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Re: Topband: PHASING SHUNT FED TOWERS

To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: PHASING SHUNT FED TOWERS
From: Herb Schoenbohm <herbs@vitelcom.net>
Reply-to: herbs@vitelcom.net
Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 11:25:41 -0400
List-post: <topband@contesting.com">mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Phasing towers and even detuning structures in AM broadcast radio systems is not without a multitude of variables which as Tom points out require so much testing, a good calibrate FSM with reliable check points, cable measurement with expensive equipment, on and on. not taking these steps may be a mistake to assume any benefit. Just phasing two exsiting metal structures in your back yard may make you feel good but not produce the theoretical values by the book of model. So I have suggestion of an old remedy that works well. It is three phased verticals without any phasing coax and switches. it is the classic Bobtailed Curtain which resembles a elongated letter M consisting of three 1/4 wave drop wires from a full wave flat top which is fed by a center drop wire at the ground with a matching network or Hi-Z to Low Z transformer or taped line section. This antenna has a bi-directional broadside pattern with cancellation of high angle radiation from the flat top. The predicted gain is about 6db. Wooden poles are recommended unless of course you could have two insulated steel towers properly spaced for the support. The base voltage at the bottom of the drop wires is very high and not many tower insulators unless kept very clean would be exempt from flashover with high power.

Years ago I had one of these hung from tress on 40 meters and it always out performed a two element commercial yagi at 75 feet on 40. You might want to try one on 10 Mhz from a couple of trees or wooden posts and see what the classic Bob-Tailed curtain will do for you.


Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ



On 5/31/2013 10:12 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:
I have a system with two gamma matched towers that works pretty well.  I
did all I could to make them appear to be similar.  The gamma dimensions
and capacitance are identical - and I used a loading wire on top of one of
them  - making it longer and longer until the match was similar.>>>

Results are heavily dependent on the particular gamma match system and tower resonance, because the gamma acts not only as a transformer, but as a transmission line. Sometimes, through luck, it works. Sometimes it does not work at all.

The key in all of this are current phase and current levels in the towers.
All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
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Topband Reflector

All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
_________________
Topband Reflector

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