BIG antennas…

I’ve had this long held dream of getting on top-band with a full size antenna!  Just imagine what could be achieved on a winters night with a full wave loop 😉  Even a full sized 1/4 wave vertical with a good counterpoise should be a magnificent antenna…  Don’t image I’m thinking shortened antenna’s here, no, I’m thinking BIG 😉

So, who is up for a bit of fun this winter?  We have several sandy beaches nearby with vehicular access that offer more than enough space to erect such an antenna…  OK, so what planet am I on, you ask? Ah, well like Baldrick I have a cunning plan 🙂  But I’m pretty sure my plan will work as its been done several times before and by Marconi himself….  Yes, I’m thinking kite antenna’s. 🙂

First off, the 1/4 wave vertical seems like an achievable start and flown above the worlds best counterpose it should be phenomenal!  Other configurations would work too – why not a delta loop?  OK it needs a couple of kites but that should be doable…  There are lots of video’s on Youtube but check out the website of G4ROJ and also note that he lives just up the road and is willing to do a club talk…..

Who’s in?

Andrew
G0RVM

Linear loaded 40m dipole

Whilst investigating options for a new 20m/40m antenna at my station I came across a QST magazine article by Lew Gordon, K4VX about a linear loaded dipole for 40m.  It’s not dual band, but it did catch my eye due to the well written article and also because of its shorter, than a full size dipole, top length.

I’m posting it here just in-case it’s useful to someone.

Andrew
G0RVM

The Dipole Antenna

There is a good introductory segment by Gordon West, WB6NOA to the dipole antenna, the benefits of a resonant vs non-resonant antenna and a discussion of other simple wire antenna’s near the start of the the latest Ham Nation episode.  We have a link to all episodes under ‘H’ on our Links page but for convenience you can also find it here: http://twit.tv/show/ham-nation/162

Ham Nation is in its 162 weekly episode and since the very first episode they have covered a wealth of subjects core to amateur radio.  Memorable episodes for me are Bob’s introduction to microphones, audio processing and the importance of good audio to working DX, coaxial dipoles, the station ground (RF vs DC) including ground loops plus some of the kits George has built on the show, but there are many more.

If you don’t know about Ham Nation, I can certainly recommend viewing.  It’s an all American production by Bob Heil (K9EID) [Of microphone fame], Gordon West (WB6NOA)George Thomas (W5JDX) and Dale Puckett (K0HYD) and episodes often contain contributions from the UK.  Its very good and has quite a worldwide following.

Andrew
G0RVM