VFComms Rugged Signal Element (RSE)

Wire that behaves like rope — strong, flexible, and built for the field.

The RSE Line™ (Rugged Signal Element) — Patent Pending — is a next-generation RF radiating element engineered for field-deployable antennas, portable communications, emergency kits, and experimental RF designs. Unlike traditional wire or braid, the RSE Line uses a conductive carbon-based tow core over-braided with a durable polyester sheath, creating a lightweight, flexible, and extremely rugged radiating element that outperforms wire in real-world deployments.

Core Technology – What Makes RSE Different

• Conductive Tow Core (Patent Pending Technology)
• Constructed from carbon-based nickel coated conductive fibers identical to what is used in aerospace EMI shielding and high-frequency composite structures.
• Multiple parallel filaments provide a large surface-area conductor with excellent high-frequency performance.
• Over-braided Polyester Sheath
• Polyester provides excellent UV stability and minimal water absorption.
• Flexible, Tangle-Resistant, and Field-Ready
• Resists kinks and wire memory.
• Strong enough for repeated deployment, knotting, and rough handling.
• Can be wound onto very small spools without conductor fatigue.

Performance Characteristics

• Ultra-Lightweight Construction
• Approximately 0.96–1.0 g per foot (batch-dependent).
• A 33’ EFHW radiator weighs just ~1 oz.
• Ideal for SOTA, POTA, emergency comms, tactical HF/VHF, ultralight expeditions, and high-performance portable setups.
• Broadband RF Capability (Patent Pending Behaviour)
• Works as a radiating element across HF, VHF, and selected UHF depending on length/configuration.
• Exceptional Durability
• Tensile strength greatly exceeds copper wire. Breaks at 300lb (usable strength 160lb)*
  *NOTE: Values are preliminary (n = 1). Knots, abrasion, and environmental exposure can reduce strength. Not intended for lifting or life-safety applications.
•  Resistant to corrosion, salt spray, abrasion, crushing, and field abuse.
• Remains flexible in extreme cold.

Applications

• End-fed HF antennas (EFHW, random wire, sloper, stealth installs)
• Rapid-deployment SAR or emergency antennas
• VHF/UHF portable radiators
• Broad-band experimental antennas
• High-durability counterpoises
• Overland expedition comms
• Lightweight trail antennas (SOTA, POTA)
• Commercial, SAR, and military field kits Key Advantages Over Traditional Wire
• Lighter than typical copper-strand wire
• No kinks or memory — deploys cleanly every time
• Abrasion-resistant & UV-tough

Key Advantages Over Traditional Wire

• Lighter than typical copper-strand wire
• No kinks or memory — deploys cleanly every time
• Abrasion-resistant & UV-tough