[Elecraft] Inverted L for 160 meters

[James Bennett]

For those of you who have limited real estate, like I do, and have HOA/CC&R issues, AND want to get on 160 meters, you might want to do some reading on the Folded CounterPoise (FCP). Do a Google search and you’ll uncover several hits and links to this unusual and workable compromise “radial” system.

I live on a small California city lot and am not allowed towers, beams, etc. I do have several redwoods on the property that allow me to string thin, stealthy wires. With a large patio and an in-ground pool, there is absolutely no place for conventional 160 meter radials.I came across the FCP several years ago. Built one for an 80 meter Inverted L and another for a 160 meter Inverted L. Both work very well - they are mounted on the upper part of the fences around our property. One hundred percent not seen outside of our property. The antenna wire is nearly impossible to see. Can I easily get DXCC on 160 meters? Heck no. But I did complete WAS and have about 25 countries (all CW) confirmed on Top Band.

If you have limited property and still want to operate 160, take a look at the FCP.

Jim / W6JHB

> On Aug 28, 2020, at 4:38 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I <rick.nk7i at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> For the record, I agree but as I made no series of qualifying tests; all I was able to state in my previous comments was that the inverted L was more efficient (heard by more) and I heard better when I went vertical.
> 
> Both of which can be my change in location; this locale is loads quieter, one of the points I reviewed before purchase.  Although moving 800 miles north in NA rarely helps propagation (I didn't move here for the fast internet or easy prop).  I can state that I have another 80 or so ATNO since the move (because I can HEAR now!); sitting at 304 worked (but I really have to work on getting more QSL cards).
> 
> What I have now works <grin>; I mostly work what I hear (and with a K3, that ain't bad).  Will it work better with stacked arrays and/or taller towers?  We'll never know.  ;-)   Soon I'll be down to one antenna per band (total 2 for HF).  While that makes 'single point failure' possible, I like simple... and I have other endeavors should the antenna/s fail.
> 
> 73,
> Rick NK7I
> FAR North Idaho
> 
> On 8/28/2020 4:13 PM, Bill Johnson wrote:
>> Exactly spot on in my opinion. What "works" in my backyard, perhaps will not in yours.  What seems to be a great antenna in my yard, doesn't make it movable and working elsewhere.  That's the fun of antennas IMHO.  Love to experiment and don't take too seriously all the suggestions.  I like talking about antennas but not pontificating about one over another.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Bill
>> K9YEQ
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Lyn Norstad
>> Sent: Friday, August 28, 2020 8:41 AM
>> To: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Inverted L for 160 meters
>> 
>> Jim, K9YC wrote, in part:
>> 
>>> My approach to ham radio has never been mediocrity, but rather to get
>> better at everything within the limits of my real estate and resources.
>> 
>> Bingo!  We would all like to build the "perfect" antenna for each band and
>> each intended usage, but more often than not, there are limitations.
>> 
>> In my case, a vertical of any significance would not be permitted by HOA
>> rules (visible from street), nor would installation of a suitable radial
>> system be possible due to septic drain field and other considerations - both
>> physical and aesthetic.
>> 
>> So we do what we can and try to maximize the performance thereof.
>> 
>> Done.
>> 
>> 73
>> Lyn, W0LEN
>> 
>>  
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