End-Fed Wire Antennas. Post #1117.
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=264KI-xyxXE. End-fed random wire antennas can sometimes be the solution to erecting HF antennas on small urban or rural lots. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these simple, easily made antennas. As with any compromise antenna, there are significant problems related to SWR, antenna matching, and grounding systems. Stan does a good job of explaining how to overcome the design limitations of end-fed wires. To use one of these antennas, particularly wires ranging from 30 feet/9.146 meters to 40 feet/12.195 meters, you'll need a wide-range antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a good ground radial or counterpoise system. The use of balanced feed line, such as 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line, in conjunction with a 4:1 current balun and an antenna "tuner", will enable