Topband: 160 vert puzzle

[jcjacobsen at q.com]

How do to all. 
Glenn is chasing a 160 meter antenna puzzle, where the SWR on a vertical supported by a 4x4 increases when he touches the top of the 4x4. 

First off, the disclaimer: I AM NOT AN ANTENNA GURU!!!!! 

With that said, Glenn, does the same thing happen when you bring your finger/hand CLOSE to the 4x4 with out touching it??? I think what is happening is your hand is coupling capacitively to the antenna. Moving your hand up and down is changing where it is coupled to the vertical and because of a different level of "voltage and current", the SWR will change. I noticed that also on my temp low band/winter vertical that is insulated from and supported by a tripod. Touch the tripod and the SWR goes up. Come close to the tripod, same thing. I'd say, don't worry about it. Just use it. 

73 es GDDX 
K9WN Jake 



Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 21:30:33 -0500 
From: Glenn Biggerstaff < ww4b73 at gmail.com > 
To: topband at contesting.com 
Subject: Topband: A 160 Meter antenne puzzle