[TowerTalk] Loading Coils

[David Gilbert]

I believe that is likely to be a more efficient approach than using an 
inductor.  It is possible to make air wound inductors with pretty high Q 
and not much loss, but the approach you used spreads the current out 
over the entire radiator ... and that is a plus.  A proper capacitor is 
possibly more expensive than the coil, though ...

Dave   AB7E


On 8/2/2025 9:52 AM, Steve Jones wrote:
> Just an alternate approach:  I made my 160M "Tee" vertical with the tee top long enough to resonate at around 1600 KHz.  Then cancelled the inductive reactance with a series air variable in a weatherproof box at the base.
> 73,
> Steve
> N6SJ
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Stan Stockton
> Sent: Friday, August 1, 2025 4:54 PM
> To: David Gilbert <ab7echo at gmail.com>
> Cc: TowerTalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Loading Coils
>
> Those look very nice.
>
> I’ve made a few coils for 40m elements and 160m loading coils using dead soft 1/4” aluminum tubing and a Crisco can used for a form.  The spacers were made from strips of Delrin about 3/4” wide and maybe 1/4”-3/8” thick.  Drill holes in the Delrin with whatever spacing you want, slice it through the middle of the holes from one end to the other with a band saw and hold it together with zip ties once all the turns are encapsulated.  Three or four of these spacers have worked well for a good sized coil.
>
> 73…Stan, K5GO
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Aug 1, 2025, at 4:55 PM, David Gilbert <ab7echo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> If you have access to a 3D printer this might be an inexpensive alternative:
>>
>> https://youtu.be/qAgF9Mzr8XM
>>
>> or
>>
>> https://youtu.be/S6spyk1GRoo
>>
>> Personally, I'd go with the version that has a slight taper.  In most cases it would make no difference at all, and it's quite a bit simpler.
>>
>> OpenSCAD is free and extremely easy to use, and the parametric design allows you to make a coil exactly how you want it.  If anyone needs it, I can make a video that walks you through the entire process.
>>
>> Dave   AB7E
>>
>>
>>
>>> On 8/1/2025 1:40 PM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
>>> That is good information.  Without the right equipment they would be
>>> a challenge to homebrew.  Thanks for sharing!
>>>
>>> John KK9A
>>>
>>>
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