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This resource details the computer-optimized design of the _ZS6BKW_ multiband dipole, an evolution of the classic _G5RV_ antenna. It begins by referencing the original 1958 RSGB Bulletin article by Louis Varney G5RV, explaining the operational principles of the G5RV's flat-top and open-wire feedline on 20m and 40m, noting its impedance transformation characteristics for valve amplifiers of that era. The article then transitions to the rationale for optimizing the design for contemporary solid-state transceivers requiring a 50 Ohm match. The core of the project involves using computer modeling to determine optimal lengths for the flat-top and matching section, aiming for a VSWR of less than 2:1 on multiple HF bands. It discusses the process of calculating feedpoint impedance based on antenna length and frequency, referencing professional literature from Professor R.W.P. King at Harvard University. The analysis also considers the characteristic impedance (Z(O)) of the open-wire line, identifying a broad peak of adequate values between 275 and 400 Ohms. Specific design parameters for the improved ZS6BKW are presented, including a shorter flat-top and a longer matching section compared to the original G5RV, with a velocity factor of 0.85 for the 300 Ohm tape. The article confirms acceptable matches on 7, 14, 18, 24, and 28 MHz bands when erected horizontally at 13m, and also discusses performance in an inverted-V configuration, noting frequency shifts. The author, Brian Austin ZS6BKW, emphasizes the antenna's suitability for modern 50 Ohm coaxial cable without a balun.

Experiments with phased wire vertical antennas on 40 meters at VA7ST

A quarter wave vertical end-fed antenna for the 40 meters band. As all vertical antennas, also this aerial requires a good earthing system. In this project the ground is composed by twelve 4, wires buried in the lawn by using a spade to create a slit to drop the wire into.

A homebrew fishing-rod vertical using a very nice design from EB5EKT. This antenna works 20, 30, and 40M bands by selecting the tap points using alligator clips

This article explores a theoretical model for the losses of an 80m / 40m trapped inverted V dipole antenna system using a bootstrap coax trap, but does not examine the pattern of the antenna.

A well documented article on a small magnetic loop antenna for the 40 meters band

The ZS6BKW wire antenna, a variant of the G5RV, utilizes a specific 13m (42.6 ft) length of 450-ohm window line as its matching section, feeding a 28.5m (93.5 ft) flat-top element. This design aims for lower SWR on 40m, 20m, 17m, 12m, and 10m compared to a standard G5RV, often achieving SWR values below 1.5:1 on these bands without an antenna tuner. The feedpoint impedance transformation provided by the window line allows for direct connection to 50-ohm coax on multiple bands. F4FHH's experience involved constructing the ZS6BKW and evaluating its performance against an _OCF dipole_ (Off-Center Fed) on various HF frequencies. The article includes observations on SWR readings and operational effectiveness, highlighting the ZS6BKW's suitability for multi-band operation. The antenna's overall length, including the flat-top and window line, is approximately **41.5 meters** (136 feet), making it a significant wire antenna for fixed station use. Comparative analysis with the OCF dipole provided practical insights into the ZS6BKW's advantages and limitations, particularly concerning bandwidth and tuner requirements.

A shortened 7 MHz Dipole antenna as described by Ken GM4JMU in Sprat 74.

This note looks at the antenna and antenna model for the 40 meter Moxon Yagi designed by Dave Leeson, W6NL. The performance of the antenna, through the model, will be explored in several typical settings.

A simple quarter-wave length vertical for 40m band using a 12 m spiderpole

A simple 7 bands off-center dipole wire antenna designed to work on 80 meters band and that can cover also 40m 30m 20m 15m 12m 10m with acceptable SWR

This strange looking antenna is a combination of Coupled-Resonator principle by K9AY and a quarter stubs to achieve low angle radiation pattern. Designed with 4nec2 NEC based antenna modeler and optimizer for 145/220/440MHz bands

