Hello everyone. My name is Todd Thompson and I’m new to Ham Radio - KC1YVJ. I have obtained my General License and have a question I’m hoping you all can provide an answer to. This may seem quite elementary but remember I’m new to all this. So here’s my question:
I will be setting up an inverted OCFHW antenna. It will be on a mast about 30’ with the ends at 12’. How do I tune the antenna without having to climb up and down a ladder multiple times? I’m handicapped and so this would be impossible for me. Is there a simpler way of tuning? In advance, thank you for your help.
Todd reach out to local hams in your area. They will be helpful with your trimming of the antenna wire. Invest in an antenna tuner. Look for a used inexpensive one if cost is an issue. Welcome to Ham Radio. 73 N0AJO Harley
Hello Todd! Daren here. The easiest, simplest, and most effective way to tune your antenna would be by using an LDG antenna tuner. There are many models which are rated for handling different amounts of RF output. As of now, I have the LDG-600ProII (can handle up to 600 watts of RF power), and it tunes my antenna within a few seconds. The tuner barely draws any power while idle, and is extremely light for its size. For any situation that involves tuning, I’d 100% recommend an LDG!
Daren. I, in fact, bought a used LDG AT-200pro tuner to use on my ic7300mk2. I was understanding that I should physically tune my antenna as best i can and then use the LDG to fine tune it for better results and less stress on the tuner. I did invest in a Comet CAA-500 Mark II SWR meter. Antenna building is intriguing to me and I thought having “better” equipment would pay back over the long haul efforts. I was told that i could lower the ends down to a manageable level for clipping, use my meter to determine if I’m short or long and then raise it back up with no effect from the varying heights - in my case 5-6’ and 12’ on a wood end post. Agree or disagree? In advance, thanks for your help.
Hi Harley, Just an FYI, I have tried that - a bit. I went to a couple of local club meetings and requested Elmer help. The president and one member offered to come over at separate times but never showed up nor called to say they couldn’t. I’m not impressed. Not my kind of club. I even drove over to ARRL HQ and left my name and vitals asking for someone to call and answer a few questions about clubs, Elmers and the like to no success.
I see from the World World Radio map that there are many hammers very near me but I am reluctant to go and knock on their door w/o an invite. Until i get an antenna up I can’t contact anybody. Rock and a hard place. I may drop a note in their mailbox introducing myself and start the ball rolling that way.
Hi Todd. Welcome to the hobby! Put pullies with dacron rope attached to the center of the dipole, and also the ends if needed. Then you can raise and lower the antenna easily. When tuning, use small increments since you can always cut more off, but can’t easily add more length if you go too short. Hope this helps!
Todd if you have not found a local ham club please do so. You will find in general a great community exits out there. You can tap into a great pool of knowledge and experience. I am sure you can find some guys who would come out and help you with any projects you may have. Find your passion within ham radio and most of all have fun. For those who tend to be on the negative side, bless them and move on. Don’t let their attitude effect your passion and great times to come. Best of days to you and your family, God Bless.
Yes, I agree! You should ALWAYS try to “physically tune” your antenna to your desired frequency as best as you can before running the “auto-tune” feature found in literally ALL modern LDG tuners. Doing this ensures maximum power from the radio is actually radiated rather than wasted as heat.
