[Lowfer] LowFER Grabber and Converter

[Douglas D. Williams]

If you're talking true Lowfer, under part 15 rules, 160-190 kHz, then the
antenna rules are fairly straightforward: 15 meters maximum total antenna
length, including feedline. There is some question over whether or not the
"capacity hat" counts in the antenna length, but most seem to agree that it
does. Of course, the only opinion that counts is that of the FCC. Most put
the PA at the base of the antenna, to make the feedline as short as
possible.

The simplest design is a 30-40 foot vertical with a 10-20 foot diameter
capacity hat at the top, and the loading coil at the base. Many ground
radials, stretching out at least as long as the antenna is tall, are
essential, unless you live on a copper mine. Much attention needs to be
paid to constructing a low loss (large) loading coil and minimizing losses
in the antenna connections.

The part 5 (137 kHz) guys have more free reign, both in power allowed and
antenna length. I am actually not sure what the restrictions are on these
licenses. For them, the antenna restrictions are probably based more on the
laws of gravity and finances than what the FCC imposes. ;-)

-Doug




On Tue, Sep 18, 2012 at 2:15 PM, KD7JYK DM09 <kd7jyk at earthlink.net> wrote:

> "It would be wonderful to have at least one beacon from each state."
>
> I have a kit I bought form a fellow a few years ago.  I can make the time,
> money and space aren't the problem, building a decent antenna for LowFER,
> THAT'S my problem...  I don't have equipment to test it, and wouldn't know
> how to model it.
>
> Kurt, Nevada
>
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