Antenna Wire Length - Demystifying Feedpoint Impedance 

This is the only video I have seen that would inspire a new Ham to actually build their own antenna. Am an older ham and I am excited to try out your recommendations. This is what Amateur Radio should be all about. Thank you very much...

Drive by expert here: I got nothin', you nailed it out of the park and I learned quite a bit. Thanks Walt! 73 😁

It's great to see some one who explains the technology in easy to understand terms. So many tutorials are geared to the already experienced and goes completely over a new hams head. In my 47+ years I have always tried to teach on the level of the student. Great job! By the way, I may be an "old dog" but you have taught me a new trick or two as well. Hi Hi! Keep up the great work. 73s DE wb7veq

Very informative video! Thanks Walt! And I had to laugh at the "drive by experts" comment! Sad but true.

I watch a lot of videos to further my education on antennas and some of those old guys are real smart but have the most horrible drawings and handwriting, you have the cleanest illustrations and I know it may be a small thing, but I really appreciate being able to make out what you are drawing. Hey that brown Uke behind you looks a lot like my mahogany Martin Tenor! Aloha , AL

I always feel like I'm starting to get a grab on this after watching your videos, Walt. Yours are the best for simple, practical explanations. This one really is excellent. Thanks for this.

This was the most common sense and easy to understand explanation on this topic I’ve ever seen/heard. Thank you!

Learning to use the antenna analyzer in sweep mode really helped me to see what was going on with my antennas. Thanks for all the helpful information.

Thanks again Walt! Great information. I know manual tuners aren't popular these days but making and using one really does help a person understand theory and practice of how matching works.

Walt, the difference between your videos and other guy's videos is, I don't have to fight falling asleep while watching and listening to their 'dull' presentations. You keep it lively and chuckle from time to time. Others? Not so much. I'm brand new to HF and am soaking up all I can, especially from your videos. Thanks for making the un-understandable understandable.

Thanks Walt. You hit a good one today. As a newer licensed ham, you see people using these all over RU-vid, but no explanations as to why or under what Circumstances they should be used. This is a good basic intro and I for one will be culling through this video numerous times and taking notes. Love the background. It looks to me like you love your instruments as much as the radio. I have the same bug with a wide collection of stringed instruments. My strum stick is my late night just before bed go to for playing. 73’s my friend.

Super helpful. Thanks, Walt. Always look forward to your videos.

Hats off to you Walt. As a new ham, I soaked up this material like a sponge, my questions were answered.

Thanks Walt. You made this really easy to understand and I look forward to using this info for my antenna projects and experiments. That's half the fun of HF for me. 73

My brother and I just had this conversation. Good info.

Great video getting into the thick of things. Not exactly an adventure in the typical sense, but a productive exploration all the same. Thanks. Cheers and 73!

My god this made more sense than anyone else has explained thank you so much brilliant again...this is the way of the ham

Thanks Walt. Great information for new and old hams the same. I've learned so much from you guys this past year. Ape taught me how to build AND test my Balun's and UNUN's. You taught me to have fun and not sweat the small s$it. Grateful to you both, and several others, that take the time to share their knowledge and experiences.

Less-young (78) ham here and I keep learning from you every video. Love your enthusiasm for our fantastic hobby. You also encourage me to try new antennas so when I go off in my caravan in a few days I'll be trying a wire vertical or two. Maybe see you on the Southern Cross 14238 net again. 73 from VK4BOB

Thanks for yet another great video that stays out of the weeds. Greatly appreciated.

I put up a 20 meter long wire cut to length, using the nanovna-f, don't get me wrong it did work but not effectively. Till i learned about reactance. Swr was not every thing , resistance and capacitive balancing was quickly learned about. I guess digging deeper helped me understand why just swr is just a reference to other values. As i understand tuners are great given compromise antennas, however I wanted not to waste energy as heat. Great tutorial ! So down the rabbit hole I go again. Lol 😊

Great information. I got a little distracted by the cigar box guitars. Love it!

That's another very useful summary video, Walt. Saved for future reference ! 73, Pete

Well done Walt. Love your antenna projects...

Great video. Thank you very much, Walt. I watch your videos the most. I made my first DX contact yesterday with Maritime Mobile Service Network using your 29 ft vertical, 9:1 unun, 1:1 unun, with the classic DX Commander design. The net control operator was in Texas. I used the Xiegu G90 at 20 watts. I was using the flagpole tire support to support the DX Commander pole on my back deck. I used weights as an anchor. You have a treasure of information and it helped me very much. It was simple and it worked great.

As always Walt a great video with great info. Sometimes hams need to use compromise antennas such as myself, people need to realise not all have the space to put antennas up, i have a random wire that runs up a 12 meter pole that is strapped against a tree yet i have contacts from around the world... for me the Unun's work along with the Baluns. Im on air so thats what counts. You have great info Walt, thanks and 73 de ZL1MY

Wonderful video and illustrations Walt. I know it answered a lot of questions I have had concerning building antennas. Keep up the good work!

