Hi Guys,
While I most certainly agree with what others such as Tom (W8JI) might offer
here as to the value of TRUE "A" vs. "B" comparisons when it comes to how
effective an antenna may be, I won't let a little thing like expediency deter
me from erecting---and using---a "...less than stellar" antenna...
Case in point: at our summer cottage (a two storey affair, with an upper
balcony), I lashed together some aluminum tubing to tie to the railing on the
second floor with bungy cord: I made up the balance of its length for a
1/4-wave 7-MHz vertical with a re-cycled old electrical extension cord dropped
down from the aluminum, which terminates at the feed point some 3' above
physical ground. I then unrolled 2 insulated counterpoise wires, 1/4-wavelength
long, in opposite directions.
Surprisingly the doggone thing works very well into Europe, no doubt testament
as to the effectiveness of the stations of our European friends(!) as much as
anything else at this end of my QSOs...but the point is, it works quite well
with just the 100-watts that I might pump into it from my now-ancient Yaesu
FT-980 transceiver.
So don't despair, and---as the Nike slogan so aptly puts it---JUST DO IT!!!
~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
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Topband Reflector
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