I will be making and erecting an Inverted-L antenna for 160m & 80M very
soon. This is my first wire antenna and the first on these two bands. I've read
several of the ARRL books and while learning a lot about antennas....I'm also
confused about several aspects of there construction.
I will have to live with the supports that I have available (tower and
trees) so I am somewhat limited on horizontal distance. My plan is to run my
antenna wire about 5 feet (or a little more if needed) away from my tower (70
foot crank-up) vertically for about 66 ft. then through a ceramic insulator and
the remainder of the horizontal portion to a tree that has a pulley up about 55
ft. Just guessing at this point but the total length of the wire will be 138
feet plus or minus. Since the end is near the pulley; I can lower the end to
trim it to a specific length. I just purchased an antenna analyzer which I've
used to check some of my other antennas which has answered some questions but
created just as many more. This is a learn as I go process.
Since this is a dual band antenna; I understand that I will need some type
of matching network at the base of the antenna and a way to switch from 160M to
80M and back again from inside my shack. I have know idea what I will need
other then some variable capacitors and a coil all in a weather-proof box. I
plan to use 50 ohm coax feedline.
Could someone on the list please steer me in the right direction as to the
correct components for my matching network and a company that sells these
components. I've read that some use air variable capacitors and doing an
internet search for these has shown the price to be too high for me. I do not
have the time to search the hamfests as I'm trying to finish this antenna
before Winter. I understand that the solar minimum is great for these two bands
and I've never operated on 160M before and I'm looking forward to working some
DX.
Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.
THANKS
Gary
WD8ICX
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