Topband: Hi Z amplifiers for 160m

[Chris Moulding]

As well as being a radio amateur (G4HYG) I also run a small business 
designing and making radio equipment (Cross Country Wireless).

Recently I've been asked by a radio contest group to see if I can 
redesign the YCCC Hi Z amplifier using modern components and using 
similar mounting arrangements to our Loop Antenna Amplifier.

The first prototype using surface mount components is working well.

So far I've not build an array of antennas but that will come later when 
the production boards arrive.

The prototype uses a unity voltage gain amplifier and a BNC connector.

I've a couple of questions for others on the list with experience of 
running vertical receive arrays:

Is a unity voltage gain amplifier OK or do you think it needs more gain 
for long coax runs?

At present I'm using a BNC male connector for the output. Would an F 
type connector be more compatible with existing antenna arrays.

73, Chris G4HYG