_______ Jeff, I agree with K6XK that an unun is probably not the best solution for a single-band application -- A shunt coil or shunt capacitor will work as well and only need a single component. An
I dont really care what the strength of the signals are with the antenna or its directivity - I just want a QUIETER antenna! I can use the preamp to bring the level back up. I would prefer something
-- -- Or a CRT monitor if the frequency is stable, although a switching supply is lights. And you can occasionally get birdies from linear power supplies -- I had this happen with an old Pyramid sup
-- If the loop wiring is correct, I agree with Tom that the likely problem is coupling to surrounding objects. You can get some sense of the local conditions by walking around your property with a p
While the discussion regarding contest rules and etiquette is useful, we need to remember that a contest is a competition -- and like all competition, it can get pretty intense! Beyond the competitio
-- Agreed -- and as an additional note, many relays are designed for a slight wiping action as they make contact. I use the Tyco (OEG) OMI series for this reason -- they are sealed and have wiping a
de K3NA It's probably France Info on 1206 kHz (300 kW). Open-wire coax is common for power at this level, as is stub matching. Slant-wire reflectors are used to make broad directional patterns, usual
-- Julius, Even the inventor of the K9AY Loop likes short Beverages! I have used them often over the years, both as permanent and seasonal antennas. 300 to 350 feet seems to work best -- at least wi
Bill, While a dramatic change in ground conductivity in dry weather can be a problem, I haven't received any reports of the antenna becoming omnidirectional -- usually its just reduced directivity.
________ The smaller size of the loop will collect less transient energy, so a film resistor will last much longer than with a Beverage. I haven't blown mine in several years of operation, but that'
Yes, a wire on ground has a velocity factor determined by the dielectric constant of the earth below it, as well as the air above it. But it doesn't matter when we have many wires working together as
The following reminder was included in the current ARRL online newsletter, "The Contester's Rate Sheet." (N0AX, Editor): -- o The Rate Sheet would like to remind all Topband contesters that in the up
Bob, CW pitch is a matter of preference. A significant number of guys favor low CW pitch on 160 because it seems to be heard better through the noise. I've tried it and wasn't convinced, so I stay in
I have used fiberglass poles for antennas since 1972 -- here a few notes from my experience: 1. Yes, only a few types of fiberglass poles will handle a large side load such as the top wire of an inve
Fellow Topbanders, I will be doing the QST writeup for the 2006 ARRL 160M contest. Ford, N0FP, has been doing a fine job, but he's ready to hand it over -- he's a CPA and the publishing deadlines are
de N5OT: -- The last statement above depends on the operator, location, propagation and noise. Here in the Midwest, I have found listening with different antennas in two receivers highly productive -
_______ 100% agreement from me. During times of high activity, the "low directivity" antenna in one of my ears will be either the TX antenna (properly attenuated), short Beverage, or K9AY loop. Tom'
-- For a common mode suppressor, you simply want enough inductive reactance to impede current flow. The type of core does not matter -- air, low mu or hi mu materials -- as long as the result is at
The results of the 2006 ARRL 160M contest are now available on the ARRL web site: http://www.arrl.org/members-only/contests/results/2006/160-meters/ 73, Gary K9AY ____________________________________
It's just the beginning of construction season! I'll be putting up a tower or two and laying down a permanent (buried) radial field. I'll also be installing a modest year-round RX antenna system so I