[K3PZN-List] Interesting Portable HF Antenna

[Curt Milton]

Waking up this too-quiet list:  

Is a half wave wire.  While we all should realize a quarter wavelength wire 
requires a generous RF ground system (aka radials) - things are different when 
the antenna is a half wave length.  


In essence, the radiation pattern of a half wave end-fed antenna CAN behave like 
a normal dipole, which does not require a ground connection for normal 
operation.  


However, feeding an antenna at the end is a challenge!  Hence this interesting 
antenna matching unit from the 1920's .... 


http://www.qrpproject.de/Media/pdf/MultibandfuchsEnglish.pdf


Note for this arrangement to work, the antenna must start the matching network!  
It won't work if one tries to put coax between the matching network and this 
antenna!  


I remember when hams were encouraged to build simple tube transmitters (from TV 
parts), and place them near a window where a quarter wave antenna begins.  In 
this case, the ground connection is provided by the AC mains (certainly 
everything in the house appreciated this!).  Did any of you ever use such a 
set-up ?  (No I only used a dipole, but the rig was in my room on second floor 
and I didn't have a ground connection - so I remember the lights flickering with 
the CW.  I don't have this same rig - but I have the receiver - and another rig 
I used back in those days....)

73 Curt