Discover the Reel POTA-ble End Fed Half Wave Antenna: designed for easy deployment and tuning without a tuner.

If you’re into portable amateur radio operations, the Reel POTA-ble End Fed Half Wave Antenna might just become your new favorite tool. This innovative antenna isn’t just another end fed halfwave; it’s designed with ease of deployment in mind, making it perfect for quick setups in field operations.

KB9VBR Vlog:

Michael KB9VBR is a ham radio enthusiast who runs the KB9VBR Antennas YouTube channel where he reviews and tests various amateur radio equipment and antennas. His vlog below is a straightforward review and practical demonstration of the Reel POTA-ble End Fed Half Wave Antenna.

Key Takeaways

  1. Effortless Deployment: The antenna integrates a chalk line marker reel for easy unreeling and reeling, eliminating common deployment hassles.
  2. Wide Band Coverage: Covers 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter bands without needing a tuner, and can operate on other frequencies within those bands with minor adjustments.
  3. Compact and Ready-to-Use: Fully assembled out of the box, it’s compact and ready for immediate deployment, ideal for both beginners and seasoned operators.

Step-by-Step Deployment Process

Deployment Steps:

  1. Find Support: Attach the steel cable loop end to a support structure (tree, mast).
  2. Unreel: Extend the wire using the integrated reel mechanism.
  3. Connect Transformer: Secure the transformer end using the S-type carabiner to adjust height and tension.

Tuning Steps:

  • To adjust frequency resonance:
  • Wind or unwind the wire on the reel to fine-tune the resonant frequency for different bands.

Resources Mentioned

  • T140-43 Toroid: A core used for impedance matching in antenna designs.
  • 49:1 Winding: Ensures proper impedance match for efficient transmission.
  • Silicon Wire: High-quality 20 gauge wire for durable and efficient performance.

Personal Advice

My advice is to always prioritize ease of deployment and flexibility in antenna tuning. The Reel POTA-ble antenna excels in both areas, making it a reliable choice for field operations.

FAQ

1. Is the Reel POTA-ble antenna suitable for beginners?

Yes, it comes fully assembled and is straightforward to deploy, making it beginner-friendly.

2. Can it be used without a tuner on all listed bands?

Yes, it operates without a tuner on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter bands.

3. How portable is this antenna?

While it’s compact, the integrated reel adds some bulk, so consider your portability needs before purchase.

4. What kind of wire does it use?

The antenna uses 20 gauge silicon wire, ensuring durability and efficiency.

5. Where can I purchase the Reel POTA-ble antenna?

It’s available directly from the Reel Portable Antennas website.