[Elecraft] {KX1} Antenna Matching Question

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I've never been concerned about a SWR of 3:1 or less on HF.  Even with a 
3:1 SWR, depending on feed line loss, most of the power is reflected 
back to the antenna and is radiated.  Now if the length of feedline has 
3 dB of loss at the given frequency, then approximately 1/2 of the 
reflected power arrives back at the antenna.  Hence the reason to use 
good to very good low loss feedline.

73

Bob, K4TAX

K3S #10163




On 6/9/2017 3:55 PM, stan levandowski wrote:
> When following the instruction in the KXAT1 manual and using a wire 
> between 24-28 feet and a 16' counterpoise for 40 and an 8' 
> counterpoise for 20, the best I can ever get is a 1.6 SWR on 20 and 
> 2.8 SWR on 40.
>
> I've spent lots of time shortening and lengthening wires and writing 
> down results and I can't hit the magic combination.
>
>
> The manual also makes it clear on page 8 that a 1:1 SWR is NOT 
> necessary for good performance.  I believe this because the little KX1 
> makes me plenty of contacts with this setup, including DX.
>
>
> I suppose I could just be happy....
>
>
> However, it bothers me that these SWRs are the best I can do. I don't 
> like seeing these high ratios on the display.   I built this KX1 but 
> had Don Wilhelm build and install the 30/80 module for me.  As part of 
> his service, he went over my KX1 and told me that it was up to spec.
>
>
> So my question is:  Has any KX1 user out there figured out a wire 
> length, length and number of counterpoises, etc. that gives a better 
> match with the KXAT1's capabilities??
>
>
> When I say I use a wire, I mean I throw it up into a tree and get it 
> as vertical and possible, then I lay out the counterpoise wires and it 
> all attaches directly to the KX1 with a dual binding post.  Just real 
> simple!
>
>
> Thanks for any words of advice and 73,
> Stan WB2LQF
>
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