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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sL5be82EfkU.html
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?
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
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?
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.
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.
This antenna doesn't have a provision for a counter poise. In the absence of a coax choke, the antenna most likely will use the coax shield as its counterpoise. I suppose if you believe a counterpoise is necessary, you could clip one to the ground side of the PL-259 connector and then use a choke on the feed line to prevent common mode current on the coax. As for counterpoises on End Fed Half Wave antennas in general, there is quite a discussion if they are necessary or not. EFHW antennas will work fine with or without a counterpoise. I've had good results either way. So I'm not going to say they are required, but I'll leave it up to you if you wish to use a counter poise with the antenna or not.
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.
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
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.
I've use to have an original Pro-Set and I currently use the BM-17 lightweight headset (review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qB1z2g8m090.html). 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.
Love this antenna, just set it up tonight and was able to finally work you on FT-8 on 30 meters, and made a POTA contact. Made my night. I bought this a few months ago and first time setting up got tangled in the tree. Had to cut the wire. Contacted Reel POTAble and they were really great and quick in getting it replaced. Thanks for your video.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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...
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
