There’s a tunable counterpoise that’s matched specially to plug into the Wanderwand antenna. It’s only 4metres in length and has a tuning knob to electrically tune it for any frequency. It sells for under 60 quid, and eliminates the need for multiple length counterpoise wires. It can be used for any long wire antenna thats needs a counterpoise. Ive been using it for over a year with an 817ND and an Elecraft Kx2. Works great.
HI Mike, as an M6 I too really enjoy the challenge of QRP and am often seen out and about locally up a hill with my trusty 817ND and resonant dipoles. I have just recently been gifted one of these little antennas and the tunable counterpoise and although I have not as yet had a contact, it really does receive well. Once I get a chance to get it into the field, I hope to have some success with it. The tunable counterpoise confuses me lol, so I cannot help in that matter. Just subbed and look forward to viewing your other video's. Many Thanks M6KVK
I've just getting an xiegu x6100 and this looks a great antenna for what I need with the x6100 for all modes. don't see many of them about these days but will keep an eye out for one.
@@OntheMicwithMike yeah i see your point but for me i like to only use the tuner as backup, I've got the spx100 which I'm trying to mess about with but tuning it is hard to do. When i go to the inlaws i can't put any antennas up so something that can get me on air for all modes and i can sit by the window etc is great hence the spx100 if i can get it to work ha, will get a wonderwand someday to save some hassle as it's ideal for what i need.
Hey Mike, thanks for the review! I enjoyed it very much and may get it for my next addition to the shack. Does this antenna require counterpoise at all?
To be honest, you don't need one with it as I've used it without a counterpoise and had similar results but best practice is to use one. It's a cracking little antenna setup 👍🏻
Have you tried making a loop antenna? I like the idea of having a vertical antenna and a loop antenna with one tuner. I know you can get dedicated loop tuners but this would be more versatile.
love the video clear adn nicely explained new question - 1 10m element + 5m counterpoise does that only work on 20m or other bands as well ? (sorry if it is a silly question)
No question is silly :) A 10m element will work as a full wave on 10m band, and will work on other bands for example a quarter wave on 40m and half wave on 20m. With an ATU it will tune up on most bands in between. I’d generally use a longer counterpoise though but it seems 5m works with the wonderwand tuner.
It can be, especially if there’s very little activity on the band. Some days at home when I’ve used an indoor aerial I’ve heard absolutely nothing, then some days when conditions are good, I’ve heard almost all of Europe calling.
@@OntheMicwithMike I have the Wonder Wand Wonderloop and it does a pretty good job for what it is and I've seen this one. Just trying to make an informed decision on buying this. It costs over $200.00 US here. Thank You again for this information
@@walteredwards544 wow, yes I can see why you would be looking to get some feedback first. Well, I was initially going to go with the Wonderloop but the reason I went with the Widebander was purely for the much better range of frequencies it covers & the other side was, it gives me a few options to use antenna wise. That's what sold it to me. 73' and happy dx'ing :)
@@karlng2691 I enjoy using it, especially for a quick set up but it doesn't hear as well as EFHW that's my primary antenna or have the Omni directional capability of my Wolf River Coils 1/4 wave vertical so you have to rotate the radio around but it's not far off in performance and I can set it up and get on the air at a fraction of the time it takes to set up.tbe other two. I'm thinking the Widebander will bridge a gap between the quick set-up of my loop and the Omni directional ability of my vertical, plus it will cover all bands, yet remain compact. As a side note, from my QTH in Georgia, I've reached stations as far away as Maine and Minnesota with my loop and they were surprised that I came in so clear. I'm still going to experiment more with it because I may purchase a larger loop but I have time. Thank you for your reply and the great information and 73's Walter
I've used the small telescopic whip many times at home and out portable. You tune it up the same way as you would with a wire antenna. Fully extend it and tune up as per video.
Hope you figured this out but just in case you thought the guy above was being sarcastic, he wasn't. Giving a solid constant whistle into a radio TXing on SSB will give you something to tune by in a pinch. Listening to band noise (loudest) will also get you close.
