[Elecraft] Trans World Antenna

[Mike WA8BXN]

Convenience can be a very big issue in getting on the air or not in portable
operation. Yes, putting up a simple wire antenna can be inexpensive and
perform quite well if suitable supports are available. Yet there are many
times when a short vertical with a loading coil is attractive. One can build
such an antenna for sure, but for some its easier to let someone else build
them and buy them at a price much above the cost of the parts. 
 
Do they work? Well, yes they do, more or less. Any antenna works better than
none. When conditions are good contacts can be made with even a poor antenna
 Its been shown that even a light bulb dummy load will work. Even at QRP
power levels contacts can be made. During the fox hunts I have heard
stations running 100 mW contacting the fox (using a good antenna I assume).
So with decent band conditions even an inefficient antenna will work at 5
watts or so to make some contacts. 
 
Poor antennas sure will not give super results in all band conditions. Yet
one does not have to have the very best possible antenna before trying to
get on the air and making contacts. I think the best approach to making
contacts is just taking what ever you have for rig or antenna and get on the
air and see what you can work. Not just one CQ and giving up but gining it a
good try as time permits. 
 
73/72 - Mike WA8BXN