[Elecraft] Antenna for K1/K1-4+KAT1

[Vic Rosenthal]

Bob Tellefsen wrote:
> Martin
> Any time you are using an unbalanced antenna, earth ground is part of the
> antenna system.

Bob is absolutely correct, and if you don't believe him, listen to his 
QRP signal on 160 meters!

I'd like to add that you don't always need an actual 'Earth' ground that 
involves burying copper.  A counterpoise system, which can be a single 
wire above ground or an elevated radial system will also be effective. 
The simplest counterpoise is a single wire 1/4 wl long.  For multiband 
use you can use parallel wires or find a length that will be an odd 
number of 1/4 wavelengths on all bands.

This wire will radiate to a certain extent, but doesn't need to be as 
high as the antenna.  Note that even at QRP levels you may have a 
highish voltage at the far end under some conditions, so it should be 
insulated and not located where people or other animals might come into 
contact with it.

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA