[TowerTalk] Open wire lines

[n8de at thepoint.net]

Years ago, I stumbled, quite literally, upon an unusual scheme to feed  
a 160m balanced antenna with open wire using a 'swinging-link' tuner.

The unusual component is that the balanced antenna feeders were  
attached to the OPEN-circuit at the CENTER of the coil, with the outer  
ends of the coil connected to the tuning capacitor, making the  
parallel coil, capacitor, and antenna feeders all part of the tuned  
circuit.

With the transmitter/amplifier output INTO the swinging link [make  
sure it has sufficient turns and power-handling capabilities], you can  
adjust the link for maximum power transfer into the antenna.

Wish I could draw a picture for you all, but the following is my  
'klutz' attempt:

  _____
C     |
C     |
C     = [variable capacitor at this point in circuit]
C_____|____________
L_____|____________ [open-wire feedline to antenna]
C     |
C     |
C     |     [L = position of swinging link]
C_____|

Have no idea why it worked, but the QSL from Bolivia on 160m made me smile.

73
Don
N8DE