MFJ 8-Band Cobweb MFJ-1836+HK34 Add-On Kit Complete Setup

This video I will be assembling both the MFJ-1836 6 band cobweb antenna with the additional 30/40m add-on kit. The add-on kit is intended for the current users of the original 5 band MFJ-1835 as well as the current MFJ-1836 6 band cobweb. The add-on kit is an option, but why not? There will be a short second video uploaded just to quickly show the 30/40m add-on kit but this video shows both units together for one giant cobweb. Please give a thumbs up for the EFFORT!!
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[@johnforte3466]

Your an asset to the ham community. Keep up the great vids. 73

[@jjcastelow]

Thank you for making your video. Really enjoyed watching. Great information.

[@JEFF-Elliott]

Hi, you are definitely an asset to the Ham radio community. You are a star. You describe better how things are and what they do. Without going into too much detail or not enough. although personally I would like to know how people go about mounting there antennas so that I can see and develop my own ideas. I.e the construction. The reason for this is I want to mount the cobweb antenna underneath my 6/2 /70m vertical I think it’s quite possible bearing in mind it is on the chimney of my roof. Also the construction where the antennas meet in the junction box I think to myself I could add more bands that are smaller I.e. higher in frequency....thanks for your work *

[@tobiasgrey6699]

Thanks a lot for such a detailed overview, 73!!!

[@toms.3977]

We don't worry about trains and neighbors roofing their homes and other sounds of life. Our only concern is that we can hear you. Mission accomplished. Great video! /Tom, KF0NRK

[@dash8brj]

I just got mine - the hardest part is sorting out all the hardware - theres 58 screws of differing lengths, and 58 nuts of which four are the odd ones out. Took me a bit longer as I live in the metric world and not used to handling imperial system hardware. So nuts and bolts are sorted, now I can actually start building the antenna. Great video by the way - helped me to discover my matchbox needed the ferrites moved up a bit toward the box. 73's de VK2EMP

[@turtlekoff1]

Excellent job as always Eric. Will have to come by and check it out as I am contemplating the add on kit for my cobweb. 73 de N4WRW

[@dash8brj]

I just finished putting mine together. Its the 10-20 metre version, and even that gets quite large when assembled. It was fairly easy to tune too. Only 15m gave me trouble, but spotted it before I cut too much off, the spacer wasn't quite centred. Later this week I'll get it up on a pole and try it out.

[@gregbarthol5381]

Completely agree with john forte.... you are a tremendous asset to amateur radio!!!!! your vids are instructive but real/down to earth (ie that damn train!!) Thank you for the ideas and the instructions that show me that the projects are not that out of the realm of possibility !!!!!!!

[@VlogdeHeer]

I have this antenna for about 8 months now in the mast (6-20m version HP) and it has a very small footprint and withstood the storm beginning 2020 (10-11bf) without any issue. It's a great antenna for a very low price. It was easy to tune (with an analyzer ofcourse). You should do a first round roughly and then adjust all of them again as each adjustment will have an effect on the other bands. I use the AA-30.ZERO rigexpert as you can see all bands effect easily of you laptop screen. For me, this has been a great buy.

[@N2NDF]

I’m just waiting for mine to be built, boxed, and shipped!!

[@k2wo1]

Very well done video. Going through all the steps in building the antenna was very helpful. Great job. 73, George K2WO

[@joaquintall5180]

Eric, Nicely done! Great video. MFJ should include a link to your vid with each cobweb they sell...I've got 4 acres so a large dipole [10-160] is what I've used for the past 7 years. Again, great video and look forward to a QSO one day.

[@eduardopower5254]

Wow Erick pleeeeease. Make a video performing this cobweb and a A/B comparison with the vertical. Enjoy it

[@joeframo3347]

Eric that's just too much work for me I would get confused good luck to you buddy I'm glad you able to successfully put it together pretty awesome

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

Been looking at the cob web antennas and would like to make or get one at some point and time. My old tri-bander traps are done and antenna needs some work. The hex beams also look good

[@tonyridlen]

Buddy your videos for ham radio concepts are excellent! 73 KC9QVE Marion,Indiana

[@K7AGE]

