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Re: [TenTec] Antenna question

To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Antenna question
From: "Bob McGraw - K4TAX" <RMcGraw@Blomand.net>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:05:32 -0600
List-post: <mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
I would change the length of the feed line by 20 or so feet. Either add or take away. I do hope the feed line is reasonably straight an if there is any excess is not in a "coil" somewhere.

Also, are you using a 4:1 balun or a 1:1 balun? And are these voltage baluns or current baluns? I find that 1:1 current baluns work better in most cases unless one is feeding something like a folded dipole where the impedance is close to 200 to 300 ohms. In this case a 4:1 works better.

Based on what you describe, I suspect that you are using a 4:1 balun. That device doing it's job and presuming the load Z at the feed line at the transmitter end is say 25 ohms then the 4:1 balun is making that look like 6.25 ohms. Most tuners have a problem with this. Therefore a 1:1 balun would present a 25 ohm load to the tuner. Much better.

73
Bob, K4TAX




----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Sussman" <psussman@pactor.com>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:15 PM
Subject: [TenTec] Antenna question


This may be a bit off-topic - If so please forgive me:



I'm working with a fellow who has problems loading an 80M loop antenna with ladder line and a tuner. His antenna is about 380ft and I think that it's a bit short. I borrowed my Nye-Viking and the best that I can achieve is 3 to 1 match
at 3800 KHz.

At that point the tuner is applying MINIMUM capacitance. That makes me think
that a longer antenna length is needed.

As an aside 40m loads no better 2.5 to 1, but 30m loads up OK.

If I take his balanced line and feed it as a long wire (one end unterminated) the system loads up just fine on 40m and 80m, but it is obviously unbalanced.

Any quick hints appreciated -- I'm not the best with HF antennas.

PS. My 80m loop antenna is 420ft long and loads as balanced just fine.

de Phil - N8PS



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