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EFHW16080 4kW High Power Inverted L Endfed Halfwave Dual Band 160M 80M
EFHW16080 4kW High Power Inverted L Endfed Halfwave Dual Band 160M 80M
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The EFHW16080 is a high-power, dual-band end-fed half-wave antenna engineered for 160 meters and 80 meters. Designed for inverted-L deployments, it delivers reliable resonance on both bands for permanent stations and rugged field use.
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- EFHW16080 Inverted-L — Technical Overview
- Why We Do Not Use Compensation Capacitors
- Why RF.Guru Pushes Dual-Band EFHW for High-Power (3kW–4kW)
- Why We Do Not Use Coils to Electrically Lengthen EFHW Antennas
- Why You Need a Kilowatt-Rated Antenna, Even at 100W
- 15 m vs 20 m Mast for a Dual-Band 160/80 m EFHW Inverted-L
- Inverted-U Configuration for the EFHW16080
- Performance of the 81 m EFHW as a Sloper
- Clearance Guidelines for Inverted-L Near Metal
- How to Measure SWR and Resonance
- Lowering SWR by Sloping the Wire
- Lowering Feedpoint Height — Why SWR Stays the Same
- End-Fed Antennas Explained
- End-Fed Antenna Deployment Tool
Ground Stake (Optional)
A solid ground at the feedpoint lowers receive noise and stabilizes TX behavior. We offer a 75 cm stainless-steel ground stake for the high-Z counterpoise connection.
Common-Mode Choke (Optional)
Install a high-CMR choke either before the coax enters the shack or about 8 m from the feedpoint (depending on feedline length). Multiple chokes along the line can further reduce common-mode noise.
Installation (Inverted-L)
Deploy as an inverted-L. Keep the horizontal section at least 15 m above ground, and mount the feedpoint ≥ 1 m high for best performance.
Electrical Specifications
-
Power Ratings:
- 4000 W ICAS (Intermittent Commercial & Amateur Service)
- 2000 W CCS (Continuous Commercial Service)
- 1500 W FT8/FT4
- Frequency Range: 160 m, 80 m
- Feedpoint Impedance: Integrated 68:1 UNUN matched to 50 Ω systems
- Insertion Loss: < 0.2 dB
- VSWR: Typically < 3:1 on supported bands with proper deployment
External tuner strongly recommended: 160 m has narrow bandwidth and 80 m cannot cover the full band in one dip. Without a tuner, SWR < 2:1 is achievable at the chosen resonance point.
Unlike many EFHW designs, this antenna does not use a parallel capacitive resonant circuit to flatten SWR. Such networks are counterproductive on low bands and can reduce efficiency.
Mechanical Characteristics
- Core: High-performance ferrite core optimized for stability and low loss
- Transformer: Integrated 68:1 impedance transformer with heat-resistant PTFE wire
- Connector: Professional-grade PL connector, weatherproof to IP66 when sealed
-
Antenna Wire:
- Premium 82 m hard-drawn tinned-copper wire with XLPE sheath
- Flexible stranded construction for easy handling
- Diameter: 2 mm, designed for long-term outdoor use
- Enclosure: Rugged polycarbonate housing, IP64, UV-resistant, shock-resistant
- Weight: ~650 g
Included Accessories
- Integrated 68:1 transformer assembly
- 1 × Stainless steel (RVS316) carabiner
- 2 × Bulldog wire grips (RVS316)
- 1 × Ceramic egg insulator
- 1 × Stainless steel (RVS316) duplex clamp
- 1 × Stainless steel (RVS316) thimble
All included accessories are RVS316 / stainless steel or weatherproof materials for long-term outdoor durability.
Mounting Kit (Optional)
- Stainless-steel (316) mounting plate
- 2 × Stainless-steel U-bolt mast clamps (60/M8)
- 2 × Black nylon tube inlays
- 8 × Stainless hex socket cap screws (DIN 912, M4 × 12 mm)
- 4 × Stainless spacers (50 mm)
Deployable Frequency Range
- Covers 160 m and 80 m. External tuner recommended: 160 m has narrow usable bandwidth; 80 m cannot cover the full band in one dip. SWR < 2:1 is achievable at the chosen resonance point.
Power Handling Notes
- For VSWR < 2.5:1:
- 4000 W ICAS
- 2000 W CCS
- 1500 W FT8/FT4
- For VSWR > 2.5:1, de-rate:
- < 1500 W PEP for VSWR > 3:1
- < 1000 W PEP for VSWR > 5:1
Key Advantages
- Dual-Band Resonance: 160 m and 80 m without traps or loading coils
- No SWR-Flattening Tricks: No parallel capacitors — avoids detuning/efficiency losses
- High Power Handling: 4 kW ICAS with minimal loss
- Ease of Deployment: Optimized for inverted-L setups
- Noise Reduction: Supports optional common-mode choke
- Rugged & Weatherproof: Polycarbonate enclosure + XLPE sheathed wire
- Complete Package: Includes transformer and RVS316 stainless hardware
Disclaimer on SWR and Wire Antennas
Our SWR tests are performed with antennas installed at 15 m AGL in open conditions. Real-world results vary with installation height, surroundings, ground conductivity, feedline, and nearby objects. Always measure and fine-tune on site.
Mini FAQ
- Can I run full legal limit on FT8? — Yes. Up to 1500 W continuous duty is supported.
- Do I need the ground stake? — Strongly recommended for lower RX noise and more stable TX.
- Is the antenna pre-tuned? — No. You must tune it yourself depending on installation and desired resonance point.
- Do I need an external tuner? — Yes, strongly advised. 160 m bandwidth is narrow and 80 m cannot cover the full band at once. Without a tuner, you can achieve SWR < 2:1 at the chosen dip.
- Why don’t you add a capacitor to flatten SWR? — Parallel capacitive resonant circuits can be counterproductive on 160/80 m, often lowering efficiency and causing detuning; we don’t use them.
- Can I install it as a sloper? — Yes, but performance may differ from inverted-L setups.
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