Fw: Topband: Inverted L for TX

Bert Barry kimba at sprint.ca
Sat Mar 29 10:15:57 EST 2003


Jerry T. Dowell wrote:

 > Your trouble may be that the MFJ259 usually will give erroneous readings on
 >160M because of BC station pickup on the antenna. That meter is not useable
 >at my QTH on any 160M antenna.

I have had this problem with ALL soldid state instruments used on my 160m
antenna.
There is a brute-force solution - use a GR-1606 bridge.  These are available at
some flea markets.

I got one at Dayton last year, and while it requires a separate oscillator and
detector, it works beautifully, even in the presence of strong daytime BC
interference. I use an HP sig. gen. for the source, and an old transceiver as a
detector.

The size and weight of the three pieces of equipment can be a problem.  I have
made up a portable test bench on a wheelbarrow to lug the stuff to the base of
the antenna where I make the adjustments.

Bert, VE3QAA






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