[30m] Screwdriver antenna problem

[David Dorrance]

From: "Jason Hsu, AA0II" <jhsu802701 at jasonhsu.com>
Message-ID: <000f01c687f3$8193fd40$0400a8c0 at qwest.net>

I apologize for yesterday's no-show.  I have an antenna problem that I
STILL haven't been able to diagnose.  And I have a dirty little secret:
I'm the most incompetent antenna installer to ever earn a license.
Other people can work the world with double digit SWR, a dummy load, or
a piece of scrap metal lying around.  On the other hand, I can't radiate
anything unless everything about the antenna is just perfect.  (Well, at
least I didn't shoot my hunting partner.) . . .
**********************************
Hi Jason,

Dummy loads and metal scraps (along with a transmission line) may work
during a propagation opening, but are generally not good antennas!

A 1/4 wave vertical antenna, without a counterpoise, is only half an 
antenna.  So it
is not unreasonable that it won't work very well.  In the case of a vertical
you need to supply the other half of the antenna.  This is done with 
multiple
1/4 wavelength radials.  You attach the shield of your coax transmission
line to the radials, or in your case one side of the balun to the vertical 
and
the other side to the radials.

It also helps to elevate the antenna so there are fewer losses between the
vertical radiator and the ground.

In general, vertical radiators exhibit a low angle of radiation, making
them good for long distance contacts.  On the downside, vertical
radiators tend to be "noisy" in urban environments where there is
lots of qrn from power lines.

We will be looking for you on Saturday.

73's

Dave WA6YSO