[Elecraft] KX1: requesting recommended wire antenna lengths advice

[Pat Ring]

Hello.  I researched this, eh, pretty thoroughly, but I keep running into a
little problem with the recommended lengths for direct-fed antennas.  The
KXATU guides recommend a 24'-28' radiator and a 1/8 wave
ground/counterpoise, but I have seen 28' and 41' recommended as well (some
with recommended radials and some without).  The 24' wire tuned up fine on
20m and 30m, around 1.2:1, but I can't get an KX1ATU lower than about 8.9
SWR on 40.  Am I missing something obvious, or should I continue to
experiment?  I've only tried that ATU about three times on 40M because that
SWR seems pretty high to me and has to be tough on the kit.  I am reluctant
to continue to try anything in this range now.  I don't really want to take
coax on the road with me, and 20m and 30m are ok, but I would like to
participate in the 4sQRP on 40m when I am on the road this week.  I would
appreciate your advice.  Thanks.  Pat NQ0N