I'll take a banana, thank you.

Banana Plugs: Simple by Design, Reliable by Experience

When I first started building EFHW antennas, I wasn’t trying to create something new or novel as much as I was trying to eliminate friction, because in my experience, the difference between an antenna that looks good on paper and one that actually gets used often comes down to how easy it is to deploy when conditions aren’t ideal.

That is ultimately why I landed on banana plugs for my antenna as the original design choice.

Not because they are flashy, and not because they are the only option, but because they solve a very practical problem in a way that is clean, repeatable, and surprisingly easy to overlook until you’ve spent a few evenings fighting with something more complicated.

A Connection That Doesn’t Ask Questions

A banana plug does one job, and it does it in a way that removes uncertainty from the process, because instead of tightening a screw, adjusting a post, or wondering if you’ve got enough contact surface, you are simply inserting a connector that is designed to seat the same way every single time.

That consistency matters more than most people realize, especially when troubleshooting, because it removes one more variable from the equation and allows you to focus on the antenna itself rather than the connection point.

It is a small thing, but it is a foundational one.

Deployment Should Not Be the Hardest Part

Most of us are not setting up antennas in a controlled environment with a workbench and perfect lighting, but instead are working in a yard, a park, or somewhere out in the field where time, weather, and patience are all limited resources, and in those moments, simplicity is not just convenient, it is the difference between getting on the air quickly and spending twenty minutes adjusting something that should have taken five.

With banana plugs, the process becomes straightforward in a way that encourages use, because you can plug in your radiator, get your wire in the air, and move on to operating without feeling like you are still in the setup phase long after you should be done.

And just as important, when it is time to pack up, you are not undoing hardware or dealing with connections that have worked themselves loose or tightened themselves into place, but instead are simply unplugging and moving on.

A Built-In Safety Valve You Don’t Have to Think About

One benefit that does not get talked about enough, but shows up the first time something goes wrong, is that a banana plug gives you a natural break point in the system, because if your wire gets snagged, pulled too tight, or suddenly yanked by wind, a falling limb, or even just your own misstep, the connection will typically pull free before something more expensive or harder to repair takes the load.

That means instead of stressing the transformer, damaging the wire, or worse, pulling something down that you did not intend to move, the system simply separates and saves you from a bigger problem.

It is not a feature that shows up on a spec sheet, but it is one you appreciate the first time it prevents damage, and after that, you start to realize it was quietly working in your favor the whole time.

Consistency Over Cleverness

There are a lot of creative connection methods out there, and I have experimented with several of them over time, but one thing that experience continues to reinforce is that consistency tends to outperform cleverness in the long run, particularly when you are building something that needs to work in a variety of conditions with minimal adjustment.

Banana plugs provide that consistency in a way that is almost invisible, because they standardize insertion depth, maintain reliable contact pressure, and eliminate the small variations that can creep in when using other connection types, all of which contributes to a setup that behaves the same way from one deployment to the next.

That predictability builds confidence, and confidence leads to more time operating and less time second-guessing your equipment.

Why the Original Still Sticks Around

Even with newer options available, I have intentionally kept the banana plug design as part of what I offer, not out of nostalgia, but because it continues to meet the needs of a large number of operators who value simplicity, speed, and reliability over added complexity.

It is one of those solutions that does not try to do everything, but instead does one thing well enough that it earns its place over time, and in many cases, I have seen operators experiment with other approaches only to come back to banana plugs because they remember what it was like to not have to think about the connection at all.

There is something to be said for that.

If You Want to Build Your Own

If you are building your own wires or experimenting with different configurations, banana plugs are one of the easiest upgrades you can make, because they simplify both setup and teardown while giving you a consistent connection that you do not have to question every time you deploy.

Here is a set that I have used and can recommend if you want to go that route:
https://amzn.to/476s1ym

They are affordable, easy to install, and they will quietly improve your setup in a way that becomes more apparent the more you use them.

At the end of the day, there is always a temptation to chase new ideas or more complex solutions, but in my experience, the designs that last are the ones that remove friction rather than add to it, and banana plugs, despite their simplicity, continue to do exactly that.

