| N5CCO |
Rating:  |
2023-11-01 | |
| I have the 80-10 and the quad 40-10 antennas |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I am modifying this review for the offending piece of hardware that was causing reception and transmission issues. LDG 1:1 choke. You get what you pay for I reckon. Now the 80-10 is slightly ahead of the previously described great antenna LNR 40-10.
I have had the 80-10 antenna for over a year and also the quad 40-10 antenna for over a year. The 80-10 on receive is 2-4 S units worse than the quad antenna. The receive reports to me were similar. Generally on the quad I receive and get similar results.
I put a different 49:1 on the 80-10 expecting different results but the results were the same.
The comparison was done at two different QTH's. Maybe there is a problem with the wire.
At the first QTH the antennas were just swapped out. Two-fours S-units is significant. I am left scratching my head. |
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| AE7UT |
Rating: |
2019-05-29 | |
| Fantastic customer service and support |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I had used my EF-10/20/40 for about two years when the nut on the choke broke off. I was sure it was from my rough handling of the antenna and called LNR to see how I could buy one to fix the antenna. Simply put I was told it shouldn't do that and a new one was shipped to me at no cost in less than a week.
This is my go-to antenna for SOTA and camping. I have compared this with a SOTA-Beam 2 band full size dipole and really could not tell a difference on receive or transmit.
Get one - you will not be disappointed.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by AE7UT on 2014-05-21
I've owned an LNR EF-10/20/40 MkII for over a year. I've made countless contacts camping, hiking, SOTA, back yard and on the beach. The antenna just works. I use a Jackite fiberglass pole or a carbon fiber crappie pole as a mast if no trees are around. The price seemed high until I used it and compared it to the other portable antennas. Believe me it's the best bang for the buck out there.
I recently pulled my antenna out of my back pack to find the coil broken (my fault). I called LNR-Precision to see if I could purchase one separately. He was emphatic that the antenna should have withstood my carelessness and sent me a replacement for free.
Great antenna combined with amazing customer service. What more can you ask for? |
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| N7AG |
Rating: |
2019-05-28 | |
| As good as it gets! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I have had several of these antennas. If Dale makes it, it's as good as it gets. End fed are slightly down from a true dipole, what you get is convenient. And if Dale makes it, superb engineering a and construction. |
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| W3PYF |
Rating: |
2019-05-28 | |
| Amazing for a tiny antenna! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
April 7-12, 2019, I operated VP5/W3PYF from Turks & Caicos with the LNR Trail antenna and my KX3 running off AC power at about 11-15 watts. The one end of the antenna was at 25-30 feet at the fed end, 20 feet on the far end. Orientation was roughly north/south.
Band conditions were AWFUL, with a major solar flare hitting the ionosphere on April 6. Hard to hear many signals on any band at any hour. Typical operating hours were 6-8AM before everyone in my group were up, 11-12 when they were at the beach, and 10-11 PM when everyone is going to bed,
Only CW was usable, Many could not understand my VP5/ prefix call. I didn’t hear a single SSB signal strong enough to be worth calling.
Neverthess, I made 50 contacts all over the USA, EU and South America. 40 CW was, as usual, amazing. I would scout for stations calling CQ and called them. I would guess my batting average was about .333.
Before I left the USA for VP5, , I struggled to understand how to tune this little antenna - a SWR antenna analyzer showed it to be too long. Rather than cut it, I started folding the wire back on itself, and eventually, got it about 1.1:1 at 7025 and 14040. It matched so well that I was able to cut out the terrific KX3 antenna tuner and KNOW just how well it was matching, using a Daiwa cross-needle SWR meter.
Using tthe X3 antenna tuner the antenna loaded nicely on 10 and 15 meters, but I never heard a signal there. Loaded on 10.1 MHz but again heard nothing there or on the other WARC bands.
My ordinary antennas at home are a double-dipole fed with RG8X, and a Butternut 6-band vertical with 3 tuned counterpoise radiators ~5 feet off the ground (to enable me to mow under them). The Butternut is clearly better for DX, but I’m not sure the double-dipole (40 meter and a folded-leg 80 meter dipole fed with a common cable) is better than the LNR. I’ve been jammed since returning from VP5, but I plan to run some more tests. If the KX3 works better on the LNR, I will buy an LNR Quad and replace the double-dipole.
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| K4WK |
Rating: |
2019-04-01 | |
| An excellent portable antenna |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| This antenna,the 20/40m version, is an excellent performer when pitched properly. I hang it as a sloper with the high end at 22' and low end 6-12' in various state parks in Florida. I find it works best when in an opening, not too closely treed. SWR low and with 50-80w receive 56/57 signal reports from upper Midwest, New England and further, like California and Washington. As a sloper it's easier to pitch than a dipole and a shorter transmission line is possible. Well made. |
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| K1XGM |
Rating: |
2017-09-15 | |
| Simple, safe, reliable..cont'd |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
This is a follow-up on my 4/19/11 review of LNR Par antennas.
