About Me

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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.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Par EndFedz 10/20/40 Mark II

I recently received my EF-10/20/40 from LnR Precision.  While I haven't gotten it in the air yet, I will give you my preliminary observations.

The build quality is just as good as my 20m model.  The main difference is the shortening stub in the line.  It is about as long as a small pickle.  I suppose it serves as a loading coil.  While the 20m is about 32 feet long, the 40m model is about 40 or so feet long--significantly shorter than a traditional 40m dipole.  Hence, the shortening coil.

Unlike the other models in the line, this one has a matchbox that allows it to be used on 10-60m.  I bought some wire from The Wireman (#534), which is .26 gauge "silky" wire.  I soldered resonators to end rings, and then put hot glue over the section where the wire goes into the connector, as there isn't any insulation.  It seems logical that without insulation, the breaking and twisting point would be more critical.

I think that once I put it up with my 31' Jackite pole, it will yield some good results.  I can recommend these antennas highly.  Just remember that this is a QRP model, with a 25 watt limit.  For digital, I've been told to keep it to around 10 watts just to be safe.

UPDATE: I had originally planned to make individual resonators for other bands. After giving it some thought, I decided to make a jumpered dipole...only requiring one wire to include. The add-ons could be held in place by power poles or alligator clips.