They get out of the way, which is exactly what good equipment should do.

Why a 49:1 Transformer Works

The Small Key That Turns an EFHW On!

If you spend much time around end-fed half-wave antennas (EFHW), one number shows up again and again:

49:1

At first glance it looks oddly specific. Why not 9:1? Or 4:1 like many baluns? The answer comes down to where a half-wave antenna wants to be fed. A half-wave wire has a very high impedance at the end of the wire. Depending on height and surroundings, it is often somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000–3,000 ohms.

Your radio, on the other hand, is expecting about 50 ohms. That is a pretty serious mismatch. The job of the transformer is simply to translate between those two worlds.

If you divide roughly 2,450 ohms by 50 ohms, you end up very close to 49:1. That ratio brings the impedance of the antenna down into a range your radio and coax can work with comfortably. Once that transformation happens, the antenna behaves much like a dipole electrically, even though it is being fed from the end.

It is a clever bit of practical engineering.

Why the Transformer Quality Matters

The concept is simple. The execution is where things get interesting. A poorly built transformer will still “work,” but not particularly well. Common problems include:

• Excess heating at higher power
• Losses inside the core
• Unpredictable behavior across bands

Most of those issues come down to two things: core selection and winding technique.

Ferrite mixes matter. The number of turns matters. Even how tightly the wire is laid on the core matters more than people might expect. A good transformer disappears electrically. You do not notice it. It simply lets the antenna do its job.

The Practical Side

Over the years I started winding these transformers for my own antennas. I took them to my local East Texas parks and strung them up in the pine trees. Eventually friends asked for them, then a few other operators, and before long I found myself building them in small batches on the workbench.

There is nothing mysterious about them. They are simply wound carefully on quality ferrite cores, sealed in durable enclosures, and built to survive life outdoors.

The goal is simple: when you toss a wire into a tree, the transformer should not be the weak link. If you enjoy building your own, I encourage it. Amateur radio was built by experimenters. 

But if you would rather spend your time operating instead of counting turns on ferrite cores, I occasionally list the ones I build here:

My Etsy Store (RadioPrep)

Either way, the transformer is the quiet piece of hardware that makes the end-fed half-wave antenna such a practical solution. Without it, the whole idea falls apart.

-73 Dave

The End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna

Find a Tree, Hang a Wire

One of the things I appreciate about amateur radio is that sometimes the simplest solutions are also the most effective.

You can put up towers, beams, and rotators, and many operators do. But some of the most satisfying contacts I have made came from something far less elaborate: a length of wire, a transformer, and a nearby tree that was kind enough to cooperate.

That is essentially the idea behind the end-fed half-wave antenna (EFHW).

Electrically, it is a half-wave radiator fed at the end rather than the center. Because the impedance is extremely high at that point, a 49:1 transformer brings things back into a range that ordinary coax and radios can live with.

Once that happens, it behaves very much like a dipole. The real advantage, however, is mechanical rather than electrical.

• A dipole wants three support points.
• An EFHW is content with one.

Which means if you can toss a line over a limb, you can usually get on the air.

Why Portable Operators Love the EFHW

Portable operators discovered this long ago. POTA activators, field operators, and travelers like antennas that go up quickly and disappear just as fast. A coil of wire and a small transformer can live quietly in a backpack until needed.

The transformer, incidentally, is the part that deserves the most care. When they are poorly wound, they heat up, waste power, and behave badly across bands. When they are built correctly, they simply do their job and stay out of the way.

That quiet reliability is exactly what you want in an antenna system.

Over time I started winding transformers for my own EFHW antennas. A few friends asked for them, then a few more, and eventually that turned into a small Etsy shop where I offer a couple of versions of the ones I use myself.

The transformers I build are nothing exotic, but they are wound carefully on quality ferrite cores, sealed in weather-resistant enclosures, and tested before they ever leave my bench. They are the same ones I use when I throw a wire into a tree and see what the bands are doing that day.

