Welcome to ICEMARC: Indiana County, PA

EFHW. King of Fast and Dependable Deployment

The EFHW Antenna: A Versatile Solution for ICEMARC Members.

Hello fellow ICEMARC friends! Today, let’s talk about a fantastic antenna that many of our club members have come to love for both shack and field use: the End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna. This versatile design has proven itself time and again as an excellent choice for our Indiana County operations.

Why the EFHW?

The EFHW antenna has gained popularity among our members for several reasons:

1. Multi-band operation
2. Easy deployment
3. Minimal support required
4. Compact and lightweight
5. DIY-friendly

These features make it ideal for both permanent installations at home and quick setups during our field day events or emergency preparedness exercises.

Building Your Own EFHW

Many of our members have successfully built their own EFHW antennas. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Cut a length of wire for the lowest frequency you want to operate on (typically 40m or 80m).
2. Construct a 49:1 unun using a toroid core and enameled wire.
3. Connect your feedline (usually coax) to the unun.
4. Attach an insulator to the far end of the wire.

Deployment Options

The flexibility of the EFHW is one of its greatest strengths. Our members have had success with various configurations:

• Sloper: Great for single-point support situations
• Inverted-L: Excellent for limited space
• Horizontal: Ideal when you have two supports available

This adaptability has proven invaluable during our field operations, allowing us to set up effective stations in a variety of locations across Indiana County.

Performance

While simple in design, the EFHW can provide excellent performance across multiple bands. Many of our members have reported successful contacts not just within the region, but across the country and internationally. It’s an efficient antenna that punches above its weight class.

Emergency Preparedness

For those involved in our emergency communications team, the EFHW is a go-to choice. Its quick deployment and multi-band capabilities make it an excellent option for rapidly establishing communications in various scenarios we might face in Indiana County.

Tips from ICEMARC Members

1. Practice your setup: Regular deployment will help you become proficient for when it really matters.
2. Experiment with height: Try different elevations to find the sweet spot for your location.
3. Consider a portable support: A lightweight mast can greatly expand your deployment options.
4. Build extras: Having a spare antenna is always a good idea, especially for emergency kits.

Conclusion

The EFHW antenna has become a staple for many ICEMARC members, both at home and in the field. Its combination of performance, versatility, and ease of construction makes it an excellent choice for hams of all experience levels. Whether you’re looking to improve your home station or enhance your portable operations, consider giving the EFHW a try.

Remember, our club meetings are a great place to get hands-on help with building and tuning your EFHW. Don’t hesitate to bring your projects or questions to our next gathering. We meet every month on the third Tuesday of every month. Together, we can continue to improve our radio capabilities and serve our Indiana County community. Not on our mailing list? Send us a contact using buttons found everywhere on our site.

73 and see you on the air!