I am pondering the idea of making a mobile 160m antenna. I have a Tarheel model
200 (older model, abt 7 years old now) on my truck and it tunes 80-10m.
However, I know the efficiency on 80 (and 40) isn't the greatest. Even if I
added inductance to it in order to get on Top Band I think the efficiency would
be less than if I had a dedicated antenna.
I have some wire to use for a coil - check out my blog post here:
http://www.kc8qvo.com/2009/12/coil-wire-mobile-160m-antenna.html
Now, what to use for the rest of the antenna is the question.
I was thinking of using an aluminum pipe, maybe 3-4" diameter and ~5 to 8'
tall, for the base (like the screwdriver antenna base) and have that mount to
the trailer hitch (insulated of course). Then put the coil on top. For the whip
either a stainless whip or some creation out of thin aluminum tubing. I am
thinking the band width on the tubing would be greater than a whip, but I don't
know that it would make that big of a difference? Any ideas?
I am going to get with my friend to design up a coil. This should be fun.
I do drive a truck and I am not affraid of a very large antenna. Though I can't
get TOO big - I have had clearence issues on other antennas in the past.
Steve, KC8QVO
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160 meters is a serious band, it should be treated with respect. - TF4M
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