Topband: Air wound coil

[Richard Beerman]

Joe and others,  Thanks for your helpful information. So, this will not be a difficult project at all. I have a pretty decent start on my radial system - only need to put down 10 more or so. I am kind of fired up about getting back on 160. It’s been a long time (40 years) since I was on the band. I am a little concerned that the only time there is solid activity these days is during the major contests. But, I can always fire up JT-8 if no activity or too much QRN. Thanks again for all the assistance!  Dick  W5AK

> On Sep 4, 2018, at 2:00 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <lists at subich.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> > On 2018-09-04 1:18 PM, Richard Beerman wrote:
>> Rick and Bob, Thanks for such swift replies. Looks like I should try to reinforce the 3/8” tubing (it’s pretty short) with a wood dowel or
>> perhaps with smaller or larger aluminum tubing.
> Unless you want to redesign the antenna's taper schedule, I would simply
> get a piece of 1/4" tubing and place inside the entire length of the
> 3/8" tip section.  Then I would use 3, 4 or 6 top wires - make them 18
> or 20 gauge for strength.  Arrange them equally around the vertical and
> clamp them to the tip section with a SS band ("worm") clamp.
> 
> Since the 3/8" section is only 36" long (only 24" exposed), I would
> strongly consider attaching the top wires at the junction between
> the 1/2" and 3/8" sections ... at worst the top wires will be 24"
> longer than they would had they been at the very top.
> 
> 73,
> 
>   ... Joe, W4TV
> 
> 
> On 2018-09-04 1:18 PM, Richard Beerman wrote:
>> Rick and Bob,  Thanks for such  swift replies. Looks like I should try to reinforce the 3/8” tubing (it’s pretty short) with a wood dowel or perhaps with smaller or larger aluminum tubing. Then the fishing line method should be a perfect solution using 24 or 26 gauge wire. Using this method, I think a hairpin loop at the base of the vertical will help me achieve resonance. Thanks again.  Dick  W5AK
> 
>