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. 25m 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.
If you would like us to build this kit for you select the Band B kit build option on our “Get Radio-Stuff to build and test your kit”. If you select the wrong kit build options, we will cancel your order.
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.