Cobweb query

I know  it hasn't  been  long  since  i got  my license, but looking  for a change on antenna, at the moment  am using icom 718 with  Ldg ATu on long wire,,,  looking  at videos on the cobweb, surely i wouldn't  need the  ATu  what's  the opinion  thanks

The Cobweb/ Cobwebb of which ever design is a great little antenna  but its drawback is narrow bandwith about 100KHz without someform of tunner so no problem on 12 or 17m but an inbuilt one as common in must rigs is fine to cover areas of interest on 10,15,20m or whatever bands the cobweb(b) might cover . It was my antenna when first licenced and its small footprint ( approx 2.5m square ) ,low noise, omni directional and when up in the air GAIN are its attributes. I did actually set mine up around this time last year just playing about as to what I could work and how low the antenna could be ( bearing in mind propagation is everything ) turned out on 20m ssb UA9 with the antenna at 6feet LOL although that was at 400w. Never used a longwire so can't compare and its no Hexbeam  but then again its NO WHERE near as BIG as a Hexbeam.

Chris,

Have a look at this model on Fleaybay, I have one and can confirm it is well built and works very well indeed, QSO's around Europe as well as accross the pond a few times.

The fact that the two inch mast is able to go through the center, allows you to install an additional antenna on the mast above if you slide the cobweb down a little. The design also allows you to increase the length of the spreaders and add additional bands as they simply slip into the aluminium tube, although you may need additional upper support to stop them moving arround as much.

As Bean Says, the higher the better for the Cobwebb, I have mine approx 12m now and it works a treat.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-BAND-HF-COBWEB-ANTENNA-1kw-1000watt-14-18-21-24-28-50-70-SO239-socket-/124307216398

Good luck in your search.

73

Graeme.

Thanks just messaged him in Poland sold he that one asked him, when i next will be available... They sell fast.

At least i am getting out on the long wire first contact yesterday,, on 20m to Serbia, which i am really happy with at least it works...

26ct954 wrote:

Thanks just  messaged him in Poland sold  he that one asked him,  when i next  will  be available... They sell fast.

Don't forget that now that we are no longer part of the EU, import duties apply, plus a handling fee for the delivery company to collect it. Even on gifts from the EU. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55752541

Also

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55734277

Quote :

EU retailers sending packages to the UK now need to fill out customs declaration forms. Shoppers may also have to pay customs or VAT charges, depending on the value of the product and where it came from.
However, customs charges are the responsibility of the customer, not the retailer, who often has no idea of how much the eventual extra cost might be.

Quote :

For goods costing more than £135, customs duties may also apply, which can range from 0% to 25% of the product you're buying if they have not been paid by the sender already.

Tha'ts a good Shout Nick, too easy to overlook something we have taken for granted for so long that nowadays.

Ahha thats worth keeping a eye on,,, best way round that is the seller, fills out the declaration lower in price...

Dammed if i am going to pay import duty they get enough...

I have the original Steve Webb G3TPW one. It doesn't need an ATU on any band except 10m.

If you go for a single wire element one using a 1:4 Balun instead of the twin core with a short in it so far down each element as a gamma match the original one used they're very easy to DIY.

Here's a good article from Steve G3TXQ (SK) on rolling your own.

http://karinya.net/g3txq/cobweb/

Seasick wrote:

Don't forget that now that we are no longer part of the EU, import duties apply,

Rubbish. We have a free trade agreement with the EU, it was signed in December. You'll have to pay VAT though.

Even if they did apply radio gear is usually zero rated.

I used to have the original Cobwebb, worked really well back in the early 2000s.
Up at 30feet I worked around the world most bands SSB.

I came back to the hambands in 2018 and after messing about with various homebrew wires and verticals bought an EA cobweb. Not cheap but at 20feet it works really well, no problem working the world all bands on FT8/4. It don't like the rain on 10/12 and 15 but I just use the 7300 atu to keep things happy.

BTW this is single wire type cobweb, I tuned mine close to all the FT8 portions and the SWR is 1.5 or under, all bands, so no atu needed as such.