If you enjoy winding your own transformers, I encourage it. Half the fun of amateur radio is experimenting and learning what works.

But if you'd rather skip the ferrite dust and get straight to the operating part, you can take a look here:

My Etsy Store

Either way, the basic advice remains sound:  Find a tree...Hang a wire...See who answers!

- 73 Dave

New sticker design drops!

Let’s just get this out of the way up front.

If you’ve ever chased a POTA activator from the comfort of your shack, your truck, or your back porch…you’re welcome.

My new sticker (available here for $4, FREE shipping) is for the people who wake up early, check the propagation, throw questionable amounts of wire into a backpack, and voluntarily sit at a picnic table talking to strangers on the radio. In other words: activators.

Parks on the Air works because someone actually shows up to the park. Not the website. Not the spot. The park. That means planning, hauling gear, finding a tree that might cooperate, dealing with weather that didn’t read the forecast, and explaining to a curious passerby that no, you’re not “with the government.”

So yes — when the log fills up and the pileups roll in…I activate parks. You’re welcome.

Designed to look like it belongs outdoors

I didn’t want this to look like a typical ham radio sticker. The artwork pulls from vintage national park posters and mid-century travel illustrations — a grid of landscapes that feel like places you’d actually activate from: mountains, deserts, coastlines, forests, and big empty spaces with questionable cell service. It’s part celebration, part inside joke, and part quiet flex.

Field-tested attitude

This sticker is made to live where activators live:

• Water bottles that have seen things
• Pelican cases full of cables you swear you’ll organize later
• Radios, notebooks, go-kits, and shack gear
• Anywhere you want to silently remind hunters who did the heavy lifting

Durable. Weather-resistant. Zero apologies. 

Wear it responsibly!

This sticker is not meant to start arguments. (It might start conversations.) If someone asks what it means, congratulations — you now get to explain POTA again. If another activator laughs and nods knowingly, mission accomplished. And if a hunter rolls their eyes? That’s okay. They still logged you.

Available now

The “I Activate Parks. You’re Welcome.” sticker just dropped in my Etsy shop. If you activate, you earned it. If you hunt, you know it’s true. If you do both… you definitely get it.

See you in the log!

2026! A New Year on the Air

The start of a new year is a good time to pause, reflect, and look ahead. Amateur radio has a way of rewarding that kind of mindset. It is a hobby built on learning, experimentation, and connection, often with little more than a wire in a tree and a willingness to try.

This past year included time on the air, time at the bench, and time helping support the broader amateur radio community. I continued building and refining EFHW antennas and sharing them with operators through my Etsy shop, and it has been encouraging to hear how those antennas are being used in the field, at home stations, and in portable operations.

One of the more significant developments this year was our club stepping in to take on the W5 QSL bureau responsibilities. That work is largely behind the scenes, but it plays an important role in keeping international contacts flowing and preserving one of the long-standing traditions of amateur radio. I am grateful for the volunteers who make that possible and for the operators who continue to value the exchange of QSL cards.

Looking ahead, the goal is simple: spend meaningful time on the air, keep learning, and contribute where I can. Whether that is through building antennas, supporting the bureau, or making a quick contact when conditions allow, the focus remains on the people behind the call signs.

Thank you to everyone who made contact, offered feedback, or supported these efforts over the past year. I look forward to what the new year brings and hope to hear you on the bands.

73, Dave

Thanks for sharing!!

From K2MAS.net

I've had a number of folks share my antenna and Etsy store recently and I want to give a huge shout out thank everyone for do it! Recently, Mark (KA5TXN) shared a great CW activation at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in a video using my new clamp-style EFHW antenna. You can watch his videos here and read up on his blog with all his content at: DitWit Portable Radio.

Also, last week, Matthew (K2MAS) shared a shot of one of his GoBoxes which includes the same antenna. I think Matthew also shared a link on a Ham Radio Beginner's page on Facebook, but I can't find the link anymore. Anyway, check out Matthew's website which include a really cool equipment list with links to lots of great gear! 

