The 40m vertical antenna is one of the most effective solutions for amateur radio operators who want strong DX performance without needing a full-size tower or large open yard. The 40-meter (7 MHz) HF band is prized for its reliability—offering both daytime regional communication and long-distance propagation at night. Yet, a full quarter-wave vertical requires around 10 meters of height, which can be impractical in residential areas.
That’s where a base-loaded 40m vertical antenna comes in—shortened to just 3.4 meters tall, it uses a coil at the base to achieve electrical resonance, allowing operators to enjoy 40m contacts from almost anywhere.A practical solution is a base-loaded vertical antenna, which uses an inductive loading coil at the base to achieve electrical resonance with a shorter radiator. The design shown above, originally credited to PY7NQ, is a compact yet efficient vertical antenna optimized for 40m HF operation.
This antenna is a base-loaded quarter-wave vertical for 40m, physically shortened to just 3.4 meters in height. The missing electrical length is compensated using a loading coil placed at the base.