Changes in my operating conditions since 2011 include an upgrade to an IC-7600 xcvr as well as the addition of 3 more Par antennas (EF-40,15,12) to the EF-17 & 20 I've used since 2007.
Paper chase results continue to be WAC, WAS & DXCC awarded. DXCC count is now 192 phone.
My synopsis is that one can chase DX (WAC, WAS, etc.) operating barefoot with Par wire antennas with somewhat satisfying results. There is no comparison to a yagi but it is sure a simple operation.
73, Tom K1XGM |
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| KD8ZM |
Rating: |
2017-08-30 | |
| Not a happy camper so far |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This pertains to the 20-30-40 meter model. I bought this to use in our RV. Big mistake! The thing is outlandishly long at 73 feet, making it a non-starter for most campgrounds. As to performance, I've tried it as an inverted vee from a fiberglass mast, hanging it straight up suspended from a tall tree using a slingshot to get it up there, you name it. No contacts at all. At the same time I also used a homemade 20 meter ground mounted whip with 8 radials which beat the snot out of the End Fedz on 20m.
SWR is good across all bands, but no one seems to hear me on this antenna. I'm not sure what else to say, maybe I'll have more luck later? |
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| K2MK |
Rating: |
2016-11-30 | |
| Solid Construction and Good Performance |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I have my 20 meter antenna in a sloper configuration with one end in a tree about 10 feet high and the other end tied to a plastic tent spike. It's an orange spike from Home Depot that comes in two different lengths. I used an analyzer and trimmed a little bit at a time until the SWR was low across the entire 20 meter band. Construction seems quite good and the instructions are clear with color photos. The instructions have to be viewed on the internet. They are not included with the antenna.
Performance appears to be quite good. The antenna is quiet and the signals pop out nicely. In a few hours of DX contesting on CW running 100 watts from Florida I worked numerous European stations and one in Hawaii with little difficulty. As I expected I had better results calling stronger stations and I skipped over any DX that had numerous callers waiting.
I am very pleased and I recommend this antenna. |
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| KJ4KKI |
Rating: |
2016-07-14 | |
| Update to Previous Review |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I've already bragged on these outstanding antennas. I added a few perks to mine that I want to share.
I use my EFs with a 31 foot Jackite pole. A while back, I purchased a tailgating flagpole holder. You drive your tire over it. One can easily be made, however this one breaks down and goes into a custom bag. The Jackite pole and it are about the same size, so I had to fasten 2 pieces of PVC together with hose clamps. One goes over the flagpole holder and the other fits over my pole. A home brew version could easily be fitted to the antenna pole.
One of my EFs is the 10/20/40 model. You can use resonant wire with the matchbox for 10-60m. Rather than several sections of wire, I decided to use small gauge wire, some nylon backers from toy boxes (wires wrap around them behind the cardboard), and alligator clips for band jumpers. This affords me 17m, 15m, 12m (and 10m--if upper bands are good, why not include it and not have to change resonators?) in a short space. Depending on your preference, you could put as many bands as you want to.
I've seriously thought about getting other antennas, such as the Buddipoles, Buddisticks, Alpha EZMilitary, and MP1 antennas, but for simplicity and performance, the Par are hard to beat. Should location be a problem, I know those other antennas would do great. A Buddipole could fit on a deck or out over a balcony. But, given the room, Par EndFedz by LNR Precision are amazing. I use the 40m/20m antenna the most, but it's nice to have a variety of bands to choose from.
Hang them from a pole; throw a line over a tree limb, tie off to some support high off the ground...there are lots of variations. About two weeks prior to this review, I went to the family farm. Sitting at a table, using an 8 amp hour battery, an FT-857D and my 40m/20m EF, I had some really good QSOs, including one on the island of Crete, Greece.
I can say from experience that you definitely need to take the time and wind the wire around a kite string holder, piece of pipe, etc. Once that wire gets tangled up, you'll spend more time with it than you will on the air. Other than that, have fun and good DX!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by KJ4KKI on 2013-08-27
I just want to correct my previous error: The extended capabilities of the antenna go from 10m to 60m. This is accomplished by cutting the resonator wires for the correct length and replacing the factory ones. I had accidentally put 10-6m on my previous review, where I mentioned it while reviewing the 40/20m model.
As with all of the Par/LNR products, this antenna is well made and very useful for QRP. It is very versatile.
Regarding changing out the bands, you can use a full length 40m to increase the bandwidth over the supplied one. I solder end rings to .26 gauge Silky wire, and then put hot glue on for strength.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by KJ4KKI on 2012-04-26
Last year, I got the 20m version and use it as a sloper, with good results. This spring, I got the 10/20/40 model. While it only is rated for 25 watts (10 watts recommended for PSK), I look forward to using it.
