[Lowfer] Antenna design idea question

[Michael Lodico]

Hi Stan,

Frequency would be 187 KHz.  The PVC would be schedule 80 for strength 
with pipe reduction fittings rather than adapters.  I would bolt the 
sections together so that it is more serviceable. I was planning on 
using 24 or 26 gauge enameled coil wire although if I could find Litz  
that wouldn't cost me my first born, hi hi, I would consider using it.  
The overlap would be the depth of the reduction fittings but I was 
planning on winding each section separately  and connecting them 
together after the joints are bolted together.  This antenna would be 
for Tx but for RX at first with plans to build an active antenna for 
Rx.  I would also use silicon to seal the joints to keep out moisture 
because of our temps here in KY.  As for UV protection I am hopping that 
somebody might have some ideas of what would work without detuning the 
antenna or causing losses.  I would model this in NEC but I am old 
school and not that familiar with it so I guess it would be build it and 
go from there.

73,
Mike
K1EG

Stan, W1LE wrote:
> Hello Mike,
>
> I suspect lotsa folks have considered it and a few have constructed one 
> with unpublished results.
> Some variations have been documented, base loading, center loading and 
> top loading.
>
> Depending on your working familiarity with NEC antenna modeling, 
> consider modeling it first.
> Or just make one and evaluate it.
>
> You did not mention what frequency you are planning to use.   136, 160, 
> 190, 500 KHz ?
>
> For 136 KHz a wavelength is about 7200', so I hope you have a ready 
> source of wire.
>
> By heavy wall PVC do you mean schedule 40 or sched 80 ?
>
> Sounds like an interesting venture.
>
> Thinking out loud:
> Glue or bolt the sections together ?
> What size wire with UV proof insulation ?
> How much of an overlap of the different sections when stacking and 
> gluing/bolting ?  1' ?
> I assume it will be a TX antenna.
> You will need another antenna to compare it to.
>
> Stan, W1LE     FN41sr     Cape Cod
>
>
>
> Michael Lodico wrote:
>   
>> Good morning all you Lowfer's out there.
>>
>> I am trying to plan for an antenna for this winter and came up with an 
>> idea based upon what a ham did for a shortened 80 meter vertical.  The 
>> plan is as follows:  you take a 1/2 wavelength of wire and wind it on a 
>> rod like a solenoid so that it is shortened considerably.  He claims 
>> that it performs quite well.
>>
>> What I have in mind is to take 4 lengths of PVC heavy wall pipe, 4", 3", 
>> 2" and 1 1/2", and wind a 1/2 wavelength of wire over the 40' length.  I 
>> would do this in 10' lengths and dope the windings in place to hold them 
>> and then connect them together at each joint.  At the top I would add a 
>> 10' diameter capacitor hat.  By using the different diameters this gives 
>> me  anchor points for  Dacron guys.
>>
>> My question is has anybody tried this?  Is it a feasible design idea 
>> worth pursuing?  Any comments or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>> 73,
>> Mike
>> K1EG
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>     
>