Topband: 160m from 5X

[donovanf at starpower.net]

Hi Nick,

I was lucky to work Paul, 5X4F, during the late 1990s but there
are many unmet needs for 5X on 160 meters. You will be very highly sought after.  

Verticals are consistently the most effective transmitting antennas for 160 meter DXing.  Typically vertical antennas for 160 meters present two difficulties: 
  - a tall enough vertical radiator, and
  - an efficient enough radial system

50 feet is sufficient vertical height for a reasonable efficient 160 meter vertical antenna.  The best way to load it is with loading wires attached to the top of the vertical, extending at about a 45 degree angle down to an insulator almost at ground level.  Two or three loading wires will be adequate.  You can then use an inductor at the base to load the vertical to provide a reasonable VSWR at 1830 kHz.

An reasonably efficient radial system presents many practical difficulties in the local situation you described.  If you can use at least a few radials laid on the ground, probably the best advice is to use at least 8 to 12 radials each long as you can make them.  If you cannot use radials laid on the ground, you could use at least two (ideally more) elevated radials loaded with inductors or the relatively new Folded Counterpoise (FCP);bhowever, the FCP requires a special antenna matching circuit.

Good luck on Top Band!

73
Frank
W3LPL



---- Original message ----
>Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:24:14 +0100
>From: "Nick Henwood" <nick at henwood.demon.co.uk>  
>Subject: Topband: 160m from 5X  
>To: <topband at contesting.com>
>
>I have been v QRV from 5X in past 5 years. Returning this Oct for 8 weeks and considering how best to get 160 on the air as it is the only band I have not worked and reckon there must be un-met need!
>I go to work (pro bono) at a community university so not a dxpedition but solo so plenty of time to get on the air. I carry all my gear with me.
>I am looking for help/advice in erecting a simple antenna which you guys can hear!  I have access to roach poles (30 footers) and can get max height of about 50 feet. No high trees locally and insufficent room for beverage antennas. Contemplating a 50 ft vertical with capacity top loading and some induction at the feed point. I will get grounding as good as possible within local constraints(small site, vehicles near the house etc). What do you think?
>Grateful for advice on antennas. I would only work CW - lots of experience on HF (110k QSOs from 5X on the other bands) but novice on 160 dx - advice (polite) also invited on operating.
>73 Nick G3RWF/5X1NH
>PS Yes, I use LOTW
>_______________________________________________
>UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK