Uploaded November 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Deploying a 40 meter 1/4 wave antenna is a challenge. The radiating element would be about 33 feet high - that's high. I can barely reach 20 feet let alone 33. Sure, I can use an air gun with a fishing weight and fishing line to reach that height, but why care more equipment that might fail.
One solution to shorting the radiating element is by creating a Short Vertical Base loading Antenna. Basically, you place a coil to shorten the antenna which compromises the antenna's performance. There are many considerations when building this antenna from the height of the coil to the length of the overall radiating element.
You may use the following calculator to create this antenna at: 66pacific.com/calculators/coil-shortened-vertical-antenna-calculator.aspx.
Deploying a 40 meter 1/4 wave antenna is a challenge. The radiating element would be about 33 feet high - that's high. I can barely reach 20 feet let alone 33. Sure, I can use an air gun with a fishing weight and fishing line to reach that height, but why care more equipment that might fail.
One solution to shorting the radiating element is by creating a Short Vertical Base loading Antenna. Basically, you place a coil to shorten the antenna which compromises the antenna's performance. There are many considerations when building this antenna from the height of the coil to the length of the overall radiating element.
You may use the following calculator to create this antenna at: 66pacific.com/calculators/coil-shortened-vertical-antenna-calculator.aspx.
