If you're considering deploying a G5RV antenna - take a second look at the ZS6BKW G5RV. This G5RV will give the optimal performance (and resonance) in a smaller package than the classic G5RV. This antenna is rapidly becoming one of the most popular antennas in the world for hams looking for all band performance.
What is really fantastic about this G5RV, is that Brian, ZS6BKW, updated the original design, the original G5RV design that Louis Varney had done back in the 1940s.
Using computer modeling, Brian has really optimized the wire length and the center conductor drop to create an antenna that is resonant on 6 bands without a turner. So this is a significant improvement in efficiency over the classic G5RV where in most cases you need a tuner on all bands. So, this antenna is going to operate at a higher efficiency, it is going to give you no-tune performance on bands like 40 meters, 20, 17, 10, 15, etc.
The insulators are 100% UV stable and resistant to the sun. The connections are also machine crimped so that this antenna can stand the test of time. Also utilized is 14 gauge black jacketed wire, copper wire that meets the national electric code for permanent installations. The center insulator and drop point here for the ladder line are epoxy filled, completely waterproof. All the hardware here is stainless steel.
So this antenna is a significant improvement over the classic G5RV if you are looking for efficiency. Essentially, the only differences are the length of wire and the length of the ladder line drop.
