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A 10-20 meters coverage delta loop antenna. After relocating, DL2HCB designed a multiband loop antenna to cover 10-20m with an open-wire feed for impedance matching and compact installation. Inspired by the mini-X-Q design, a modified 10m delta-loop was built, enhanced with a 1/4 wave shorted stub for 28 MHz using 450-ohm ladder line. The antenna delivers east-west broadside radiation and performs as a closed loop on other bands. Operational tests yielded strong European signals and successful DX contacts, including a 20m QRP QSO with FY/DJ0PJ.

The G5RV antenna, with an overall length of **31.10m (102ft)**, functions as a 3/2-wave on 20 meters when installed horizontally at 12m (39ft), exhibiting a resonant frequency of 14.150MHz and an approximate resistance of 80 ohms. Its 10.36m (34ft) stub line, designed as a 1/2-wave on 14.150MHz with a 0.97 velocity coefficient, acts as an impedance transformer across other bands, aiming for multiband operation without traps. On 20m and higher frequencies, the G5RV demonstrates improved gain compared to a standard dipole, attributed to the _collinear effect_ from multiple 1/2-waves along the wire. The original design sought a multiband solution for limited spaces, often requiring an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) for effective operation across bands like 80, 40, 30, and 20m, particularly with modern solid-state PAs. Variants, such as the F8CI modification, incorporate a 1/4 current balun at the stub line's base for symmetrical-to-asymmetrical transition, known as a _remote balun_. Proper flat-top or inverted-V installation is critical for maintaining symmetry and collinear gain, with inverted-V apex angles below 120° progressively diminishing higher-band performance.

The page provides detailed information on the G5RV antenna, its feeder arrangement, and efficient operation on HF bands from 3.5 to 28 MHz. It includes dimensions for installation in limited spaces, variations for different bands, and impedance matching details.

A multiband 80-40-20-15 meters dipole wire antenna that can be extended to cover 160 meters too.

Details the construction of a **multiband vertical** antenna, specifically designed for stealth operation in a rented property, covering 80m, 60m, 40m, and 30m. The author, N3OX, leverages a 12m Spiderbeam telescoping fiberglass pole as the primary support, noting its sturdiness compared to typical fishing rods while remaining light enough for quick deployment and takedown. The radiating element is a 14 gauge Flex-Weave wire, attached to the pole's top with a rubber grommet, and fed by 27 bare 18 gauge radials spread across a 40-foot square backyard. N3OX describes the impedance matching solution, opting for custom-built L-networks over a remote tuner to enable fast bandswitching. Using an MFJ-259B and EZNEC modeling, base impedances were measured and component values calculated with G4FGQ's L_TUNER and SOLNOID_3 programs. The 80m coil is wound on a 3.5-inch PVC form, while the 30m, 40m, and 60m coils are air-wound, self-supporting #10 wire. Variable capacitors are incorporated for 40m and 30m shunt elements, with the 60m impedance matched by a series inductor. The project includes a **servo-controlled** homebrew band switch, utilizing a two-pole 12-position ceramic wafer switch for remote operation, addressing the limited 80m bandwidth. The entire matching network is housed in a weather-resistant shelter constructed from lumber and aluminum flashing. N3OX reports good DX results at 100W, estimating the total cost between $150 and $250, depending on existing parts.

A multiband jpole antenna

M1IOS Wonder Whip antenna - The M1IOS Wonder Whip A 10 dollars QRP Portable Multiband Antenna for HF, VHF and UHF A variation on the Miracle Whip and Wander Wand. This antenna tuning unit will get your SWR really low on telescopic whips, mobile 3/8th antenna and long wires. A remarkable little tuner that really works!

This multiband wire antenna it is an off centre fed dipole, with 10 feet of vertical radiator, needs no tuner on 40m, 20m and 10m and works fine on all bands above 40m with a tuner, and even below 40m on 60m, and 80m.

Demonstrates the construction and performance of an updated ZS6BKW multiband dipole, a variant of the _G5RV_ antenna, specifically designed for HF operation. The article details a real-world installation using 13.5m copper wire elements and 12.2m of 450 Ohm ladder line, configured as a sloping inverted-V with the apex at 10m and ends at 4m above ground. It covers the critical aspect of impedance matching, incorporating an 8-turn choke balun at the feedline transition to RG-58U coax to mitigate RF common mode current. Measurements confirm favorable SWR readings below **1.3:1** on 7.1 MHz, 14.11 MHz, 18.06 MHz, and 24.8 MHz, indicating effective resonance across 40m, 20m, 17m, and 12m bands. The installation also shows usable SWR dips on 3.55 MHz (5:1), 29.02 MHz (2:1), and 50.84 MHz (3:1), extending its utility to 80m, 10m, and 6m with an antenna tuning unit. Initial on-air results report clear reception of stations over **5000km** away, validating its DX potential.

