As an enthusiast of creative and innovative craftsmanship, I find browsing Etsy a delightful adventure, discovering the unique creations by talented makers worldwide. During one of these explorations, I stumbled upon a gem for ham radio enthusiasts: the X-Tenna End-Fed Half Wave antenna (v3.0) crafted by Jonathan, KC8YBC.
This antenna features a variable ratio transformer built around the FT 140-43 toroid—a choice mix for HF frequencies. With its capacity to handle slightly less power than the 240-43 series, peaking at 60 watts, it perfectly complements my low-power operations on the Yaesu FT-891 during SOTA (Summits on the Air) activations. Paired with a minimum 9aH LiFePO4 battery for my 891, it enables me to comfortably transmit around 50 watts.
What sets this antenna apart is its variable impedance transformation options, offering 49:1, 56:1, and 64:1 ratios. Initially skeptical about the utility of the variable ratio switch, I was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness in tuning the antenna.
The design of the X-Tenna evokes comparisons with Packtenna’s offerings, but there’s something uniquely appealing about its minimal yet robust structure for housing the transformer. While prolonged exposure to sunlight may necessitate replacing the heat shrink, this is a minor inconvenience given the antenna’s overall durability and the solid connections of its soldered components.
Equipped with 70 feet of wire, the antenna is ready for immediate deployment for 40 meters and higher bands—all in one compact package. The inclusion of ‘no-tangle’ 26 awg wire is a thoughtful touch, simplifying setup and enhancing the user experience.
To tailor the antenna for each band from 20 to 10 meters, I opted for a “half-wave” configuration, necessitating the installation of band-specific links. Moving away from traditional alligator clips, I experimented with Anderson Powerpoles and zip ties for seamless transitions between bands. This approach not only refined the aesthetic but also contributed to the antenna’s functionality.
Starting from the 10-meter band and adjusting lengths with each successful tune, I noted variations in the required wire length compared to my other EFHW antennas, likely due to the unique design of this transformer affecting electrical length. Nevertheless, the SWR remained impressively stable across bands, never exceeding a 1.5 to 1 ratio, thanks to the variable ratio switch.
Among portable antennas, the EFHW ranks highly for me, second only to the dipole. Its versatility in setup—particularly in a sloper configuration or ideally vertical for optimal DX conditions—demonstrates its superior performance. At a budget-friendly price of $66 USD, the X-Tenna End-Fed Half Wave antenna by KC8YBC, receives my portable seal of approval.
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