Nice tall tree! As hams say.. Height is Might! Or as you said "Wire in the Air" Enjoy the contacts! EDIT - You nailed it on the attenuation verticals can get when blocked by buildings.. Vertical current is near the ground and voltage increases as you get closer to the end, and if you have buildings in the way, that can certainly affect the signal trying to get out OR signal coming in.
The antenna isn’t 1/2 wavelength above ground for 40, 60, and 80 meters, but my experience has been that antennas are more forgiving than we give them credit for. 40, 60, and 80 meters are regional bands anyway. I don’t mind the higher takeoff angle on those bands. My ZS6BKW started at 32 feet above ground. I still worked DX with it at night, even on the low bands. It is at 45 feet now. Just get some wire in the air, however you have to do it.
Nice video. I used a slingshot in the past as well as pneumatic gun to get my support lines in place. Most recently I have had great success with my DJI Mini 2 drone to take the fishing line up and over the top of a tree and drop it in the clear on the other side. The drone carries a remotely controlled solenoid from Amazon that can be actuated to release the line which is weighted with a 3 oz lead fishing sinker. I’ve had a lot of fun with this method. No frustrations with bad shots. 😊
That’s a worthy use of a drone. I’ve gotten pretty good with the slingshot and throw-bag methods over the years. I didn’t have the fancy EZ-Hang slingshot during most of those years. I used a homebrew version.
The 70 feet minimum is not to support the antenna but to complete the match. The antenna works off of mathematical principles. Precision is necessary. But it allows the antenna to be used on 4.5 bands with less than a 2:1 SWR. 10 through 80 meters is possible with a wide-range antenna matching unit. I use mine on those bands with great success.
@@n4hnhradio So the guys saying keep that coax really short are wrong? I wish I could get that coax length question straight I hope I can use a long coax.
@alflores4220 Yes, the guys saying to keep the coax short for a ZS6BKW are incorrect. The excerpt below is from the NI4L.com web page: Important Note: As with all models of the G5RV antenna, the Optimized version also requires a minimum of 70 feet of 50-52 ohm coax to complete the matching network. Without this 70 foot of coax, the antenna will NOT function correctly. Here is a link to that page: www.ni4l.com/zs6bkw-g5rv-optimized-multi-band-hf-dipole-antenna-poly-stealth/
Great video! I have a G5RV Junior here in south Florida that I've found very satisfactory (smaller due to lot size) and was fascinated by the ZS6BKW. I am also very interested in the type of Lightning Arrestors you used for this project. If you wouldn't mind, could you provide some information about those? BTW - You are the recommended guru for anyone who asks me about my Yaesu FT-891 and how it functions. Those are some sterling instructional videos!
I’m glad you liked the video. The ZS6BKW has definitely proven to be a next level variant of the G5RV. Here is a link to the lightning arrestor Wendell uses: www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-005102
My 2 QTH HF antennas are the same Hustler 6BTV and ZS6BKW... both mine need some work though... maybe when I fix them we can make a contact on the air!
Beginner Question: I like those antennas and want one, but I heard that you are supposed to have a very short coax cable, one guy on you tube said 5' to 10'feet maximum. Is this true? If it is that may be a deal breaker for me because I need around 50' to go from yard to home office through the attic. Is it really absolutely necessary to go only several feet to the tuner? Also, I thought these antennas could go all the way to 80M? Is yours a shortened version? I know I have a G5RV JR which also only goes down to 40 meters. Really nice video!
You should watch the videos in my ZS6BKW playlist. You have been severely misled. For one thing, you need a minimum of 70 feet of coax to complete the match. You don’t have to take my word for it. Read the “Important Note” at NI4L.com. Here is a link: www.ni4l.com/zs6bkw-g5rv-optimized-multi-band-hf-dipole-antenna-poly-stealth/ The antenna covers 4 bands (and part of another) without needing an antenna matching unit. It covers most bands with only an internal “touchup tuner”. It covers other bands, including 15, 30, 60, and 80m, with a wide-range antenna matching unit. The ZS6BKW is a computer-optimized relative of the G5RV. But it outperforms the G5RV.
@@n4hnhradio Yeah I rewatched your video and noticed I missed the part where you clearly said you can get 80M WITH a tuner, I do have a built-in antenna in my Icom 7300, but I also have an LDG ATU too. You know, I was wondering how that antenna could be so darn popular worldwide with a major limitation of having to use a really short coax, so your convincing me, also I know as a beginner that when I bought my first antenna (a simple Diamond vertical) they said the coax is actually acting as your counterpoise. Amazing how much more a feedline like ladder line and coax can do! Almost like they are part of the antenna elements huh? NI4L just got a customer thanks to you. 73
@@n4hnhradio OK, I just now bought 75' of DX Engineering's RG 213, (Wendell was very lucky they gave it to you guys for free!) Not cheap coax, sure wish they gave it to me as a donation ;) but hey, everyone says don't get the cheap Chinese coax you see on Amazon. Thanks again for the information and excellent video. Aloha !
@alflores4220 we used LMR-400 for Wendell. DXE-400 Max is the part number. But RG-213 is second best. The better coax gets more power to the antenna. That power would normally be lost in the coax as heat. Plus better coax helps on receive too. The double shield of the DXE-400 Max also helps minimize noise. But RG-213 is a great second choice. DX Engineering helped because of Wendell volunteering for the National Hurricane Center.
Just curious if you have any knowledge of NI4L having any health issues or something of the like Reason I asked is I’ve watched your videos and wanted to order a zs6bkw from him . I ordered it 7-15-24 and to date I can’t get a response from him through several email attempts and through multiple phone attempts and left messages Either something is wrong or he’s on vacation
He is a one-man operation, so I have been told. He struggles to get the wire sometimes, so orders are delayed. And he isn’t great at answering emails in a timely fashion, because, if he is on the computer, the antennas aren’t being made. I understand from others that it is taking 3-4 weeks to receive the ZS6BKW. It’s worth the wait. I think I will order a spare, just as a backup, in case he does have health problems.
There have been times that Chris wouldn’t even take an order because he was so far behind in filling orders. We couldn’t even add to cart for a backorder. It’s a good idea to get a spare. No one I know builds a better version of the ZS6BKW than Chris.
Question for you, I have a G5RV and I’m curious if this antenna would be a good addition. Maybe in a different orientation. Or are they too similar and not enough gain over the G5. Thanks! Great video! Thank you!
I had a G5RV before switching to ZS6BKW. But not all G5RV antennas are created equal. My G5RV was a good performer. It started as a Van Gordon version, but I later rebuilt it using better materials and window line, instead of TV twin lead. Mine performed well. The ZS6BKW seems to have a slight edge over my G5RV performance wise, but the biggest advantage is that no antenna tuner is required for 40, 20, 17, and 12m, and the upper portion of 10m. And the lower portion of 10m can be matched with the internal “touch-up” tuner in the modern radios. Both antennas are in the doublet family. They will exhibit some gain on the upper frequencies, from 14MHz to 29.7 MHz.
Qudos to the pair of you for taking the time and effort to help out another ham, my first antenna was a G5RV given to me by G5RV himself when he visited the UK back in the early 80's, i was 16 at the time and all the other members of the radio club had paid for the antenna presented to me by Louis Varney. Love your channel.....and respect to NI4L and Dx-Engineering for being so generous 👋👋👋
Excellent video showcasing an excellent antenna. I’ve been using one exclusively for my HF needs and very happy with its performance. I’m lucky that it just fits in my urban neighborhood house. I like your 3D printed Call Sign - where did you get it? I assume that you made it? Thanks & ‘73
No 1:1 choke Balun. I’ve tried it with and without. The SWR curve was adversely affected by the choke Balun. Not terrible but enough. The coax is acting as a matching section. That’s why there is a requirement for a minimum of 70 feet of coax. I snapped 3 Mix-31 chokes onto the coax of mine, just to make me feel better, but I haven’t had any issues with common-mode current even before I snapped those 3 on. It just made me feel better. Ironically, it’s my 160m Doublet, which terminates to a 4:1 choke Balun, that has common-mode current. You probably saw the video from 2022, when I solved the RF in the shack that was caused by the common-mode current.
