Why My EmComm Antenna Choice Matters: The REZ Ranger 80 in Action
- Yeshe Phang, KN6ZDY
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
It’s often said: “The antenna is more important than the radio.” That couldn’t be more true when it comes to Emergency Communications (EmComm).
In the field, we don't always have the luxury of a football field to stretch out a wire antenna—or even a nearby tree to hoist an end-fed half-wave. So when selecting my antenna, I had to make sure it met the demands of real-world emergency operations.
My Antenna Criteria
I needed an antenna that could:
Cover down to the 80m band
Be easy to tune
Operate without an ATU
Be quick and simple to deploy
Handle rugged use
Work effectively in small or constrained spaces
Require minimal radial setup
Leave zero environmental impact
The antenna that checked all these boxes: The REZ Ranger 80.
Weekly Drills, Real-World Needs
As part of an ACS/RACES team, we train weekly to keep our equipment—and our skills—ready for deployment. One of those regular activities is Winlink Wednesday, where we operate our 2m packet network using both packet and VARA FM.
However, due to our terrain, VHF/UHF is often hampered by line-of-sight issues. That’s where HF, NVIS, and ground-wave propagation become essential.
Power Constraints? Go QRP
Since reliable power might be scarce in a true emergency, I’ve opted to operate QRP whenever possible. Whether I'm using:
an Icom IC-705 @10W, or
a (tr)uSDX @5W,
...I’ve made successful Winlink contacts from just 6 miles all the way to Hawaii (>2500 miles)—all from Southern California.
In no-nonsense scenarios where quick data exchange is key, I use VarAC on 40m to consistently make connections ranging from 6 to 80 miles, often on the first try. And if the situation calls for higher data rates or more power, I’ll fire up the Yaesu FT-891 @30W to push messages through with confidence.
Fast, Efficient Deployment
I coil each radial wire using the over-under method for a tangle-free, fast deployment. In full setups, I run the radials at full length—but in tight spaces, I've used just 8 shortened radials with equal success.
Combined with a 17-foot whip and a quick tweak to the coil, I’ve achieved an SWR as low as 1.06 on 40m. Not bad for a setup that can be fully operational in minutes.
The REZ Ranger 80: A Professional Tool
The REZ Ranger 80 has allowed me to:
Easily tune and operate on 40m and 80m without a tuner
Maximize signal efficiency, especially while running low power
Deploy with a manageable footprint—safe and unobtrusive, even in public settings
And let’s face it—a clean, professional-looking antenna sends the message that we’re not just playing radio. We’re serious about helping when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
The REZ Ranger 80 didn’t just meet my checklist—it made me and my team look like pros, not just a bunch of amateurs. When the mission counts, and the signal has to get through, this is the antenna I trust.
Comments