The Reel POTA-ble EFHW Antenna Instruction Manual

The Reel POTA-ble Antenna is a EFHW Antenna for use on 40, 20, 15, 10 meter bands. The antenna is tuned for the lower part of 10, and 20 meters. You can fine tune it by cranking a few turns to shorten it. The 20, 15, and 10 meter bands work good with all the wire extended all the way, or sometimes 4-5 cranks in. Your installation might vary. It might be possible to get 6 meters.

Tips on Installation:

1. 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.
2. 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, as not to create a narrow angle.
3. Use para cord 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.
4. Also be mindful of where you are placing the antenna. Try to avoid proximity to large metal objects, trees etc. We recommend the use of a bungee cord to hold the antenna box, to allow flexibility during wind movement, and distance the antenna from trees or objects.
5. Also be mindful of where you are placing the antenna. Try to avoid proximity to large metal objects, trees etc. We recommend the use of a bungee cord to hold the antenna box, to allow flexibility during wind movement, and distance the antenna from trees or objects.
6. Be careful when pulling out the wire. Don’t just yank it, slowly pull it smoothly. If you feel the wire binding stop, or slow down. 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 unreel all the wire and wind back in the other direction.
7. We test every antenna on 50’ of RG-8X coax, in a sloper configuration.

Operation Details:

1. Band Coverage is 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters no tuner. Other bands might be possible with the use of a tuner.
2. Power Rating. 100 watts SSB, 35 watts CW, FT8/Digital modes.
3. There is no weep hole as the antenna is meant for portable use. But if you feel the need, you can drill a small hole next to the SO239. Use Caution when doing this, and take care not to let drill bit cause damage by going too deep inside.
4. You can fine tune any of the bands to your liking. Want to work upper 10 meter FM? You can adjust the resonant point 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. No warranty for misuse by running too much power, Yes we can tell.

There is a serial # and warranty void sticker on each antenna. If you take the antenna apart, you void the warranty. 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. Ron works a full time job and his time will be more limited.

Robert Schindler N5BSB

bob.n5bsb@gmail.com

Ron Mosely AA5RX

aa5rx@yahoo.com