[nrv-hams] Reference Station list

[Cam Coble]

As far as selection between the EFHW (End-Fed Half Wave) and an OCFD
(Off-Center Fed Dipole), here are my main considerations:
- EFHW allows one to feed from the end, sometimes making it an easier
deployment (often the choice for SOTA and other trail type activations)
- EFHW and OCFD can both be multiband and resonant on multiple bands
- EF antennas require good RF grounding, and sometimes radials
- EF antennas are notorious for bringing RF into the equipment (due to RF
grounding issues), but can be managed if you pay attention
- With either antenna, make sure you can monitor the SWR and keep below 2:1

My 2 cents:
I like EFHW or EFRL (End-Fed Random Length) antennas for times I want to do
portable and easy. Throwing one end over a tree, running down to the radio
is SO much easier than finding 3 hang points!
I like OCFD for home installations if you have the ability to feed the
midpoint. They don't typically have as many issues as End-Fed in regards to
grounding, but often (really always) require some ferrite bead chokes below
the balun when running above QRP levels. This keeps common mode current
down. I run 6 big beads on mine.
If you run an OCFD, make sure the balun is a *Guanella current* type, not
just any 4:1 balun.
If you can do the OCFD, consider doing the 80meter if you have the room.

73!
--
Cam - W4XXV


On Wed, Apr 15, 2020 at 12:49 PM J.C. Hassall <jhassall at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hey Ben, tnx for the info - good stuff.  Now I'm torn between an EFHW
> (working on the transformer now, (tnx to Jack's help) and the MFJ-2010 OCFD
> he recommends.  The MFJ appeals to me because no tuner required.
>
> tnx  Stay well
>
> jim
>
> On Wed, Apr 15, 2020 at 11:29 AM Ben Williams <jbwillia at math.vt.edu>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > https://dcasler.com/reference/
> >
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