Just get some wire in the air! That is so true!!! Doug I think it is great to show a video like this on the process of installing a wire antenna in some trees. I think a lot of HAMs get intimidated by the task at hand and honestly all you need is some way to get a throw line in a tree and a couple of ropes and some skills with knot tying. All this can be learned on RUclips or with an Elmer. I've helped a few hams get some wire in the air myself and it becomes fun. I could tell Wayne has done quite a bit with his branch threading skills. And I learned something in this video too I'll take to my next project. That trencher Wayne had is perfect! I need to get a 75 foot run of DXE 400-MAX in the ground after all this rain and I'm going to go get one of those! Get some wire in the air! 73!
Hi Curt! I’m glad you like this video. Wendell is good people and he deserves even more than I can deliver. Our next project is to put up a better VHF/UHF antenna for him. He can’t hit the Skywarn repeaters. MFJ has donated a 33 foot fiberglass mast. Now we need 50 feet of DXE-400 Max. Wendell said he will save up for it and buy it since DX Engineering was so kind to donate the coax for this HF project. BTW: When you order from DX Engineering, would you let them know that you saw this video?
@@n4hnhradio I have heard Wendell on the air during the net's and I've seen him on your VIP S9+ video chats. I just ordered from DXE yesterday before watching the video. I'm sure I'll order again soon. There is always something I need from them.
Thanks so much to you and Wayne for making this project possible. Y'all are the greatest!!!
It was an honor, Wendell. Thank you for your commitment to our safety by providing real-time information to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Great video and thanks to the donators and you guys for representing What ham radio is truly about. Enjoy Wendell 73
I really appreciate DX Engineering and NI4L.com for their contribution to the project.
Nice tall tree! As hams say.. Height is Might! Or as you said "Wire in the Air" Enjoy the contacts! EDIT - You nailed it on the attenuation verticals can get when blocked by buildings.. Vertical current is near the ground and voltage increases as you get closer to the end, and if you have buildings in the way, that can certainly affect the signal trying to get out OR signal coming in.
The antenna isn’t 1/2 wavelength above ground for 40, 60, and 80 meters, but my experience has been that antennas are more forgiving than we give them credit for. 40, 60, and 80 meters are regional bands anyway. I don’t mind the higher takeoff angle on those bands. My ZS6BKW started at 32 feet above ground. I still worked DX with it at night, even on the low bands. It is at 45 feet now. Just get some wire in the air, however you have to do it.
Great donations
Yes indeed. Others turned me down.
You know what poison ivy looks like, right? 😉 I was looking when you were close in.
I’ve been infected with both poison ivy and poison oak, during SOTA outings. No infection this time. Just lots of cuts from briars.
Very cool video Doug. Thanks for posting. Enjoy that new antenna Wendell.
It was an honor to be a part of this project.
Nice video. I used a slingshot in the past as well as pneumatic gun to get my support lines in place. Most recently I have had great success with my DJI Mini 2 drone to take the fishing line up and over the top of a tree and drop it in the clear on the other side. The drone carries a remotely controlled solenoid from Amazon that can be actuated to release the line which is weighted with a 3 oz lead fishing sinker. I’ve had a lot of fun with this method. No frustrations with bad shots. 😊
That’s a worthy use of a drone. I’ve gotten pretty good with the slingshot and throw-bag methods over the years. I didn’t have the fancy EZ-Hang slingshot during most of those years. I used a homebrew version.
I've read some descriptions of the ZS6BKW that state that you will need at least 70 ft of coax to support this antenna. What have you found? AC1NY
The 70 feet minimum is not to support the antenna but to complete the match. The antenna works off of mathematical principles. Precision is necessary. But it allows the antenna to be used on 4.5 bands with less than a 2:1 SWR. 10 through 80 meters is possible with a wide-range antenna matching unit. I use mine on those bands with great success.
@@n4hnhradio So the guys saying keep that coax really short are wrong? I wish I could get that coax length question straight I hope I can use a long coax.
@alflores4220 Yes, the guys saying to keep the coax short for a ZS6BKW are incorrect. The excerpt below is from the NI4L.com web page: Important Note:
As with all models of the G5RV antenna, the Optimized version also requires a minimum of 70 feet of 50-52 ohm coax to complete the matching network. Without this 70 foot of coax, the antenna will NOT function correctly.
