[TowerTalk] 160m antenna ideas / suggestions

[N1BUG]

On 01/24/2018 11:35 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:
> I'm a relative newcomer on top band.  I have only 86 entities worked.
> Apparently, I failed to get the message since sixty-seven of them were worked
> with an inverted-vee dipole with apex at 45' and the ends barely above head
> high.  This was both the TX and RX antenna and TX power never exceeded 500 W.

I worked 200+ DXCC entities with an inverted V. Then I put up a 
vertical. What a difference! I worked more DX and my signal reports 
from DX improved. Having experienced this difference and knowing the 
difficulty level in working the more distant / rare ones I have been 
getting since the antenna change, I am positive I would not have 294 
worked today if I were still relying on the inverted V.

For casual use, including DXing, a horizontal or V antenna will 
work. If you have no other choice, these antennas will work. If you 
have a choice and you are serious about DX, a vertical (with 
effective ground system, which can be a *lot* of work and expense) 
is the way to go.

73,
Paul N1BUG