[Antennas] Suggestions Please

[Kevin Nathan]

Hello All,

Well, after changing amps twice I finally have been able to narrow down the
problem I'm having with my antenna on 160 and I would like to describe what
is happening and seek advice from the gurus on this list.

Here's the setup.  I am running an extended double Zepp for 40 meters which
tunes from 160 through 10.  Physically it is an inverted vee, 45 feet high
at the apex with 90 feet of wire either side of center and fed with about 70
feet of windowed ladder line.  I am using a 4 to 1 current balun mounted
outside the shack with about ten feet of RG-8 between it and my tuner.  The
first 60 feet on each side of center comes down from center in classic
inverted vee style and then the last 30 feet of either leg are attached at
the ends and dog legged off at about six feet off the ground on one end and
perhaps a lowest point of 7 feet off the ground on the other.

Here's my problem.  I am able to achieve resonance with my tuner on all
bands but on 160, and on 80 at times, when I attempt to run my amplifier,
the antenna capacitor in the tuner arcs.  I am looking for changes I can
make to the system which might eliminate this arcing.  Of course, I can buy
a big brute of a tuner but this is an expensive solution.  What else would
you suggest I might do to change things enough to cause this arcing to quit?
I have some large coils a friend wound for me years ago to make a shortened
160 meter dipole.  What if I were to put one of these in series where the 30
feet of wire is tacked on to each end?  If I were to lengthen the feedline,
how long would I need to make it to make a difference at 160?

I would sincerely appreciate answers to these questions or any other
discussion we can generate from this topic which might help me reach a
solution.

Thank you very much and 73.
Kevin, K7RX