[Elecraft] Slightly OT: non-resonant wires

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

IMX with random wires the only issue about length is to end up with an
impedance at the ATU that it can handle and for it to be long enough to
radiate efficiently. A short wire (< 1/4 wavelength) depends upon a very,
very good "RF ground" or counterpoise system of operate with any efficiency.
Above about 5/8 wavelength there is no length that radiates better than any
other in general. Only the pattern changes. 

As you noted, the so-called "magic" lengths that I've seen published are
simply those that avoid a voltage loop (high impedance node) at the tuner
since most ATUs are not designed to deal with very high impedance loads and
if the rig doesn't have a good "RF ground" one easily experiences "RF in the
Shack" issues. 
 
73, Ron AC7AC 

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Barry
N1EU
Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2016 11:06 AM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Slightly OT: non-resonant wires

I think the only important measurement is that it avoids being near a half
wavelength on any bands.  Are there really "magic" lengths to be used with
9:1 xfmr into a tuner?  I'm skeptical.

73, Barry N1EU