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Re: [TowerTalk] End feeding a half-wave vetical

To: K4SAV <RadioIR@charter.net>, towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] End feeding a half-wave vetical
From: Jim Lux <jimlux@earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 01 Jun 2005 11:18:44 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
At 11:11 AM 6/1/2005, K4SAV wrote:

>I agree with Tom's assessment of feeding a half wave antenna.  After
>thinking about using a transformer, there is one parameter which is
>really difficult to overcome, stray capacitance between primary and
>secondary.  Since this transformer is connected to the high impedance
>end of the antenna, it only takes a few pf and you don't have much of a
>transformer.  For example, if the antenna impedance is 4000 ohms, an
>assuming a 10MHz antenna, a primary to secondary capacitance of 4 pf
>produces about 4000 ohm load (reactive).  Since this transformer has to
>have several turns, it is going to very difficult to keep the
>capacitance low.  The transformer also has to be large, with lots of
>ferrite material to keep the loss in the ferrite low, which further
>complicates the capacitance problem.


Is there a particular reason why one would want a broadband transformer 
here?  A dipole is going to be a fairly narrow band device, so why not use 
a narrow band matching network of some sort.

Also, why use a cored transformer instead of going air core?   Getting a 
100:1 impedance ratio is only a 10:1 turns ratio.  You'd actually need to 
fiddle around a bit, because air core transformers don't have as much 
coupling between turns, so there'd be some leakage inductance to deal with.

In any event, some sort of tapped air core inductor might be the way to 
feed the end of this thing.



>This transformer also would not be useful on low impedance loads.  You
>would have to switch it in and out.
>
>I gave you an example from ON4UN's book, that I remembered, without
>thinking much about the technical merit or problems associated with
>this.  It's going to be much harder, trying to make this transformer
>work well, than just using an LC network.
>
>Jerry K4SAV
>
>Tom Rauch wrote:
>
> >I can't think of a more difficult thing to do *properly*
> >than to end feed a half wave. There are a good may
> >half-baked feed systems around, but the only reliable and
> >simple system is a resonant tuning unit at the base of the
> >vertical with the system worked against a ground system. A
> >stub would be a good second choice, but a single band affair
> >and you would be faced with some radiation from the stub.
> >
> >A much better solution for multiple bands would be a trap
> >vertical mounted as high as possible worked against a ground
> >system of drooping radials.
> >
> >A thick element could have an impedance as low as several
> >hundred ohms, a very thin half wave element maybe 3000-4000
> >ohms. The problem is the reactance off frequency, and how to
> >compensate.  It will never be multiband without traps or
> >complex stub decoupling systems on the element.
> >
> >Trying to use a decoupling sleeve is almost certainly a
> >waste of time. The sleeve ID has to be substantially larger
> >than the internal coax's outside. Folding braid back is a
> >common method at HF, but the decoupling performance is
> >horrible. It's almost like no choke at all.
> >
> >http://www.w8ji.com/end-fed_vertical_j-pole_and_horizontal_zepp.htm
> >
> >Good luck also on building a broadband transformer that
> >would match 50 to 4000 ohms. That's another almost
> >impossible task.
> >
> >If you can put a tuner at the vertical base and work the
> >vertical against a modest ground, that's the best solution.
> >An elevated trap vertical worked against multiple drooped
> >radials is the easiest, most reliable, and best performing
> >solution if you don't want to use a tuner at the vertical
> >base and want multiple bands.
> >
> >73 Tom
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >
> >See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless 
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with 
> any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> >
> >_______________________________________________
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> >TowerTalk@contesting.com
> >http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> >
> >
> >
>
>_______________________________________________
>
>See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless 
>Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with 
>any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
>_______________________________________________
>TowerTalk mailing list
>TowerTalk@contesting.com
>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk

_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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