Topband: 2-wire Beverage

[k3bu at optimum.net]

> 
> I have an opportunity to make a 1100 ft 2-wire Bev on a remote 
> site, but
> the wires will be suspended independently in tree branches. Line
> impedance will therefore not be uniform along the length. Do 
> you think
> it is better to use open and short terminations or a reflection
> transformer in these circumstances?
> 
> 73 + HNY,
> Greg, ZL3IX

Greg,

the difference between terminating and not terminating the beverage or wave antenna is between resonant - standing wave, and non resonant - traveling wave antenna. 
It is better to terminate it with resistance equivalent to impedance of the antenna. I would use the reflection transformer for the same reason.

 Before analyzers were available, I used to tune the Beverage with antenna tuner on desired frequency and then replace the antenna with non inductive resistor bank and while keeping the settings on the tuner the same, I would adjust the resistance for 1:1 SWR and then read the resistance and use that value for the terminating resistors.

Fluctuating the height of wire or its direction within few feet is not significant especially when wire is terminated. 

It is good to have short and loooong Beverages, for contester, that brings different results under varying propagation modes and angles. Staggered or phased Beverages sure cleanup the pattern and add some gain. Check http://www.teslaradio.org/w8lrl.htm for some pictures of Wall's beverages and other hardware.

73 Yuri, K3BU.us