This YouTube video showcases the antenna system at my QTH , G0LZX location in Liverpool, featuring vertical, longwire, and end-fed half-wave antennas. Each antenna type offers unique characteristics and benefits:
Vertical Antenna: This antenna is oriented perpendicular to the ground, providing omnidirectional coverage with a low-angle radiation pattern, making it effective for long-distance (DX) communications. Proper grounding or a suitable counterpoise is essential to optimize its performance.
Longwire Antenna: Typically longer than a wavelength at the operating frequency, this antenna is simple to install and can be effective across multiple bands. However, it requires an impedance matching transformer, such as a 9:1 unun, to match the high impedance of the antenna to the standard 50-ohm coaxial feed line. Additionally, a feed line choke is recommended to suppress common mode currents on the coaxial cable, preventing potential interference with your equipment.
End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) Antenna: This antenna is a variation of the half-wave dipole, fed at the end where the impedance is high, typically between 1,800 to 5,000 ohms. To match this high impedance to the 50-ohm coaxial feed line, a matching network, often a parallel-tuned LC circuit or a 49:1 impedance transformer, is used. The EFHW can be deployed in various configurations, such as horizontal, vertical, or sloped, and is appreciated for its versatility and ease of installation.
This video provides a visual guide to the installation and configuration of these antennas, offering insights into their practical setup and performance at my location.