I did some more experimenting with my EndFedz. I finally got the standoff at the top of my tower, so I fastened it to the rope and pulled it up to the pulley. At about 32 feet high and sloping to about 15 feet, I made some successful QSOs from Mexico City to California, to Maine and to Europe. I checked in on the Maritime, SATERN and Intercon nets.
Regarding SWR, I haven't used an analyzer yet, but I measured it, used it with a tuner for a while just in case the SWR was a bit high (no, a tuner won't hurt it; you don't need one). After a while, I shortened it by an inch or so, and my FT-450 meter only shows one bar when I key and talk.
To test it further, I started at the top of the band, and went all the way through the data section with the tuner. It tuned it without any problems, so I know it was under a 3:1 SWR. With a stated SWR of 1.5:1 for 300 kHz, that goes to within 50 kHz of the bottom of the 20 meter band. It seems logical that it will perform sufficiently to the bottom edge, given that small amount of difference.
At QRP, the Maritime Net gave me a a copy, but the band static and other stations made it difficult to copy all of my call sign. Cranking it up to 100 watts solved that problem.
I plan on trying it out in the different configurations, such as an L, horizontal, and vertical as soon as I can. I suspect using it as an L would give it more of a directional approach, but don't quote me on that... I'd also like to see how much adjusting the takeoff angle actually affects it, as well as height above ground. The direction it is pointed as a sloper does seem to affect the direction somewhat. I'll update the blog as I get more results to share.
About Me
- Steve, KJ4KKI
- Welcome to my little piece of the cyberworld. I am an Amateur Extra Class ham radio operator from Kentucky. In addition to ham radio, other interests include paddling kayaks and canoes, camping, flyfishing, shooting and photography...I am a major Jimmy Buffett fan (fans are known as Parrotheads). But, location, work and finances sort of got in the way of being a beach bum as a career. I am also an animal lover and have several pets. I also have a Facebook page at steve.kj4kki.
Looking forward to more tests on your EndFedz
ReplyDeleteI've had the EndFedz anywhere from 32 feet up as a low angle sloper, down to about 15 or so feet, with the house directly underneath it. So far, I've gotten great results with both. I haven't had the chance to take it in the boonies. I'd be interested to see how it does from a high elevation. I'd much rather have dipoles than various multi-band sticks and poles on the market, except that you do need a point to mount them. I do have an RV sat dish tripod and painter pole. That would preclude hauling it into the woods, but it would still work o.k. for the majority of places I'd (and most people) use it. My painter pole, at 13 feet, isn't ideal, but it's certainly better than nothing.
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