Topband: phasing line lengths for phased verticals

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > > 1. for 80m phased verticals that are 1/2 wave apart (66 feet),

That is 1/4 wave separation - not half-wave.  One half wave on 80 is
roughly 139 feet (984/3.55/2 = 138.6 feet).

Since you are using 1/4 wave spacing and a PVS-2 (which is a quadrature
device if I remember correctly), two /14 wave cables (about 54' each
when the velocity factor for foam is included) should *easily* reach
the midpoint of the array.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 11/17/2012 6:56 PM, DALE LONG wrote:
> Until recently, I had phased verticals on both 80m and 160m and lots of beverages. (this was in a woods, and not my property)  Then the loggers came and destroyed all.
>
> In addition to the antennas, the phasing lines were torn up, and broken and needed replacement.  For 160m I use the Christman method with .71 and .84 wavelength lines. For 80m I use a Comtek PVS-2 controller.
>
>
> In replacing the 80m phasing lines today I made a stupid mistake, I dont know what I was thinking, but I carefully measured and soldered two identical 1/4 wave lengths of new coax.  I tested them on my AIM 4170 and they were nearly identical, exactly on the design frequency.  Then I went to install them and guess what...of course they were too short.  I have worked with phased verticals before and I know that you often need to use 3/4 wave phasing lines, but I was too intent on measuring and soldering and making the repairs.
>
> So now I have two questions.
>
> 1. for 80m phased verticals that are 1/2 wave apart (66 feet), what will be the pattern?  It's not the same as 1/4 wave spacing, so what really is happening?
>
> 2. what is the best length of phasing line to use.  Should I use 3/4 wave phasing lines?  Should I avoid using 1/2 wave phasing lines?
>
> Thanks
>
> Dale - N3BNA
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