Great video. You don't need to cut the wires. Just bend them back on itself and wrap around the wire. If you need more wire, just unwrap some wire. Did the SWR change when the antenna is mounted higher? Also, there will be some interaction between this and the vertical antenna being close together. It is hard to space them apart by a wavelength in a backyard. It would help your video if you would cut in some close-ups of the areas that you are describing. When finished with your main shots, go back and get some close-ups.We all want to see what you are talking about. And, the wireless mic allows us to hear you! That is a great addition to your video gear. Keep it up. Randy

[@HamRadioConcepts]

K7AGE yes it is lower in tune again so I need to shorten the elements a bit more being higher but its still good where its at

[@jaescalantel2]

I enjoy your video ! , I am think to buy this coweb in order to avoid the noise i have close to my QTH

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

I have 3 of those old radio shack 2 meter radios plus the 440 handheld. Heck I sold 3 of those 2 meter rigs a few years ago to a guy in Florida

[@steve0432]

Like the thought that the Cobweb would easier to pull down off a tower vs a vertical antenna.

[@EdzashedFudwinkle]

I like the MJF Octopus 2100 myself, but new to Ham Radio, so ill stick to the easy stuff for now

[@Chris-tx9ou]

Look forward to the comparison between the vertical and the cobweb antenna, currently debating with myself which will work best.

[@la7dfa]

The Cobweb would be killing the vertical if you can get it 1/2 lambda or more up. In a low mast it will do well "locally" in your own continent.

[@robertoellison348]

THAT WAS A REALLY GREAT VIDEO, I LEARNED A GREAT DEAL OF INFO.. THANK E. I LIKED IT.. BOY I NEED TO HURRY UP AND GET MY FREANKEN GEN.. SO I CAN INJOY HF.. MORE THAN JUST LISTENING.. 01-28-2019.. 73S.

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

Eric with the amount of sway in the wires does the swr change in the wind and once in the air how much did the swr change

[@anthonymanswell5591]

9Z4AM Nicely done! I am about to construct one.

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

So Eric what is your thought on the MFJ Hex Beam now that you have had time to use it

[@ima4tubing]

Wondering if you found that when you put the cobweb on the final mast elevated above where you trimmed to tune in this video ? What I have experienced in building several single-band antennas, most notibly my 40-meter 14-ga insulated wire dipole which i found i needed to trim another foot off each end after raising from setup 8 ft off ground to where it is now laying on my 2-story roof at 20 feet. Like the video and the style and compactness of the cobweb vs the 2 separate dipoles. Best wishes. 73 from California.

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

Nice antenna I want one haha

[@budiwaluyo6895]

wow, how patient you are i do salute you please tell me, how many hours did you spent to complete installation The Cobbwebb antenna thank you sir, greetings from Indonesia, 73 bye

[@gregorgman]

Eric, can I build this antenna without using an analyzer or is that too risky?

[@kreskyv]

hey eric what size are those ferrite beed things I want to find some here in Canada but don't know even how to ask for them

[@christophedegroote6092]

Can you rotate the bottom plate 180 degrees , so you can let the top tube go through to put another vertical antenna on the top of the tube?

[@gregorgman]

Great video Eric but now I dont like the antenna, I think I will stop at the initial MFJ1835, got too big!!

[@davidchapman3055]

Eric I am seriously thinking about getting one of these for the house in Brazil, If I understand that you tuned to the center of of the bands and used the tuner as you moved off center. I will be an AT 200 pro for tuner and the coax run will be about 80 to 80 feet long. Truly enjoy the videos very helpful and informative info. 73 N9ZTC

[@davidbyrd5065]

Very informitive video thanks for your efforts. 73 David Byrd KN4BHS

[@jimthvac100]

It is pretty windy where I live in tippecanoe county Indiana. I believe that thing would get destroyed whenever the wind picked up.

[@m7trsradio]

Great video. I am stuck which antenna at the moment. Nice rig too. I am limited to 10w do you think a cobweb would be able to handle the power of my Ft817 ? Lol 😂 😭💪🏽 Great work Motters M7TRS 73 👍🏻

[@VE3IPS]

How does it look up on a tower as it looks like its fragile and sagging on the trip. Some wind will whip this around into a pretzel?

