Butternut HF2V Vertical Antennas for HF Bands
Find schematics, modifications, and tuning guides for the Butternut HF2V vertical antenna, covering 40, 80, and other bands.
The Butternut HF2V is a popular vertical antenna, originally designed for the 80 and 40 meter bands. Many hams choose this antenna for its performance and relatively compact footprint, making it suitable for smaller lots or stealth installations. Its design often involves a quarter-wave radiator on 40 meters and a loaded quarter-wave on 80 meters, providing efficient operation for DX and local QSOs on these important HF bands.
Operators frequently modify the HF2V to extend its capabilities beyond the original two bands. Resources here detail various antenna projects, including how to add 160 meters or other bands like 30 and 20 meters, often for improved digital mode operation. You will also find practical advice on tuning the Butternut HF2V for optimal SWR across its operating frequencies, ensuring efficient power transfer from the transceiver to the antenna system.
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Article on the HF dual band antenna with construction details and how to add 160 meters to the HF2V -
Homebrew a vertical antenna for 40 and 80 meters band based on popular HF2V model by DL7JV -
The Butternut HF2V, originally a two-band vertical antenna for 80m and 40m, was enhanced by the user to include 30m and 20m bands for better digimode DX work during the solar minimum. The additions used components adapted from the HF6V and innovative methods for the 20m addition, either through a parallel vertical element or a lower-mounted independent element, minimizing band interaction. This modified four-band antenna now supports high power across popular HF bands using a single feedpoint. -
Complete instructions on tuning the Butternut HF2V on four bands, 80, 40 , 30 and 15 meters