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N9NEO · Guest

I am putting up 160m inverted V antenna next week and need some advice. I am new to radio and don't know antennas very well.

I can get the feedpoint up about 60 feet, with tripod on roof, and would like to shorten the legs a tad by using loading coils. Not sure where exactly to put coils. Is there rule of thumb, or information available on web? A good antenna book that would describe this particular scenario would be helpful.

I am planning to feed with RG8/U PE foam. No balun. Ok?

Antenna is for some experimental AM work on new design transmitter. Looks like it will have to do full pep. No antenna tuner here, but may stick in a pi output network on xmtr.

Not looking for DX, but 500mi antenna would be good.

thanks for help.

See my QEX article in NOV/DEC issue. Full Bridge Phase Shift Modulator for Class E type transmitters.

73
NEO

avdrummerboy · Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Apple Valley

A "V" for 160. Thats a big antenna. At least you can get the feedpoint up high enough. As for loading coils I have no experience with them, it might be trial and error for you. The ARRL antenna book is the only practical suggestion in terms of books for this. The coils would go right at the feedpoint, just like those CB antennas with the big bulge at the bottom of the antenna.

Balun no balun, it usually doesn't matter that much. If you feel you need a balun do a poor mans balun, just coil up the coax at the feedpoint and it will keep currents off. At 160M any coax will work fine, the loss at those frequencies in almost all coax is not bad.

With no tuner, you are going to have a fun time especially with the loading coils getting it right but once it is it will be one great antenna. Although do remember that any king of artificial shortening of an antenna, ie coils, traps, etc, decreases the bandwidth of the antenna so getting a tuner eventually would be suggested, you can get MFJ's for cheap.

Anyway, hopefully helpful.
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KD7WNJ
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