Slinky Antenna Revisited
Slinky...Slinky it's a Wonderful Antenna!
Remember the Slinky? That classic toy that could "walk" down stairs, captivating children since the 1940s? Well, it turns out the Slinky is more than just a playful item; it also serves as a surprisingly effective antenna. Yes, you read that correctly. The Slinky Antenna has been around for quite some time and has undergone significant evolution and enhancement since its creation.
Initially introduced in the 1960s by amateur radio enthusiasts in search of a portable and efficient antenna solution, the concept was straightforward: stretch out a Slinky, hang it up, and you've got an antenna. The coiled metal structure of the Slinky functioned as a resonant coil, capable of receiving and transmitting radio signals, making it popular among ham radio operators, particularly those frequently on the go.
Slinky Antenna Improvements
Over the years, the Slinky Antenna has experienced numerous enhancements. The original design featured a single Slinky, but it was soon discovered that connecting two Slinkys end-to-end significantly boosted the antenna's efficiency, allowing it to capture a broader range of frequencies.
The introduction of a balun—a device that balances electrical currents within the antenna—marked another pivotal enhancement. This improvement reduced unwanted noise and interference, resulting in clearer and stronger signals.
However, the evolution of the Slinky Antenna didn't halt there. Recently, a trend has emerged toward utilizing stainless steel Slinkys, which offer greater durability and rust resistance compared to the original metal. This enhancement ensures the antenna remains reliable and long-lasting, particularly in outdoor settings.
Despite these advancements, the Slinky Antenna continues to be an option among amateur radio operators due to its simplicity, portability, and affordability.
The Slinky Antenna isn't limited to hobbyists; it's also being utilized in scientific research. For example, researchers at the University of Utah have employed Slinky Antennas to study lightning. By stretching the Slinky across a field and connecting it to a high-speed camera, they have successfully captured detailed images of lightning strikes..
K0PIR Using the Slinky Portable and at Home
K0PIR utilizes the Slinky both at home and in portable settings.
I have used the Slinky while camping and at home. The lightweight and portable nature of the Slinky makes it perfect for use in portable settings.
Please note that it's crucial not to extend it beyond 15 ft. on each side. Overstretching results in damage and makes it nearly impossible to coil back up.
Old Video
After using this at home my final thoughts: The build quality is exceptional, and it's highly durable - just be careful not to overextend it! I used it with an external LDG tuner and operated it on 15, 20, 30, 40, and 75 Meters. It's definitely a product I would purchase again and will have too, because I stretched mine out too far to take portable again.
Thank You
Have you tried an unusual antenna? Please comment below and if you have a recommendation or questions for me, I'd love to hear it. Whether it's about operating, equipment or anything else, I'd love to hear from you. To stay up to date with Mr. B and I on our travels, follow us at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Comments really help this website and it not only helps you, but other readers as well! I'm incredibly thankful for all of our subscribers–their support makes this website possible. Stay in touch and warmest wishes & best 73! – Rich, KØPIR
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Links
Slinky on Ebay, where I got mine.
I’ve had a lot of successful fun with a “Slinktenna” from QuirkyQRP. It has two mini-slinkies and a Balun in small custom plastic case. It’s great for setting up quickly and easily on hotel balconies or on their gardens when travelling.
IT makes travelling with a small size QRP rig workable for those who don’t want to bring a lot of large gear with them.
Hi JohnN,
It’s great to hear about your positive experience with the “Slinktenna” from QuirkyQRP. The convenience of being able to set it up quickly on hotel balconies or gardens certainly makes it a versatile piece of equipment for travelling. It’s also encouraging to know that it pairs well with a small size QRP rig, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer to travel light. Thanks for sharing your insights, they’re incredibly valuable for anyone considering a compact and efficient antenna solution for their travels. Best 73 and GUD DXing!
I am perplexed by this video. You are recommending the antenna but it is not tuning on 75 meters and you made only a single contact in 25 minutes. Why do you recommend it?
Hi Eliot,
It’s great to hear from you and there’s some confusion. I should have noted it better in the related post. The video was from a portable operation and I did have trouble (of my own making). So I’m revisiting the Slinky antenna. More recently, I have used the Slinky on many videos, on many bands and was using it on 75 Meters where I’m NCS two days a week. It is a solid antenna and works well even compared to my TrueLadderLine antenna. Best wishes and 73 from SD!
Hi Rich, thanks for your info&videos. I follow them but the problem is I can buy nothing from the US thanks to those politicians. It’s a pity. So I have to wait for the better times, best 73!
Hey Chermen, sorry to hear about your troubles. I buy a lot of equipment on eBay, and I like the fact that it’s worldwide. But, I understand some sellers here don’t ship globally. If there’s enough interest in an item, contacting the seller and explaining the situation may help. Good to hear from you and thank you for commenting. It really helps. Stay positive, and best 73!