The MinuteMan 20 is an affordable top performing portable antenna. It operates on 20-17-15-12-10 meters without a tuner (in most cases). The MinuteMan is a classic 1/4 Wave vertical groundplane antenna on 10-12-15 Meters. A lower element of #14 wire attaches to a 6 foot telescoping whip. The whip length is adjusted for best SWR match For 20 and 17 Meters, a small high efficiency loading coil is added. The coil is oversquare -- that is, larger in diameter than in length. This Hi-Q design provides much lower loss than the long skinny coils that others use. Four counterpoise radials are included. Each consists of two conductors, one 8 feet 4 inches, the other 16 feet 8 inches. These lengths are approximately 1/4 wavelength on 10 and 20 Meters. This arrangement strikes an ideal balance between portability and ease-of-use on one hand, and high earth loss on the other.
This rugged, lightweight antenna fits in any standard briefcase, backpack or airplane carry-on and sets up in 3 minutes or less, with no tools or no supports needed. The fully extended height is 12 feet, 10 inches (5 lbs). The four included radials are 16 feet, 8 inches long. The longest piece when disassembled is only 17 inches. The included base is 3 feet by 3 feet. Power handling is 100 watts.
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