[Elecraft] Wow, antennas really do matter

[Leigh L. Klotz, Jr.]

The stock PAC-12 does pretty well; in the HFPack tests it was less than 
1dB down from a 16' wire with a single elevated radial on 20M.
The MP1 performed similarly.  I would expect the Buddistick that 
Elecraft sells to be in similar territory.  I don't think that the 
loading coil is a big issue, at least on 20M.

At the last AmTech day (http://www.am-tech.info) I worked Japan on 20M 
with 10W SSB and my K2, no problem.  It's a good quick DX antenna, with 
the low angle of radiation you expect from a vertical.

Kristen K6WX has done some experiments with the PAC-12 coil, radials, 
and elements and discussed it at AmTech day , and reported that raising 
the high current point by putting more aluminum rod below the coil and 
using 3-wire (instead of 2) and longer radials to reduce ground loss 
does more for getting out than spacing the coil out.  Pacific Antenna 
sells additional rods, or you can make your own with a tapping tool and 
rod from the hardware store.  I imagine that Budd and Vern have similar 
things going, so I think no matter what short vertical you choose, 
you'll have plenty of options to experiment.

Leigh / WA5ZNU

Mark Saunders, KJ7BS wrote:
> Ok, I've read about the PAC-12 antenna and I'm almost convinced to get/build
> one. 
>
> It's a short vertical, right?  
> What is its performance?  
> It's got to be a compromise, right?
> Would a larger coil diameter with wider spacing between the winds improve
> performance?
>
> Mark Saunders, KJ7BS
> Glendale, AZ
> =================================================================
>
> <SNIP>
>
> Leigh WA5ZNU convinced me to build a PAC-12 antenna early on, but
> I never had much luck with it. It doesn't work in my back yard
> at all... I brought it to our cabin a couple of times and couldn't
> figure out what I was doing wrong. I could hear "OK", but no one
> could hear me.
>
> <SNIP>
>
> 73 de chris K6DBG
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>