The Windom is an Off-center wire multiband Antenna. The old version was fed just by a single-wire connected on 1/3 of antenna's overall length or with an open-line feeder (later versions). Here is another model with coaxial feeder, which is compatible with Solid States - 50 Ohm output transceivers .

A multiband stealth antenna. Tuner is required. The antenna is made from a $15, 500 ft roll of black #14 insulated stranded wire, about 120 small black wire ties, and maybe 30 or so large black wire ties.

This Multiband Cubical Quad antenna a boomless Quad design with glass-fibre arms and a single coax wire connected to a remote antenna switch. This aerial work on 8 bands and has a 60-degree beam width. Despite achieving critical technical requirements, the antenna's three-dimensional structure presents obstacles, such as installation issues on fixed towers and risk of frost damage. The spider framework is built of stainless steel, with a compact 18-inch boom and strong angle iron arms. Tait use a variety of methods to fasten element wires and suggests placing them on the outside of the spreaders for improved insulation. The use of nylon twine or parachute cord between key attachment points allows for adjustable separation between pieces.

Wire antenna for 10-15-20-40-80 meters band, with many drawings and description in spanish

The ZS6BKW multiband HF antenna, a design by ZS6BKW (G0GSF), functions effectively on multiple HF bands without requiring an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) for 40, 20, 17, 12, 10, and 6 meters. This antenna, approximately **27.51 meters** (90 feet) long with a 12.2-meter (40-foot) open-wire feeder, is a direct descendant of the _G5RV_ but offers superior multi-band resonance. It can be deployed as a horizontal dipole or an inverted-vee, with the latter requiring only a single support and maintaining an apex angle of at least 90 degrees to prevent signal cancellation. Performance data, recorded with an MFJ Antenna Analyser, indicates SWR values of 1:1 on 7.00 MHz (40m) and 14.06 MHz (20m), with SWR below 1.3:1 on 17m, 10m, and 6m. While primarily designed for these bands, the antenna can be adapted for 80m, 30m, and 15m with an ATU, preferably at the balanced feeder's base. The use of 450-ohm twin-lead for the feeder is recommended over 300-ohm for improved strength and reduced losses, especially in adverse weather conditions. This design, originally published in _RadCom_ in 1993 and featured in Pat Hawker’s "Antenna Topics," provides a compact and efficient solution for HF operation, particularly for those with limited space or resources.

The H-Pole is a vertical multiband wire antenna for 160-10 meters bands

Presents G0GSF Brian's ZS6BKW antenna, a refined iteration of the classic G5RV, offering improved performance across multiple HF bands. The design emphasizes specific radiator and ladder line lengths to achieve lower SWR on 40m, 20m, 17m, 12m, and 10m, making it a practical choice for operators seeking a single wire antenna solution. The document includes critical dimensions for the flat-top and the 450-ohm ladder line section, which are key to its multiband resonance characteristics. Unlike the original G5RV, the ZS6BKW aims for direct 50-ohm feedpoint impedance on several bands, reducing the need for an external antenna tuner. My field experience with similar optimized dipoles confirms that precise construction, particularly the ladder line length, is paramount for realizing the intended SWR benefits. This design offers a compelling alternative for hams with limited space or those preferring a less complex antenna system.

End-Fed Half-Wave Antennas (EFHWAs) are analyzed for their utility in portable QRP operations, emphasizing their simplicity, efficiency, and predictable radiation patterns compared to other portable antenna types. The discussion contrasts EFHWAs with vertical antennas, random length wires, and center-fed dipoles, highlighting the common pitfalls of each, such as ground system dependency for verticals and feedline issues for dipoles. The article details the electrical half-wavelength calculation using the formula L (Ft) = 468/F(MHz) and explains how EFHWAs can be resonant on harmonic frequencies, enabling multiband operation. Various deployment configurations are presented, including the inverted L, inverted Vee, sloping wire, and vertical setups, each with specific advantages for radiation angle and polarization. For instance, a vertical EFHWA offers a low angle of radiation suitable for DX contacts without requiring an extensive ground system. The resource also addresses the counterpoise requirements, suggesting a quarter-wavelength wire or connection to a metallic structure for decoupling. A schematic diagram for a simple parallel-tuned circuit tuner, based on the _Rainbow Bridge/Tuner_ design, is provided, detailing component values for 30 and 40 meters, including a 6 microhenry toroidal inductor and a 20-100 picofarad mica compression capacitor. The tuner's adjustment process for SWR matching is also outlined.

G8OFZ multi-band antenna for 80-10m, this antenna appears to be a derivative of the Doublet and the Classic G5RV

Why Multi-band Dipoles Need HEAVY Open Wire Line by Tom, K1JJ

A homebrew project for a multiband end-fed antenna made with a single FT140-43 and 50pf capacitor and 20 meters of wire.

