Palomar Engineers BULLET-2006-100: Compact Multi-Band HF Antenna for SOTA, POTA & Portable Operations
Need a high-performance portable HF antenna that sets up in minutes and just works? The Palomar BULLET-2006-100 is a compact, end-fed off-center-fed (OCF) system that delivers reliable 20–6 meter coverage with clean patterns, low fuss, and excellent portability. Ideal for SOTA, POTA, EMCOMM, RV/camping, and stealth operations.
Why operators love it
- Multi-band, small footprint: 25 ft radiator wire covers 20, 17, 15, 12, 11, 10 & 6 m with minimal tuning.
- OCF advantages over EFHW: no high-voltage 49:1 transformer at the feedpoint; safer around people & gear.
- Fast deployment: sloper or inverted-L with a simple coax choke at 7 ft from the matching unit.
- Portable-ready: light, stealthy, easy to backpack or mount to a telescoping fiberglass pole.
Key specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency Coverage | 20–6 meters |
| Radiator | 25 ft wire; coax braid acts as counterpoise |
| Choke Placement | ~7 ft from matching unit (5–6 turns RG-8X on core) |
| Recommended Feed Line | 25 ft+ of 50 Ω coax |
| Power Options | 100 W (BULLET-2006-100), 500 W, 1500 W (SSB/FT8 ratings) |
| Deployments | Sloper, Inverted-L, or horizontal between supports |
Field-proven results
Designed by hams for hams, the BULLET-2006 series consistently logs contacts across multiple bands in quick activations. Expect low SWR on most bands (often < 2:1) and easy touch-up with your rig’s internal tuner when needed.
Quick setup (SOTA/POTA)
- Mount the BULLET matching unit on a mast/pole or at a handy tie-off point.
- Run the 25 ft wire as a sloper or inverted-L.
- Add a coax choke about 7 ft from the matching unit to suppress common-mode current.
- Feed with 25 ft+ of 50 Ω coax and check SWR across 20–6 m; touch up with your tuner if desired.
Recommended accessories
- CMNF-500-50 / CMNF-1500 coax noise filter (install near radio)
- SOFLC ferrite choke (5–6 turns of RG-8X through core at ~7 ft)
- UHFMBNCF adaptor for BNC-input radios
Choose Your Power Rating
| Model | Max Rated Power | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| BULLET-2006-100 | Up to 100 W SSB / FT8 | Portable/QRP to 100 W rigs; SOTA/POTA backpack ops |
| BULLET-2006-500 | Up to 500 W SSB / FT8 | Mid-power field/base use; longer duty sessions |
| BULLET-2006-1500 | 1500 W SSB / 1000 W FT8 | Full-power HF amplifiers; contest/expedition durability |
Note: Matching unit ratings apply to SSB PEP; for CW/digital, plan ~50% duty. If the matching unit becomes warm during high duty operation, reduce power to prevent damage. Band coverage and tuning behavior are identical across variants (20–6 m; typical SWR ≤ ~2:1 with minor touch-up via rig tuner). Coax choke placement: ~7 ft from the matching unit; recommended feed line: 25 ft+ of 50 Ω coax.
Looking for 40 m too?
Need lower bands? Check out the BULLET-4006 for 40–6 m operation or the BULLET-8006RC for 80–6 m operation
Helpful resources
📘 Download the SOTA Field Guide (PDF)
Get on the air — anywhere
Compact, efficient, and rugged, the Palomar BULLET-2006-100 is the perfect companion for SOTA/POTA and portable HF. Order yours today and enjoy reliable multi-band performance in the field, at home, or on the road.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the 100 W, 500 W, and 1500 W models?
Only the matching unit power rating differs. All three cover the same bands (20–6 m) with the same 25 ft radiator and installation method. Choose the rating that matches your transmitter/amp and duty cycle needs.
Do higher-power units have better SWR or more bands?
No. Tuning behavior and band coverage are the same across variants. Most bands are typically under ~2:1 SWR; a transceiver tuner makes quick touch-ups easy.
What duty cycle should I plan for CW/digital (FT8)?
Plan about 50% duty for CW/digital. If the matching unit becomes warm during extended transmission, reduce power to avoid overheating.
Where should the coax choke go, and how long should my feed line be?
Place a coax choke ~7 ft from the matching unit (5–6 turns of RG-8X through the ferrite core). Use 25 ft or more of quality 50 Ω coax to the radio.
What deployment styles are recommended for portable ops?
Sloper and Inverted-L are fast and effective. Keep the radiator clear of metal/wet foliage for best results. Horizontal between supports also works when space allows.
Why OCF vs. EFHW?
Choose Your Power Rating
| Model | Max Rated Power | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| BULLET-2006-100 | Up to 100 W SSB / FT8 | Portable/QRP to 100 W rigs; SOTA/POTA backpack ops |
| BULLET-2006-500 | Up to 500 W SSB / FT8 | Mid-power field/base use; longer duty sessions |
| BULLET-2006-1500 | 1500 W SSB / 1000 W FT8 | Full-power HF amplifiers; contest/expedition durability |
Note: Matching unit ratings apply to SSB PEP; for CW/digital, plan 50% duty. If the matching unit becomes warm during high duty operation, reduce power to prevent damage. Band coverage and tuning behavior are identical across variants (20–6 m; typical SWR ≤ ~2:1 with minor touch-up via rig tuner). Coax choke placement: ~7 ft from the matching unit; recommended feed line: 25 ft+ of 50 Ω coax.
The OCF design avoids the high-voltage feedpoint typical of 49:1 EFHW transformers, improving safety and offering wide multi-band performance in a shorter footprint.
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