[Antennas] 160/80

[Peter Veach]

>
> I currently have a 80/160 1/2 wave trap dipole - it was my trusty 80 mtr
> dipole with added traps and extended wire for 160. The 80 mtr
> section still
> works with a slightly higher swr - the 160 section I can not seem
> to get the
> swr down - if I short the traps then the 160 plays well.

Assuming the traps are good, it sounds like there is too much wire after the
traps.
The traps have a loading (shortening) effect on the lower band.

>
> If I use a Fan type dipole, how much separation is needed between wire
> sections ?

Ideally, you want them 90 degrees out, but you do what you can do.

>
> If I use two antennas - the same question applies.

Same as above, do what you can do. Try for as much 'end' separation as
possible.

>
> I have no choice but to use the same set of trees for either set-up. The
> wires will be 160 on top 80 bellow.

I think I would try and get the traps to play if it were me.

>
> QUESTION: Is a FAN 1/2 wave dipole or a single band antenna
> better to use ?
>
>  I do not want to fiddle with Inverted L or any 1/4 wave radial needed
> system or use ladder line. These will be coax fed antennas or antenna.

I resisted ladder line for quite some time, but once I finally tried it, I
found it worked much better than coax and did not have any of the
interference/noise problems commonly associated with it. In fact it has
fewer problems when compaired to coax. Just my two cents worth.

73

-Pete N9QZD