Presents a construction project for a linear-loaded 40-meter rotatable dipole, detailing the design evolution from mid-element coils to 300-ohm twinlead loading. It covers material selection, including repurposed fishing poles and EMT conduit, and outlines the assembly process for the antenna elements and mounting plate. The resource provides specific measurements for element lengths and linear loading sections, along with SWR plots demonstrating the antenna's resonance at 7.035 MHz with a 1.1:1 SWR, and bandwidth up to 7.120 MHz below 2:1 SWR. The article documents the antenna's performance during various RTTY and CW contests, including the SARTG RTTY and SCC RTTY contests in August 2006, and the ARRL DX CW and CQWW WPX RTTY contests in February 2007. It reports successful operation at 500-1000W, noting improved performance after replacing a faulty coax cable. Specific DX contacts from British Columbia, including stations in Europe and South Africa, are listed, illustrating the antenna's capability despite its shortened length and relatively low height of 55 feet. The content highlights practical considerations such as weatherproofing the connections and supporting the fiberglass elements to prevent sagging. It also includes a brief comparison to an inverted-V at similar height and a ground-mounted vertical, noting the rotatable dipole's quieter reception. The author shares insights into the iterative design process and tuning adjustments made to achieve optimal resonance.

A Half wave antenna has a high impedance feed point. This can be matched using a 1/4 wave stub matching section and converts the 40m vertical into an L-shaped 20m J-Pole antenna. The 300 ohm feeder used for this purpose must be kept away from the ground.

Compact and efficient magnetic loop antenna that cover from 40 to 10 meters project by G8ODE published by RSARS

The ZS6BKW antenna, a popular multiband wire antenna, offers improved band matching compared to the traditional G5RV. This construction guide details the process, beginning with specific dimensions: 13.11 meters (43 feet) for the 450-ohm ladder line and initial dipole arm lengths of approximately 14.8 meters each. It emphasizes the critical role of an _antenna analyzer_ for accurate tuning, particularly for determining the velocity factor of the ladder line and achieving a 1:1 impedance match. The article outlines the materials required, including a 1:1 current balun, 450-ohm window line, wire for the dipole arms, and a 50-ohm non-inductive resistor for testing. It provides a step-by-step procedure for cutting the ladder line to its electrical half-wavelength, explaining how to calculate the velocity factor using measured and free-space frequencies. For instance, a measured 50-ohm impedance at 12.54 MHz with a calculated free-space half-wavelength frequency of 11.44 MHz yields a velocity factor of 0.91. Final adjustments involve hoisting the antenna to its operational height and fine-tuning the dipole arm lengths to achieve optimal SWR, specifically targeting 14.200 MHz. The _ZS6BKW_ design is noted for its performance on 80m, 40m, 20m, 10m, and 6m, though it is not optimized for 15m operation. The author, _VK4MDX_, shares practical tips for durable construction using stainless steel wire and cable clamps.

Presents the design and performance of a 4-element wire Yagi antenna for the 40-meter band, building upon VE3VN's earlier 3-element switchable wire Yagi. The resource details the antenna's evolution, highlighting the transition from a 3-element to a 4-element configuration and the resulting improvements in gain and front-to-back ratio. It provides specific insights into the antenna's construction and expected operational characteristics. VE3VN shares insights from field results, noting the antenna's performance on 40 meters. The discussion includes the antenna's pattern and matching characteristics, crucial for any DXer or contester looking to optimize their signal on this popular HF band. The author's experience with the previous 3-element design informs the enhancements made to this 4-element iteration. The article includes a visual representation of the antenna's current view, offering a practical perspective on its physical layout. It serves as a valuable reference for hams considering a directional wire antenna for 7 MHz operations, demonstrating a practical approach to achieving enhanced directivity and gain.

A mobile vertical antenna for 40 meters band by W4NFR

A simple TRAP-dipole project for 20 and 40m bands includes EZNec simulations

Design plan of an array of a two element yagis for 80m and a 3 element 40m antenna sharing a single 12 meters long boom by EA5DY

Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) and the 40 meter Novice Sub-band.

Inverted Vee antenna for 40m with simulation data by DF9CY

This 40 meter Inverted V antenna was tested and tuned at a height of 35 feet and proved excellent results. The ends of the antenna are about 11 feet above the ground. Article and video available

DF9CY experience on a vertical antenna for 40 meter band

A short dipole wire antenna for 40 meters band. It is a folded dipole that do not make use of coils and can be used either in horizontal or inverted V configuration

Shortened vertical antenna for 40 meters band an homebrew project

A 50-ohm 10W resistor forms the core of this portable QRP antenna, designed by _K0EMT_ for convenient operation on 160m and 80m. The construction involves soldering the resistor to a BNC connector, with one lead to ground and the other to the center conductor, then insulating the assembly. This minimalist design aims to provide a highly portable solution for low-band QRP operations, acknowledging the inherent trade-offs between antenna size and efficiency. Testing with an antenna analyzer revealed low SWR on both 160m and 80m, with a Yaesu FT-817 confirming good matching. While 40m and 30m showed higher SWR, the primary focus remains on the lower bands. The author successfully tested the antenna with **2.5W CW** output, demonstrating its practical application for QRP field operations where ease of deployment is paramount, even if it means sacrificing some **gain** compared to full-sized antennas.

