[Elecraft] 160M Diversity Antennas

[Dennis W0JX via Elecraft]

I have been using diversity receive on 160M since Spring 2010. At first, I used two different beverages. One beverage into the main RX antenna input and a second beverage into the AUX input for the sub RX. This arrangement produced a marginal improvement in reception. In December 2012, I completed installation of a Hi-Z 4 square system. This RX 4 square is fed into the sub receiver's AUX input. Reception improved significantly as long as both antennas can pick up the desired DX signal. Current arrangement allows inputting one of three beverages or a flag antenna into the main RX input and the Hi-Z four square into the AUX input for the sub RX. I use this receive antenna setup up through 30 meters.

Again, I have found that to get benefit from the diversity receive feature, both receive antennas must be able to detect the desired signal. The inverted L would tend to be a poor diversity antenna on 160 unless a station is located in a very quiet location.

I cannot imagine ever going back to a receive situation where diversity would not be available to me.

73, Dennis W0JX
Milan, OH