[Lowfer] Newbie Hints

[Peter Barick]

Re: Hints For Getting Started w/ A LowFER Vertical

A popular Part-15 LF antenna for tx and rx is a vertical w/ top hat. It
being considered that the radius of the top hat is part of the
calculated antenna "height." Given that a vert. needs a good ground,
many radial wires are *required*. How many is many? Ans: Many, many, but
one can start at some number and build as time permits.

The next big factor is the *required* loading coil, can be base or mid
[better] mounted. Many, including powerhouse XRS, use the ubiquitous
5-gal plastic pales [10.5 in. dia.]--even stacking them for more turns
of heavy no. 12 housewire. Others have used wood/plastic formers to
contain a circle of PVC pipes. Here, a 14-17+ diameter is possible to
achieve that 2-2.5 D/L ratio of the coil. Also, these coils are tuned a
bit via a smaller coil [varometer] inside the larger, that is able to be
turned on its axis for adj'g. the L and ant for resonance.

New Idea. I live in an area w/ hard water, hence softwater firms. The
systems use a brine tank that is plastic and can range from, say, 14-24
in. dia.--think serious coils here that may even be space wound. The
companies recycle or dump the old ones, Ha. One of these 22 in. drums
jumped in my arms recently and we became friends. It's now in the
"future project" catg. [Wife thinks its a dump bin for the garage. Ah,
good thinking, dear!] But there are other forms too. ...

Was in the home store [presently reroofing same garage--pulling up two
layers old.] and saw coil, er cement forms made out of heavy fiber matl,
1/4 in. There were various sizes from 8-18 in. dia. by 2-3 ft long. Not
bad--and not expensive! Of course this form would have to be paint
sealed to keep moisture out. Anyone tried one?

Newbies: Need more vertical info & specs? See Lyles great site, he uses
a vert., get there from the LWCA site, the top place to start for LowFER
info. and what's-what.

Cheers, Peter