PackTenna PT-101 Mini End-Fed Random Wire Antennas are Compact, lightweight trail-ready portable HF antenna systems ideal for POTA, SOTA activations, camping, backpacking, and travel. The PackTenna Mini Random Wire Antenna combines a 9:1 UNUN, wire winder, and antenna wire in a compact unit that is quick to set up and take down and toss into a backpack. The antenna comes with 29 feet of 26AWG copper clad steel wire with a great "silky" jacket to minimize wire tangle. You can cut the wire to fit your needs. Typically, a length that is not a multiple of a quarter wave on any ham band is best. This antenna requires a wide antenna tuner and is rated to handle 100 watts SSB/CW, 50 watts digital. While there are exceptions, the built-in tuner on most radios (Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu) are typically narrow range tuners that can handle a range from 25-150 ohms. This is not wide enough to handle all conditions.

Key Features

- Compact All-in-One Design: Combines a 9:1 UNUN, wire winder, and antenna wire in a lightweight, trail-ready unit ideal for portable HF operations.

- Versatile Wire Length Options: Includes 29 ft. of 26AWG wire; supports multiple user-supplied lengths for optimized performance across HF bands.

- Tuner-Friendly Matching: Integrated 9:1 transformer brings high impedance (500–1500 ohms) into range for most internal tuners.

The PT-101 antenna system uses a non-resonant wire element, making it highly versatile across multiple HF bands. The included 29-foot wire is ideal for compact setups and pairs well with the PackTenna telescoping mast. Depending on wire length and operating frequency, feedpoint impedance typically ranges from 500 to 1500 ohms. A built-in 9:1 transformer reduces this to a level easily handled by most internal tuners.

Antenna Wire Length Options Use one of the following wire lengths:

• Included: 29 ft.

• Optional (user-supplied): 35.5/41/58, or 71 feet

Longer wires generally perform better, especially on lower frequencies. For example, while 29 feet may work on 80 meters, 58 feet offers improved performance. On higher bands like 10 meters, the 29-foot wire is sufficient and extending it offers minimal benefit.

Using an In-Line Choke - At low power levels (up to 10 watts), a counterpoise is usually not required. However, adding one can improve matching and reduce common mode currents on the coax shield.

QRP (≤10W): Choke typically not needed

High Power (50–100W): Choke strongly recommended

Mid Power (5–50W): Choke may be beneficial depending on frequency, nearby objects, and equipment sensitivity

Mounting and Support - The PackTenna board includes:

• Wire retention holes to prevent unraveling during transport

• Mounting holes for paracord or bungee cord

• Banana jacks for connecting wire elements, ground radials, or counterpoise

• S-clip for strain relief and easy wire length adjustment,

The plastic S-clip at the wire’s end allows secure threading and trimming and can also be repurposed for tasks like guy line tensioning.

Additional Features and Specifications:

• Bands Supported: HF Multi-Band, wire length dependent

• Wire Type: 26AWG copper-clad steel, with low-tangle “silky” jacket

• Included Wire Length: 29ft.

• Optional Wire Lengths: 35.5/41/58, or 71ft. (user-supplied)

• Transformer Ratio: 9:1 UNUN

• Impedance Range: ~500–1500 ohms at feedpoint

• Tuner Requirement: Wide-range tuner required

• Power Rating: 100W SSB/CW, 50W digital

• Mounting Features: Wire retention holes, paracord/bungee mounting holes

• Connection Points: Banana jacks for wire, radial, or counterpoise

• Strain Relief: S-clip for wire adjustment and support

• Recommended Accessories: In-line choke for 50–100W operation; counterpoise for improved matching