The Reel POTA-ble EFHW Antenna Instruction Manual
The Reel POTA-ble Antenna is a portable EFHW Antenna for use on 40, 20, 15, 10 meter bands. The antenna is tuned for the lower part of the bands. 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 3-4 cranks reeled in. 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 weather proof.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 box, 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, PETG-CF, PCTG, ABS, or ASA, ASA-CF. This means they are strong, and resistant to UV exposure and heat. Still don’t leave on the dashboard of your car.
- 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, reverse direction etc. If you feel resistance and a crushing sound, don’t force it. The wire will sometimes get tangled on the connection stud. If this happens you will need to open it up to free the tangle, contact us for easy instructions. 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.
- We test every antenna on 50’ of RG-8X coax, in a sloper configuration.
- Do not overtighten the Pl259 connector, just finger tight is enough.
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, 35 watts FT8 and other digital modes.
- 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 (getting your wire hung in a tree). No warranty for misuse by running too much power, Yes, we can tell.
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.
Robert Schindler N5BSB
Ron Mosely AA5RX
