[TenTec] INFORMATION ABOUT VERTICAL ANTENNAS

[Steve Berg]

For many years now, I have been using a Hy-Gain DX-88 trap vertical 
antenna.  Before this, I had a Hustler trap vertical, with reasonably 
well tuned radials, on a 30 foot mast on the roof of my house.  That 
worked out very well, but I got concerned about its potential as a 
lightning rod, and took it down.

I do have a tower here, but due to the size and relief of my lot, I 
can't guy it, and it is pretty close to my lot line, so VHF beams are it.

My lot is on a valley wall, and the back yard is about 35 feet below the 
crest.  My house and the hill blocks the vertical for almost 120 
degrees.  To counter all this, I use a DX Engineering radial plate and 
about 70 radials, ranging from 18 to 25 feet long.

I am amazed at how well this antenna gets out, even at QRP power 
levels.  I have nothing to compare it to, as it is the only antenna I 
could put up on my lot.  During last year's ARRL Centennial, the only 
territory I could not contact was the Marianna Islands.  I got all the 
rest, and worked all states, spending a lot of time at the 10 watt level 
with my Argonaut VI.

I will be moving in a year or so up to north central Wisconsin. There, I 
have a lot more room, and also a decent radio horizon.  So, I will see 
how well this vertical works out in the open.   I can put up a guyed 
tower, and also put up a much taller 80/40/30 vertical antenna.

I'm planning on enjoying my dotage!

Steve WA9JML



On 1/9/2016 11:44 AM, John Occhipinti wrote:
> I have been getting a lot of questions about my Vertical Antenna. I speak
> purely from my own personal experience of being an Amateur Radio
> Operator for the past 39 years.
>
> My 42 foot Hygain All Band Vertical is just 1 of my antennas. I also have a
>
> Hygain Long John 4 Element 20 Meter Monoband Beam, 50 feet high
> on a Universal Aluminum Tower and a
>
> Radio Works Full Wave Loop All Band Antenna.
>
> I also use an Ameritron AL-1200 Legal Limit Amplifier.
>
> Let me address my Vertcal Antenna setup. It is 42 feet high and I have
> 30 radials, with each radial being 35 feet long, going out in a fan type
> direction, for a total of over 1000 feet of radials.
>
> When I am running the TEN-TEC 20 meter SSB net, I use my Monoband
> 20 meter beam. When I switch to my Full Wave Loop, the signals drop about 2dB.
> When I switch to the Vertical Antenna the signal drops around 5dB and the weaker
> stations cannot be heard.
>
> When I am running the TEN-TEC 40 meter net, I use the Full Wave Loop. When
> I switch to the Vertical Antenna the signal drops about 4 to 5 dB and the weaker
> stations cannot be heard.
>
> The VSWR is good on all antennas, so the point I am trying to make is that my
> Vertical Antenna is a compromise antenna for me at my location.
>
> I know that I have worked many stations using a Vertical Antenna and the people
> "swear" by them. Most of these people live in restricted zone areas and
> cannot put up a beam/tower or a long wire or dipole.
>
> So what do they base their statements on, if they do not have another antenna
> to compare it with?
>
> I know that some Vertical Antenna users will not agree with me and that is their
> right to do so. I just wanted to respond with a blanket post to address all those
> who have been contacting me about Vertical Antennas.
>
> I have never lived in a restricted zone area or sub-divison, but I still can empathize
> with those who are forced to use Verticals and Flagpoles or even Wires in their
> attic. If this works for you, I say God bless you for finding a way to get your signal
> out and enjoy your hobby.
>
> Thank you for your time.
>
>   John D. Occhipinti, K3UR
> Net Manager, ten_tec Amateur Radio Nets
>
> QRZ Page:  http://www.qrz.com/db/k3ur
>
> Group Owner, ten_tec Amateur Radio Net Group
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ten_tec_radio_net/
>
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