Topband: My experiences with G5RV antennas

[John Bastin]

On Oct 27, 2009, at 10:37:03, PaulKB8N at aol.com wrote:

> Not so fast!  The antenna that I currently have in use is  closer to  
> G5RV
> dimensions than it is to a dipole.  It is about 180' long,  center  
> fed and up
> only 30'.  I spend maybe two or three hours on 160M per  month, mostly
> listening, but have had no difficulties working a lot of DX.   I've  
> got 70
> countries worked.  Most of these were worked with about 70W  output  
> from an Omni
> VI, I now run 100W with my K-3.  I don't have  an amplifier.

I'll also chime in to say that you shouldn't be so quick to rule out  
the G5RV. I'm on a relatively small lot by 160-meter standards, 95 by  
233 feet, no room for beverages and such. One of my 160-meter antennas  
is a 204-foot G5RV about 45 feet off the ground at the feed point. It  
loads well and under some conditions (when propagation is favoring  
high-angle signals) it's the antenna of choice.
>
> I've tried T verticals and inverted Ls, but this short dipole seems  
> to be
> the most consistent performer and has been my "go-to" antenna on 160M.

My other 160-meter antenna is an extended inverted L, 175 feet with  
about 50 feet vertical and 125 feet horizontal over about 60 radials  
(I *really* need to get more radials out next year), and it is also  
working well for me when the conditions are right. The more antennas,  
the more different choices, the better. Always put up the best antenna  
you can, but don't automatically rule anything out, you never know  
when it will be the one that works when you need it.
>
> YMMV!

That's the truth!

73,

John K8AJS
bastinj at gmail.com