Looking for a compact and versatile portable antenna for your HF radio setup? The Radioddity HF-008 might be the solution you’re after. In this review, we'll dive deep into the features, performance, and usability of this portable antenna, which covers frequencies from 80 meters to 6 meters. Keep reading to find out if this antenna is the right choice for you.
Overview of the Radioddity HF-008 Antenna
The Radioddity HF-008 is a portable antenna designed to provide coverage across a wide frequency range from 80 meters (3.5 MHz) to 6 meters (50 MHz). Whether you're an experienced ham operator or just getting into portable radio setups, this antenna offers flexibility in both installation and operation.
One of the standout features of the HF-008 is its compact design, making it ideal for use in limited spaces or temporary setups. It's especially suitable for situations where traditional antennas are too large or impractical. The antenna uses a base-loaded coil for tuning, and it comes with a magnetic mount for easy placement on metal surfaces.
Construction and Build Quality
The build quality of the HF-008 antenna is solid overall, but there are a few areas to consider before making your decision. The magnetic mount, labeled as the M916, is durable and provides a secure attachment to most metal surfaces. However, the rubber boots that cover the magnets are a bit thin and could wear down over time, especially with frequent use or in harsher environments.
Despite these concerns, the magnetic mount does its job well, providing a stable platform for the antenna. It also includes a 12.5-foot RG58 cable, which is long enough to give you some flexibility in antenna placement. The cable comes with a PL259 connector, although it's worth noting that the connection is crimped rather than soldered. Some users may prefer a soldered connection for added reliability.
Assembly and Setup
Setting up the HF-008 antenna is straightforward. The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a base-loaded coil, an extension rod, and two whip options—a small one for most bands and a larger one for 80 meters. The assembly process is as simple as screwing the coil onto the base, attaching the extension rod, and then selecting the appropriate whip size based on the band you're tuning to.
The antenna also includes a jumper cable for the loading coil. If you're operating on 80 meters, you won't need the jumper cable, as the antenna is designed to cover this frequency without additional adjustments. For other bands, the jumper cable helps optimize the antenna's performance.
Tuning and Performance
One of the challenges with the HF-008 is tuning. The antenna features a loading coil that requires frequent adjustments to achieve a satisfactory SWR (standing wave ratio) on different frequencies. The included 2mm Allen wrench allows you to fine-tune the whip of the antenna to optimize it for each band.
While this design works well on higher frequencies like 40 meters and 20 meters, achieving a low SWR on 80 meters can be tricky. The antenna is designed for 80 meters, but the bandwidth is quite narrow, meaning you'll need to retune the antenna each time you change frequencies within the band. This can be a bit time-consuming, especially for operators who prefer a more hands-off setup.
For frequencies above 40 meters, tuning becomes less of a hassle, and the antenna performs better. By 15 meters and up, the HF-008 does a much better job of maintaining a low SWR without requiring constant adjustments.
Although the antenna is capable of making contacts across all the bands it covers, the reviewer's experience showed a preference for other antennas, like the end-fed halfwave, which offer better ease of use and consistent performance. However, for portable setups and limited-space applications, the HF-008 might still be a good choice.
Suitability for Different Setups
While the HF-008 has some limitations in terms of tuning, it shines in specific situations. For example, it can be a great option for portable use or for individuals living in apartments with limited space. Its compact design makes it easy to set up on a balcony or in a small yard, where larger antennas would be impractical.
That said, the HF-008 is not recommended for mobile use, as the manufacturer notes on Radioddity's website. The antenna's performance is more suited for stationary setups where you can afford to spend a little extra time tuning the antenna for each frequency band.
If you're looking for something more mobile or ready to use out of the box with minimal adjustments, you might want to explore other options. However, for static setups where tuning is manageable, the HF-008 can provide a solid performance across a range of frequencies.
Conclusion
The Radioddity HF-008 portable antenna offers a solid, compact solution for ham radio operators who need a portable antenna that can cover a wide frequency range from 80 meters to 6 meters. While its build quality is good, and it performs well on higher frequencies, the frequent tuning adjustments required on 80 meters may be a drawback for some users.
Despite these challenges, the HF-008 excels in situations where space is limited, such as on apartment balconies or in portable setups. If you're looking for a compact antenna for temporary installations and don't mind adjusting the tuning, this antenna could be a good fit for your needs.
You can buy the HF-008 directly from Radioddity here: Radioddity HF-008 Portable Antenna.