Topband: RX Antenna for DXepedition

[k3bu at optonline.net]

> Dear Group Members,
> 
> I need advise regarding the need for a dedicated RX 
> antenna for a small (200 lbs), two person expedition.
> 
> I am going on a diving trip to Willis Islets and have 
> decided to activate the location. I have received the 
> callsign VK9WWI and intend to operate between Sep 24 and 
> Oct 04 (dates are somewhat WX dependent, etc.) I want to 
> focus on 160 and 80 meters, but at the same time need to 
> keep the gear to the minimum. For TX antenna I intend to 
> use an inverted L consisting of a 60' telescoping mast and 
> some length of horizontal wire. The antenna will be fed 
> via a tuner, so at this stage I am not too worried about 
> exact dimensions. For grounding I will mostly rely on the 
> sea water and will try to erect the TX antenna either in 
> the water or at the water's edge. (My home QTH is on the 
> water's edge, so I got some experience in that erea.)
> 
> The big question I am facing is whether I should take a 
> separate RX antenna, such as a K9AY loop, or wire for 
> beverages? Given the location, I do not expect much 
> man-made noise. On the other hand, I expect QRN from 
> thunder-storms to the north. Will the noise on the TX 
> antenna be too high? Would a dedicated RX antenna be worth 
> the extra weight and work required to erect it?
> 
> I understand that this is a very subjective question, but 
> any advice based on experience will be helpful.
> 
> TKS, 73,
> 
> George
> AA7JV
> 
> PS: I know that I will have to eat my earlier words and 
> QSL (or get somebody to do it)!


In view that you will be at the ocean front, the best thing is to use verticals. I would suggest to use two masts, top loaded as a T, to get advantage of low angle and salt water. Use two elevated radials. Feed one, if needed just small coil to get 50 ohm. Use the second one as a parasitic reflector and similar configuration. With two verticals, and absence of man made local noise, it will work very well as RX antenna.

If you can operate from tall hotel on the shore, just use half sloper against the door frame. 

73 Yuri, K3BU.us