Of course, I will always appreciate the mention by Thomas (K4SWL) back in August, 2025, when he used my antenna for a POTA activation in Québec! Thomas has an amazing page with hundreds of great videos and dozens of contributors. Thanks, again, Thomas!

Let me know if you see my antenna's pop up other places! I'd love to give a nod and hearty, "thanks!" to everyone who's using them.  -73 Dave

Lake Life Radio: FT8

We spent a few days at a friend’s lake house on Cedar Creek Lake during our school’s fall break, and I couldn’t resist packing a little radio gear along for the trip. The view was too good not to play a bit of radio—with a deck overlooking the water, light breeze, and a perfect spot to string up an antenna.

I set up my go-box running the QDX on 20 meters, powered entirely by the internal 6Ah battery. The noise floor was impressively low out there—almost silent compared to home—and everything just worked. My collapsible fiberglass fishing rod made a perfect temporary mast for the EFHW I built, and I ran about 8 watts for roughly three hours without any issues.

I logged several good FT8 contacts across the country and even had a nice JS8Call chat with an OM in Iowa right before the battery gave out. The little transformer handled it all beautifully.

Sometimes it’s fun to strip things down to the basics—radio, nature, and a little time to relax. It’s also a good reminder that you don’t need a big station to make great contacts.

(And yes, that EFHW transformer was one of my own builds—the same kind I make by hand for my Etsy store.)

High-Power EFHW is HERE!

You asked for it, and here it is. Our newest release is a higher-power version of the End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna. Same small size, same simple setup, just with a little more muscle. Get it now on our RadioPrep Etsy store.

This one is rated for 80 watts SSB or 40 watts CW/Digital, which means you can push a bit more power through it whether you’re chasing DX from the park or checking in on your favorite net. It’s only slightly bigger than our QRP model, but don’t let the size fool you—this little box is ready to play.

The Lever-Lock Difference

Here’s the part I’m most excited about: with so much positive feedback, we went with a lever-lock system for this one. Just strip the insulation off your wire, drop it in, close the lever, and you’re done. That’s it. No soldering, no banana plugs, no “where did I put that adapter?” moments.

If you grab one of our pre-cut wires, be sure to choose the BARE option. (The 2mm banana won’t fit the lever-lock, and you’ll miss out on how easy this is!)

Why You’ll Like It

• Quick setup – connect almost any size bare wire in seconds.

• Works the bands – from 80 through 10 meters, just choose the wire length that fits your style.

• Strong on the lows – built with 43 material, it really shines on the lower bands.

• Packs small – toss it in your bag, it’s weather-resistant and field ready.

• Built by hand in Texas – every unit is assembled and tested right here.

The Details

• BNC female coax connector

• Weather-resistant semi-rigid cover

• Comes with an S-carabiner (color will vary—surprise!)

This antenna is all about keeping things simple without giving up performance. If you liked the original QRP version, you’ll love this one. More power, same small package, still easy to carry anywhere.

Wire Length Cheat Sheet

Want multi-band? Go long. Want a single band? Go short. Here’s what works:

Length	Band(s)
134 ft	80m–20m–15m–10m
67 ft	20m–15m–10m
43 ft	30m
33 ft	20m
22 ft	15m
16 ft	10m

(As always, trim for lowest SWR.)

Thanks to Thomas at QRPer!

A big thanks to Thomas over at QRPer.com for taking the time to put my little EFHW through its paces!

There’s nothing quite like sending an antenna out into the wild and then getting to see it tested in real-world POTA conditions. I can tinker, test, and trim all day in the backyard, but watching someone else deploy it, work stations, and share their honest impressions is priceless.

I really appreciate Thomas not just for the thoughtful review, but for the work he puts into documenting his adventures. If you’re not already following QRPer, you’re missing out on one of the best blends of radio, gear, and field fun out there.

Thomas, thanks again for giving the RadioPrep EFHW some airtime. Operators like you make this hobby so much more fun and inspiring.

