[Elecraft] [KX3] Portable Antenna question

[Jim Brown]

On 3/8/2013 10:30 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> The problem is that very large RF voltage are developed at the end of such a
> wire - well beyond what any compact or semi-compact tuner that doesn't use
> big air variable caps can handle. So we compromise.

Exactly. One specification (efficiency or SWR) alone does no define 
success. The TX must put power into it, and loads close to a half wave 
are very difficult for a tuner to match. Like I said -- avoid antennas 
within 10% or so of a half wave.  Beyond that, get as close to a quarter 
wave with a decent counterpoise and call CQ.

This summer, W6GJB and I put a quarter wave whip on a tripod on a 
mountataintop threw a quarter wave of wire into some scrub trees, and 
connected it to his KX3.  In about 10 minutes on 15M, we had worked AS, 
SA, and the Carribbean,. And if there had been skip to EU and VK, we 
would have worked them too.

73, Jim K9YC