[Elecraft] slinky warts

[Helmut Usbeck]

I've had satisfaction with the slinky vertical I built.  In no way does it
compare to a full size antenna, no matter what.  It's just as good and
maybe better than any other short antenna, or short random-length wire fed
by a tuner.  It has it's warts just like anything.  Here are some pitfalls to
avoid.

-It's not a multiband antenna.  It has to be adjusted to resonance for the
band desired, even with a tuner.  My 40 meter job will work on 20 but at
higher frequencies it starts acting as an rf choke.  After all it is just
a big coil.

-Same thing on receive.  Going off frequency it seems to die.  Must be
brought into resonance.  This of course can be a pain if its hanging in
the attic.

-Will rust after a long period of time.  Fogging on some WD-40, helps
alot.

-another pronounced effect is that with large temperature changes the SWR
goes off by .6-.9. The tempered steel it's made of.

I wouldn't, nor would I recommend buying a ready made one.  They can be
put together cheaply enough with stuff around the house.  The slinky
itself is just a couple of bucks.  In fact I've never bought a ready made
antenna in my life.  Just the parts to made 'em.

As usual "your mileage will vary".  Most antennae do not work well right
out of the box unless some tweaking and stuff is done to them.

I think the slinky could be something for the portable operator, field day
emergency, or for restricted space.  It's not a world beater, just
interesting and has possibilities.

Regards,
Helm  WB2ADT