[@KVUSMC-KU4SMC]

Awesome Video Brother Keep the videos rolling what Height do have the cobweb antenna ?? Semper Fi KU4SMC 73's

[@HamRadioConcepts]

That was about 8 feet in that video

[@brandonray4682]

hello, i am thinking about this antenna, i have a 14foot mfj rotatable dipole and its ok but the swr is not that great, i have no way to string up a wire dipole. i am wondering how big this antenna is? how good is the swr? will it tune with good swr all across all bands? will be about 30 feet on a chimney mount. any help would be appreciated KM4FLU..73s

[@Icycoldcoke]

whats the final size of it with the add on kit as a have a smaller yard

[@fasnuf]

So no cobweb after the hurricane, what happened to the hy-gain vert then?

[@tglenn3121]

How does the performance of this cobweb compare to a commercially made dipole (ZS6BKW with center at 25 ft) ??

[@cobrasvt347]

Have the zip ties failed yet. They don’t do too hot with UV’s

[@andyM7XTT]

What are these like on the 40m please Eric n is it now the width of a hexbeam or still smaller??? Thankyou

[@kreskyv]

wow how tall is your vertical? that antenna looks cool

[@gregoryburbage7906]

Crazy question but if i buy the 40m add on, and if i dont use or put the 30m wire on and only put on the 40m wire will it work on 40m or is it dependent on having that 30m wire installed? I guessing it will but will need more adjustment.......73.

[@thewind-ne8rh]

how do you think it would work as a receiving antenna for space restricted location

[@tomsext1634]

Not sure the correct info here, but you read it is Horizontal but is it beam-directional like a yagi, or Omni-directional like a vertical?

[@ManuelPinner]

You can Build a 40 Meter Lazy Quad Antenna and Feed the Antenna with 450Ohms Ladder Line and a Real Good Antenna Tuner,

[@thomashenderson603]

does this perform better than the av-680?

[@jakubbrandys97]

Hello, What are the dimensions of antenna after adding extension kit?

[@o00scorpion00o]

Is it me or does that X5105 sound very noisy ? I've heard it in other videos too.

[@jimdigriz3436]

The question isn’t HOAs here in FL, it’s what wind will it actually stand up to? 100 mph has happened more than once.

[@lt4324]

Great video and info, BUT IMHO, I would rather make one of these for around $100+/- than spend the $400+ dollars for this antenna, but that's just myself as I like to build rather than buy. I am not cheap I just find its fun to experiment and great joy to think I've made an antenna of this kind. I USED to love building my antenna's like Quads, Cobb, and actual short 40M beams, great fun. (and I bought some of course in the past also) Try it sometime and let us know your results. Its fun if you are not in a hurry. Thanks for posting and best 73 DE KD6SBR

[@tracypilon5530]

where do they sell the hk-34

[@tomebert7584]

I have recently purchased this same antenna. I am stopped at the point of mounting the wire attachment screws because the holes for the screws for 15m are missing. Specially it appears I have mounting hole for 20m 1" from end of pole 17m 15" from 20m hole MISSING HOLE FOR 15M then the next hole or screw mounting point is 17" away which I assume to be 12m then 6" and another hole for 10m. Would anyone happen to have the hole spacing dimensions for these poles as I would rather spend the time drilling the holes my self then rely on a return. The other question would be could I safely drill out the holes for 15m by simply dividing the 17" by half and placing it there. Thanks for any help you might give. I don't fully understand the how elements might interfere with one another So those that have one maybe able to help. thanks Tom WI6N

[@bayoubees9447]

Are you still using this? How does it hold up over time?

[@dannystephens7246]

I'll bet that when the rain and ice hits that the SWR goes through the roof!

[@gregorgman]

Eric, nice video but it sounded in your voice that you werent too happy about the size when you added the 30/40 set. I also understood you to say it should be tuned up in the air. How can that be done?

[@gregorgman]

@@jonneilsmyth9107 I decided to sell this new antenna and start over. might get out of ham totally. pretty fed up.

[@silver2k1cobra]

Did the HK34 Add on kit change the tune of the other bands? Also if not using the HK34 kit is there any way to have a mast above the cobweb to support a VHF/UHF antenna?

