Topband: 160 meter current-fed T antenna, where did I go wrong?

[Tim Duffy K3LR]

Hello Mark,

As soon as you add a few 120 ft radials on the ground, this antenna will
starting working better. The more you add (to a point) will even help more.
Don't worry if they can't be all the same length.

73,
Tim K3LR 

-----Original Message-----
From: topband-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:topband-bounces at contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Mark Lunday
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2010 8:44 PM
To: topband at contesting.com
Subject: Topband: 160 meter current-fed T antenna, where did I go wrong?

ON4UN’s book, 3rd edition, Chapter 9, page 9-46.  Pretty simple concept
the
vertical portion is ¼ wavelength, and the total horizontal length is ½
wavelength.

Higher radiation resistance, not nearly as dependent upon ground.  Looks
like I can get by without the radial wires and just use a good ground rod.
Can’t do anything about the soil in the near field, anyway.

So I put it together, with remote tuner at the base (LDG Z-11).  

The tuner cannot find a match, which is probably due to the RF.  It’s using
the coax as a ground path, looks like.  I can see RF getting into the coax
even with a commercial choke before the tuner (shows up coming back into the
shack on the remote antenna switch control lights).  

Did I design the antenna wrong.  Even though the wire is insulated, the
horizontal section goes through 2 trees.  ?  The ends are not free and clear
of the trees.  

Am I wrong about the radials?  What am I missing?

Also, I read NZ4O’s article: http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o9.htm  which
seems to validate my approach.

Suggestions/ideas appreciated.  Thanks

Mark Lunday
WD4ELG




_______________________________________________
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK