[Elecraft] kx1 hotel qrv best antenna suggestion

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Sergej, DF6MU asked:

hey KX1 users out there: what would be the ultimate hotel room antenna 
(that can be accomodated in laptop bag)? maybe a loop of some kind?

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Hi Sergej!

I'd say that any wire you can get outside of a hotel room would be better
than any wire inside. That's because of all the metal in the buildings. Most
have a metal skeleton at least, plus wiring, plumbing and more. It sounds
like the hotels you are staying in have windows that open. Here in the USA
most are sealed shut. 

Assuming you have an open window, if you drop the wire down, be aware that
you don't want it to exceed 1/2 wavelength (actually 5/8 wavelength) because
beyond that point the radiation pattern skews upward. I'd shoot for whatever
is closest to 1/2 wavelength that the KX1 ATU can handle. The closer you can
get to 1/2 wavelength, the higher the efficiency your antenna will have
because it won't be dependent upon a good RF ground. Of course, if you can
get the wire away from the building, all the better. 

If you find yourself stuck indoors with no windows that will open, I'd run
two wires of equal length away from the rig - one along the ceiling and
perhaps the other along the floor. 

Ron AC7AC