[@silver2k1cobra]

I just put the 5 band together. have 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 all tuned right up. 6 dip in SWR only comes down to 4.28. Wondering if you ran into any issues with 6 Meter?

[@outlaw6595]

This one might make a good attic antenna

[@HamRadioConcepts]

no way.. too big unless you have a gigantic attic and you would have to build it in the attic

[@dash8brj]

@@HamRadioConcepts Too True! I just assembled mine in the lounge room and realised I'm going to have to take two spreader arms out to get it out to the back yard, and mine is only the 5 bander! good thing I havent attached the wires yet!

[@n4lq]

I bet the Cobweb blows that vertical away. The comparison test would not look good for the AV-680 and maybe this is why Eric hasn't published a video on it? Just a wild guess.

[@donalddavis1571]

I have the cobweb shown in the video, up about 20'. I also have a GAP challenger. The cobweb works, but here, does not out perform the Gap. On any band...

[@MrStreetman1970]

New to the hobby, and made a 6 band home built version of this...My question is on tuning....Should I start tuning/cutting at 20m and work up to 6m or vise versa? Not sure how each wire affects the other bands so figured I would ask before I trash my wires LOL. K0NES

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I actually cut out that part of the video, each band wire you tune should not change the others.. I tuned 10-20 and then did 6. No problem.

[@rickwijnveld5785]

Wish they would sell versions of these kits that come without the tubes and wire, just the matchbox and other hardware. Would make purchasing internationally a lot easier. I could source some good tubing and wire here easily. Shipping 6+ Ft. packages internationally gets expensive.

[@rickwijnveld5785]

Btw, if i were to get the full 6m-40m high power cobweb, how does it perform running with just 100W power? For now i have just my ts-430s 100w radio but might purchase a amplifier in the future. Or would you recommend getting the 6m-20m 300w version instead and purchase the high power upgrade kit and 30m-40m add-on kit later on when i have the amp?

[@daveblaedow8419]

What analyzer do you have? Or should I say which one should I get to analyze the antennas that you have

[@HamRadioConcepts]

An MFJ-269c is what i have. I actually sold my Rigexpert just because this MFJ seems to do what I need it to do so i keep it.

[@anthonyrosa5006]

And you get a clothesline too!

[@lkemmler]

Nice video Eric!!KC3JBR

[@cobrasvt347]

8:50 that Dremel tool. Lol

[@robmcclure5313]

Eric, I own this antenna as well and bought the kit separately, so it was before they started offering all 8 bands in one box. My question is, how the heck did you get it to tune? I've got mine an a 6' speaker stand so I can rotate it and NONE of the bands are even CLOSE to being resonant. I haven't added the 30+40 meter kit yet. I wanted to get the first 5 bands tuned first. But like I said it's not close. So what's the secret?. 73, Rob, KC5RET

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Did you trim all the wires? you have to sweep it on the analyzer to see how long each band is, and trim accordingly..

[@robmcclure5313]

Thanks for the speedy reply Eric. No sir, I did not. I wanted to use the other method of wrapping the wire back on itself before physically trimming (suggested by K7AGE). But if my initial tests are correct, most if not all the wires are far too long. So I wonder how much the SWR changes when the antenna is 20 or 30 feet off the ground. Second, does it matter which way you tune, from 10 going down to 20 or the other way around?

[@dougtaylor7724]

Waiting for the 80 and 160. Will not fit in standard city sized back yard. LOL

[@tmwinkler]

Eric, I've just assembled my MFJ-1838 cobweb. I'm using an MFJ-209C and an external frequency counter to find all of the resonant frequencies. Then, my plan was to trim the excess wires. However, I find the bandwidths are very narrow. It doesn't take much movement in frequency to go from

[@jamesmackinlay4477]

The longer coax feed you give it the more broadband it should become also when you raise the antenna above 10 to 15 feet above the ground the tuning will change a little not to much. Lets say not it has a 1.5.1 between for example 14.200 to 14.250 ( It will vary) when you add lets say 30 foot of coax to feed it and raise it to something like 25 feet above the ground the the bandwidth will increase to for example 14.200 to 14.280 maybe a little more. I have this antenna with the 40 meter add on kit I compared it to a 20 meter dipole that has a 1 to 1 match coax fed no balun it is 30 feet off the ground on the ends. The cobweb antenna is on a tripod on my roof about 35 feet in the air more or less it has a 1.3.1 match at 14.275 the dipole is 1.1 I was talking to a guy on that freq and compared both antennas while talking to him. The result was the cobweb was about 3db stronger in fact it is on all the bands except 10 meters.

