Hosted by Bill, KC3OOK

This episode of the W3GMS 985 Roundtable, hosted by Bill, KC3OOK, centers on one of the most practical and universally relevant ham radio topics: HF antennas and how operators actually use them. The discussion begins with a two-part question on band-specific HF antennas versus multiband solutions and quickly evolves into a wide-ranging exchange of real-world experiences.

Participants share hands-on insight into dipoles, fan dipoles, inverted V antennas, off-center-fed designs, end-fed wires, verticals, hamsticks, beams, and mobile HF setups. Operators discuss what works well, what compromises are unavoidable, and how space, height, feedline choice, and noise environments shape antenna performance far more than theory alone.

The Roundtable also touches on practical mobile installations, hamstick performance, ladder line versus coax, tuner use, and the realities of operating with limited space or challenging conditions. As the conversation opens up, the group moves naturally into general operating habits, station projects, winter radio activities, and the kind of informal technical wisdom that comes from years on the air.

True to the Roundtable format, the discussion is unscripted, experience-driven, and collaborative—highlighting that there is no single “perfect” antenna, only antennas that work for your situation.

Recorded live on the W3GMS Parksburg repeater (146.985 MHz)

Weekly Roundtable – Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern

Topics include: HF antennas, band-specific vs multiband designs, mobile HF operation, tuners, feedlines, and practical station setups