Topband: Beverage versus K9AY versus short verticals

[Jeff Maass]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: topband-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:topband-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Richard 
> (Rick) Karlquist
> Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 8:43 PM
> To: doktorij at bellsouth.net; topband at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Beverage versus K9AY versus short verticals
> 
> > My interest is more towards nulling competing US signals during 
> > various contests. Fortunately the QTH is relatively quiet related
> > 
> 
> The beverage is the way to go to reject stateside QRM.
> If I am listening to the east coast on a beverage, 
> stations off the side are just inaudible, even big guns.
> My beverages are only 400 feet and they are still very
> directional.
> 
> Rick N6RK

For many years, I've used "Shorty Beverages" (2-wire type)
ranging in length from 200- to 400-feet, and they all have
proven useful from my 200 x 400 foot lot. There have even
been some Top 10 M/S finishes in ARRL 160 from this location.
None of my Bevs are BOG, though.

You REALLY want to keep them as far away from your transmit 
antenna and any vertical structures as possible, to minimize
coupling noise into them.

If you have space, look at the DX Engineering RX 4-square
system. Not cheap, but a good performer in a 98-foot (80/160
compromise spacing) or 135-foot (160M optimum spacing) square
space. I have one for installation at the PJ2T station this
Fall, with some notes at:
http://home.columbus.rr.com/jmaass/Radio/Planning/PJ2T_4Square.pdf
and 
http://home.columbus.rr.com/jmaass/Radio/Planning/PJ2T_DXE_4Square_Budget.pdf. 
It's in my living room at present and I hope to test it here 
late this Summer.


73,  Jeff  K8ND