I am experimenting with the N4KG reverse feed method for 160 meters on a
tower with a lot of stuff already on it. I like the possibility that
elevated radials will be an improvement over my terrible, dry,
mountaintop ground characteristics.
As I transmit, the SWR creeps up, pretty significantly. Something is
clearly getting warm.
Possibilities:
- I am matching the 160 feedline with an L-network (series L, shunt C).
TLW says 7 amps through the capacitor, with 3 watts of dissipation. The
capacitor measures 2200 pf, the usual transmitting capacitor,
cylindrical, about 3/4" in diameter.
- The M2 balun feeding the 40 meter beam on the same tower. I monitored
the SWR on the 40 meter beam while transmitting on 160. No change in 40
meter SWR.
- The M2 balun feeding the KT-36XA on the same tower. I monitored the
SWR on the KT-36XA while transmitting on 160. No change in KT-36XA meter
SWR.
- Gamma match on homebrew 15 meter beam. Gamma match is just a piece of
RG-8 dielectric/center conductor inside aluminum tubing.
Suggestions on how to troubleshoot this ? Start by disconnecting the
feedlines to the baluns ? And once I determine which component is
heating, what then ?
73,
Steve, N2IC
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