Palomar Engineers BULLET-8006RC: 80–6M End-Fed OCF with 75/80M Resonance Compensator
Need full band 80-meter performance in a compact, field-friendly package? The Palomar BULLET-8006RC is an end-fed, off-center-fed (OCF) wire antenna with a proprietary Resonance Compensator that puts 80 m SWR into the middle of the band while keeping setup simple. Enjoy wide 80 through 6 meter coverage, fast deployment, and a safer, lower-voltage feedpoint than typical EFHW designs.
Why operators choose the RC version
- 80 m that behaves: Resonance Compensator improves SWR on all of 80 m for easier tuning.
- Multi-band reach: 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 11, 10, and 6 meters with one wire.
- Shorter than “classic” OCF/EFHW: optimized long-wire section (approx. 93 ft) with the coax braid acting as the other OCF leg.
- OCF safety & simplicity: avoids the high-voltage feedpoint typical of 49:1 EFHW transformers.
Key specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency Coverage | 80–6 m (80/40/30/20/17/15/12/11/10/6) |
| 80 m SWR Assist | Integrated Resonance Compensator for easier matching on 80 m |
| Long-Wire Section | ~93 ft radiator (kit may include ~95 ft wire; trim/route per site) |
| Counterpoise | Coax outer braid forms the other OCF leg |
| Choke Placement | Install SOFLC choke on the feed line at ~38–40 ft from the matching unit |
| Recommended Feed Line | ≥ 50 ft of 50 Ω coax (longer runs can affect SWR) |
| Deployment Styles | Sloper, Inverted-L, or horizontal between supports |
| Grounding Note | Output is DC-grounded (static bleed) and not RF-grounded |
Portable & stealth friendly
Raise the matching unit as high as practical, route the radiator as a sloper or inverted-L, and keep it clear of metal or wet foliage. Add the choke at ~38–40 ft on the feed line and run 50 ft or more of coax back to the rig. Expect most bands to be near or below typical tuner range; touch up with your transceiver’s ATU as needed.
Quick setup (5 steps)
- Mount the BULLET matching unit securely on a mast/tree.
- Route the long-wire section (~93 ft) as sloper/inverted-L/horizontal.
- Install a SOFLC choke on the feed line at about 38–40 ft from the matching unit.
- Feed with ≥ 50 ft of 50 Ω coax to the radio.
- Check SWR across 80–6 m; use your tuner for a final touch-up where desired.
Recommended accessories
- SOFLC ferrite choke(s): ~38–40 ft placement; add a second SOFLC if using large-diameter coax and more choking is needed.
- Coax noise filter near the radio for common-mode noise reduction.
- UHF-to-BNC adaptor if your radio uses a BNC input.
Notes & operating guidance
- Duty cycles: Monitor the matching unit during extended transmit. If it becomes warm, reduce power/duty to protect the unit.
- SWR caveat: SWR varies with height, ground, layout, and feed line length; example plots are guides, not guarantees.
Choose Your Power Rating
| Model | Max Rated Power | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| BULLET-8006-100RC | 100 W PEP / 100 W digital | Portable rigs up to 100 W; casual digital |
| BULLET-8006-500RC | 500 W PEP / 350 W digital | Mid-power base/field; longer sessions |
| BULLET-8006-1500RC | 1500 W PEP / 1000 W digital | Full-power HF amps; contest/expedition |
| BULLET-8006-5000RC | 5000 W PEP / 1500+ W digital | High-power systems; heavy-duty matching unit |
Only the matching-unit power rating differs among variants; coverage, wire length, and installation are the same.
| Model | SSB PEP | Digital (cont.) |
|---|---|---|
| BULLET-8006-100RC | 100 W | ~50 W |
| BULLET-8006-500RC | 500 W | ~250–350 W |
| BULLET-8006-1500RC | 1500 W | ~750–1000 W |
| BULLET-8006-5000RC | 5000 W | ≥1500 W |
Values are conservative starting points for continuous digital sessions. Actual limits depend on installation and ambient conditions. Monitor temperature; if the matching unit warms, reduce power and/or duty cycle.
Helpful resources
- Helpful Technical Guides (Palomar)
- See the 20–6 m BULLET-2006 family
- See the 40–6 m BULLET-4006 family
📘 Download the BULLET-8006RC Quick Setup Guide (PDF)
Get on the air — anywhere
From HOA stealth installs to portable weekend ops, the Palomar BULLET-8006RC makes 80–6 m HF both practical and fun.
FAQs
What does the Resonance Compensator do on 80 m?
It helps bring 80 m SWR into a much easier tuning range, so your transceiver’s built-in tuner can usually finish the job quickly.
What are the wire length and choke location?
The long-wire section is approximately 93 ft. Install a SOFLC choke on the feed line at about 38–40 ft from the matching unit. Use 50 ft or more of 50 Ω coax to the radio.
Do higher-power models add bands or tune better?
No. Coverage and tuning behavior are the same across variants. Only the matching-unit power rating changes.
Is the matching unit grounded?
The output is DC-grounded (to bleed static) but not RF-grounded.
Which layouts work best in limited space?
Sloper and Inverted-L are fast and effective; horizontal between supports also works. Keep the radiator clear of metal and wet foliage.