The document details the optimization and construction of the _Maria Maluca_ antenna, a compact 6-band (20m-6m) directional beam. It presents a comparative analysis of shortwave antenna principles, highlighting the efficiency gains achieved by using an open feeder line and tuner as a resonant unit, contrasting this with the losses associated with traps or capacitive loads in multiband antennas. The resource specifically revisits an older South American 2-element design for 10, 15, and 20 meters, applying modern NEC-based software to develop a six-band version. Performance data is meticulously tabulated, showing impedance, free space gain, gain at 12m height, elevation angle, and front-to-back (F/B) ratio for each band from 20m through 6m. For instance, on 15m, the antenna achieves 5.1 dBd free space gain and 13.72 dB F/B ratio. The construction section provides practical guidance on element assembly using aluminum pipes and hose clamps, detailing the use of a heavy-duty glass fiber reinforced polyamide rod for electrical separation and bending strength. It also specifies the use of 450-ohm _Wireman_ line CQ 552 for the transmission line. The document includes diagrams for rod fixing, an air-wound balun, and a vertical elevation diagram for the 15m band, illustrating its DX qualification. It also discusses the antenna's suitability for portable and expedition operations, noting its compact transport dimensions (max 1.50m length, 12 lb weight) and quick assembly time (under 15 minutes). The author, Dipl.Ing. Helmut Oeller, DC6NY, is identified as a source for material kits.

An antenna system is more easily interfaced to a radio when the input reactance at the feedline terminals is low or close to series resonance

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.

Put up the longest dipole you can fit, feed it with open wire line, connect it to the balanced output of your tuner and poof! Instant multiband antenna. Is life really that simple?

Fractal Antennas are a new generation of multiband antennas for wireless communications. Based on a new design concept, fractal technology.

A multiband wire antenna with a twinlead feedline that can be easily tuned in several bands, witha 33 ft per leg you can have a 40 to 10 meters band coverage

The Classic Multiband Dipole Antenna QST article. The open-wire feed line dipole antenna is easy to install and offers surprising performance on several bands. You can install it in almost any configuration; it does not have to be strung in the traditional horizontal flat top

The antenna is an inexpensive, multiband, end fed HF antenna. It has a matching network consisting of a toroid core and an antenna lead of 30

A compact multiband wire antenna suitable for portable operations.

This antenna consists of 4 resonate dipoles made from 12 insulated copper electrical wire. The dipoles are resonate on the following bands: 6 meters, 10 meters, 12 meters and 17 meters.

A multiband dipole antenna that can work on 15 20 and 40 meters band made with common materials

W3EDP multiband wire antenna, an extensive study and analysis of this antenna by W0ESE

A project of a vertical and wires that generate a multiband antenna for 28 14 10 and 7 Mhz in french

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.

A 500-watt mobile antenna project details the conversion of an old 10m hamstick into a highly efficient, multiband "bugstick" for HF operation. The core modification involves replacing the original coil with 25 turns of 6 turns-per-inch, 1.5-inch diameter coil stock, fabricated from #14 wire. This design, intended for a 3-magnet mount on a vehicle cab, achieves resonance on multiple bands by shorting out specific turns on the coil, similar to a **bugcatcher** antenna. Measurements taken with an MFJ-259 analyzer on a GMC pickup show 0 turns shorted for 20 meters (14.2 MHz), 10 turns for 17 meters, 16 turns for 15 meters, 19 turns for 12 meters, and 23 turns for 10 meters. The construction emphasizes using UV-resistant tie-wraps and #14 solid wire with crimp lugs for robust RF connections, bypassing the fiberglass rod for current flow. A bonus section details a 40-meter version, utilizing 48 turns of 8 TPI, 2-inch diameter coil stock.

Article published on Practical Wireless about the W3DZZ multiband trapped dipole antenna made available by GM0ONX

Ham radio antennas and electronics, specialized in 1/2 wave dipole, OCF dipole, windom, full wave loop, end fed, inverted L, portable end fed antenna, long wire, SWL antenna, fan dipole, multiband dipole, G5RV and military antennas.

