When it rains, the usual 1.5:1 SWR rises to 1.7, & drops back to 1.5 as the
ground dries out. Recently I gave the lawn its quarterly "dose" of lime &
10-10-10 fertilizer. After big rains, I could suddenly hear ET3PMW good
enough to work, and was surprised to see a 2.0:1 SWR indicated while
transmitting. The ground is dry today & the 1.5 SWR is back. Antenna for
TX & RX is series-fed vertical with a dozen short radials.
I don't want to add to Topband Folklore, but will sure have the lawn
fertilized & irrigated when the band heats up this fall. In fact, a red
lawn irrigation system switch in the shack seems to be indicated!
73, Doug / NX4D
|