Great video, thank you! I teach licensing classes for our local club, and I'll likely point some of our new (and more tenured) hams in your direction. Really enjoyed the explanation, will definitely watch more of your videos.

Most needed video ever! Many thanks once more!

I always enjoy your videos, but sometimes they are especially informative. Thanks!

Excellent work, Walt! Thanks so much!

Always great videos with information that will help others with Ham Radio! Good to hear you on the livestream last Sunday! Keep them coming, Walt

Thank you Walt. Your videos are always very helpful. I appreciate what you do and the time you take to do it.

I love your videos. Keep up the good work!

Excellent video and one of my favorite Ham channels. Thank you for this explanation. I'm new to amateur radio and you're videos have helped me tremendously with antenna building and understanding terminology and theory.

Good video man. You are killing it as always. Lots of great advice.

Excellent video Walt. You explained the basics very well. If people watching have questions, I suggest they do research before making stupid comments. I love low cost, homemade antennas that work and you show so many very good ones. You don't need to spend $200. to $500. for the latest "New" or "Tactical" antenna to make solid contacts, especially when working portable. Thank Walt ! 73

This information is GOLD. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

It is a delightful explanation into each type of antenna and the matching feed-line impedance. I have now built ten different antennae for my amateur fun and this is a great place to start! Thanks for the great video!

Great video Walt. I have a 55ft vertical up a tree with a 9 to 1 UNUN about 3ft off of the ground with 1 36ft counter pois elevated off the ground. It works great.

I really enjoy your videos. Have always enjoyed tinkering with wires. Those who tout resonate antennas seldom have a resonate match. Love my tuners. The proof is in the received signal that peeks when tuned. I've seen test that prove that theres little to no loss in a tuner in the hf bands. I'm down with medical issues so going out with you, through RU-vid is great. Keep them comming!

Great video! I go back to them all the time. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the breakdown! Love the CBGs on the wall!

Excellent video Walt.

Fantastic information and without getting dizzy friend -👍. You do great work and on top of that you demonstrate its positive results. It's a pleasure to follow you.

Crawl by amateur here, another good vid, Walt. I always enjoy the results of your experiments. I'm getting antsy to get outdoors and play portable radio too. Still kinda winter here in New England.

Another great video. Thanks Walt.

Well done Walt, another informative video. Keep up the good work.

Excellent explanation Walt !! 😉👍

Saving this one! Thanks Walt! Taking the test for general on Saturday. I want to make my own antenna(s) eventually but will ease into it. I’m using two 10 meter hamsticks in a dipole configuration now and have two 20 meter sticks in reserve for when I pass my test. These two set ups will get me started. But I want to make an EFHW that I can use on multiple bands that will work with the built-in tuner in the FT-710 I’m planning to purchase. Right now I use a 60 watt single band 10 meter radio. Thanks for your videos!

Great video! I don’t understand most of it, but that’s cause I’m new. Good stuff. Now if I can build one.

Dude, you nailed it. Am recommending this video....

Walt - really appreciate how you use simple gear and are constantly experimenting. I recently set up an end-fed 41’ random wire with a 9:1 Unun. Pretty good results. After adding a 1:1 Unun RF choke, I was surprised by the improvement. Now getting tons of international QSOs on 5W. I recognize this antenna knowhow is widely available, but you make it accessible and approachable. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

Hi, this video was very useful for me as a novice ham operator, thank you very much, I will probably watch in a few times to get a better grip of toppics. Many thanks. 73.

Excellent video!!! This explains so much and I appreciate your help!!!

Well said and explained, I have done some 12K miles contacts on garbage antennas I made in the past.

Got to love Single Stroke Gothic Lettering. Make me want to get back on the drafting table. Another great lesson Walt even for the semi seasoned ham.

Great video Walt, thank you.

Great video Walt!

THANK YOU!!!!! Very helpful to me.

This helped a lot Walt. Of course this too shall cost me money. But like they say, you can't take it with you. I'm just going to get them all and save money on shipping.

One of my favorite, lowly wire antennas for POTA is the multiband 29’ EFRW with the 9:1 unun. It’s quick to set up and effective.

Walt, thanks! Learning more with every video you produce. AC3EA

Thanks Walt this is the explanation I needed!

I've looked through all of your videos and unable to find your video on rf ground. Thank you for your GREAT videos!

Walt thanks for spreading the truth. Slightly compromised antennas are great, only compromised by an unnoticeable amount. That means they WORK. I have used 29 foot wire with my home-built 49:1 unun on multiple successful portable adventures. Also other wire lengths for avoiding resonant wires, and the tuner makes it work GANGBUSTERS. Thanks Walt for encouraging people to try and see for themselves. It WORKS if you follow basic principles. And it's FUN. Keep striving, keep trying, keep having fun, Dave WA4NID

Just what I needed to know about which UNUN to use for what wire.....Thanks Walt....VK2BMV

thanks Walt best explanation ever

Thank you, helped this rookie a bunch.

*LOT'S OF GREAT INFORMATION*

I make cigar box guitars and other instruments, cant believe you have a wall full of CBG and strumstiks etc. something else we have in common. Nice informative video.

