[Elecraft] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU

[Don Butler]

Scott ... I suggest that you download the KXAT1 manual from the Elecraft 
Website .... pages 9-11 have some great suggestions for random wire antenna 
lengths and wire types, etc.  I followed those suggestions when I first got 
my KX1 ... I think my random wire is about 28 feet long.  Using a bnc to 
dual binding post adapter with the random wire and a counterpoise I've had 
great success with the KX1 on 40M, 30M, and 20M.   and now I'm using the 
same setup with my KX3, and in addition to 23, 30, and 40 I've also had 
success on 17M..

My biggest problem seems to be finding a suitable tree to support the wire 
and to avoid getting things in a tangle when I'm setting up...  so when I 
can I take along my own wire support ... a tripod (which I have as a 
keyboard amplifier stand, but is very similar to the tripods sold by 
buddipole and yagi in a bag folks)... and a telescoping painter pole that 
extends to 16 feet ... with that setup I can get it up about 22 feet in just 
a few minutes.

I recently drove up the mountainside near my home and set it up for a couple 
hours ... and posted a few pictures here: 
http://www.udxa.org/gallery/show_thumbs.php?id=28    ... feel free to check 
them out.

It sets up in minutes ... and it works.   I personally think the random wire 
has an advantage over things like Buddipoles and Mini Yagis because you 
don't have to recongifure the antenna every time you want to change bands...

73,
Don, N5LZ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Graham" <n0nuf2 at gmail.com>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 1:15 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] "random wire" and the KX3 ATU


> Hello everyone.
>
> I've seen a lot of traffic on the "random wire" topic. Does anyone
> have a link to a website or an excellent design for a "random wire"
> that will at least do all bands 40m up (40-10)? Please drop me an
> email if you have any information on a good wire design.
>
> Thanks,
> Scott - n0nuf
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