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The W5GI Mystery Antenna is a versatile multi-band wire antenna designed for amateur radio operators. It covers frequencies from 80 meters to 6 meters, making it suitable for a wide range of operating conditions. The antenna features a low feed point impedance, allowing for easy matching with most radios, whether or not an antenna tuner is used. Its construction is straightforward, requiring only two vertical supports approximately 130 feet apart, making it ideal for hams without towers. Users have reported excellent performance, particularly on the 20-meter band, where it outperforms similar designs like the G5RV. This antenna is unique in its design, incorporating three half waves in-phase on 20 meters, resulting in a six-lobe radiation pattern. Despite its effective performance, the antenna is challenging to model, which adds to its mystique. The W5GI Mystery Antenna has gained popularity among amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide, with many users praising its ease of construction and effectiveness. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced operator, this antenna offers a fun and rewarding project that can enhance your HF capabilities.

An effective 10-20m DX antenna for deed restricted lots. The article by K7ZB introduces a simple 10-20m DX antenna suitable for deed-restricted lots. The antenna, a 15' vertical design, facilitated contacts with over 200 countries worldwide. Its design employs a telescopic aluminum tube and radial wires for multi-band operation, requiring an external antenna tuner for optimal performance. The mounting scheme and construction details ensure effectiveness and ease of use.

Dissects the internal components of the popular _Antron 99_ vertical antenna, revealing its unique design elements. The analysis details the construction of the coaxial phasing sections, which contribute to its multi-band performance across 10, 12, 15, and 17 meters. Observations include the use of fiberglass tubing for weather protection and the specific arrangement of conductors within the antenna's structure. The examination highlights the antenna's reliance on a series of coaxial stubs to achieve resonance on multiple HF bands without external tuning. This internal architecture provides insights into how the _Antron 99_ manages impedance matching and radiation patterns for effective DX operation. Further details cover the antenna's base mounting and overall physical dimensions.

Here's an award-winning, easy-to-homebrew, multi-band portable vertical antenna designed by long-time antenna aficionado James Bennett, KA5DVS. He documented the design and construction plans for a portable antenna that can be built with relatively ordinary components

Build the PAC-12 Antenna a multi-band portable vertical designed by KA5DVS, here's an award-winning, easy-to-homebrew, multi-band portable vertical antenna designed by long-time antenna aficionado James Bennett, KA5DVS. He's documented the design and construction plans for a portable antenna

Demonstrates the construction and on-air performance of the _NB6Zep_ antenna, a modified 20-meter Extended Double Zepp design optimized for multi-band operation from 40 through 10 meters. The resource covers basic design principles, including dimensions of 66 feet horizontal and 5 feet vertical elements, and specifies open ladder line or TV twin lead for the transmission line. It details material selection for low-cost wire antenna construction, such as 18 AWG wire for the legs and ceramic or plastic insulators, along with practical tips for soldering connections and insulating against moisture. The author, NB6Z, shares insights from extensive _EZNEC_ modeling to optimize the antenna's total length for a 40-meter half-wave dipole footprint and feed line length for direct tuner connection. The article presents field results, including successful _PSK31_ contacts from Oregon to the East Coast on 40 and 30 meters with 50 watts, even at a low height of 6 feet. It provides detailed performance characteristics for each band, noting the _NB6Zep_'s highest gain (over 3 dB) and sharp, medium-angle lobes on 20 meters, which yielded strong DX reports to locations like Korea, Japan, and Argentina. For 17 and 15 meters, it describes a butterfly-like pattern with broad lobes, while 12 and 10 meters exhibit narrow, directional lobes in an "X" configuration. The author also shares personal experiences operating successfully for over a decade in an antenna-restricted environment using the NB6Zep and other stealth wire antennas.

This antenna project came out very nice. It's a rugged homebrew multi-band trap vertical antenna that works the 10, 15, and 20 meter amateur radio bands. The antenna can be mounted on the ground or on a mast. Mounted on the ground the antenna has a low take off angle for working DX. If mounted on a mast the antenna will acheive both a low angle as well as another radiation lobe that has a much higher take off angle.

