[HBQRP] 4 BTV also

Fri Sep 9 16:56:34 EDT 2005

I'll definitely make the swap meet, probably the meeting as well.  I need
to dump some QRP magazines and maybe a few other odds & ends.  I have QQ,
HB and maybe a QEX or two that I don't need, I'm sure someone at the
meeting will want them.

No spare Heath gear here, but I'm on the hunt for CW filters for the
TS-930.  I wouldn't gripe about finding a monitor scope (SM-220
preferably) either.  Or a busted TS-930 for parts.  Or...  hmmm.  Think
I'll take the truck just in case.  :)

Dale

> Veeeeerrrryyyyyyy interesting !
>
> Will chat with you more tomorrow at the meeting. Don't know if I'll make
> the
> swapmeet in Springfield or not.
> Somewhere there is a Heathkit HW-101 with power supply and speaker
> enclosure
> with my name on it. Wonder if it's there ??? Hmmmm
>
> Steve/WBØQQT
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Piatt, Darwin" <dpiatt at fnni.com>
> To: "ssellmeyer" <ssellmeyer at inebraska.com>; "Midwest Homebrewers Group"
> <hbqrp at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 10:17 AM
> Subject: RE: [HBQRP] 4 BTV also
>
>
> Hi Steve..
> Well this will be a long answer. I have 4 radials and they run N/S and
> E/W,
> and I want more.
> Now some history..
>
> Back in my Air Force days, the MARS station commander (a captain) was a
> HAM
> and a friend. We did some experimenting with verticals as a project for
> the
> MARS station.  In a really big field, we put a full size 20 meter vertical
> on the ground with feed point very close to the ground and one 8 foot
> ground
> rod driven all the way down except for maybe 2 inches. We attached a strap
> to the ground rod and the antenna mount. We put a field strength meter on
> a
> ladder about 100 yards away. And then we tuned the antenna and measured
> the
> signal strength for each test. We started with no radials, then went to 2,
> then to 4 then to 8 then to 16 then to 32 and finally to 64 (we ran out of
> wire). Each time we doubled the number of radials we has an increase in
> signal strength. We always got a good match because of the tuner, but the
> radiated signal got better with each increase of radials.  Our conclusion
> was that the antenna was more 'efficient' with more and more radials. This
> finding agrees with lots of stuff out on the web.
>
> Now for fun, we put a 14AVQ (40 - 10 meter) out there and more of less
> discovered that as long as you had 'several' radials that were at least as
> long as the vertical was high, we had basically the same results. At one
> point we had 4 radials cut to 1/4 wave for each band (40, 20, 15 & 10) (32
> radials). Then we put 32 radials that were the same length as the vertical
> was tall. The field strength meter showed no real difference.
>
> Conclusion? Just put a bunch of radials out there, at least as long as the
> vertical is high and go for it. (remember, if you will, that a multi band
> vertical is only a 1/4 wave on 10 meters, it is short on all the other
> bands
> because of the coils).
> One odd thing we noticed was that we had to keep them matched, in other
> words, do them in pairs. The vertical seems to get a little 'directional'
> if
> there are more radials on one side than the other.
>
> I seem to have less noise with the radials than I did before and although
> I've made no real scientific measurements, my brain tells me my receive
> side
> is better now.
>
> I'm thinking there is a basis of good reasoning why the FCC requires
> commercial radio stations to have 128 radials.
>
> See ya all on Saturday after the Flea Market.
>
> De W9HZC - Dar...
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: hbqrp-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hbqrp-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
> On Behalf Of ssellmeyer
> Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 9:25 AM
> To: Midwest Homebrewers Group
> Subject: [HBQRP] 4 BTV also
>
> I've got a Hustler 4 BTV also mounted in the backyard. Tried to center it
> in
> the middle of the backyard with all the chain link fence,
> flower beds, power lines, garage, house etc. Have yet to put down radials
> as
> I could only run them north/south. Garage to the west and flower beds to
> the
> east. The grass eventually grew over the RG-8 cable that was exposed. I'm
> sure it would grow over radials too if "pinned" down with coat hanger
> hooks.
>
> I drove a 4 foot piece of pipe into the ground about 3 feet to mount it on
> leaving 1 foot above ground. This will be it's 4th year and have had no
> problems with the wind. I've watched it during thunderstorms and gusts and
> it just sways a little but nothing serious. I've read several postings on
> various mail groups that say.........if you can't put down at least 120
> radials, you are wasting your time. I certainly question THAT statement.
>
> Dar, I'd be interested in knowing if only 4 radials made a noticeable
> difference. I could always "sneak" a couple thru the flower beds while she
> is at work someday. Have often thought of 4 each for 20 and 40 meters. "Oh
> look dear, your flowers are putting out nice, new, green runners (color of
> insulation) for next year."     What say ????
>
>
>
> Steve/WBØQQT
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-- 
It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of karma to burn off.