Now back to the workbench, because there are always more wires to cut, trim, and tangle. 😅

Why I Still Love JS8Call (and You Should Too)

Every time I fire up JS8Call, I’m reminded why this little mode has a permanent place in my ham radio heart. Sure, the new shiny digital modes get all the buzz—VarAC, FT8, whatever—but there’s something about JS8Call that keeps me coming back. 

Let me explain.

1. It’s Like Having a Full-On Chat in the Apocalypse

When the grid goes down and all you’ve got is a car battery, a wire in a tree, and your trusty rig, JS8Call is the mode you want. Why? Because unlike FT8’s robotic “RR73” exchanges, JS8Call lets you actually talk to people. You can send full sentences. You can ask, “How’s the weather there?” and get a real answer instead of a contest-style signal report. It feels human—and in a world that’s increasingly automated, that’s refreshing.

2. Store-and-Forward = Digital Magic

This feature blows my mind every time. Can’t reach your buddy directly? No problem. JS8Call will pass your message along through other stations like a relay race for bits and bytes. It’s like Winlink Lite with no infrastructure dependency. Bonus: you feel like a digital MacGyver when it works.

3. Heartbeats: Digital Breadcrumbs in the Wild

The Heartbeat feature is pure brilliance. With just a simple ping, you can find out who’s out there listening—even if they’re not glued to their screen. It’s like sending out a digital “Hey, I’m alive out here” and watching the world light up with replies. And it’s not just about ego (OK, maybe a little)—it’s practical. You instantly know who you could relay through or call directly if you needed to.

4. Low Power, Big Reach

JS8Call digs signals out of the noise like a bloodhound with a caffeine addiction. I’ve had solid chats running modest power and a simple EFHW at 25 feet. It’s almost unfair how far you can reach on a few watts.

5. The Community Is Small but Mighty

JS8Call users feel like a secret club of radio nerds who actually enjoy experimenting. It’s not crowded like FT8, and when someone answers your CQ, you know they’re there to chat—not just to fill a logbook.

6. Built for Real Emergencies

As a ham who cares about preparedness, JS8Call ticks a lot of boxes. You can send texts, relay messages, check on stations automatically, and even share your location without needing big infrastructure. It’s a great tool in any emcomm toolkit.

Final Thought: Don’t Sleep on JS8Call

If you haven’t tried it, fire it up. If you tried it and moved on, give it another spin. And if you’re already a die-hard fan like me—well, I’ll see you on the waterfall.

CQ JS8, anyone?

Exciting Times in the Shack!

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you!

This little antenna project started as something simple, just a way to share what I love with others in the hobby. I never expected the overwhelming support I’ve received from hams across the country. I’ve been truly humbled by the kind messages, the encouraging comments, and especially by those of you who have trusted my antennas enough to use them in your own stations. It means the world.

Things have gotten a little crazy in the shack lately, and in a good way. My son, Harry, has even jumped in to help keep up with production as orders keep rolling in. It’s been awesome working side by side with him, and I’m grateful for the chance to turn this into a real father and son effort.

We are still dialing in the final touches on a higher-power version of the antenna. I think you’re going to like what’s coming next. It’s almost ready!

In the meantime, here's a quick photo of the latest batch getting ready for trimming and cleaning and then they're headed out the door. Thank you again for your support, your stories, and your trust. You’ve made this whole adventure something really special.

A Personal Note of Thanks

My mom, June Chenault.

Over the past month, our family has experienced a deep loss with the passing of my mother at the age of 88. She had been sick for a long time, and while we’re grateful she’s now at peace, it’s still been a difficult season. As a result, some of our orders from the Etsy shop have been slowed, and I want to sincerely thank all of you for your patience and continued support.

Many in the ham community have reached out with kind words and condolences—and I can’t express how much that’s meant. This truly is an extended family.

My mom was one of the reasons I became a ham in the first place. After my father (the original W5CWT) died when I was young, she insisted on keeping all his old radio gear. As a kid, I used to play astronaut, with his radios and oscilloscope as the control center of my imaginary rocket ship. That spark eventually led me to get licensed in college and I’ve been active ever since.

