Topband: poor antenna, rich score

Doug Waller NX4D@magicnet.net
Wed, 09 Feb 2000 16:56:38 -0500


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I lay claim to the "Poorest" Topband antenna system of them all.  But since
getting on Topband 3 months ago, I have worked 54 countries, 17 zones and 43
states.  The antenna is an Alpha Delta Communications model DX-B which slopes
one way off my 60ft tower.  The tower has a multiband beam on top and NO
radials, just a groundrod.  The DX-B is a fine antenna for 160-80-40 & 30meters,
and I only have to use an antenna tuner on 160.  Output power is abt 350w.  I am
100+ miles from any salt water and tables show that my sandy ground is poor.

Big Guns have criticized my Topband antenna and advise that I should at least
move up to a Shunt fed tower arrangement.

So let me add more encouragement for anyone out there thinking they must have a
4-square and 650ft beverages........that would be nice, but you can have much
fun with a $60 antenna!

73/DX, Doug / Nx4d



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