Topband: Experiences with inverted L

[ersmar@comcast.net]

Evan:

     My first Topband antenna, in 1997, was just such an Inverted L.  I ran it in the ARRL 160M 'test that year with only two radials and had a blast.  It wasn't a barn-burner, but then I was running my Drake barefoot at 150 W.  I was able to work 49 states with it (need KL7!)

     Since that first season I have added about a half-mile of scrap-wire radials in the side and back yards.  I suppose that helped but I don't have any quantitative results on it.  I've worked some European and Caribbean DX with it over the years.  I took it down in 2003 after I built a 64-foot tower in the back yard and shunt-fed it.  That tower was (and is) about 5-10 dB louder (no foolin') than the L, both on 160M and on 80M with a tuner.  

     But for a first-time, low-cost skyhook for Topband the L can't be beat, IMHO.  Just be careful in the trees!

73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F



> Fellow 160 meter enthusiasts,
> 
> I just joined the reflector and wonder if anybody could share their 
> experiences with inverted L antennas, something along the lines of what a 35-40 
> ft 
> vertical section and 90-100 ft horizontal section might perform like with say 
> 16-25 radials, about 100 ft long, buried.  This is the antenna I'm planning to 
> erect, if it is worthwhile.  Modeling efforts of others indicate it has some 
> potential, not a barn-burner, but at least it would get me back on the band 
> after 
> a 35 year gap.  But with very limited time, I'd rather not put up an antenna 
> that will perform poorly for stateside contacts, hi.
> 
> 73s,
> 
> Evan
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