Here is a link to that page: www.ni4l.com/zs6bkw-g5rv-optimized-multi-band-hf-dipole-antenna-poly-stealth/
Great video! I have a G5RV Junior here in south Florida that I've found very satisfactory (smaller due to lot size) and was fascinated by the ZS6BKW. I am also very interested in the type of Lightning Arrestors you used for this project. If you wouldn't mind, could you provide some information about those? BTW - You are the recommended guru for anyone who asks me about my Yaesu FT-891 and how it functions. Those are some sterling instructional videos!
I’m glad you liked the video. The ZS6BKW has definitely proven to be a next level variant of the G5RV. Here is a link to the lightning arrestor Wendell uses: www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-005102
My 2 QTH HF antennas are the same Hustler 6BTV and ZS6BKW... both mine need some work though... maybe when I fix them we can make a contact on the air!
Wendell is enjoying his ZS6BKW. He has only had one contact this far that was stronger with the 6BTV. The ZS6BKW usually wins overwhelmingly.
Great Stuff guys I’m about to do the same thing soon with 6-80 G5RV
I’m glad you liked it. The antenna is still working well. It was used for the Hurricane Beryl watch net.
Nice install presentation, simple for the beginners. Always educational.
Glad you liked it, Ron!
Beginner Question: I like those antennas and want one, but I heard that you are supposed to have a very short coax cable, one guy on you tube said 5' to 10'feet maximum. Is this true? If it is that may be a deal breaker for me because I need around 50' to go from yard to home office through the attic. Is it really absolutely necessary to go only several feet to the tuner? Also, I thought these antennas could go all the way to 80M? Is yours a shortened version? I know I have a G5RV JR which also only goes down to 40 meters. Really nice video!
You should watch the videos in my ZS6BKW playlist. You have been severely misled. For one thing, you need a minimum of 70 feet of coax to complete the match. You don’t have to take my word for it. Read the “Important Note” at NI4L.com. Here is a link: www.ni4l.com/zs6bkw-g5rv-optimized-multi-band-hf-dipole-antenna-poly-stealth/
The antenna covers 4 bands (and part of another) without needing an antenna matching unit. It covers most bands with only an internal “touchup tuner”. It covers other bands, including 15, 30, 60, and 80m, with a wide-range antenna matching unit. The ZS6BKW is a computer-optimized relative of the G5RV. But it outperforms the G5RV.
@@n4hnhradio Yeah I rewatched your video and noticed I missed the part where you clearly said you can get 80M WITH a tuner, I do have a built-in antenna in my Icom 7300, but I also have an LDG ATU too. You know, I was wondering how that antenna could be so darn popular worldwide with a major limitation of having to use a really short coax, so your convincing me, also I know as a beginner that when I bought my first antenna (a simple Diamond vertical) they said the coax is actually acting as your counterpoise. Amazing how much more a feedline like ladder line and coax can do! Almost like they are part of the antenna elements huh? NI4L just got a customer thanks to you. 73
Chris has been struggling to keep up with orders but it is worth the wait.
@@n4hnhradio OK, I just now bought 75' of DX Engineering's RG 213, (Wendell was very lucky they gave it to you guys for free!) Not cheap coax, sure wish they gave it to me as a donation ;) but hey, everyone says don't get the cheap Chinese coax you see on Amazon. Thanks again for the information and excellent video. Aloha !
@alflores4220 we used LMR-400 for Wendell. DXE-400 Max is the part number. But RG-213 is second best. The better coax gets more power to the antenna. That power would normally be lost in the coax as heat. Plus better coax helps on receive too. The double shield of the DXE-400 Max also helps minimize noise. But RG-213 is a great second choice.
DX Engineering helped because of Wendell volunteering for the National Hurricane Center.
Just curious if you have any knowledge of NI4L having any health issues or something of the like Reason I asked is I’ve watched your videos and wanted to order a zs6bkw from him . I ordered it 7-15-24 and to date I can’t get a response from him through several email attempts and through multiple phone attempts and left messages Either something is wrong or he’s on vacation
He is a one-man operation, so I have been told. He struggles to get the wire sometimes, so orders are delayed. And he isn’t great at answering emails in a timely fashion, because, if he is on the computer, the antennas aren’t being made. I understand from others that it is taking 3-4 weeks to receive the ZS6BKW. It’s worth the wait. I think I will order a spare, just as a backup, in case he does have health problems.
