[Elecraft] multiband counterpoise with K1. A word of cautio n

[Wallace, Andy]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Buck [mailto:kh7t@arrl.net]

> Please note that for multiwire dipoles or antennas connected 
> to the same feed line, that spreading the ends of the dipoles enables the 
> wires to behave better as resonant antennas. 

That is pretty likely to be the case with a counterpoise lash-up
like mine/Thom's. What I am interested to know is how it affects things
and in what direction. 

> The point is that the close 
> coupling probably does not provide as low an impedance at the desired 
> operating frequency as if the ends are fanned out a bit.  

So would we compensate, in the bundle, by making the individual wires
longer or shorter?

> So for maximum performance from my QRP rig, I would tend to 
> separate the counterpoise wires at least at the far end by a few feet.

That's not possible in my case, simply due to house space. 

>  Or I would use a simple tuner with a single counterpoise wire.  The 
> tuner might be smaller than the bundle of extra wire.

Yes. I even have a Ten-Tec Artificial Ground, which is made for that.

I have gone around and around on this subject with a boatanchor (tube)
friend
of mine (75m A.M. among other things) -- the last thing I want, to get on
and ENJOY operating, is to have to get up and walk to another room to
retune parts of the antenna system every 25 kHz. I do have a boatanchor
QRO station but that mainly stays on one band, and there, I don't mind
fiddling with a manual tuner.

So my goal with the K1/KAT1 and some sort of driven ground/counterpoise
lash-up is to be able to operate with MINIMUM fuss at the limitations
of my shack location and antenna restrictions. One night is too soon to
say that it helps so more testing is required, and possibly adjustment
of wire lengths. I WILL say that the main thing that has gotten me these
95 countries with my K1 has been:

1) four band coverage of the CW portion only
2) the automatic KAT1 antenna tuner, which makes scanning one band to the
next
a breeze. 

If it weren't so EASY to go from one band to another to see who's on the 
air, I wouldn't have as much luck, I am sure. Hopefully the counterpoise
bundle will improve things further.

-Andy