The Hustler 4BTV antenna is a vertical HF antenna known for its efficiency, durability, and versatility across multiple bands. However, if you want to use that antenna to tap into the 17-meter band, you'll need to modify it by adding a dedicated wire. This blog post describes how to include the 17-meter band to your Hustler 4BTV.
The Hustler 4BTV
The Hustler 4BTV antenna is a HF1 vertical antenna typically covering 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters for amateur radio operations.
I have installed a set of 42 radials to improve the antenna's efficiency. Since the antenna is ground-mounted, the radials do not need to be tuned at specific frequencies. The radials help to enhance the antenna's performance and matching by providing a ground reference and allowing for better radiation patterns. Vertical antennas radiate most of their energy at a low takeoff angle, typically between 5 and 20 degrees above the horizon. This low takeoff angle is particularly advantageous for the ionospheric skip. Directing energy at a low angle makes these antennas effective for making DX2 contacts.
Adding the 17-meter band on this antenna is a simple project that any ham radio operator can take on.
Safety First
Before you begin, ensure you've disconnected your transceiver and other equipment from the antenna to prevent electrical shocks or RF burns.
Installing the new element
I am using a multi-strand gauge 14 wire, left over from another project. The length of the wire is 1/4λ. For the 17-meter band the length is 4.14 meters (13.58 feet). To fix the wire at the base of the antenna, I am using a piece of 20mm (3/4 inch) aluminum angle of 200mm (8 inch) long. I have drilled two holes on one side for a U bolt and one hole on the other side to screw the wire using an eye crimp connector.
On the top of the antenna, I use a 230mm (9 inch) long PVC pipe as an insulator and a piece of Dacron line to hold the top of the 17-meter element in my setup. I have installed the wire at 150mm (6 inches) from the antenna's main radiating element.
Tuning
I used my antenna analyzer to find the resonance of the 17-meter wire by modifying its length to attain a low SWR3 at the frequency of 18.110 MHz. The diagram displayed below illustrates both the SWR response and the Smith chart. I also readjusted the length of the 10-meter element on the primary antenna. Adding a wire for 17-meter slightly changed the resonant frequency on that band.
Conclusion
Modifying the Hustler 4BTV to include the 17-meter project took me less than 2 hours. It gave me access to more bands that I never worked on before. After a couple of months on the 17-meter band, I have logged contacts in more than 70 countries. With the high sunspot cycle we are experiencing, the 17-meter band has been a reliable daytime band for DX contacts.
With the 17-meter band added to your antenna, you'll be ready to explore a new world of DX opportunities.
Happy operating!