The G5RV multiband HF antenna, designed by Louis Varney (G5RV) in 1946, is a popular compromise antenna offering good overall performance on most HF bands when paired with an external antenna tuner. The basic full-size G5RV measures 102 feet across the top for 80 through 10 meter operation and is fed at the center via a 34-foot low-loss feed-stub. This interaction between the radiating section and the feed-stub facilitates matching across 80-10 meters with a standard tuner, often eliminating the need for ladder line directly to the shack. The antenna's design center frequency is 14.150 MHz, configured as a 3/2-wave dipole on 20 meters, with its 102-foot length derived from long-wire antenna formulas. Construction details emphasize the matching section, which can be open wire, ladder line (window-type), or TV twin lead. Each type has a specific velocity factor (VF) affecting its physical length for an electrical half-wave on 14 MHz; for instance, open wire requires 33.7 feet (VF 0.97), ladder line 31.3 feet (VF 0.90), and TV twin lead 28.5 feet (VF 0.82). The article provides formulas for calculating these lengths and discusses the antenna's behavior on individual bands, from 3.5 MHz where it acts as a shortened dipole, to 28 MHz where it functions as two three-half-wave long-wire antennas fed in-phase. Practical construction notes include recommendations for vertical descent of the matching section, sealing the coax junction, providing strain relief, and winding a coaxial choke coil to mitigate common mode current. The resource also presents dimensions for double-size (204 ft) and half-size (51 ft) G5RV versions, along with their corresponding matching section lengths for various line types, making it a versatile reference for hams considering this classic wire antenna.

A 9:1 voltage unun using a T-200-2 powdered iron toroid core to feed a long wire multiband antenna.

An easy to make, cheap, no trap, multiband wire vertical antenna by PA1M

Interesting article on multiband fan dipoles. This article give an overview on designing this wire antenna, and planning a robust installation and proper feed line. Includes notes on setting up a commercial fan dipole antenna and on how diy your own.

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.

An interesting article on random wire antennas, and how to choose the optimal lenghts for multiband operations.

The ZS6BKW multiband antenna, an optimized variant of the classic G5RV, features a 102-foot (31.1 m) horizontal span and a 39.1-foot ladder line matching section. This design, derived by G0GSF (formerly ZS6BKW) in the early 1980s using computer programs and _Smith charts_, aims for improved SWR across multiple HF bands compared to its predecessor. Construction details specify Wireman 554 ladder line and #14 AWG THHN copper wire for the radiators, with precise instructions for determining the velocity factor (VF) of the ladder line using an antenna analyzer or dip meter, ensuring accurate physical length for the matching section. The radiator length is electrically 1.35 wavelengths for the 20-meter band, requiring careful trimming during tuning. Field measurements with an _AIM-4170C_ analyzer by KI4PMI and NC4FB demonstrated good SWR curves and bandwidth on 6, 10, 12, 17, 20, and 40 meters. The antenna was deemed unusable on 15 and 30 meters due to very high SWR, but an LDG AT-100PRO autotuner successfully brought 6 and 80 meters into tune. Contacts were made on 80, 40, 20, and 17 meters, including a **17-meter** contact to Spain. EZNEC models for 80-6 meters are provided, along with an AutoEZ model by AC6LA, which predicted good SWR for 80-10 meters. W5DXP's modifications for an all-band HF ZS6BKW are also referenced.

A very interesting blog article on a real world comparison on the popular multiband wire antenna, the G5RV, by Bob Raynor N4JTE

A project that describes a build a multiband wire beam antenna. A 3 band single feed moxon antenna for 20,15,10 meters.

The resource details the construction of a multiband trap-style Inverted-V antenna designed for operation on 3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 14 MHz, 21 MHz, and 28 MHz. It presents specific winding data for the traps, including the number of turns, wire gauge, and coil former dimensions, crucial for achieving resonance on the target bands. The document provides a parts list and a diagram illustrating the antenna's physical layout and trap placement. It outlines the process for building the traps using PVC pipe formers and specifies the required capacitor values for each trap. The design emphasizes a practical approach to achieving multiband operation with a single feedline, a common goal for HF operators with limited space. The document includes a table with antenna segment lengths for each band, allowing for precise replication of the design. It also offers insights into tuning and adjustment, ensuring the antenna performs optimally across the designated amateur radio bands.

During a club's "Filetto Day" event, a comparative field test was conducted between a **Buddipole** antenna and a homemade 20/40-meter wire dipole. The author, IW5EDI, performed this personal evaluation from a mountain top at 1500 meters above sea level, utilizing a Yaesu FT-857D transceiver to switch between antennas. The observations on the 20-meter band indicated that the wire dipole consistently delivered significantly stronger signals compared to the Buddipole. Additionally, the Buddipole exhibited higher levels of **QRM** during the listening tests. The commercial Buddipole, known for its multiband capability and compact size with a self-supporting tripod, was contrasted with the simpler, larger wire dipole, which required a fiberglass fish pole for support. This direct comparison highlights practical differences in performance and deployment between a popular portable commercial antenna and a basic wire antenna in a real-world operating environment.

A multiband vertical antenna for HF bands with elevated ground radials slant down at 45 degrees and acting also as guy wires.

A multi band antenna for HF band capable to operate from 10 to 80 meters band depending on wire lenght loaded with a small inductance neat the feed end.