[@tmwinkler]

@@jamesmackinlay4477 Thanks for the information! The antenna works very well on 40M. Using the tuner in the radio, I've made contacts across the country. I'm going to see if I can get it a little higher up.

[@NHSbandUnofficial]

A very informative video. I wouldn't mind buying one. I'm wondering what is the recommended height is? I look on MFJ's website but couldn't find an answer in the description. Thanks! KG5MDB

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Dan Barrera 10 feet minimum

[@NHSbandUnofficial]

Great, thanks!

[@turtlekoff1]

Per Eric's recommendation I mounted mine 20 ft off the ground and it works great!!

[@dheller777]

I believe they recommend a minimum of 25 ft. antenna height after tuning at a minimum of 10 ft.

[@tomjmartin168]

Can you recommend a telescopic mast and tripod that would be strong enough for the weight and height of about 30ft?

[@straightpride451]

Cute

[@donalddavis581]

I have one rolled up on my front porch... an antenna just better than no antenna at all......

[@cobrasvt347]

I don’t think my antenna farm or the rest of my property would cut it in a HOA. Lol. Sure glad I don’t have to deal with that mess. Maybe I need to design an HOA friendly antenna for those who live in one. 🤔 Edit: add some fabric to the top and make an umbrella to satisfy HOA

[@danielblake704]

new to the hobby so sorry if this sounds like a dumb question but could i just have a antenna tuner in line to bring the swr down while operating ? thank you dont be too cruel with the replies

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I just made a whole responsethen realized I was thinking of the wrong video... So I would never be rude, and there is no dumb question, this is why I am here to help.. Just remember one thing. A tuner does not tune the antenna, it only tricks the radio to be happy in seing a low SWR. The best practice is to tune the antenna to optimal, and use a tuner when you need to go from one end of the band to the other and the SWR gets higher. I like to tune the antenna to the center of the entire band, and i can maintain a 1.5 SWR from each side as I move across the band (Depending on the antenna) but the cobweb can be pretty broad banded when you do it that way. If you tune to the very bottom of the band, by the time you get to the upper portion, you will see a higher swr. A 1.5:1 swr is perfectly fine, even a 2.1 is usable. When it is 3.1 and higher it becomes an issue.

[@danielblake704]

HamRadioConcepts thank you very much I value your advice and I shall obtain a antenna analyser 👍 keep posting Great posts

[@cobrasvt347]

1500 watts !!! Damn !!! Lol. Atta boy 👍 19:54 That’s what she said.

[@stater3]

Is this the same as the MFJ 1838? I think the 1838 is a new one. Hopefully you can do a review on the 1838 itself.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

1838 is the 8 band without calling it a 6 band with an additional add on kit.

[@stater3]

@@@HamRadioConcepts Ok, thank you Eric.

[@gregorgman]

Eric, just installed (today) the 1836 and can't seem to get decent SWR's on most bands. Disappointing. Followed directions, used 226 analyzer, yet failure. Dont know what to do next.......

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Where is each band resonant? Is it lower or higher than the bands?

[@gregorgman]

@@HamRadioConcepts Eric, thanks for responding, a bit lost here. I picked the center freq of the bands for my Gen license Then trimmed for the best SWR at that center freq. The SWR was measured at each band center: 20 M 2.07ctr low end = 2.98, Hi = 1.3. 17M 4.28 ctr low = 4.88 Hi = 3.79 15M ctr is 2.21 low is 4.48 HI is 1.25 12M ctr is 6.63 Lo is 6.84 Hi is 6.37 10M ctr is1.7 lo is 7.07 Hi is 6.2 6M ctr is 6.25 Lo is 7.47 Hi is 7.93 My center freq SWR's are almost all over 2. Probably doing something wrong.