The Buddipole website showcases a range of portable amateur radio antenna systems, including the **Buddipole**, Mini-Buddipole, Buddistick PRO, and BuddiHEX, designed for rapid deployment and multi-band operation from 40 meters to 2 meters. Each product page details specifications, operational modes (dipole or vertical), and compatible accessories like tripods, masts, and baluns. The site also features portable DC power management systems such as the PowerMini 2 and PowerPlus, which include integrated battery chargers and solar controllers, catering to off-grid or field day setups. Instructional videos demonstrate antenna assembly, tuning, and deployment techniques for various configurations, including the VersaTee vertical and Mini-Buddipole. Customer testimonials and DXpedition highlights, such as operations from Montserrat (VP2M) and Dominica (J38), provide real-world examples of the equipment's performance in challenging environments. The company, established in 2001, emphasizes modularity, versatility, and efficiency in its product line, all manufactured in the USA. Shipping information, a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, and contact details for their Heber City, Utah facility are clearly presented. The site serves as a direct sales portal, offering a comprehensive catalog of antennas, power solutions, and components for portable amateur radio enthusiasts.

A 40 ft vertical dipole antenna that can cover HF Bands from 80 to 10 meters winding a dipole in a 12m HD telescoping fiberglass pole

A quarter-wave vertical antenna design for HF operation offers a practical solution for radio amateurs seeking a compact and efficient multi-band radiator. This project details the construction of a 5-band HF vertical, drawing inspiration from established commercial products such as the _DX COMMANDER_ and the MV6. The design emphasizes ease of assembly and disassembly, making it suitable for portable operations or installations with limited space. The article provides insights into various construction methods and offers practical tips for building a robust yet lightweight antenna. It highlights the benefits of a vertical configuration for DX contacts, particularly on the lower HF bands, and discusses real-world performance observations. The antenna is designed to cover multiple HF bands, providing versatility for various operating scenarios. Operators can achieve significant DX results with this type of antenna, often comparable to more complex arrays, especially when deployed with an effective ground system. The project aims to empower hams to build a capable antenna without significant financial outlay.

A 90-foot vertical antenna constructed from **aluminum irrigation tubing** is detailed, focusing on its innovative raising and lowering mechanism. The resource describes a **45-foot ginpole** system, allowing a single operator to erect or lower the antenna in minutes. It covers the mechanical design, including the pivot base, insulated joints for the tubing sections, and guy wire attachment points. The antenna consists of two 30-foot sections of 4-inch tubing and one 30-foot section of 2-inch tubing, stacked with the smaller diameter at the top. The electrical design incorporates PVC "condulet" boxes at the 30-foot and 60-foot points, housing relays to change the effective height for multi-band operation on 160, 80, 40, and 30 meters. Ferrite rod inductive chokes are used for DC control and to tune out gap capacitance. The antenna is fed with 1000 feet of open wire line, connected to a matching transformer comprising stacked toroids and a coaxial/toroidal balun. Grounding is achieved with a 3x3 foot grid of 16-gauge tinned copper wires with soldered crossovers.

This resource details the conversion of an 80m elevated vertical antenna to include 160m operation, focusing on a relay-switched design over a trap-based approach. It presents specific feedpoint impedance values, such as **32 ohms** for 80m and **14 ohms** for 160m, and discusses the challenges of SWR drift encountered with the prior trap system during RTTY contesting. The article thoroughly explains the design choices for elevated radials, referencing _N6LF QEX data_ to debunk common myths regarding radial length and height, demonstrating that non-resonant radials can offer superior current uniformity. The construction section provides practical insights into building the vertical, including guying strategies, material selection from scrap pipe, and weatherproofing the relay assembly. It highlights the use of a common mode choke for the relay switching line, measuring approximately 5K ohms on both 160m and 80m, and details the L/C matching network's role in achieving a 50-ohm match at the end of a 300-foot RG-11 run. The author describes a precise VNA-based radial trimming procedure, achieving resonant values within a 3 KHz range. The content emphasizes the practical application of theoretical antenna principles, particularly concerning the interaction between the vertical element, cap hats, and the matching network. It offers a candid assessment of component selection, such as using junkbox parts and acknowledging the need for future upgrades to static drain resistors. The article serves as a comprehensive case study for advanced antenna builders tackling multi-band vertical designs.

