[TowerTalk] 160M

[Michael Tope]

On 6/4/2011 1:09 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> On 6/4/2011 12:37 PM, jsloss wrote:
>> What type of 160m performance, if any, am I likely to get if I tie the shack end of open wire feeders together, that go to a 80m dipole up 55',  and feed it against ground.
> You're very likely to have a lot of fun on 160M.  I've used EXACTLY that
> antenna, with great success both here in Nor Cal and back in Chicago.
>
> One important caveat though -- you don't want to feed it against the
> EARTH, you want to feed it against some sort of counterpoise that acts
> as the other half of the antenna, like radials, whatever wire you can
> string out, etc.  Back in Chicago I used a big wrought iron fence that
> ran around the front of my city lot. Here in Nor Cal I had room for
> radials, so that's what I used. My buddy, KK9H, uses the HVAC ducts in
> his wood frame suburban house. He ain't loud, but we've worked several
> times from Nor Cal to Chicago.
>
> Note that having fun on 160M also means a good RX antenna. Study the
> literature for various RX loops and Beverages. The ON4UN book and the
> ARRL Antenna Book.
>
Joe,

I concur whole heartily with Jim, especially with regard to having a 
good ground system/counterpoise. I've used  variation of what you 
describe at several locations with good success on 160 meters.

73, Mike W4EF.................