The End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antenna

[Szymon]

Hi Friends,

Using an antenna with a good SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) is one of the most essential parts of building a reliable and efficient radio station. A low SWR indicates that most of the transmitter power is radiated by the antenna rather than reflected back toward the radio. When SWR is poor, you lose signal strength, invite unnecessary noise, and risk stressing or even damaging your equipment. Simply put, even the best radio can only perform as well as the antenna system connected to it, and a well-matched antenna is the foundation of clear, consistent communication.

Over time, I learned that chasing power wasn’t nearly as effective as improving my antenna setup. Focusing on good SWR across the bands I use most made a noticeable difference in both transmit and receive performance. Signals became stronger, tuning became easier, and operating felt more predictable and enjoyable. It also gave me confidence that my equipment was operating safely and efficiently, which matters just as much as getting out a strong signal.

That’s what led me to choose the End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antenna as my go-to antenna. The EFHW design offers excellent SWR performance on multiple bands, is simple to deploy, and works well in a variety of environments. Its flexibility and efficiency make it ideal for both portable and fixed operations, without requiring a complex support system or extensive tuning. For me, the End Fed Half Wave antenna strikes the perfect balance between performance, simplicity, and reliability, making it an easy and dependable choice for everyday operating.

Below is my version of the EFHW. It uses a wooden frame for support and a tank circuit (or an LC circuit) to tune it to my desired band, the 20 metre band. The SWR is almost perfect



Cheers,
Szymon