CUSHCRAFT HV-4E - Introduction; Power Rating; Preparation; Choosing a Location for the Antenna

Cushcraft HV4E Vertical Antenna
Version 0 3  2024 Cushcraft
Introduction
The HV-4E Vertical Antenna is an economical 18 ft low profile antenna designed to improve operating
efficiency and bandwidth on 40M. On 40M the antenna is a center loaded vertical and on 20-10M it is a
top loaded vertical.
The power rating of this antenna varies from band to band. The PEP ratings are primarily determined by
the voltage breakdown of the components, while the CW and RTTY/DIGITAL ratings are generally
determined by the components heating. Exceeding the rated powers can cause excess coil heating.
Power Rating
The following chart lists the power rating and the 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of this antenna:
Band Power Aprox. Bandwidth
CW SSB RTTY/
DIGITAL
40m 500 1200 500 150KHz
20m 400 1000 400 420KHz
15m 800 1500 800 1300KHz
10m 600 1500 600 570KHz
PREPARATION
This antenna although it is not heavy, is large and cumbersome for one person to handle.
It has lots of pointy rods that protrude in every direction from the center of the antenna. Safety glasses
are recommended during the assembly and tuning. Assemble the antenna away from other people. Do
not allow children in the assembly area. Only the people involved in the construction should be near.
Assembly can be done by one person but when the antenna is to be mounted or moved, plan to have a
friend to help. It is not wise to attempt to install any antenna without help. You will need some type of
support on each end of the antenna while you are installing the spokes into the rings. The antenna can
not rest on the ground after the spokes are installed. Assembly and tuning of the antenna will take time so
allow several hours for this. Don’t rush. The more time you put into the antenna, the better the results will
be.
CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR THE ANTENNA
The best performance on receiving and transmitting will be obtained by mounting the antenna in a clear
location above or away from buildings, towers, feed-lines, utility wires, and other antennas. While your
own ingenuity and particular circumstances will determine the final mounting method, we will pass along a
few ideas for both permanent and portable installation.
WARNING
KEEP THIS ANTENNA AWAY FROM POWER LINES
Never mount or move any antenna where it can come into contact
with power lines. If this antenna comes into contact with power
lines, it can KILL you. Never mount any antenna where if it fell it
could come into contact with power lines.