[OKDXA] Balanced Line Feed

[Jerry Chouinard]

Some input requested on what we might be doing incorrectly.

We just unwrapped a Wireman CQ881 and installed per the single sheet 
instructions.  It uses ladder line and this is the first time I have 
employed such.

Using a Vectronix tuner ( fairly capable device ) I tied the ladder line to 
the balanced posts and proceeded to try and find a signal.  Very puny 
signals, a HamStik sitting on the ground blew this wire antenna away.

The CQ881 uses 133' of stranded copper wire which is cut in half and 
attached to a provided center insulator.  End insulators were attached and 
the ladder line is attached as noted to the each wire ( much like you would 
do a Vee or Dipole ).

We hoisted the assembly up on a 50' steel pole making sure none of the wire 
was touching the pole.  Tied the ends off with nylon rope.  The whole thing 
does resemble a Vee.  Tied the ladder line to the tuner and just pitiful 
signals if any at all.  Running the tuner thru it's paces we did manage to 
"peak" a few signals but the HamStik was MUCH better.  A 59 signal on the 
HamStik was 33 on the CQ881.

Dang if we can figure out what the deal is.  We think there should at least 
be some decent receive as a coat hanger would produce better signals.

Any sage advice on these types of antennas?  It's a biggun that spans quite 
a bit of territory - figured we could at least hear with it.

K5YAA