[Elecraft] Favorite antennas for the K1 or K2?

[Stuart Rohre]

Antennas are a subject that depends on your goals, working DX or rag
chewing.    For pretty good coverage, and ease of construction and sure to
work are the dipoles.  Two for 20 and 40 could be put up Bow Tie fashion;
but you do need two points of support, or else, hang them from one pole or
tree as inverted Vees.

For more DX capability, a vertical with elevated radials, (if quarter wave)
or probably more bullet proof and an underutilized concept is a full
vertical dipole for 20m, (halfwave).    for 40 m, you probably have to go
with a quarter wave vertical, and if elevated radials you can get by with 8
with 16 better.  Such an antenna will bring what DX there is when the sun is
cooperating for 20m, and 40m remains useful even when the higher bands are a
problem due to propagation conditions.

Seldom will one antenna do everything you will want, so plan to make a
couple for each band.  It is not hard, and it is economical to make your own
dipoles from 14 gauge conduit wire from the big box stores where a 500 foot
reel is around $15.   Insulators can be electric fence insulators in rural
areas without ham stores; or for shorter term, even a white plastic pill
bottle will do.  Real ceramic holds up better in the sunny climates, but
scrap plastic of many types can be made to work.  PVC plumbing or conduit
fittings are suited for end insulators, (couplings) and Tee fittings for
center insulator, with place for the coax to hang and be supported by
grommets inserted in the opening of the Tee.

You can even, with tuner, put up a single Doublet for 40 and 20, fed with
open wire (parallel) line, and used for all bands 40 and up with wide range
tuner.  With room, 5/8 dipole legs gives that extra bit of gain in the major
lobe directions that is good equalizer working DX, (about 3 dB).

Antennas can be a lifelong pursuit, and is one of the most satisfying
experimental aspects left in amateur radio, available to all.  Get some of
the antenna books and get building.    The new International Antenna
Collection from RSGB and ARRL is particularly good.
-Stuart
K5KVH