Well done Walt. I keeping watching and learning and then forgetting...is it an age thing? Then i have to watch again. All good fun. cheers 😅😊

Walt, this video is great and to the point. I have tried various types of configurations over the 60 years of being a ham and had so much fun. Still looking for the perfect antenna (Hi Hi) but everything is a compromise due to all the unseen variables! I currently use a 29ft vertical with a 9:1. It works great and matches my environmental requirements while living in an HOA. Thank you for your practical and useful videos. Harv K5NR

Great video!

Walt, not only are your explanations great, your drawings are works of art. Have you ever considered publishing an antenna design booklet? I'd buy one!

Hello! The closer the wire size is to 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, to the wavelength, the lower the losses in the antenna will be. Also, in order to reduce losses when adjusting resistance, it is easier and more convenient to use L-Match than transformer rings that heat up and give significant losses.

Not much to add. You covered things pretty well. If you operate on the go it's really hard to beat a 49:1 and/or a 9:1. Most of the time at home that is what I put out. The ability to band hop is worth the 20 odd percent loss implied in the transformer.

Great video Walt 73

Great video

This video reminded me of the radiomen in the Navy while tuning up the FRT-39s. They had to drive the PA, then use dials connected to the caps and coils while looking at voltage and current meters. (basically tuning the antenna) Occasionaly they would connect the wrong antenna, get high SWR and the caps would start snapping and arcing. It would scare the crap outta them.

Thanks Walt. My 29ft vertical was a perfect match on 10m with a 9:1 unun and a few ground radials. Tuned down into 40m though it didnt work real great it worked. 40m to 6m on 1 antenna was fun to play with. Also a good shtf antenna to have handy on a DX Commander pole

👍Nice overview, thanks Walt. I think your results on air are evidence that these "compromise" antennas work. If you think about it, arguably, every antenna is a compromise in some aspects.

In my experience a simple 1/2 wave dipole fed in the center will typically give you about 70 ohms which will at best give vswr of 1:1:5, and is ok, like your man says if your under 2:1 the antenna will work ok. Ive used a 9:1 unun with 84ft of wire and had great results.

Great video, concise and straight to the point. Makes a good reference. By the way, "drive by experts" are everywhere! lol

I think that one parameter has been omitted - that is that most modern transceivers will cut back on their output power when the swr rises. That should be a consideration in my opinion

Great video Walt! Keep up the good work. 73 John

I plan to start collecting them like pedals... Or wall hanger axes! Love it man! 73

I was impressed when I read that end fed halfwave will work on every harmonic -- not just the odd harmonics. For example, my 66 ft / 20 meter long end fed halfwave at 7 MHz will also work on 14 Mhz and 21 Mhz and 28 MHz too. The SWR is very acceptable and many times I don't need to use a transmatch. I can also use it on the WARC bands with a transmatch. It's a very versatile antenna.

Nice job explaining things. I added the 1:1 and 4:1 LDG baluns to my list of things to look for at Hamvention. Last year, Gigaparts had a nice sale on them.

Good video. I was working on the 25 foot with 4 to 1 and was having trouble with swr. Did not want to cut. I had a single wire connected to ground terminal on the UNUN to a plate with about 25 radials. My swr was not very good. so I finally took one group of radials off the plate and connected it directly to the ground on the UNUN things got better. Still not as good as I hoped but it's raining now so will wait until another day. fair weather antenna builder lol

Walt, this is a "must save" video for most hams. You've done all the math and explained feed point impedance in an easy to understand manner. Question: what is the name of the antenna app that you use? I have an Android phone and could use an app like that. 73!

Great,thanks Walt 👍

Thanks Walt, I keep missing you somehow...

I had an SWL antenna with a single wire feed which I converted for ham use by connecting the wire direct to the tuner. It worked pretty well and it was attic mounted, but had some RF in the shack on some bands. Fun times.

Thanks for the explanation, Walt! Just want to add a little thought: if you are using a balun or unun with a ferrite core, the core can become over saturated after a period of time and work less efficiently, which could lead to failure. It's very unlikely if you are a person who just making voice contacts or whatnot for a period of time similar to what you do, but if you're running a digital mode like JS8Call 24/7 where your radio is transmitting a lot, it can be a concern. In that case, maybe a resonate antenna might be better choice than say one which you need a balun or unun.

Thank you very much for all your videos and hunting me on the 26th. Moe KO4GBB

Haha! A few points that cleared some things up for me. Thanks.

Home run 😎 thanks good info

Walt ... great rules of thumb for the real world. Couple what you mentioned with the realization that a doubling of power is 3 db or 1/2 S unit, even SWRs between 4:1 - 6:1 would hardly be noticed on the receiving end. However, the transmitter would not like them for long! 73 - KF6IF

Hi Walt. Many thanks for a very informative video. Lots of useful information. I always trust your judgement, because you get out there & experiment, & make it work. Yeah Buddy, you have a great channel, I enjoy it, & I learn. Best 73 de Pete GI0FZT.