[Elecraft] [QRP-L] Antenna Question

[WILLIS COOKE]

Linear loading versus loading coils, top hats, etc. is a very complex subject that cannot be summed well in an email.  Affordable programs that run on home computers, such as EZNEC are great tools and I use them.  Professional programs that run on bigger computers are no doubt better, but I do not have access to them.  But, the proof is in the pudding and to really know how well something works requires building the antenna and erecting it in the position it is to be used with the trees, buildings, soil type, etc. that will be present.  Wire size is important, as is Q and the problem is very different for QRP versus medium power versus full QRO, particularly when wound coils are considered.  The computer programs are great for deciding which antenna you want to try first.  Trying an infinite number of variations might be better, but that would require infinite money and time.  Some designs, such as the SteppIR are better with linear loading
 because of mechanical considerations.  As previously mentioned, the design of antennas for commercial or emergency use certainly considers different things than getting the last dB for busting a pileup.  The mountain topper that plans to take his station to the top of a peak certainly has different antenna criteria than the avid contester who is building his antenna farm.

I have been playing with antennas for 56 years now and I am a long way from knowing all there is to know, even way short of knowing all I want to know!  I don't think I will live long enough to get there, Marconi certainly didn't.  Isn't ham radio great?  There is so much to do and learn that you never run out of something interesting.
 
Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart


----- Original Message -----
From: James Rodenkirch <rodenkirch_llc at msn.com>
To: don at w3fpr.com; nskousen at talisman-intl.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net; QRP-L <qrp-l at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 7:48 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [QRP-L]  Antenna Question


Please treat this reply to the below thread where an emphasis on linear loading being mo betta than a loading coil as a dialectic discussion. Something about that posit - linear loading is more efficient than a loading coil - didn't ring true with me so I did a little digging.  Now, keep in mind that what I