[TowerTalk] 80M antenna suggestion

Richard W. Harris Richard_Harris at byu.edu
Mon Oct 24 22:59:57 EDT 2005


Hi,
I finally finished my 160M shunt-fed tower antenna and it works superbly.  Lots of work but I think it will be worth it.  I want to thank all those that gave me suggestions for this antenna.
 
My next project is to get an antenna for 80M.  I have been investigating several options and want any feedback regarding them.  To summarize my setup so far - I have a single 72 foot 4-section US Towers crankup tower with a 12-element 7-band Sommer antenna for 10M through 40M at about 75 feet.  I also have, of course, the 160M shunt-fed antenna on this tower.  I have large (60-70 foot) cottonwood trees about 75-85 feet to the west of my tower and my home (about 30 feet above ground) about 75 feet to the east.  I have 56 ground radials totalling about 5000 feet of wire radiating from the tower for the 160M shunt-fed antenna.  I have two " conduits underground from my tower to my shack to run any coax and control cables.  I also have a K9AY loop for 80m/160m receive about 80 feet to the southwest of my tower.
 
I have been looking at the following for 80M: a) inverted-V, b) inverted-L, c) Delta loop  for 80M.  I can attach a 3-4 foot standoff on my tower at the top of any of the sections to attach any of these three antennas.  My question is do you  have any suggestions as to which of the three antennas (or any other you feel might be better) I might have the best luck with on this tower for 80M? Also, for any of these you might recommend what suggestions for coupling the coax to the antenna.  Do I need a balun or direct connection?
 
Thanks much for your generous help,
Richard - KJ7CU


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