[Elecraft] Questions re: MP-1 antenna

[Dave Sjolin]

Kevin Cozens wrote:
> 
> 1. How much does it weigh?
> 2. What size is the bundle of parts for the antenna when disassembled?
> 3. How tall is the antenna when assembled?
> 4. There seems to be an optional whip for the antenna. What does that do to
> the height of the antenna when assembled? How does it affect performance?
> 5. How long are the ground radials and how many are supplied? Are the
> radials stiff or flexible pieces of wire (ie. can they be routed around
> obstacles)?

I believe the antenna was reviewed in QST within the past six months. I
would think the information you are after would be there if not on the
website.

> 6. How big is the optional tripod for the antenna? How does it affect
> overall height and weight? How stable is the antenna when sitting on the
> tripod? Will the antenna need to be anchored when used outdoors even in a
> gentle breeze?

Unless the tripod is very heavy and it doesnt appear to be, I doubt that
it would be that stable in any kind of wind situation.

> I am interested in using the antenna for 80 (with the add-on 80m coil)
> through 10 meters inclusive. I used to run 100W from my commercial rig in
> to a 26-foot tall Butternut vertical and did very well with that
> combination. 

Results on 80 will be very poor. Worse than mobile but somewhat better
than a dummy load. The higher the band the less a compromise the antenna
represents.

> I wonder what it will be like operating from inside a house.
> What sort of interference I am likely to cause even at low power levels not
> to mention the amount of interference I am likely to receive (the TV and
> the lights in the basement are big noise makers).

At 100 watts, expect to get into stereos, clock radios, telephones and
possibly TV's. You are somewhat less likely to cause trouble with qrp.
Your signal is goign to shoot right into the wall of the building where
all the electrical wiring is present. This wiring then becomes a giant
antenna for all these electronic devices.

I operated 100 watts to stealth antenna in an apartment building for
five years. I got primarily stereos and phones.

73 de Dave, N0IT