HB9MTN Capacitive antennas for 40m, 30m AND 20m

This article describes a simple Inverted L antenna for the HF bands designed to work on 80m, 40m, 30m and 20m

DF9CY implementation of W1HIS suggestion of inserting a common mode choke into a 40m antennas feed-line.

A bazooka antenna design in German with dimensions for 20m and 40m band with RG174 coax cable stronger than the common RG58

Optimizing a G5RV or ZS6BKW multiband wire antenna for HF operation often involves addressing common SWR issues and understanding feedline characteristics. This resource chronicles the construction and performance evaluation of a G5RV, initially built for 80m, 40m, 15m, and 10m bands, by a newly licensed Foundation operator. The author details the selection of materials, including 3.5 mm stainless steel wire for the doublet arms and enameled copper wire for the open-wire feeder, and the initial decision to omit a balun based on common online information. The narrative highlights the initial disappointing performance, characterized by high receive noise and poor signal reports on 80 meters, despite the transceiver's internal ATU achieving a 1:1 match. This led to experimentation with a coax current balun and further research into G5RV myths, such as SWR claims and the necessity of a balun. The author then describes modifying the antenna to the ZS6BKW configuration, which involves specific changes to the doublet and feedline lengths, and integrating a 1:1 current balun wound on a ferrite toroid. The modifications resulted in improved reception and transmit performance across the bands.

A multiband vertical dipole antenna by ON4BAI

An off centre fed dipole, with 10 feet of vertical radiator. It needs no tuner on 40m, 20m and 10m by M0UKD

Deploying robust antenna infrastructure for both fixed and portable operations often requires specialized support structures capable of withstanding environmental stresses while providing optimal radiating element placement. SMC offers a range of solutions, including pneumatic masts and push-up masts, designed to facilitate rapid deployment and reliable long-term support for various antenna types. Their product line encompasses antenna mounts, poles, and complete antenna systems, addressing the critical need for stable and efficient RF communication. The company's offerings extend to HF antennas, including dipoles and _NVIS_ (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) antennas, which are crucial for short-range regional communications on bands like 80m and 40m. These systems are engineered for durability and performance, ensuring signal integrity across diverse operating conditions. With over **65 years** of experience, SMC has established itself as a global manufacturer in this niche. Their product portfolio also includes antenna support towers, catering to more permanent installations requiring significant height and load capacity for multiple arrays.

The page provides a project for an helical dipole for the 40 meters band, resonating on 7 MHz, created by PY1ZFK based on a design by DL8VO. It includes detailed instructions on building the antenna.

Operating an 80/40/20M fan dipole for DX is analyzed through EZNEC modeling, focusing on the antenna's performance in a real-world, low-height installation. The resource details the physical construction and SWR measurements of the fan dipole, comparing them against EZNEC simulations. It also incorporates High Frequency Terrain Analysis (HFTA) data to illustrate typical DX elevation angles for various regions from New England, providing a crucial context for evaluating antenna patterns. The analysis presents EZNEC-generated azimuth and elevation patterns for each band (80M, 40M, 20M) at specific frequencies, showing gain figures at different elevation angles relevant to DX propagation. It compares the modeled SWR with measured SWR, attributing discrepancies to coax attenuation. The study concludes with observations on the antenna's azimuth performance (omnidirectional within ±1.5 dB) and its less optimal elevation gain at desired DX angles, highlighting the impact of low antenna height on DX capabilities.

An homemade fan dipole antenna for 20 30 40 meter bands, setup in a 15 meter wide garden. The longest leg for 40 meter is folded to fit in the 7.5 m

Demonstrates the construction and implementation of a **two-element phased vertical array** for 40 meters, utilizing _Christman phasing_ techniques. The author, W4NFR, details the process from building individual 1/4-wave aluminum verticals to integrating them into a phased system. The resource covers antenna spacing of 32 feet, elevated radial design, and the critical steps for tuning each vertical to achieve a 1.1:1 SWR before combining them. It also provides insights into calculating precise coax lengths for feedlines and the phasing delay line, emphasizing the use of an MFJ-269 Antenna Analyzer for verification. The finished system exhibits good front-to-back nulls, with an overall SWR ranging from 1.6:1 to 2.2:1, which is managed by an antenna tuner. The project includes detailed photos of the relay box, showing 12 VDC relays capable of handling 5KV, and the control box in the shack for switching between three different antenna pattern configurations. Static bleed-off chokes are incorporated for protection, and the construction emphasizes robust weatherproofing for outdoor elements.

