This article is an introduction to the new LDG S9V 31, a 31 foot tall HF antenna. LDG (same manufacturer as the LDG line of auto tuners) bought out S9 in the spring of 2011. S9 already had a fine reputation on their line of verticals, including the 43’, 31’, and 18’ models. LDG is carrying on the tradition.

The S9V 31 is a portable, collapsible antenna made of fiberglass. The fiberglass tubing provides a support for the “radiator”, a 31’ length of wire running through the fiberglass tubing. The tubing is painted green to help blend in with its surroundings. The 31’ model weighs about 4 pounds.
I purchased the 31’ model based on cost/benefit ratio and the fact that I would be using an Icom AH-4 tuner with it anyway. The cost was $99.99 at HRO PHX (plus tax). For comparison the 43’ is $199.99 and the 18’ is $49.99.

LDG supplies a color assembly manual and includes a coupon for a FREE 1:1 or 4:1 balun, or a 4:1 unun, depending upon your proposed usage. The coupon along with proof of purchase is mailed to LDG.

Assembly is pretty straight forward. The short version is “fish” the radiator wire out through the hole in the lower tube, extend each of the 9 tubes to max length (friction between the tubes hold them in place), install the black polymer tube rings just above each joint for added security, and stand the antenna upright onto a mounting mast (not to exceed 15” insertion into the S9V).

LDG suggests that the antenna is not physically connected to the mount. Just slip it on. (In my case, I have the antenna slipped over an aluminum mast which is also slipped into the PVC on the tripod). Either arrangement makes for a quick take down if necessary due to wind etc. LDG lists the spec for the antenna at 40 mph.

And now for my portable mount.

Standard roof tripod with Icom AH-4 antenna coupler attached to one leg.

The black tube within the tripod is 2 foot length of 2” PVC. Inside of the PVC is a length of 1 ½” aluminum tubing which extends 17” above the PVC. (The LDG instructions recommend the use of 1 ½” black pipe, not to exceed 15” of insertion into the base of the S9V 31). The two hose clamps that you see between the S9V and the PVC are holding a small “L” bracket that the S9V rests on, and maintains the 15” insertion distance of the aluminum tubing into the S9V.

It took all of about 15 minutes to assemble the antenna. The only minor irritation was the polymer tube rings as they were pretty hard on the thumb and forefinger working them into place. (LDG instructions call for installing them on the smaller of the tubes, a few inches below the joint and then sliding them into position at the joint).

At the end of the day, the LDG S9V is not rocket science. It is a telescoping fiberglass pole with a wire run through it. That said, it is a pretty neat setup for portable, limited space, or antenna restricted type set-ups.

With my particular installation, I am able to operate 6M through 80M.