Shorty Forty Antenna

City dwellers and other flat dwellers know the practical difficulties they encounter when they try to put up an antenna for 40 meters. Finding space enough to accommodate 67 feet of wire is a real problem for them and most of them have to be satisfied by the inverted V. Whatever the book say, in practice the inverted V does not come up to the standard of a dipole antenna. The Shorty Forty Antenna can be put up in the space required for a 20 meter dipole. It is a compact 40 meter dipole for limited space application by Jact Sobel W5VM. It is a center loaded antenna with a loading coil at the center. The two arms are 18 feet.

The Shorty Forty Antenna is designed specifically for urban environments where space is at a premium. Unlike traditional dipole antennas that require a length of approximately 67 feet for optimal performance on 40 meters, the Shorty Forty utilizes a compact design that can fit within the dimensions of a 20-meter dipole, making it more feasible for flat dwellers and city residents.

This antenna features a center-loaded configuration, which incorporates a loading coil positioned at the center of the antenna. The loading coil serves to electrically shorten the antenna, allowing it to resonate at the desired frequency while maintaining a manageable physical length. The two arms of the antenna are each 18 feet long, providing a total length that is significantly shorter than that of a standard dipole yet still effective for communication on the 40-meter band.

The loading coil's impedance can be adjusted to match the desired frequency, ensuring optimal performance and reducing signal loss. This design is particularly advantageous in environments where traditional antennas may face significant challenges due to limited space and potential interference from surrounding structures. The Shorty Forty Antenna thus represents a practical solution for amateur radio operators seeking to operate on the 40-meter band without the constraints imposed by larger antenna systems.

For installation, the antenna can be configured in an inverted V shape or as a flat-top dipole, depending on the available space and user preference. The compact nature of the Shorty Forty Antenna does not compromise its effectiveness, allowing users to enjoy reliable communication while adhering to space limitations.City dwellers and other flat dwellers know the practical difficulties they encounter when they try to put up an antenna for 40 meters. Finding space enough to accommodate 67 feet of wire is a real problem for them and most of them have to be satisfied by the inverted V.

Whatever the book say, in practice the inverted V does not come up to the standard of a dipole antenna. The Shorty Forty Antenna can be put up in the space required for a 20 meter dipole. If is a compact 40 meter dipole for limited space application by Jact Sobel W5VM. It is a center loaded antenna with a loading coil at the center. The two arms are 18 feet 🔗 External reference