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Wadetenna for pedestrian mobile HF The Wadetenna is my favourite and most effective antenna for HF pedestrian mobile. It operates on all bands from 7 to 50 MHz and performs as well as some full sized antennas at home. I've made several variations over the years. All are described and demonstrated here. Most versions are not for everyone everywhere. This is because below about 21 MHz maximum performance needs a body of salt water that is safe to walk in and has no or only minor tidal variations. This is so that while your feet will get wet your equipment won't. But if you live in such an area you'll have some great results. This is because it's more efficient than a magnetic loop and can be collapsed to carry in a backpack. Band changing is easy and the low radiation angle make it an excellent DX and contest performer. Even more significantly is that it lacks a trailing radial that is such a nuisance when operating pedestrian mobile. The videos below show how the Wadetenna developed from an experiment to a practical multiband antenna and then some simplified versions for fewer bands. The latter are easier to build so make perfect projects for those wishing to exploit the current good condition on bands like 28 MHz. Starting with a simple quarter wavelength wire for 14 MHz   Adding a ground tuning unit   The first Wadetenna for multiple HF bands   Adding 7 MHz to the Wadetenne   Early morning 7 MHz operating with the Wadetenna   Adding 3.5 MHz to the Wadetenna   Testing the Wadetenna on 10 MHz   Working Europe from Australia with the Wadetenna     More 40 and 20m operating with the Wadetenna   MWRS Flagpole Day contests with the Wadetenna     Wadetenna attachment for 2m SSB (horizontal polarisation)   Wadetenna DX - a simplified version for higher HF bands (no coil switching)   Pedestrian mobile DX with the Wadetenna DX       Wadetenna DX success on 27 and 28 MHz AM     No counterpoise Wadetenna variant for 10/11/12/15 metres       Disclosure: I receive a small commission from items purchased through links on this site. Items were chosen for likely usefulness and a satisfaction rating of 4/5 or better.

Books by VK3YE Ham Radio Get Started (USA) Australian Ham Radio Handbook (Aust) Hand-carried QRP Antennas More Hand-carried QRP Antennas 99 things you can do with Amateur Radio Getting back into Amateur Radio Minimum QRP Illustrated International Ham Radio Dictionary Make your Passion Pay (ebook writing)   All material on this site (c) Peter Parker VK3YE 1997 - 2024. Material may not be reproduced without permission. Read privacy policy.