[@gregorgman]

@@HamRadioConcepts Eric, I just bought a MFJ-226, its great but I am getting out of Ham Radio. I just paid $300 two weeks ago, if you know of anyone interested , I am selling cheap. $200 Firm

[@gregorgman]

@@HamRadioConcepts Eric, also just got MFJ 1386 Cobweb antenna, selling at $200, paid 259 from MFJ.

[@SteveKN4POP]

Great video as usual! I find you to be very informative in your videos, touch bases on many topics, and if I ever need to know something you are the first pick to get my answers. I have the Mfj 40m cobweb on order and the only place I really have the space for is going to be partially over a metal roof. How high do you think I may need to be above the metal roof to not effect the antenna pattern? KJ4YZI this is KN4POP sending 73s station clear

[@denelson83]

Too bad no 80m. I am interested in 80m primarily for the BC Public Service Net. And the size of this antenna will surely cause the neighbours to complain. Also this antenna is really only good for a permanent installation, and I am going to be limited to strictly temporary installations.

[@varoujan78]

Instead of saying its huge i wish you gave us the total 40 m spreader length. How long each spreader is after the 40m piece is added.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Corner to corner across it is 22 feet, 11 feet from center to tip of one spreader

[@AdamosDad]

5:37 Troll Train. 🚂

[@AdamosDad]

@Paul O Train sounding in the video, interrupting like an internet troll.

[@stevepatterson2290]

looks like a flat hex beam

[@brandonray4682]

i have the MFJ-1838 8 band cobweb, after watching this and reading what little reviews there are i bought it put it toghtor and it turned out to be Narrow banded. swr being over 10.1on all the bands. the antenna is now for sale. Verry disappointed with this antenna.

[@sebastianbluecrew4320]

Brandon Ray did you happen to tune the antenna when you assembled it using an analyzer? Or did you just connect all the wires and think it was magic?

[@brandonray4682]

@@sebastianbluecrew4320 I did try to tune it with a analyzer, with no luck, i would get it to tune on on frequency and when you move away from the frequency its jumps to over 10 SWR. i had a few local hams look at it as well and it was determined as narrow banded. it should not be narrow banded, as seen in this viedio and other reviews that it had a good SWR bandwidth.

[@sebastianbluecrew4320]

Brandon Ray yes you’re right because I used it without a tuner at all that is why I like that antenna with 8 resonant bands

[@brandonray4682]

@@sebastianbluecrew4320 thats why i got this antenna to get away from having to use the antenna tuner. i dont know why the one i ended up with is narrow banded. any ideals?

[@brandonray4682]

i Need some help with this antenna, i can not get it to tune i can get a little bit of a low swr dip but that only goes for a few khz some bands are way above the ham band. i noticed that the match box has the center pin shorting to ground. im not sure if that is right for this antenna. im not sure whats worng and its verry anoying. email me my email is good on QRZ Thanks for any help Brandon KM4FLU

[@revadan]

great for HOA.. i will hang my pant and shirt there..

[@dougtaylor7724]

Hang some ladies undies on it so you can run people off staring at it. Call them a pervert. They won’t mess with your antenna again.

[@ima4tubing]

oops "...... vs the 6 separate antennas i have"

[@midimagic7097]

I couldn't afford one, not with the cost of a divorce as well !

[@tompipps3383]

TOM PIPPS . FOAM - BATON ROUGE LOUISOANA USA . HI HELLO &

[@campingrhodys5082]

Lol

[@michelsofia7389]

"I strongly advise against purchasing this antenna. It cost me €600 and has numerous flaws. The tubes do not fit into each other properly, making assembly a nightmare. They are not machined correctly. Even after meticulously adjusting the antenna with the Nano VNA, all cables hang loose, despite following instructions. Additionally, there is no alternative since the spaces are pre-drilled in the fiberglass. With even a slight breeze, nothing stays in place; everything moves. The wires from the 10m band overlap those from the 15m band, and nothing is properly tensioned, as you can see in this video. The tubes move in all directions, causing the SWR to fluctuate due to wind, resulting in unstable tuning as the antennas move closer together. How is it possible to have mechanically botched an antenna in this way? I could have constructed a sturdier one myself, but I trusted a manufacturer and paid excessively for something that doesn't work. I'm not going to drill holes in the fiberglass, risking further weakening the antenna. I'll have to find a solution using clamps. In conclusion, do not purchase this antenna.