We’re slowly getting back on track, and I just want to say thank you. Thanks for your patience, your kindness, and for being part of this amazing community!

New Stickers Just Dropped!

If your idea of a great day on the air involves a trail, some trees, and a wire in the wind, you’ll want to check out the two new sticker designs now available in the shop. Both carry the phrase that’s become something of a personal motto:

Find a park. Hang a wire.

But each design brings its own feel, inspired by real places and real activations.

Forest Design – "QRZ?"

This one features a dense pine forest and sunset sky—reminiscent of those late-day activations where the bands finally open up and the pileup gets fun. The QRZ? at the bottom adds a little extra attitude, perfect for the operator who likes to keep things moving.

Lakeside Design – "CQ"

A more serene scene, this version shows a rocky shoreline under a calm, lavender dusk sky. It gives off northern woods or Great Lakes energy, and the CQ up top sets the tone: you’re calling out, ready to log whoever answers.

Printed on high-quality, weather-resistant vinyl, these are built for go-kits, water bottles, hard cases—anything that travels with you when you take the station out of the shack and into the wild. Both are meant to be more than just decals. They’re a simple reminder of why you started doing this in the first place. And both designs are available now in the Etsy store.

Pick your favorite—or grab both—and get ready for the next activation!

New Stickers have Arrived!

We're excited to announce something fun that just landed in the shop — brand new custom stickers designed especially with parks activators in mind!

These high-quality vinyl stickers feature a vibrant mountain scene with the simple but iconic message: "Find a park. Hang a wire. QRZ?"

If you've ever slung a wire in the trees, called CQ from a picnic table, or logged contacts with a thermos of coffee beside you — these are for you. Whether you're running QRP from the trail or tossing out 100 watts from a campsite, the heart of it all is the same: get outdoors, make some contacts, and enjoy the magic of HF with just a wire and a radio. These stickers capture that spirit in a way only activators truly understand.

Bonus for Supporters:

We’ve got a limited batch of early samples, and we're including one free with the next few antenna orders through our Etsy shop. No code needed — just place your order and we’ll toss one in while supplies last!

Perfect for:

• Tackle or Go Boxes
• Field kits and go bags
• Water bottles
• Notebooks
• Radios (if you're brave!)

We’ve already added a few to our own gear, and we can’t wait to see where yours end up. Tag us when you slap one on your kit or post your activation photos — we’d love to share them.

And as always, if you’re looking for a solid, portable antenna to pair with your next park adventure, check out our hand-built End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antennas on our Etsy shop. Built by operators, for operators.

73 and see you on the air — or in the log!

Introducing our DIY EFHW Kit!

I'm thrilled to unveil the latest addition to our product lineup: the DIY Edition of our EFHW (End-Fed Half-Wave) Antenna Transformer Kits. Introducing Our DIY EFHW Antenna Transformer Kit for those who prefer to build and learn. This kit is designed for hobbyists of all levels looking for a hands-on approach to amateur radio.

Why Choose DIY?

Our DIY Kit is an economical alternative to our pre-assembled versions and are perfect for anyone from beginners to experienced operators. The kit includes all necessary parts to assemble a fully functional EFHW antenna transformer.

Kit Contents:

• All components needed for a high-quality transformer
• A QR code linking to our online instructions for an easy assembly process
• The same, reliable 2mm banana plug connector used in our standard model

Educational and Practical

Building your own antenna transformer not only adds to your understanding of radio technology but can also be plain fun!

Coming Soon!

These kits will be available soon in our Etsy store. Stay tuned and be ready to engage in a project that enhances both your skills and your amateur radio gear.

Introducing a NEW VERSION

After I'm excited about the latest addition to my line of EFHW antennas! After a few request from folks and building upon the success of my original model, I've created a new version featuring a completely different connector system.

My original EFHW antenna, with its compact design and reliable 2mm banana connector, remains a popular choice for many hams.

The new model uses a robust lever-lock connector (similar to the Wago design) that accommodates a wide range of bare wire sizes, from 24 AWG to 14 AWG. This innovative design simplifies the connection process and provides greater compatibility with various wire types.

