Hi Dave,
This is how I use my walking poles with an EFHW. I have no problem or negligible issue with this causing a SWR problem.
Notice the pipe in use here as described by @GM5ALX. I copied this idea from @MM0EFI and it is excellent for fast deployments.
The counterpoise in this system is a 5m length of coax back to a choke by the radio.
My Poles are not used for a Random wire, as this goes direct from the radio. Maybe at the end of the wire, but I usually have a guy to a rock or peg in the ground.
Here is the random wire in use, note the peg in ground with a short section of cord to put some tension on the wire…
For Random wire lengths, I have just tried other peoples ideas:
- A W3EDP works well for Sota (84ft and 17ft counter poise)
- Also I use 8.8m and 4m counterpoise for really quick deployment (29ft and 13ft in old money)
Both tune with a Kx2 to the key bands fine (80/40/20/17/15/10)
Thanks
Tim - G5OLD