Topband: W1BB antenna issue

[mac at py2cw.net]

Reading about my Dear Friend, OM, Stew brings me beautiful memories. Stew, as a Mechanical Engineer was also a very intuitive and pratical Electronics and Eletricity Technician. Based on somel technical discussions i had the opportunity to share with him, as a young and highly motivated Electronics Engr. my feeling on the subject is: He suggested the setup with the variable condenser for some reasons. One factor, i guess, because is easier and better "to trim" the antenna QRG (Electrical Lenght) with a variable capacitor (a common RX ganged one) than with a variable coil. Radiating ("Hot Shack") and frequently presenting bad contacts (Roller Coil). This one not easily available, requiring silver plated wire and silver contacts and not as simple as the Capacitor. Concerning radiation resistance i don´t think he was looking it as a primary concern, for some reasons. in my oppinion, he did known, for sure, this factor was not the key at his antenna lenght suggestion. He was much more focused on results (efficiency, easy of assy, etc) than in "lab measurements". Small differences he didn´t paid attention. He was much more interested in Top Band promotion (More friends at 160m) using simple and efficient (easy to build) rigs. This is my feeling. PS By the way, i delayed the start of the propagation tests til Oct/Nov due Biz trips.Will inform.