Hi Guys,
"Thank You" to everyone who responded to my question last week concerning
the addition of a Reflector element to a temporary 1/4 wave ground mounted
40-meter vertical. I received several excellent tips ranging from a
phasing the 2 verticals to simply adding the Reflector as a parasitic element
without a phasing harness. I mentioned that I would post an "Update" after my
experiment was completed... and here's the update:
Since I only had 5 hours before the contest began, I went with the simple
method of "adding a parasitic reflector without a phasing line". I added
radials to the base of the ground mounted parasitic Reflector, and connected
the radial/ground system to the saltwater river via a copper strap. Since
I was unable to run A/B comparisons, there is no way to know whether or
not the parasitic reflector added Gain to the system. However, it did seem
like I was able to "run" European stations for considerably longer periods
on Saturday night with the Reflector than I did the previous night. Perhaps
band condx were been better on Saturday night, but on the flip-side-
having worked 500 stations on 40-meters the night before... I had a lot less
stations available to work on Saturday night with the Reflector. The main
thing I noticed with the Reflector added was that the Stateside signals were
down aprx. 10-20dB. (using a beverage for reference both nights) It was a
fun experiment... thanks again for the ideas!
Next time I hope to plan ahead better and phase the two verticals to get 2
or more directions out of the 2-vertical array.
73,
Dick- K9OM/4
Edgewater, Florida
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Hi Guys,
I've got a ground mounted 1/4 wave 40-meter vertical located at the edge
of a saltwater river. Before sunset tonight, I want to add a 1/4 wave
reflector behind it to add a little more gain towards Europe. (a fun little
experiment) I'm only looking for one direction with this antenna: towards
Europe... so I'll be end firing it NE with the reflector to the SW of the
driven element.
A couple quick questions:
1) Should I locate the reflector 1/4 wave (33') behind the driven element
or is there a better distance to use for a simple and quick setup?
2) I'm looking for the simplest method of feeding these antennas as I have
limited parts at this temporary location: a T-connector and coax! Would
the use of a UHF T-Connector and then individual feedlines to each of the
verticals be the quickest way to connect them? If so, any
recommendations for feedline lengths?
Thanks!
Dick- K9OM/4
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