Why Every Radio Ham needs a Wire Antenna

Today, Richard from ML&S kicks things off by making a QSO with his FTDX10 and a wire antenna.
Have questions or tips to share? Drop a comment below! If you enjoyed the video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more ham radio tips and tutorials.
Want to see a the set-up of a wire antenna? Watch Richard's portable video here: • Wire Antennas: The Aff...
Products Mentioned:
49:1 1KW Version Unun: Ideal for home or field use
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49:1 Unun: END FED Half Wave Transformer Unun
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50m Kevlar Wire: The best solution for constructing all wire antennas, featuring excellent conductivity and long-lasting durability.
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Small Dog Bone Insulators: Lightweight and sturdy insulators perfect for securing your antenna wire.
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Ham Shack Clock: In Green or Red!
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[@alanrobnett336]

Instead of using expensive wire for antennas has anyone thought of using washing line (plastic coated steel wire very strong only £1:50 for 20 meters at asda works a treat and lasts for years

[@CarNRadio1]

Not very good for soldering.

[@alanrobnett336]

Very true so I use terminal blocks to join and seal them with Amalgamation tape

[@DK5ONV]

Excellent Presentation, Richard! 73 de Uncle Günter from across the royal Island 💯👍🙋‍♂

[@ei7ijb]

Excellent video as always, thank you Richard.

[@andyhowlett2231]

Excellent, but why does the CG need a breather if it already has a drain hole?

[@Bass-guitarist]

Glad you asked that, I thought exactly the same!

[@Martin_Lynch]

CG are in the process of dropping the vent.

[@2m0kiescotland]

Good video richard ! Tbe CG Antennas unun is a fantastic 49:1 as you know richard i have the short one then added the coil for 80m it now gives me all these bands with my dx10 .. 80,40,20,17,15,12,10,and 6m bands from that one antenna 😮

[@Martin_Lynch]

Many thanks. Long time no chat Keith. Great to hear from you.

[@jasongeerer8163]

I love my G5RV. ..I'm at 1,477ft above sea level

[@michaelm1keyhardy865]

Excellent vid and great information Richard, 73 Mike M1KEY

[@ROB-M0LOL-VK2OMG]

Good vid Richard thanks mate

[@Martin_Lynch]

Thanks very much Rob. Your support is very much appreciated.

[@kf7bws]

I purchased and built the end fed antenna from ARRL. With my Elecraft K3 and the internal 10:1 tuner I can use it on ALL Bands from 80 Meters to 6 Meters and sometimes it will tune 160 Meters. I don't quite understand why 160 is hit and miss.

[@control5835]

You mention multiple bands, I've just purchased an old Yaesu FT101B circa 1973 from ebay. It's in extremely good condition, and receives well on all bands, but will only transmit on 40 metres. As a matter of fact it transmits extremely well on 40 metres into my half wave dipole. It has built in plate and load, not unlike a modern linear. Could it be because I've got a mismatch to the other bands?

[@MirlitronOne]

Wire antenna? Is there any other kind?

[@xxxxbesimer1344]

YES there is, it's called a beam and you point in the direction that you want your signal to go. You will learn that if you study and get your ticket. Wire antennas are good if that's all you can afford. Good luck and thanks for the laugh !

[@stevet7522]

No. No there isn't. Doublet for life!

[@dmtarry]

Hi new to this, but do you run your antenna cable from 1 pole across to another? Does distance matter? Does height matter, Does the antenna wire have to be straight between two poles or can you run the poles or points into an L shape? If garden not long enough. Many thanks

[@YllaStar95970]

Insulate your wire from two metal supporting poles, fibreglass masts not a problem. The length of the wire is relative to the band you are using, there is a simple formula to achieve this. Flat top, sloping, or L shaped are all possible. Getting it away from the ground by half a wavelength is a good thing too. And to improve the bandwidth for a lower usable SWR try ribbon wire.😉

[@dmtarry]

@@YllaStar95970 thanks for that I’m going to have a go at this, how high is half a wavelength? Is Ribbon wire a brand name?

[@Rubedo777]

Very nice relaxed presentation Richard well done. Baluns and UnUns this topic bursts my head 😮… I’m not the clever sort but always try to understand how and why it works,,, I gave up, I just need to know the applications of a device,,, where you use something for a desired result… your presentation was good in this respect. Thank you.73. 💙

[@Rubedo777]

Hello, if you don’t know with being new, have a look at DX Commander’s channel and his friend Mike m0msn, this hobby is galactic in it’s different applications and antennas or antenni 🤣 is a big interesting subject, don’t burst your head with it though unless you enjoy a bit of maths…unlike me 😵‍💫 I’m a bit thick 🤔🧐… all the best on your new endeavours.73. 💙

[@michaeljbrennan3728]

Where can I purchase the UN UN?

[@Martin_Lynch]

www.hamradio.co.uk/1kw-49-1-unun-for-end-fed-1-2-wave

[@willdive6770]

Why does it need a breather when it has a drain hole?

[@Martin_Lynch]

CG are in the process of dropping the vent.

[@do7425]

Still don't understand why we need a wire antenna, or am I the only one who misunderstood the title...