A 5/8 wave antenna, can be fed with ladder line from the center insulator to tuner.

This project details the construction of a **full-sized 40-meter vertical antenna**, born from a renewed interest in 7 MHz operation and a desire for improved effectiveness over simple dipoles. The author, K5DKZ, initially focused on VHF experimentation, which provided an inventory of aluminum tubing and fiberglass spreaders for this endeavor. Before this vertical, K5DKZ utilized an 80/40 meter inverted-vee trap dipole and a 40-meter broadband dipole, but now primarily uses a pair of full-sized, phased, quarter-wave verticals spaced 35 feet apart for serious 40-meter work. The construction involves a base-heavy design for stability, using a 44.5-inch section of 1-1/4 inch steel TV mast driven into 1-3/8 inch aluminum tubing, insulated by a 105-inch section of Schedule 40 PVC pipe. The assembly reaches 31 feet, close to the 32 feet required for a quarter-wavelength on 40 meters, with fine-tuning achieved by winding wire onto a fiberglass spreader. The design is explicitly presented as a foundation for a two-element 40-meter Yagi beam, outlining modifications like substituting aluminum for steel in the base and using an inductive hairpin match for the driven element. The article also discusses tuning considerations for a large 40-meter beam, noting the 100 to 200 kHz upward frequency shift when raised, and suggesting methods for installation on a tower. The author emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and good performance of the monopole approach, especially when multiple verticals are needed.

An home made UHF 7 elements Yagi antenna project

A lightweight portable vertical antenna for 40m

Phased wire vertical antennas for 40 meters band

A simple to build full length 20/40 dipole antenna to be used in inverted vee configuration

In this experiment the autor is going to explore the use of a 1:64 matching network on the End Fed Long Wire Antenna. Experiment will consist in build a 80-40-20-15-10 meter End Fed Long Wire Antenna with a 1:64 matching network from the documentation available on the internet

The antenna consists of 6 runs of stranded wires spaced by plastic Hula Hoop spacers made of poly tubing

A 2 element 40 meters band parasitic delta loop antenna project with pictures and details

Designing and constructing portable wire antennas for HF operations, this resource explores several configurations including the _foldback dipole_ for space-constrained setups and an inductively shortened dual-band dipole for 20m and 40m. It details the calculation of inductance for shortened elements, providing a Visual Basic 6.0 program screenshot that illustrates determining coil parameters like turns and length for a **25.5 uH** inductor. The document emphasizes practical considerations such as adjusting wire lengths for optimal SWR, noting that a dual-band dipole achieved SWR below 2:1 on both 20m and 40m, with careful adjustment bringing it under 1.5:1. Further, the resource describes a half-wave antenna matched with a coaxial stub, a method often referred to as the _Fuchskreis_ in German amateur radio circles, to transform the high feedpoint impedance to 50 Ohms. This monoband solution, for a 20m application, uses a stub length of **2.98m** (0.216 lambda multiplied by coax velocity factor) and a shorted stub of approximately 48cm. The coaxial stub design is highlighted for its resilience to ground proximity, allowing it to be rolled up or laid on the ground with minimal SWR impact, making it highly suitable for portable QRP operations.

Presents SWR analysis of an **Alpha-Delta DX-LB Plus** multiband wire antenna, installed as an inverted-V at 40 feet with ends at 15 feet, using an RigExpert AA-54 analyzer. The resource provides a full SWR sweep from 0.1 MHz to 54 MHz, followed by detailed SWR graphs for individual amateur bands including 160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m, and 6m. The analysis highlights the narrow bandwidth on 80m and 160m due to loading coils, necessitating tuning for specific operating frequencies. It notes excellent SWR performance across the entire 40m band and good results on 10m, also requiring tuning. The author shares personal experience with the antenna, including a 17,000 km QSO on 20 meters, and discusses plans to replace it with a homebrewed parallel **fan-dipole**.