Key Considerations:

• Versatility: The new connector offers increased versatility in terms of wire compatibility.
• Ease of Use: The lever-lock mechanism simplifies the connection process, making setup a breeze.
• Size: Please note that the new connector system slightly increases the overall size of the antenna compared to the original model.

Which Model is Right for You?

• Original Model (Banana Connector): Ideal for those who prioritize compact size. The banana connector offers a certain degree of "breakaway" if the wire is subjected to significant stress, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on your operating environment.
• New Model (Lever-Lock Connector): Recommended for those seeking maximum wire compatibility, the easiest possible connection, and increased connection security.

Both models are meticulously crafted with high-quality components and designed to provide exceptional performance.

Visit my Etsy shop to explore both options and choose the perfect EFHW antenna for your ham shack.

I'm confident that these improvements will further enhance your radio communication experiences.

73,
Dave

A Heartfelt Thank You!

When I first started building and selling End-Fed Half-Wave antennas on my Etsy shop, I hoped they might resonate with a few fellow hams looking for something simple, dependable, and made with care. What I didn’t expect was the incredible response.

Here we are now, on the verge of shipping our 100th antenna!

That’s right – nearly 100 of you have trusted me to deliver something that will help you get on the air, enjoy the hobby, and make connections that stretch far beyond the wires and solder. To say I’m grateful would be an understatement. I’ve poured my love for amateur radio into each transformer and antenna I build, and seeing them take off like this has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. 

These antennas started as a small personal project, born from my own need for something portable, reliable, and hand-crafted. But the more I built, the more I realized there were others out there who appreciated the same thing – a piece of gear that’s not just functional, but thoughtfully made, one at a time, by someone who understands the craft. I’m proud to say that’s what I deliver with every single order. And I'm even more proud now that I've began using a custom PCB!

For those who’ve reached out with feedback, stories of your QSOs, or even just a quick “Thanks,” you’ve made this journey more meaningful than I ever imagined. Whether you’re setting up in the backyard, working POTA, or making the most of limited space, hearing about your success with these EFHW antennas brings me so much joy.

As I look ahead to order number 100 and beyond, I just want to pause and say THANK YOU to every single one of you. Thank you for supporting a small shop, for sharing your stories, and for reminding me why I love this hobby so much. Here’s to many more antennas, QSOs, and connections!

If you’ve been thinking about picking one up, now might just be the perfect time. I’ll be including a little something extra in the 100th order as a small way to celebrate this milestone – so who knows, it could be yours!

Until then, 73, and happy operating!

Mesh Lessons Learned

Sometimes the best lessons come from real experiences. Or at least the most memorable ones do! I recently setup a solar Meshtastic node at a high location (roof of a building) to test the node and the location. It worked very well and expanded the mesh footprint well. However, I needed to update the firmware and enable public/private key remote administration. So I climbed on the roof with my laptop and went to work. 

When I opened (what thought was a well sealed, weather tight case) I was greeted with a red-brown slosh of water. And not just a little! I'm not sure how the water got in. It's possible some was due to condensation (it's been VERY humid here and recently turned cool and dryer), but it seems there was too much water for that alone. While the node was still happily working, there was some obvious problems. The battery had rust on the ends, a couple of rows of pixels in the OLED were dead and there was mounds of bright blue copper corrosion along several solder pads. 

I dumped out the water and dried everything out. I cleaned the board and the battery and everything still seemed to work. I updated the firmware and screwed the lid back down and reattached everything to the roof and it worked another two weeks. 

Unfortunately, a few days ago, it started acting strange. The signal report went to nearly nothing. So, back to to the roof. This time, everything was still dry, but there was evidence of a bird having visited my node and the antenna was askew. So, I replace the whole node with a newer one and brought the first node back to the shack to see what's going on. 

While the old nose was T-Beam S3Core Supreme, the new node is a RAK4361. So far, my experience has been very positive with the RAK units (this is my second). They are extremely energy efficient and seem rock solid. I wrapped this one in rubber shrink tubing to help protect it. We'll give it a couple of weeks and see how it does. 