Choosing a vertical antenna. Buying guide to amateur radio HF vertical antennas by Bencher inc

This is a design for a stealthy HF multi-band vertical wire antenna using a tree as a supportby G7AQK

This article explores the performance of an unloaded elevated vertical, base matching and feed line as a multi-band HF antenna system.

This article explores the performance of an unloaded vertical as a multi-band HF antenna.

A multi-band portable vertical antenna can be built with relatively ordinary components obtained from the local hardware store, including replaceable loading coils

The SCOTIA Bandhopper a mobile multi-band vertical antenna

Analyzing a decade of contest operations and QSLing from March 1993 to March 2003, K5ZD presents data on QSO totals by band and mode, QSL error rates, and DXCC progress. The article details the author's methodology of only answering incoming QSLs, which allowed for a study of call copying error rates, found to be between 0.8% and 1.7%. These error rates correlate with typical contest log checking reports (UBN/LCR). The data also tracks the percentage of QSOs confirmed by QSL cards annually, averaging 12.1% over the ten-year period, with a steady rate of 14-15% in earlier years. Specific statistics include a total of 215,653 QSOs logged, with 26,184 QSLs received. The article identifies the top 33 countries for incoming QSLs, accounting for over 87% of the total, with Japan, Germany, Spain, and Belgium being prominent. It also touches upon the potential of ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW) for instant confirmations, while noting potential error rate implications. The author's station, initially a barefoot setup with a Hygain multi-band vertical, evolved into a fully operational contest station by October 1993, utilizing DX4WIN for logging.

A short multi-band vertical antenna

The X80 multi-band HF vertical antenna, a commercial iteration of the Rybakov design, exhibits a physical length of 5.5 meters, or approximately 18 feet, and is constructed from aluminum tubing. It operates as a non-resonant vertical, requiring an external antenna tuner for impedance matching across its intended operating frequencies. The antenna's design incorporates a 1:4 UNUN at its base, facilitating a nominal 50-ohm feed point impedance for the coaxial cable. Performance observations indicate effective operation on 40 meters, 20 meters, 15 meters, and 10 meters, with reduced efficiency on 80 meters and 160 meters due to its relatively short electrical length for these lower bands. Comparative analysis with a G5RV dipole and a half-wave end-fed antenna reveals the X80 offers a lower take-off angle, beneficial for DX contacts, particularly on the higher HF bands. Field tests conducted with an Icom IC-706MKIIG transceiver and an LDG AT-100ProII autotuner demonstrate the X80's ability to achieve acceptable SWR across 80m through 10m. The antenna's compact footprint and ease of deployment make it suitable for restricted spaces or portable operations, though its performance on 80 meters is noted as a compromise compared to full-size resonant antennas.

A few thoughts on Multi Band VHF Aerials by Peter Ward VK3ZAV

Performance of an unloaded ground mounted vertical as a multi-band HF antenna.

Documents the OC1I and OC6I IOTA DXpeditions to Peru, specifically highlighting operations from SA-098 (Isla La Leona) and SA-076 (Isla Lobos de Afuera). The OC1I team logged over **8000 QSOs** from SA-076, while OC6I made 1400 QSOs from SA-098, despite challenging propagation conditions. The resource details the equipment used, including an _IC-7000_, an IC-706mkIIG, and a TS-440SAT, along with various antennas such as a 160m dipole, FD4, G5RV, and a multi-band vertical for 17m, 20m, 30m, and 40m. The DXpedition dates are specified: OC6I operated from SA-098 between December 28 and December 30, while OC1I was active from SA-076 from January 2 to January 7. Both operations are confirmed as valid for IOTA credit. The page also includes a video link for the OC6I operation and a photo gallery from the DXpedition. Feedback is welcomed, and the webmaster is identified as Bodo Fritsche, DL3OCH.

