Hustler and Other HF Verticals - Tips and Tricks

The HF vertical is an attractive antenna with a reputation for low angle DX radiation. However, there are ways to improve performance and a few myths as well! Peter G3OJV takes you through the basics and reveals some tips and tricks.

Elevated Radials Improve Performance

Improve the Matching of your Antenna by changing the Radiator Length

Hustler Vertical Antennas

[alistercarmichael]

Trapped radials. That is a nice move for an elevated vertical.
There is a company that makes a load of accessories for these antenna, and they provide a superb guide to installing these antenna in all situations. Worth looking out.
There is additional information provided here which explains what is happening.
Another great video.

[justincase]

That was really cool! Thank you. I like listening to you and - you are quite a proponent of the hobby.

[mcxf]

I always referred to my 5btv as 'the vertical dummy load'. Tried all sorts of earthing systems, I even considered consulting a snake oil salesman, nothing helped so after a few years of trying I took it down.
Following an evening of alcohol consumption I clamped it to the jockey wheel of of my touring caravan and it worked. I have continued to use it in this manner ever since. So there you have it, if you have problems with your antenna, buy a caravan. If you're skilful you could attach some form of mast/tower to it and escape our draconian planning rules too.

[dronephotographyireland]

Excellent video you are a wealth of information well worth a watch.

[gfvt]

Controversially there is mileage in erring on the long side when using quarterwave verticals, particularly ground mounted ones. We have all become obsessed with SWR, and of course it is handy if the rig's own auto ATU can "deal with" any mismatches. Thank you for the thought provoking video.

[birdhouserocket]

Very interesting. This video is loaded with ideas. No substitute for experience. Well done Peter. Thank you.

[kkdj]

Thank you Peter for another quite informative video. I just finished installing my 6BTV. I've installed it on the roof. Since weve recently had our electric service put underground i attached the antenna to the conduit that used to carry our overhead electric service. Surpringly without any radials yet installed, and just one run of wire to a ground rod, it works well. Because of not having radials I believe that is why its acting like an OCF dipole in that even with all band adjustments on the vertical at minimum, it (the antenna itself) presents yet as too long. I plan to add radials and i suspect that will change the impedance to allow greater adjustment. The fun part is seeing what happens! 😀

[KCUVF]

Living in an apartment I can only operate "portable" so I use 1/4 wave vertical exclusively. I run an MFJ 1979 on a tripod in the yard or the soccer field across the street fed at about head height (6ft/2m) with a pair of radials elevated to about waist height. Works super for anything 6-20. I have the radials set up like a linked dipole and just pull the plug on the sections I don't need. Makes band changes a breeze. Currently, I'm working on a coil for 40m operation... or possibly 40 & 80 if I decide to fiddle with tapping the coil.

KC3UVF

[Hamradio]

Wonderful and most helpful presentation and super information for my printed antenna file. I always appreciate links that go beyond advertising. Best wishes from, wd9gus, Colfax, Wisconsin USA. 73

[MrGohunter]

Yet another very informative video. Thank you Peter 73.

[maze]

Another informative and thought provoking vid - thanks Peter. 👍🏻

[johnforte]

Very informative video thank you. You thouroly covered this topic in 30 minutes equivalent to maybe 40 pages from a book.

[jamesgeorge]

The best built and bullet proof antenna on the market. I love mine and since 1978 the only thing i have had to do was replace the cracked 15 meter trap cover. that was caused by a cat 4 hurricane.😊😅

[SoCoguy]

Mr Waters, you've been a blessing to me with your sage advice. God bless. KF0SJS

[cjespers]

Thanks for the video, well done. I'm setting up a Hy gain av640. Bought it before I watched your video.

[dennistodaro]

We have plenty of room for antennas. However, I have a 5BTV set up for my "Kitchen shack." I have a neat set up in our kitchen/family room with an IC-7300 to a 5BTV. Using the 7300 tuner, I operate and make contacts on ALL bands from 6 through 80 meters with the 5BTV. The other antennas attached in my shack do work better at times but I love having the "Kitchen shack" and being able to work all HF.

[bjbackitis]

Another great video, sir... I've been searching through your YouTube channel for videos on various topics (particularly portable HF antennas) and have found them extremely helpful and (unlike most others with similar content) quite practical. Thank you for doing these, from a ham "across the pond". 73 de BJ, KM4RB

[mikeraymond]

thanks peter. i have ahustler 5 which im moving because of static noise from locals, i will be playing with it and let you know many thanks. GW4 WVE

[dougdaniels]

I've had great luck with Hustler mobile antennas, especially their VHF mobile, as long as you have a good ground plane. Very difficult to get a good ground plane for them on the aluminum body Ford F-150s.

[Yannis..]

Thank you very much for the interesting video Peter. After a long time inactive I plan installing an antenna and bringing my old Ten-Tec Corsair II back to life. I have a small garden for a vertical but my roof is flat made of concrete about 15x15m and 6m above ground level. I wonder how a vertical will behave if mounted at center of this roof and lay radials above concrete or if I could use the rebar mesh inside concrete as a ground plane. 73 de SV1FJK, Yannis.