I purchased them for the following reasons: Ease of installation in that they only require one end in the air. They do not require a center support like a traditional dipole, and depending on the location, they can be configured in different shapes.
I got a 31 foot telescoping pole from Jackite that I can put the end of the antenna on, and have the matchbox down by the ground. To take weight off of the pole, I use a nylon electric fence post to fasten the matchbox to. This allows the weight of the RG-8X coax to be on the pole, and not pulling the pole over as it is really like one big fishing rod. For runs of 50 feet, you can easily opt for RG-58. This gives you room to put up the antenna and be comfortable on the deck, motel room, etc., without having to be directly by the antenna, as in the case of a shorter jumper.
Larry and Randy are extremely good at delivering friendly, helpful and patient customer service. In the past, they have been criticized for not answering the phone, but it is a small company.
One nice feature of the EF-10/20/40 Mark II model is that you can use the matchbox on any frequency from 10 to 60 meters. The other models in the line have matchboxes specifically for that band. They now have instructions in the tech notes on the front page of the site on how to make either a simple to construct counterpoisem, or a shunt capacitor make a band the next lowest, e.g. a 20 into a 40m, etc.
As for the multi-band use of the 10/20/40, I purchased #534 .26 gauge "Silky" wire from The Wireman to make additional resonators from. For purchases of over 100 feet, it is .16/foot. Their service, like LnR and Par is top notch. My only complaint about the EndFedz is that I wish they were cheaper. My homemade dipole didn't cost nearly as much, but it isn't as handy, simple to put up (or as cool looking!) as the EndFedz.
As an added reason to buy EndFedz, while Dale Parfitt no longer sells them out of his factory, Dale is always willing to answer questions if you can't get a hold of Larry or Randy. In fact, I also have an antenna that I purchased from Dale, e.g. Par Electronics. Mine is the OA-50 for 6 meters.
Buy one!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by KJ4KKI on 2011-09-01
I promised myself that I wouldn't get online and praise its merits before a solid series of tests. But, so far, I have been impressed. So. I figured I would post from my blog:
20 Meter EndFedz Works Great
I did some more experimenting with my EndFedz. I finally got the standoff at the top of my tower, so I fastened it to the rope and pulled it up to the pulley. At about 32 feet high and sloping to about 15 feet, I made some successful QSOs from Mexico City to California, to Maine and to Europe. I checked in on the Maritime, SATERN and Intercon nets.
Regarding SWR, I haven't used an analyzer yet, but I measured it, used it with a tuner for a while just in case the SWR was a bit high (no, a tuner won't hurt it; you don't need one). After a while, I shortened it by an inch or so, and my FT-450 meter only shows one bar when I key and talk.
To test it further, I started at the top of the band, and went all the way through the data section with the tuner. It tuned it without any problems, so I know it was under a 3:1 SWR. With a stated SWR of 1.5:1 for 300 kHz, that goes to within 50 kHz of the bottom of the 20 meter band. It seems logical that it will perform sufficiently to the bottom edge, given that small amount of difference.
At QRP, the Maritime Net gave me a a copy, but the band static and other stations made it difficult to copy all of my call sign. Cranking it up to 100 watts solved that problem.
I plan on trying it out in the different configurations, such as an L, horizontal, and vertical as soon as I can. I suspect using it as an L would give it more of a directional approach, but don't quote me on that... I'd also like to see how much adjusting the takeoff angle actually affects it, as well as height above ground. The direction it is pointed as a sloper does seem to affect the direction somewhat.
kj4kkiblog.blogspot.com
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| KD8TSR |
Rating: |
2016-07-12 | |
| Great Product and Customer Service! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I am involved in the MARS program and have been using an EMCOMM II antenna for work in MARS frequencies. Although it works well for most communications our evening 8:00 traffic net operates on a frequency that is below the 80M Ham band and the antenna is just not efficient enough for good reliable communications on our evening net.
I have previously purchased three LNR antennas (20, 40 and 80M) from LNR and saw Larry at the Dayton Hamvention and discussed if you could make a “special” version of their 80M antenna for use on the frequency of our evening state traffic net. Larry was kind enough to create an antenna and ship it out in a short period of time.
I just got the antenna on the air and got a good solid “good readable” contact from a station on our net from Illinois (I am in Ohio) with the comment “it was great to be able to copy you directly” and not have to ask for a relay when checking into the net!
I really appreciate LNR’s GREAT customer service and products, and their willingness to take time out of their busy schedule to help out with “special” antenna requests and support when requested. Larry is never too busy to promptly answer customers questions (even on the weekends). I highly recommend their great performing antennas as a good value for the price.
Glenn
KD8TSR
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