them out.

[@barndweller4573]

Its been 6 years, how is it holding up for you?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I haven't had it In 4 years but my friend that bought it from me still uses it at field day

[@humaxf1]

Good demo. What are the electrical wire lengths per band? Thx

[@jmriello]

Can't get mine to tune.

[@cyoung4290]

Did you ever get it to tune? I’m having trouble too... KB7CG

[@MauriatOttolink]

Think you mean 'bear' with me ...Bear like in bearing!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

MauriatOttolink sigh.....

[@the_original_jt]

He could mean that he wants us to get naked as well, lol.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Christ. How romantic of you!

[@the_original_jt]

MauriatOttolink Lol. And I didn't even bring roses. Thanks for the great video Eric; I think I am going to order the high power version of this antenna.

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@the_original_jt Agreed!

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Is it directional like a beam?

[@MauriatOttolink]

John Ratcliffe Hi Jo No it's almost (a bit) omni directional but some directions are worse than others. Fine, general purpose antenna... very light ... lots of dipoles up there at whatever height you can achieve, single pole, centre feed doesn't sag.. If you fitted a light weight rotator, after one turn you WOULD see variations but will use the rotator for something else..2m or 70cms. Some declare the optimum height at 20-30 feet but I reckon it would continue to improve if you kept going up. Mine is at 30' ish, among some goddamned taller coniferous trees. Works 5&9 plus...Wish I had a few Kw to burn them down! Regards from Olde Englande!

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@MauriatOttolink Thank you! Does it tune OK with an inbuilt tuner? Or is something more needed? How likely is it to annoy the neighbours if roof mounted? :)

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@johnratcliffe6438 Hi John, If it is set up correctly in freq. areas which you wish to use, the internal tuner will not be needed.. If you wish to move away, then the internal tuner will 'take up the slack" but except on 10 metres there there isn't all that much space you can stray! Neighbours? Wow..who knows? If they think you are a nice guy and kick a ball with their kids, they'll be OK. At roof height, even ON, the roof, they don't look all that big. I told my neighbours "C'mon. I bought the smallest I could find. What more can I do? 73 M.O.L.

[@soulwagon1251]

Are you still using the 1835 ? If so, how is it performing ? This antenna would be ideal for my qth ,but I've heard the qc with the newer mfj stuff isn't very good. 73

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Soul Wagon it's still working fine and I'm thinking about bringing it to field day this year.. not sure yet...

[@soulwagon1251]

Good news! This will be compact enough to put on the roof. I don't have the room to string dipoles so this antenna might be what I'm looking for. Thanks for the reply.

[@mrbig0891]

jouliet not japan!!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Alright now i have heard it enough already... So what if i accidentally stutter and throw in a "NON" standardized phonetic word, have you ever tried to make a contact, on video, while balancing a camera...... Learn to spell it correctly, it's Juliet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Gery1943]

Don't worry about people that just have to make irrelevant comments LOL My call sign is NA5GA - and yes, it should be November Alpha 5 Golf Alpha - but I'll frequently use North America 5 Germany America -- who actually cares ?? The point is to make your call sign known to the other person - so we do what we need to do to make ourselves understood in less than ideal conditions. Keep up the good work and do what has to be done to log the contact -- even if it perturbs mr BIG :)

[@drillkjh]

@@Gery1943 It's not an irrelevant comment. Eric made in entire video about using made up words for the phonetic alphabet. I was cringing every time you said it Eric. lol

[@CliffordNovey]

I would love to see usable bandwidth figures. If it is resonant and 1.0:1 but only for 200kHz that will impact performance a lot. Thx. I added a post here with a rough example- forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/the-mfj-1935-cobweb-antenna-review-and-on-air-test.545159/page-3#post-5547808

[@Isszarya]

Needs to have twin wire ,it will work a lot better,,,,,,, make one for 50 dollars yourself

[@TMS5100]

japan? mixing ITU and DX alphabets? use the old us navy alphabet. able baker charlie dog easy :)

[@robfinch8795]

lazy susan? wassat then?