[Elecraft] 160m activity?

[Jim Brown]

On Sun, 11 Feb 2007 08:51:02 -0600, Randy Moore wrote:

>FWIW, the antenna I'm trying to use is an 88 foot dipole in 
>the inverted vee configuration with the apex at about 45 feet. 

That's part of your problem -- it's a lousy 160 antenna. 160 is a 
band that sort of forces you to take antennas more seriously. Not 
that they need to be perfect or textbook, but you can't throw away 
10-20 dB and expect to make Q's like you can on the higher bands. 

I suggest you do something like what I did when I lived on a small 
lot in Chicago. I managed to work across the country with 100 watts, 
and worked at least one 160 contest QRP. See details at

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/k9yc160TopLoad.htm

Note that while my "counterpoise" was a big wrought iron fence and 
some short radials, another ham in Chicago uses the HVAC system in 
his sprawling suburban house as a counterpoise. :) 

When I moved from Chicago to the side of a mountain near Santa Cruz 
last spring, I took down the antenna and re-installed it at my new 
qth. I started with about 25 radials, adding more as I have time 
(and find the copper), and I now have 40. No surprise -- the antenna 
works even better here. :) 

73,

Jim Brown K9YC