Do you need a counterpoise?

The End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna is a popular choice among amateur radio operators, especially those who enjoy portable operations like QRP, POTA, or SOTA. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and versatile across multiple bands. But how does it work, and what about the common question: “Do I need a counterpoise?”

How the EFHW Works

An EFHW antenna is essentially a half-wavelength of wire fed from one end, rather than the center. This end-fed design makes it simple to deploy—just throw one end over a tree or other support, and you’re ready to go. Unlike center-fed dipoles that require a feed point in the middle of the wire, the EFHW allows for more flexibility in placement and length.

The key to making an EFHW work is the 49:1 transformer. This transformer matches the high impedance of the antenna (around 2,500 ohms) down to something much more manageable for your radio (typically around 50 ohms). With this impedance match, the EFHW can efficiently radiate your signal.

The Question of the Counterpoise

A counterpoise is essentially a "ground plane" for the antenna, providing a return path for current. It can sometimes improve the performance of an antenna by stabilizing the feed point impedance, especially in end-fed designs. The question is, does an EFHW antenna always need a counterpoise?

In most cases, an EFHW can work effectively without a dedicated counterpoise. The coax feed line often acts as a counterpoise of sorts, especially when you're using shorter lengths of wire. However, some operators find that adding a counterpoise can improve the antenna's performance, particularly when operating on lower bands or in certain environments.

No Connector? No Problem

With my smaller version of the EFHW, there’s no dedicated connector for a counterpoise. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you find that your setup benefits from a counterpoise, you can simply connect a piece of wire to an alligator clip and attach it to the shield of the BNC connector. This provides a quick and easy way to add a counterpoise when needed without modifying the antenna.

The length of the counterpoise wire depends on the band you’re operating on. For example:

• On 20 meters (HF), a quarter wavelength counterpoise would be about 16.5 feet long.

While these lengths provide a good starting point, you may want to experiment with slightly different lengths depending on your environment and operating conditions.

When to Use a Counterpoise

Here are a few situations where adding a counterpoise might be beneficial:

• Low Bands (80m and 40m): If you're operating on lower frequencies, a counterpoise may help stabilize the feed point impedance and improve performance.
• Poor Ground Conditions: If you're setting up in an area with poor ground conductivity (like rocky or dry soil), a counterpoise might help.
• Interference or SWR Issues: If you're noticing a high SWR or unexpected interference, try adding a counterpoise to see if it stabilizes the signal.

Something else to note, if you use a common-mode choke to protect your equipment, place it as close to your radio as possible. This allows the coax from the choke to the transformer to act as the counterpoise. If your run of coax is too short, you may need to add a wire counterpoise as described above.

A little TLC for my EFHWs

As someone who enjoys both the technical and practical sides of amateur radio, building 49:1 transformers for End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antennas is something I take seriously. Each transformer I sell, whether on my Etsy store or at hamfests, is built by hand, with careful attention to detail.

The Build Process

Each transformer starts with a ferrite core, and I hand-wind the magnet wire around it to achieve the right balance for a 49:1 match. This process isn’t rushed. It’s about ensuring that each turn of the wire is tight and even. The goal is to minimize signal loss and ensure smooth operation when the transformer is in use with an EFHW antenna.

After winding, the core is connected to durable components, like BNC connectors. I choose parts that can withstand regular outdoor use, as many hams take their gear into the field for portable operations like POTA or SOTA. Once the assembly is complete, I test each transformer with an SWR meter to make sure it's ready for the bands it’s designed to cover.

Hand-Built with Care

I build my transformers in small batches, ensuring that they work well in real-world settings. The process takes time, but it’s worth it to know that what I’m offering to fellow hams is reliable and effective. From the first winding to the final test, the focus is on quality.

A Practical Approach

I started building these transformers because I wanted something I could rely on in the field, and I figured other hams might feel the same way. When you operate QRP or portable, you need gear that’s lightweight, compact, and dependable. That’s what these transformers are designed to deliver.