The QRP Shack: The HB9SL 2 Element 20m VP2E QRP Antenna

March 5th Update:

For a change, the weather cleared on Long Island. As a result, the HB9SL VP2E got its first run. Since the antenna is allegedly directional, I pointed the 'driven element' southwest.

Despite the poor 20 meter band conditions and the obstructions in my yard, I worked a New Mexico POTA station on CW. My report was 559. IMHO this may not be the best QRP antenna but the initial performance of my junk box antenna was impressive.

Now the VP2E is not supposed to be a QRP mulitband antenna. While I didn't use the tuner on 20 meters, I wanted to see how much my LDG IT-100 tuner would moan and groan while trying to load 40-10. Simply tuning around it's not much of a test. The point of it was to find out if I could pair the KX3 and VP2E and try operating on 'non-resonant' bands while portable.

Introduction:

Just went through my junk pile today and found enough goodies to make my own version of the HB9SL VP2E Vertically Polarized 2 Element antenna system. A real mouthful. What I especially like about this antenna for QRP is that it is directional and has gain. When I get it in the field, I want to try some comparisons with other antennas I have. One antenna I definitely want to compare it with is the Wolf River Coil TIA system. I've had the TIA for a long time and have not had good success with that antenna system.

A point of interest is that the HB9SL VP2E allegedly beats out verticals with many radials. The HP9SL VP2E is a vertically polarized 2 element or "VP2E" directional wire antenna. With a low angle of radiation about (20 ° to 40 °) it is good for making long-distance contacts. Running QRP needs all the help it can get @ <= 5 watts! As one ham I know who is always on the air states "100 WATTS IS QRP FOR ME!"

The HB9SL VP2E antenna is mounted in an inverted V configuration and fed with a coaxial cable. The other cool thing is that the apex only needs to be raised about 13.9 feet and needs no BALUN. Less is more when it comes to stowing gear in a rucksack. Just be sure to take or find a non metallic pole. With a circular radiation pattern the gain is in the direction opposite the feed point. Raise the antenna ends about 2.7 feet above the ground.

Stay tuned to find out if the HB9SL VP2E wire antenna really is an effective way to increase signal strength and make contacts on the 20 meter band. The compact size, ease of installation, directional capabilities and easy to take along should make it a fun field alternative to other antenna systems.

A few books and additional links about the HB9SL VP2E directional wire antenna:

"The HB9SL VP2E Directional Wire Antenna" by John Devoldere, ON4UN, QST magazine, June 2010.
"20-Meter Two-Element Wire Yagi" by Paul E. R. David, VK5ABN, Amateur Radio, October 2005.
"Two-Element Wire Yagis" by L. B. Cebik, W4RNL, available on antenna- theory.com.
"Wire Yagi Antenna" by Rudy Severns, N6LF, available on antenna-theory.com.
"A New Directional Antenna for 20 Meters" by Frank Witt, K6OW, QST magazine, June 1989.