Why a Near-Resonant Antenna Like the EFOC29 Is Preferable to a Long Wire: EFOC29 vs. EFLW22

When it comes to practical HF wire antennas, two common designs stand out: the near-resonant EFOC29 and the non-resonant EFLW22. Both have their merits, but for operators seeking higher efficiency, ease of use, and multiband coverage without excessive equipment, the EFOC29 is a compelling choice.

1. Basic Configuration and Matching

  • EFOC29: A 29-meter end-fed wire paired with a 4:1 unun. This setup is intentionally near-resonant on several HF bands, notably 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m. It typically requires no external tuner for most operations.
  • EFLW22: A 22-meter end-fed long wire that is non-resonant across the HF spectrum. It often relies on a 9:1 unun and almost always requires an external tuner (manual or automatic) to match the impedance on most bands.

2. Efficiency and Losses

  • The EFOC29 benefits from being close to resonance on its design bands. As a result, the 4:1 unun operates in a more favorable impedance range, minimizing losses in both the transformer and the feedline.
  • The EFLW22 presents wildly varying impedances depending on frequency, often far from 450 ohms. This leads to significant mismatch losses, heating in the unun, and increased feedline SWR, especially if coaxial cable is used.

3. Tuner Dependency

  • The EFOC29 is designed to work well without an external tuner on its target bands. This simplifies deployment and reduces failure points.
  • The EFLW22 nearly always needs a wide-range tuner. Without it, usable SWR is rarely achieved, and transmitter protection circuits may limit output.

4. Radiation Pattern and Performance

  • The EFOC29, being near half-wave or multiples thereof on several bands, produces consistent, useful radiation patterns suitable for DX and regional communication.
  • The EFLW22 can behave unpredictably. On some bands it's electrically short, on others long, producing erratic lobes and nulls. This makes it harder to optimize for reliable contacts.

5. Extended Coverage: 160m with One Wire

While the EFOC29 shines on bands from 80m through 10m, it can also be adapted for use on the 160m band with a simple modification. By adding a single radial wire of approximately 40 meters, the antenna becomes effective for NVIS-style operation on 160 meters. This turns the EFOC29 into a truly versatile all-band performer, including the top band—without redesigning the entire system. (read more)

6. Deployment Practicality

  • EFOC29 is a simple, lightweight, and effective multiband antenna. It needs minimal equipment and setup time, ideal for portable or stealth operations.
  • EFLW22 requires more gear: tuner, counterpoise or ground system, and often trial-and-error in setup.

Conclusion

The EFOC29 offers a more balanced, efficient, and practical HF antenna solution compared to the EFLW22. By embracing a near-resonant length and a well-matched 4:1 unun, it delivers reliable multiband performance with less complexity and greater efficiency—making it the superior choice for many modern amateur radio operators. With the optional radial wire, it even extends its capabilities into the 160m band, making it a serious contender for full HF coverage in a compact and portable form.