[Antennas] Field Day Antennas,

Mon, 13 May 2002 01:41:18 -0400

 > If you were to have a support available for an antenna for field day that was very tall,
 > ~200 feet possibly more. But could only put up one antenna on it. and wanted to use it on
 > all bands, what would it be?
 > I was thinking a full sized dipole for 80 fed with open line and a tuner. But if it was
 > placed running north south (broadside east west) in an inverted VEE configuration,
 > what would the radiation patterns be on the other bands especially on the higher bands
 > 20, 15, and 10?

  First: 200 feet would require FAA approval, and you won't get it.
Second: you don't want an antenna at 200 feet unless it is VHF and/or UHF.
(putting an antenna on the municipal water tank sounds like a bad idea)

   If you could have only a one band transceiver for field day, what band
would you choose?  Why limit yourself to one antenna? (even one multi bander)

   The antenna you use is (should be) chosen entirely by where your operation is,
geographically, and where you think the most contacts 4 U are lurking.

   The band you will use during field day is determined by the prevailing
atmospheric condx at the time, you will find you will only use the bands that
are open. (although you can plan on using them all)

   For a home station, a `contesting grade' multi band beam would be gud,
or a multi element monoband yaggi on each band, each at it's best height
above the RF reflective level in the dirt under them.  And dipoles for
every band aimed at the most people. (greatest population)  Some
locations require rotors, others don't.

   For club field day stations, concentrate on wire antenna and push up poles
(or trees and a casting rod), remember: the Moxin is your friend!
   Starting building your antennas at the top (80 meters) and work
your way down (10 meters) 80 meters will always be open, 10 meters
will generally be open the least. (over an 11 year span)
   `Field day' is a day long event, if you don't know how the MUF effects
field day, study it.
   The best all around antenna is a tapped dipole, with insulators and an
insulator shorting jumper on each half with one battery clip each,
making up a 80/40/20/15/10 meter dipole, each tuned to the CW portion
of each band, with two tent stakes, some rope, and a 40 or 50 foot push
up pole with a pulley at the top. (no traps, lower it and add or remove
jumper clips, pull it back up) Find a nice city or county park to have
club field day if you can.

   There, I feel better.  (do you?)

       73 (= Best Regards) de: Ron [email protected]
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