Topband: The Stew

[K9AY]

In the Pre-Stew, I did not have the regular RX antennas installed (neither K9AY nor Beverages); only used a couple 200 foot unterminated wires quickly deployed at 2 ft. height. Quiet band was very helpful! All corners of US/VE among my 65 QSOs, including VE1, FL, CA, OR, WA, KV4FZ and VP5. Heard OA4 and KH6 while they were S&P, but I only operated 3 short sessions, didn't call CQ much and didn't work them. Heard whispers of DX an hour before sunrise (VK-something, and another unknown).

Saw several comments on the K9AY Loop -- I've done a lot of analysis and experiments over the past couple years that are not yet published. Among the results is better understanding of the role of ground. I now recommend a few radials for all installations: minimum of (4), preferably (8) radials that are twice as long as the loop's footprint. If you add them to an existing system, remember that the resistor should be readjusted for deepest null.

73, Gary
K9AY