[Lowfer] Wm Beacon "Current" Question

[JD]

Mike, keep in mind that a current meter for a loop is designed to measure 
higher current levels because an electrically small loop offers a very low 
resistance if constructed carefully.  A short vertical has inherently high 
capacitive reactance, which you neutralize with the loading coil, plus 
resistive losses in that coil, the ground system, and nearby environmental 
factors.

Thus, from the P= I^2 * R relationship, we see that for the same power 
level, current in a high impedance circuit must be lower than it would be in 
a low impedance circuit.  That's why the meter deisgned for the loop barely 
responds in the case of the vertical.

LowFER vertical antennas vary widely in their resistive component due to 
local soil conductivity and coil construction variations.  Most reports I've 
seen on successful beacons indicate measured RF currents typically in the 
range of 120-250 mA.  It's hard to get loss factors low enough to exceed 250 
mA for 1 watt.  Much lower than 120 mA, and the beacon may not get out very 
well...although nowadays with slow modes like QRSS, that's less of a problem 
than it would have been 15 years ago.

John