[Antennas] Random Wire

[David Shrader]

I don't have a problem with Rick's comments!

I've run into Extra Class Hams at HRO in NH asking questions regarding
how to feed a dipole? Do I need a balun? I have a loop antenna and it
shows high SWR. Do I need a tuner? 

I've run into on the air comments that ask in effect "Why won't my 40
meter dipole work on 20 when it works fine on 15?"

Etc.

We have a problem in this country that FCC and/or the VEC community does
NOT want to admit. We have ignorant [dictionary definition] Extra Class
hams. Extra Class is supposed to be the highest level of expertise. It's
now available for a quick course!

Any comments on how to fix it? [Other than saying 20 wpm].

Deacon Dave, W1MCE
++++++++++++++++++

------------------
Rick Cole wrote.....

Wes N7WS wrote..
I know what a dipole is: a length of wire split into two with a
trasnmission
line attached at the split, but what do you mean by "random wire?"


<snip>

Rick continues:

This question really surprises me...I wonder to what extend the depth of
knowledge is required to gain a Ham Licence in the USA...even more than
that, the lack of further reading on such a fascinating subject as
antennas
after getting the license..
Wes, I do not know how long you have had your license and I am not in
any
way trying to flame you personally but I would have thought that in your
search for knowledge, to be able to sit the exam and gain your licence,
that
you would have to have come across this term "random wire" in the books.
Whether it was before you sat the exam or even after you gained your
licence.  If you were interested enough in the hobby you would further
read
the books to upgrade and then you surely would have come across the term
"random wire".
I plead ignorance here as I am not a citizen of the USA but it seems to
me
the amount of knowledge in general, required to gain a ham licence in
your
country, seems so small that i wonder when it will get to the stage of
just
paying your money over the counter for it...
This is my personal opinion...
Regards  Rick VK3YM