This sale is for a Par End Fed EF-SWL shortwave receiver antenna to be used for enhanced reception from the 1 - 30 MHz range. Par End Fed antennas have been held in high regard among shortwave and HF band enthusiasts due to their reasonable cost, ease in mounting, and performance. We have often been asked for recommendations for a good shortwave antenna and have pointed buyers to this antenna due to it's price and reputation.
The length of this antenna is 45 feet so it is shorter than many externally mounted wire antennas. Par Electronics made the EF-SWL out of #18 polyethylene coated Flex-Weave wire that assures good antenna strength but also ease with handling. In fact, many people who have purchased the EF-SWL do not mount them outside their home, but keep them coiled and take them for the DXpeditions. The EF-SWL is an ideal antenna for those trips to the park, mountains, or field trip since it can be easily uncoiled, slung over tree branches, and then recoiled when finished.
Those radio enthusiasts who want to listen to a wide range of frequencies and transmission modes will appreciate the signal grabbing capability and low noise of the EF-SWL antenna. Par Electronics designed the antenna with a matchbox transformer enabling the user to select either a primary or a secondary ground for best noise reduction at their particular location. It is no secret that a good antenna will grab weak signals, but what is less appreciated and just as important is having an antenna that is low noise to enable the listener to hear the weak signals.
Par Electronics has made the antenna to be configured in a variety of ways such as a horizontal, inverted L, or sloper and each configuration will enable the listener to alter the receiving characteristics of the antenna. Thus, you can experiment to see which configuration works best for you to get the best reception for the stations or signals that you want to listen to. If you would like to read the installation manual prior to purchase, you may find it here:
http://www.lnrprecision.com/manual/EF-SWL.pdf
The antenna output is via a silver/Teflon S0239 UHF connector which is ready to accept a PL-259 coax lead-in cable. The lead-in cable is not provided, but a variety of lengths of coax with connectors can be purchased via other sellers here on Ebay or you can obtain this locally. You will also be required to supply some rope or wire to fasten the insulators to stationary objects (tree, post, home, etc).
So how do people who have used this antenna rate it? Well, out of all 44 reviews on eHam, it got a 5 out of 5. Thus, it has been rated perfectly by everyone who has purchased one. How often do you see this with any consumer product:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3707
On a personal note, we have several antennas mounted to support our hobby of shortwave radio listening and DXing. Our main antenna has been an Alpha Delta DX Ultra that has given us the best performance during the past 15 years. In addition to the DX Ultra, we have a sloper dipole, an amateur radio vertical, and a Wellbrook ALA1530 loop. We use an antenna switch to select the best antenna for the input signal and this will vary depending upon signal direction, time of day, and time of year.
Anyway, we decided to mount an EF-SWL antenna perpendicular to the Alpha Delta DX Ultra to grab signals from the opposite direction. Upon testing the signal, we were amazed at the performance. It seemed to equal the signal to noise ratio and the signal grabbing capabilities of my DX Ultra. The DX Ultra is about twice the cost, much more difficult to erect, and much heavier. We were able to mount the EF-SWL in about an hour and this included connecting it at both ends and then running the lead coax to my antenna switch. Thus, we also give this antenna 5 stars for signal grabbing, but also for ease in erecting. If you want a simple, but easy antenna that gives excellent performance, this is a great one for you to use.
Please use the Ebay shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost. This cost includes proper packing materials for safe delivery and insurance cost against damage or loss.
Those buyers living outside the USA are also welcome to purchase from us. We have shipped to 99 countries in the past few years and we are happy to ship virtually anywhere in the world. You may use the shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost via either priority or express mail.
Please keep in mind that this cost does not include any import, customs, or VAT fees. If you are uncertain of these costs, we ask you to check with your local post office prior to making a purchase from us. Thank you!
Payment to be via Paypal within 3 days after purchase. Ebay does not permit us to list other accepted forms of payment so we will refrain from doing so as we do not want them to remove our listing as is Ebay policy. Please email if you have any questions.
Penna residents are reminded that they are responsible for the 6% state sales tax.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to look at our Ebay items!
