Are you looking for a lightweight, portable, and effective HF vertical antenna that covers 40 through 6 meters without breaking the bank or your back? The EARCHI S9 vertical antenna (specifically the S9v31 model) might be exactly what you need. In this in-depth review, I break down why this rugged fiberglass vertical remains my go-to choice.
Whether you’re operating from home, in the field for POTA/SOTA, or seeking a simple multiband solution, the S9v31 delivers solid performance with minimal hassle.
What Is the EARCHI S9v31 Vertical Antenna?
Earchi S9 vertical antenna - I still use it
The S9v31 is a 31-foot tapered fiberglass vertical antenna designed for amateur radio use on 40–6 meters. It’s ultra-lightweight at just 4 pounds, making it one of the easiest full-size verticals to deploy for both fixed and portable operations.
Key construction highlights:
- Rugged, double-insulated tapered fiberglass sections for durability and safety.
- Friction-locking sections that extend quickly.
- Designed as a non-resonant vertical that works best with a good radial system and an antenna tuner.
It was originally produced by LDG Electronics and has been praised (and cloned in spirit) by the EARCHI community for its simplicity. Many hams pair it with a 9:1 unun (like the popular EARCHI end-fed matchbox) for even better matching on random-wire or vertical configurations.
Why I Still Use It
In the video “Earchi S9 vertical antenna – I still use it,” I share my long-term experience with the S9v31. After years of real-world use, I highlight its reliability, ease of setup, and consistent DX performance — even with modest power levels.
I still use this antenna to this day. In fact, it is the only HF antenna I have used for years! I continue to log digital contacts to Japan, China, Australia, Africa from my QTH in Toronto. Of course, the solar-cycle is not hurting things.
Real-world feedback from users (including the video) often mentions:
- Strong signal reports on DX contacts (thousands of miles away).
- Excellent portability for field operations.
- Durability in various weather conditions when properly guyed or mounted.
One user noted making reliable 8,000-mile contacts on just 40 watts using JT-65, with the coax run simply lying on the ground before routing indoors.
Key Specifications
Here’s a quick-reference table of the S9v31’s main specs:
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Height | 31 feet |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Material | Tapered fiberglass (double insulated) |
Frequency Coverage | 40 – 6 meters |
Power Handling | Typically 100–500W PEP (depends on matching unit; up to 1,500W in some upgraded versions) |
Mounting | Slip mount over 3/4″ pipe or mast |
Best Use | Ground-mounted with radials or elevated with counterpoise |
Required Accessories | Antenna tuner recommended, radial system, 9:1 or 4:1 unun for optimal matching |
Installation Tips
Setting up the S9v31 is straightforward and can often be done in under 30 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide inspired by user experiences:
- Base Mounting — Slip the base over a 3/4″ pipe, fence post, or tripod. Secure with hose clamps if needed.
- Extend the Sections — Extend the telescoping fiberglass mast and install clips or tape at joints to prevent collapse in wind.
- Radial System — I use no radials. Yes you heard that right. No radials. My coax run, which is longer than the antenna, serves as counterpoise. With this arrangement though, you MUST use an ugly balun at the point the coax enters the shack or you will have terrible RF in the shack.
- Feedpoint — Connect via a 9:1 unun (EARCHI-style) or 4:1 unun at the base. Run coax to your tuner via ugly balun.
- Tuning — Use an antenna analyzer or your rig’s built-in tuner. SWR is rarely perfect across all bands without adjustment, but a good tuner handles it easily.
Performance on the Air
The S9v31 shines as a multiband vertical. Users report:
- Strong DX on 20m and 17m with good propagation.
- Solid regional contacts on 40m when the radial field is robust.
- Quiet receive compared to some wire antennas in noisy environments.
In the video, the I demonstrate ongoing satisfaction with real contacts and low maintenance. Many hams achieve “breakthrough the pileup” results even in suboptimal locations (e.g., mounted on a chain-link fence using the fence as part of the ground).
Expected SWR Examples (with proper radials and tuner; actual results vary):
Band | Typical SWR (with tuner) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
40m | 1.3:1 – 2:1 | Needs good radial system |
30m | < 2:1 | Very usable |
20m | 1.8:1 or better | Strong DX band |
17m/15m | Excellent | Often near 1:1 with tuning |
10m/6m | Very good | Efficient on higher bands |
Pros and Cons of the S9v31 Vertical
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable (great for POTA, camping, or RV use).
- Quick setup and takedown.
- Durable fiberglass construction holds up well over years.
- Affordable multiband solution.
- Low visual impact when installed.
Cons:
- Requires a good radial or counterpoise system for peak performance (like most verticals).
- Needs an antenna tuner for best SWR across all bands.
- Not fully resonant on every frequency without adjustment.
- Lower power handling in basic 9:1 unun configurations (upgrade for higher power).
Who Should Buy the S9v31?
- Hams with limited space who still want multiband HF capability.
- Beginners or budget-conscious operators looking for proven performance.
- Anyone who enjoys simple, effective antennas that “just work” with a tuner.
If you’re into end-fed designs, pairing the S9 mast with an EARCHI 9:1 unun matchbox creates a versatile hybrid setup.
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Final Thoughts: A Reliable Workhorse Antenna
Years after its initial release, the EARCHI S9 vertical antenna (S9v31) continues to earn praise for its balance of portability, durability, and on-air results. As the video creator demonstrates, it’s an antenna you can set up once and keep using successfully for DX, ragchewing, and emergency communications.
If you’re tired of complicated antennas or heavy setups, give the S9v31 a try. Combine it with a solid radial field and a quality tuner, and you’ll likely wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Have you used the S9v31 or a similar fiberglass vertical? Drop your experiences in the comments — especially any tips on radial layouts or matching units!
Related Resources:
- EARCHI-style 9:1 unun projects
- Portable antenna setups for POTA
- Antenna analyzer testing videos
This post is based on my experiences and publicly available information about the S9v31 antenna system.
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