Our 9:1 SO239 Portable End Feed Random wire (EFRW) Kit contains everything you need to get up and running and on the air with a random wire antenna suitable for 80m to 6m bands.
It's tough, lightweight, and portable. The PCB when built is only 160 grams or 5.64 ounces (using a Micrometals T200-2 core) complete with wire approximately 200 grams or 7 ounces.
This is an ideal antenna for SOTA or POTA activations, either hung from tree limb, or a fibreglass pole. As a vertical, inverted V or sloper.
The PCB is finished in white and supports 100w+ SSB and 25w+ CW/Data. There is a connection for a ground or counterpoise wire. You will need to use your coax or counterpoise/ground radials with this antenna also a common mode choke should be used just before your tranceiver.
The kit has been designed to allow for two different cores.
Micrometals T200-2, more suitable for 40m to 6m, but will work with 80m.
or
Fait Rite FT140-43, more suitable for 80m to 15m, but will work with 10m to 6m.
We recommend the T200-2 core as the best option of the, unless your focus is the 80m and 40m bands.
The Kit contains.
- The PCB
- Core of your choice, see options.
- M5 & M3 fittings including bolts, nuts and wing nut and solder tab
- Approx. 1.5m enamelled copper wire
- SO239 connector
- Approx. 18m and 5m lengths of SOTA wire, DEF 61-12 Part 6 type 2, 23AWG, tinned annealed copper conductor, .22mm² 7/0.2mm conductor, 1KV PVC Insulation
- Velcro strap
- Cable ties
There is an example SWR sweep of a completed T200-2 version showing the following SWR readings.
1:1.7 for the 40m band
1:1.3 for the 30m band
1:1.0 for the 20m band
1:1.1 for the 17m band
1:1.3 for the 15m band
1:1.8 for the 10m band
These exceptional SWR readings were obtained using a NanoVNA and a 470ohm resistor from the antenna to ground connectors.
Note
Please check your SWR before using the antenna to ensure you have a good match with your transceiver before use. The wire supplied is normally longer than you need, and you may need to remove some of the antenna wire to obtain a good match for your transceiver.
These antennas are best used with an ATU, this will give you a wider band coverage.