Zip Cord Fun--a compact multi-band HF vertical no radial antenna/Ham Radio

 

If you want a cheap, easy-to-make multiband HF antenna, please consider an updated version of the century-old "Zip Cord Antenna."

Years ago, readily available zip cord or twin flex wire became the antenna of choice for many radio amateurs.

Nowadays, the old combination of zip cord as both the feedline and antenna elements, is usually avoided because of line loss and swr issues.

In this video, Peter Waters (G3OJV) retains the zip cord as antenna elements, while using ladder line feeders, line isolators, and an ATU to bring this old antenna classic into the modern era.

There's nothing wrong if you use zip cord as the antenna elements.  If you use zip cord as a feedline, you may find the antenna useful only for the lower HF bands (80m and 40m).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iNgBvH_vbs.

Thanks for joining us today.

Russ Roberts (KH6JRM/AL0HA).

Here are some comments from Peter (G3OJV):

The Zip Cord Antenna is nearly 100 years old, but is still a viable and very low cost option. Here is a compact. no Radial Antenna.It can be used for base station or portable operation. Here Peter G3OJV, discuses a vertical version that requires no radials and is broad-banded. Easy to build and fun to try out. LDG Antenna Matchers https://www.hamradiostore.co.uk/?s=LD... https://www.hamradiostore.co.uk/?s=Sp... Ham Radio Store UK https://www.hamradiostore.co.uk Check out the Flag-Pole Video    • Compact, No-Radial, HF Vertical Antenna ba...  

Learn to build a surprisingly simple, low-cost multi-band HF vertical antenna. This nearly century-old design requires no radials and is surprisingly effective. An antenna tuner is needed, but the build process is straightforward.

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watersstanton

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