The Reel POTA-ble Antenna V3
The Reel POTA-ble Antenna is a portable EFHW Antenna for use on 40, 20, 15, 10-meter bands (no tuner needed). The antenna is tuned for the lower part of the bands. You can fine tune it by cranking the knob a few turns to shorten it. If you operate CW or digital pulling the wire all the way out will be perfect. If you want a good middle ground for SSB, 3-4 cranks reeled in will give a great balance. Your installation might vary.
Tips on Installation:
- This antenna is meant for portable use. It is designed to put up and take down after use. It isn’t meant for long term outdoor installations. The antenna is not weatherproof.
- While the antenna can be installed in many configurations, we find the sloper to be the easiest and performs well. If you try other configurations like inverted V, make sure the legs are spread out, so as not to create a narrow angle.
- Use paracord or string to get up in a tree or object. Then attach the antenna and pull the cord to raise the antenna. Don’t overtighten the antenna. Leave some slack and room for adjustment and wind movement.
- Please be mindful of where you are placing the antenna. Try to avoid proximity to large metal objects, trees, power lines etc. We recommend the use of a bungee cord to hold the antenna to allow flexibility during wind movement, and distance the antenna from trees or objects.
- The antennas 3D parts are always going to be printed out of PETG, PCTG, or ASA. This means they are strong, and resistant to UV exposure and heat. Still don’t leave it on the dashboard of your car.
- Be careful when pulling out the wire. Don’t just yank it, pull it out smoothly. The end of the wire is only restrained inside by a knot. So don’t pull on the wire too hard. When winding up the wire, use a very small amount of tension. I just let it run through your fingers to knock off any excess dirt or debris etc. Don’t wind the wire backwards. If you are left-handed, fully unwind all the wire, and wind back in the other direction.
- We test every antenna on 50’ of RG-8X coax, in a sloper configuration.
- Be careful not to pull the locking knob too hard and pull it all the way out. There is a small spring, a 3mm ball bearing and a plastic indent pin. If it comes out the top, or if taking it apart these pieces will go flying.
Operation Details:
- Band Coverage is 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters no tuner. Other bands might be possible with the use of a tuner.
- Power Rating. 100 watts SSB ICAS, 50 watts CW, 50 watts FT8 and other digital modes.
- Pull the antenna wire all the way out. You can fine tune any of the bands to your liking. You can adjust the resonant frequency by reeling in the wire.
Warranty:
The antenna comes with a 3-month warranty on materials and workmanship. No warranty on wire unless something inside causes us to replace it. The warranty doesn’t cover damage to wire or breakage due to misuse (getting your wire hung in a tree). No warranty for misuse by running too much power, yes, we can tell.
Any questions contact us first. Please reach out to us by email first. We will provide you with a phone number if we need to go further on the phone.
Robert Schindler N5BSB