I might order another one like your talking about just to have a spare Thx for the info 73
There have been times that Chris wouldn’t even take an order because he was so far behind in filling orders. We couldn’t even add to cart for a backorder. It’s a good idea to get a spare. No one I know builds a better version of the ZS6BKW than Chris.
Question for you, I have a G5RV and I’m curious if this antenna would be a good addition. Maybe in a different orientation. Or are they too similar and not enough gain over the G5. Thanks!
Great video! Thank you!
I had a G5RV before switching to ZS6BKW. But not all G5RV antennas are created equal. My G5RV was a good performer. It started as a Van Gordon version, but I later rebuilt it using better materials and window line, instead of TV twin lead. Mine performed well.
The ZS6BKW seems to have a slight edge over my G5RV performance wise, but the biggest advantage is that no antenna tuner is required for 40, 20, 17, and 12m, and the upper portion of 10m. And the lower portion of 10m can be matched with the internal “touch-up” tuner in the modern radios.
Both antennas are in the doublet family. They will exhibit some gain on the upper frequencies, from 14MHz to 29.7 MHz.
Qudos to the pair of you for taking the time and effort to help out another ham, my first antenna was a G5RV given to me by G5RV himself when he visited the UK back in the early 80's, i was 16 at the time and all the other members of the radio club had paid for the antenna presented to me by Louis Varney.
Love your channel.....and respect to NI4L and Dx-Engineering for being so generous 👋👋👋
That is such a great story. G5RV himself gave you an antenna. That’s awesome!
Excellent video showcasing an excellent antenna. I’ve been using one exclusively for my HF needs and very happy with its performance. I’m lucky that it just fits in my urban neighborhood house. I like your 3D printed Call Sign - where did you get it? I assume that you made it? Thanks & ‘73
That’s not my callsign. It’s Wendell’s.
No matching transformer between the window line and coax?
No 1:1 choke Balun. I’ve tried it with and without. The SWR curve was adversely affected by the choke Balun. Not terrible but enough. The coax is acting as a matching section. That’s why there is a requirement for a minimum of 70 feet of coax.
I snapped 3 Mix-31 chokes onto the coax of mine, just to make me feel better, but I haven’t had any issues with common-mode current even before I snapped those 3 on. It just made me feel better. Ironically, it’s my 160m Doublet, which terminates to a 4:1 choke Balun, that has common-mode current. You probably saw the video from 2022, when I solved the RF in the shack that was caused by the common-mode current.
Yup. Good instructional video on putting up wire antennas in trees.
Nice place to put it sounds good kk4ekk
It was! He uses it for the Hurricane Watch Net. It’s very effective.
Thanks for this video. Have a great day~
Thank you! You too!
Most excellent!
Thank you! Wendell told me that he is working stations he can’t even hear with the vertical.
Just get some wire in the air! That is so true!!! Doug I think it is great to show a video like this on the process of installing a wire antenna in some trees. I think a lot of HAMs get intimidated by the task at hand and honestly all you need is some way to get a throw line in a tree and a couple of ropes and some skills with knot tying. All this can be learned on RUclips or with an Elmer. I've helped a few hams get some wire in the air myself and it becomes fun. I could tell Wayne has done quite a bit with his branch threading skills. And I learned something in this video too I'll take to my next project. That trencher Wayne had is perfect! I need to get a 75 foot run of DXE 400-MAX in the ground after all this rain and I'm going to go get one of those! Get some wire in the air! 73!
Hi Curt! I’m glad you like this video. Wendell is good people and he deserves even more than I can deliver. Our next project is to put up a better VHF/UHF antenna for him. He can’t hit the Skywarn repeaters. MFJ has donated a 33 foot fiberglass mast. Now we need 50 feet of DXE-400 Max. Wendell said he will save up for it and buy it since DX Engineering was so kind to donate the coax for this HF project. BTW: When you order from DX Engineering, would you let them know that you saw this video?
@@n4hnhradio I have heard Wendell on the air during the net's and I've seen him on your VIP S9+ video chats. I just ordered from DXE yesterday before watching the video. I'm sure I'll order again soon. There is always something I need from them.
@kb9jqu Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Curt!