[Elecraft] New list member/T1 tuner questions

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Hmmm... isn't a definition of a "long wire" one in which alternate half wave
sections are out of phase? 

When a two-wire feeder is attached along its length, the half wave sections
on either side will be in phase, not out of phase, due to the out of phase
signal being fed to the radiator. The exception would be, I believe, a
classic Windom with its single wire feeder ("modern" Windom's with two wire
feeders are quite different, being simply an off center fed doublet). 

Back in the 1950's many Hams said they were using a "long wire" that might
be 50 feet long on 80 - not even 1/4 wave. That used to upset the OTs who,
like Geoff, understood a "long wire" to be an antenna long enough - several
wavelengths typically - for its length to add gain and directivity.

Now that I probably qualify an O.T., it's fun to note that some traditions
continue, Hi! 

I consider my 130 foot end fed wire a "long wire" on 14 MHz and higher since
it is 2 wavelengths on 20 and 4 wavelengths on 10. On 80, where it's a half
wave long I refer to it as a Fuchs antenna and on 40 it's a full wave
antenna. Or, if I'm in a hurry, it's just a "130 ft end fed wire..."  

Ron AC7AC



-----Original Message-----

Rick,

A "long wire antenna" can be fed at any point along its length, not only at 
one end, but at any given frequency the antenna's pattern will change as 
will the antenna's feedpoint impedance as the position of the feedpoint is 
changed. Some schemes such as the Off Centre Fed wire place the feedpoint at

a position where the feedpoint impedance is lowish and similar on several 
bands, allowing the use of a coax feeder, but radiation from the coax feeder

can be a problem if not prevented.

When I was a young ham, a "long wire" had to be at least three or four 
wavelengths in length. They have shrunk in recent years :-)

73,
Geoff
GM4ESD


----- Original Message ----- 

>  I do not understand this statement.  How can a "long wire antenna" have
> 2 sides ?  A long wire is fed from one end only, so are you speaking of
> an endfed wire with an equal length counterpoise laying on the ground or
> are you speaking of a doublet antenna fed in the center with a feedline ?
> I do have manual tuners but want something much simpler like and end fed
> wire with an auto tuner for quick band changes in the field - don't want
> to pack something the size of a MFJ-941 tuner into the woods !

______________________________________________________________