[Elecraft] PAR End Fed Half Wave antenna

[David Yarnes]

Hi All,

I would echo Joe's comments.  I use pretty much the same 
setup as he does.  I only have the one PAR EFHW (the 
10/20/40 model), and it works very well.   For example, at 
Ozarkcon last year, I used it from my motel window to a 
parking lot light pole, and had excellent results using my 
ATS-3.

I feed my 88 ft. dipole with 300 ohm feedline (the good 
stuff--from the Wireman) instead of 450 ohm line, which I 
find to be a bit too bulky.  It works fine, and on all bands 
from 80 through 10.  WARC bands can be a bit sticky, but my 
MFJ tuners all seem to handle it, including the smaller 
portable model.  Sometimes adding a few feet more to the 
feedline helps on those bands.  An "all band" system doesn't 
get much simpler.

When the availability of antenna supports is a problem, I 
usually opt for my MP-1 system.  This system works a lot 
better than most people realize, particularly if you add a 
section or two under the coil, and spread more radials. 
It's still very portable, and very easy to set up. 
Sometimes, a vertical is your best option.

If you want to try something a bit more exotic for portable 
use, I would strongly suggest you check out the new 3 
element portable beam from SuperAntennas.  We set that up 
recently at the Quartzsite, Arizona hamfest, and had a blast 
with it.  I wasn't able to break the pile-up trying to work 
the VP8 group down in the Falklands, but did work just about 
everything else I could hear, and QRP at that.  I think this 
is going to be a great Field Day antenna.

Dave W7AQK


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe W2KJ" <w2kj at bellsouth.net>
To: "Elecraft" <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 10:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PAR End Fed Half Wave antenna


> I've been using two PAR EFHW (End Fed Half Wave) antennas 
> in portable ops
> for several weeks now with excellent results.
>
> I have the 20/40M and the 10/20/40M antennas that I use at 
> the local park.
>
> What I like about these antennas, besides the fact that 
> they work very well
> indeed, is that no transmission or support rope is 
> required.
>
> I get one end up in the air using the monofilament line on 
> my wrist rocket
> and tape the match box end to my operating table....a 
> short coax jumper
> cable to my K2 or KX1 completes the installation.
>
> Using the monofilament on the wrist rocket to support one 
> end of the antenna
> obviates the need for a support rope of some kind so this 
> along with the
> transmission line is eliminated.
>
> These end fed half waves appear to be ideal for 
> backpacking ops since they
> eliminate a lot of weight and bulk.
>
> I also have played with an 88ft center fed doublet fed 
> with 450 ohm ladder
> line and this has also been an excellent portable antenna, 
> although it
> requires a transmission line and antenna tuner and at 
> least one support rope
> in the center and two shorter lines for the ends.
>
> What is really neat about the PAR EFHW's is that once 
> pruned and tuned no
> antenna tuner is required so even more weight and bulk is 
> eliminated for the
> portable operator.
>
> The PAR 10/20/40M job provides 3 bands of operation with 
> no tuner,
> transmission line or support rope...not too shabby.
>
> We are supposed to warm up considerably hear in 
> southeastern North Carolina
> over the weekend....supposed to be in the 70's so I'll be 
> in the park on
> Saturday and perhaps on Sunday playing with these 
> antennas...hope to meet
> you on the air this weekend (CW of course!!!--grin)
>
>                        73, Joe W2KJ (near Wilmington, NC)
>                        I QRP, therefore I am
>
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