REEL POTA-able EFHW Antenna V3

Owner’s Guide

Thank you for choosing the REEL POTA-able EFHW Antenna V3.

Designed by hams for hams, the V3 is a lightweight, compact End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antenna built specifically for portable amateur radio operation. It covers the 40, 20, 15, and 10-meter amateur bands without the need for a tuner and features our unique adjustable resonance system, allowing you to fine-tune the antenna by simply turning the reel.

The antenna is factory tuned near the lower portion of each band. You can easily adjust the resonant frequency by reeling in the wire a few turns to best match your preferred operating frequency. As a general guideline, operating with the wire fully extended works well for CW and many digital modes, while reeling in approximately 3–4 turns provides a good balance for SSB operation. Actual results may vary depending on your installation and surroundings.

Specifications 

Installation Tips

1. Designed for Portable Operation
   This antenna is designed for portable use and should be set up and taken down after each operating session. It is not intended for permanent outdoor installation and is not weatherproof.
2. Recommended Configuration
   While the antenna can be installed in several configurations, we have found that a sloper is the simplest to deploy and provides excellent performance. If using an inverted V configuration, spread the legs apart as much as practical to avoid creating a narrow angle.
3. Raising the Antenna
   Use paracord or a throw line to place a support line over a tree limb or other suitable object. Attach the antenna and raise it into position. Avoid pulling the antenna wire tight—leave a small amount of slack to allow for resonance adjustment and movement caused by wind.
4. Choose Your Location Carefully
   Install the antenna away from power lines, large metal objects, and, when practical, dense tree branches. We recommend using a small bungee cord to support the antenna. This helps absorb movement during windy conditions and reduces stress on both the antenna and support line.
5. Care of the Antenna
   The reel and other 3D-printed components are manufactured from PETG, PCTG, or ASA for excellent strength, UV resistance, and heat resistance. Even so, avoid leaving the antenna in extreme heat, such as on a vehicle dashboard.
6. Handling the Wire
   Pull the antenna wire out smoothly rather than jerking it. The wire is secured internally by a knot, so excessive force may cause damage. When rewinding the antenna, maintain light tension on the wire and allow it to slide through your fingers to remove dirt and debris before storage. Do not wind the reel in the opposite direction. Left-handed operators who prefer the opposite winding direction should fully extend the wire first, then rewind it in the opposite direction.
7. Factory Testing
   Every antenna is tested using approximately 50 feet of RG-8X coax in a sloper configuration to verify proper operation before shipment.
8. Locking Knob
   Avoid pulling the locking knob completely out of the housing. Inside the mechanism are a small spring, a 3 mm ball bearing, and a plastic detent pin. If the knob is removed, these small parts can easily become dislodged.
9. Safety
   Never install or operate the antenna near overhead power lines. Always look up before raising the antenna, and never attempt to retrieve an antenna or support line that has come into contact with electrical wires.

Operation

Band Coverage

The REEL POTA-able EFHW Antenna V3 operates on the 40, 20, 15, and 10-meter amateur bands without a tuner. Additional bands may be available with a tuner.

Power Ratings

• 100 watts SSB (ICAS)
• 60 watts CW
• 50 watts Digital Modes (FT8, FT4, JS8Call, etc.)

Do not exceed these ratings, as damage caused by excessive power is not covered under warranty.

Resonance Adjustment

The integrated reel allows you to fine-tune the antenna’s resonant frequency by reeling in the wire a few turns. As a general guide, operate with the wire fully extended for CW and many digital modes, or reel in approximately 3–4 turns for a good SSB starting point. Actual resonance will vary with your installation, so always verify SWR and fine-tune as needed.

Warranty

Your REEL POTA-able EFHW Antenna V3 is backed by a 3-month warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

The warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, accidents, improper installation, excessive power, or normal wear. Damage to the antenna wire caused by snagging, pulling, or other external causes is also not covered unless a failure of the antenna itself is determined to be the cause.

Please operate the antenna within the published power ratings. Damage caused by exceeding these ratings is not covered under warranty. (Yes, we can tell.)

If you have any questions or experience a problem with your antenna, please contact us by email first. This allows us to better understand the issue and provide the quickest solution. If needed, we’ll gladly continue troubleshooting by phone.

Robert Schindler, N5BSB

REEL POTA-able Antennas

Support:support@reelefhw.com

Alternate Email: Bob.n5bsb@gmail.com

Website: www.reelefhw.com