This DIY vertical multi-band Windom antenna offers a practical and effective solution for amateur radio enthusiasts seeking a versatile and compact antenna for HF communications. Its simplicity of construction, multi-band capability, and favorable performance make it a valuable addition to any radio shack. The article provides detailed instructions on constructing the antenna and balun, along with diagrams and component specifications. Field tests demonstrated successful contacts with stations across Europe and North America on 14, 18, and 28 MHz. The antenna exhibited comparable performance to a W3DZZ dipole and outperformed a Cobweb antenna on 18 MHz. Low noise levels were observed, effectively suppressing background noise.

The PAC-12 Antenna, a multi-band portable vertical, is meticulously detailed in this construction article by James Bennett, _KA5DVS_. The design emphasizes ease of homebrewing using readily available components from local hardware stores, including replaceable loading coils. It outlines the preparation of the 72-inch telescoping whip (originally from Radio Shack, with an alternate source now provided by _Pacific Antenna_), the construction of the loading coils from PVC risers, and the fabrication of the aluminum rod base sections. Specific instructions cover threading aluminum rod with a _1/4-20 threading die_ and assembling the feedpoint insulator with a BNC connector, along with recommendations for radial deployment. KA5DVS, an avid traveler and QRP enthusiast, developed the PAC-12 to address the bulkiness of random wire setups and the limitations of commercial portable antennas like the Outbacker or SuperAntennas MP1. His goal was a lightweight, packable antenna that disassembles into 12-inch sections, achieving an assembled length of approximately 8 feet. The design strategically places the loading coil away from the base for improved efficiency. The PAC-12 notably placed first in efficiency compared to a quarter-wavelength wire vertical at the HFPack antenna shootout during the Pacificon conference in October 2001, demonstrating its practical performance for field operations. Appendix C showcases various _NJQRP Club_ members' PAC-12 constructions, including a 20m beam made with multiple PAC-12 elements.

This article describes a simple yet effective multi-band vertical HF antenna design that performs exceptionally well across 80m to 10m bands. The antenna consists of a 13.4m wire mounted on a 12.4m Spiderpole, complemented by four 12m radials and a ground rod. Initially tuned with a manual LC circuit, it was later upgraded with a CG3000 remote auto ATU for convenient band switching. Despite antenna modeling software suggesting limited performance on higher frequencies, the system demonstrated excellent DX capabilities across all bands, outperforming more complex vertical antenna designs.

This article explores the evolution of antenna choices for DXpeditions, focusing on the shift from mono-band VDAs to a multi-band solution. It details the design and construction of a lightweight, versatile 20-17-15m VDA, utilizing readily available materials like fishing rods and IKEA breadboards. The author discusses challenges, adjustments, and offers guidance for replication.

WB8LZR details the construction and initial field results of a multi-band vertical wire antenna, designed to complement his existing horizontal loop for improved DX on 80 meters. The antenna utilizes a 67-foot vertical wire, configured as a quarter-wave radiator on 80m, and employs a 1:1 current balun for RF isolation on 80m, 30m, and 17m. For bands like 40m, 20m, and 10m, where the wire acts as a half-wave or full-wave radiator, an additional impedance transforming _unun_ is integrated to manage the significantly higher feedpoint impedance and voltage. The author notes the vertical's performance as a receiving antenna, observing reduced noise compared to his main horizontal loop, particularly on 80m, and even hearing some long-path signals the loop missed. Initial QRP contacts, including a **1-watt** QSO with a _VP2 station_ on 30m, demonstrate its transmit capability. While the radial system is currently rudimentary, the project outlines practical considerations for multi-band vertical deployment and impedance matching.

Being frequently away from home, the author owner of an Elecraft KX3 missed the opportunity to work /M. They devised a portable antenna solution, incorporating a coil and car body, enabling multi-band tuning. Despite its unconventional design, the antenna exhibits promising performance, resembling a vertical dipole.

Antenna patterns are all about interference. Presentation on wire antennas for HF bands. Dipoles, horizontal and vertical dipoles, effects of ground on radiation patterns, multi-band wires antennas. Knowing what you should expect from the radiation patterns for waves on your wires will help you choose what will work best for your needs. The principles of interference can lend insight into what to expect from a wire antenna.