Hi,
I am on a small lot now and have barely been able to get signal out on 160
meters. A full size antenna for 80 meters won't really fit without some
"crunching". I am ever going to be a world beater on either of those bands but
I do get to play. On a couple of other mail reflectors we all agree that *any*
antenna is better than a radio sitting on the shelf collecting dust.
73,
Bill KU8H
Bark less - wag more
> On Jul 30, 2019, at 11:00 PM, w5zn@w5zn.org wrote:
>
> I always enjoy reading the experience that folks have with their receiving
> antennas. The RDF and comparison charts that are published these days are
> pretty accurate so you can get a very good feel for how the antennas stand up
> against each other.
>
> When it comes to the question of "Which RX Antenna is Better" that's a whole
> different ballgame with many, many variables! Obviously the amount of area
> you have to erect an RX antenna will factor in a good bit on your success.
> I'm fortunate to have a lot of land that I can play on with several different
> RX antenna types. Even so, an RX antenna that works great at my QTH may not
> work worth a flip at yours. I've always strayed away from comparing antennas
> between two different geographical areas, even those that are relatively
> close to me (within 250 miles or so). One key factor that isn't mentioned
> much when comparing RX antennas is the impact of propagation on 160 meters. I
> always like to compare what is being heard at Dave W0FLS up north of me by
> around 400 miles or so and at K5RK down the opposite direction by about the
> same distance. Heck, even close by with K5UR 25 miles south of me and WD5R
> the same distance north we hear different results some times! Go figure, or
> ask K9LA ab
out 160 meter prop!
>
> Low band RX antennas have improved considerably over the past 10 to 15 years
> simply because more is being published about them and we are sharing our
> experiences with them. That definitely needs to continue.
>
> So, here's the bottom line from the "ZN Perspective". Put up the best system
> you can based on your available space. Learn how that antenna performs on the
> air at your QTH and then share your experience with us but just remember,
> your objective is to improve your receive noise floor and get that as low as
> possible for your area. You will NOT magically begin to hear DX if the
> propagation isn't there and if you live out here in fly over country like me
> most of the time you won't hear some of that juicy DX that the boys sitting
> right on the east coast salt water will hear but when the prop gods smile on
> you that low noise RX antenna will give you the edge.
>
> GL with the projects and I very much look forward to the upcoming low band DX
> season!
>
> 73 Joel W5ZN
> _________________
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