Topband: First Top Band Antenna

[Roy Morgan]

At 10:55 AM 7/9/2006, John Cowan wrote:
>I would like to have an antenna for 160 meters this fall. I have a 68 foot 
>tower that I can use to hang an inverted L from or maybe even shunt-feed. 
>I would like suggestions from the group. I live on a lot about 135' by 145'.

John,

W0YVA, who hosts the Collins East Coast First Wednesday net with his KW-1, 
and who also works 160,  gives me this advice on a transmitting antenna for 
160 and 80

Fellows with lots of experience on 160 and 80 claim very good results with 
a simple dipole antenna fed with commercial ladder line. The thing is 95 
feet on each side of center and put up as high as possible.  Wiggles and 
bends in the elements do not matter. Dropping the ends down if you don't 
have enough space does not matter.  Height does matter some, so the higher 
the better.  A balanced tuner is essential, and you can make one fairly 
easily. 7 turns on the input link which is series tuned  with a moderate 
spacing capacitor. The main coil is tuned by a high voltage cap and is 
about 2" in diameter and maybe 10 inches long.   Clip leads select the 
right two tap points on each side for 80 or 160, Once you antenna is up, 
you find the right taps and leave them alone.  Roller inductors and vacuum 
variables are simply not required.  A high voltage, high current RF switch 
is not needed if you don't mind using the clip leads to change bands, or 
have some banana jacks/plugs to do the job.

Note that this thing is 190 feet end to end, but just put it up as high as 
you can and let the ends fall down toward the ground.  Bends toward the 
ends of the thing would likely cause no  trouble.  If you can make it into 
a Z shape to fit your lot, go ahead.

Do not use traps. Do not use an inverted L. Do not spend big bucks on a 
fancy tuner.  Do not worry about sags, slopes, wiggles or ups and downs.

Do use ladder line to feed it, and build a tuner.

Roy



- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
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