[80m] Quick survey

[Bill Fisher, W4AN]

> What kind of antennas are you all using these days for 80m?


I'm using a 4-square with full sized elements and raised 16' with about 12
radials on each vertical.  I'm in the process of putting down a ground
system that will be aprox 60 1/4 wave radials on each vertical.  This
should improve the pattern because of more consistent feed point
impedences and no interactions with the raised radials.  I've already
noticed the system is working better with the ground radials under it.

I will say, that anyone with a high horizontal antenna will clean my
shorts to Europe.  Other directions I do OK.  For instance, when I
compare with W8JI and he is using a flat top dipole at 150', he is always
1 s-unit louder at least.  He now has a DEZ from his 350' tower and is
beating me by 20db or more.  However, a 4-square is much easier to
maintain than a high horizontal antenna such as a rotory dipole or yagi.

I'm also using beverages.  A set of 4 phased to Europe and a single
beverage other directions.  Generally the 4-square will hear better than
a single beverage.  The phased beverages are always significantly better
than the 4-square.  

If I had a 100' tower and was thinking about what kind of antenna to use,
I'de probably put up a 1/2 sloper just under my big tribander and 40M
yagi.  I used this at my last QTH and it was FB although not a 4-square.


73

Bill, W4AN