The CQ WW 160 M CW contest is this weekend

[Bill Axelrod]

All,

     Yes, this weekend is the weekend for the CQ WW 160M CW contest.  It is
one of our 5M contests and one we'd really like to see more participation.
It is also a fun, but challenging contest.

     Many of us do not have a "real" 160M antenna.  Don't let that
dissuade you.  There are lots of ways you can get on 160M and make some
QSOs.  You can set a challenge for yourself to see many QSOs you can make
and how far you can reach with a totally inappropriate antenna.

      For example, I live in a totally antenna restricted HOA.  I do have a
24 ft flagpole,  I use that, with an antenna tuner on all bands, including
160M.  Is it a good antenna?  No.  Is it really effective?  No.  Given the
extremely high voltages at the end of such a small antenna and the
resultant VSWR the effective radiated power (ERP) was down below my shoe
laces.

     There is a caution.  Really short end fed antennas develop really high
voltage at the feed point.  Trying to run even moderate power can damage
your equipment.  I would not try this with an antenna tuner built into a
transceiver.  I use an external tuner.  And I make sure I keep my radio
output below the point where there's any arcing in the tuner.

     Can I work anyone?  Yes.  I reliably can work into New England and
down to Florida.  I usually can make QSOs out to the Mississippi.  And
sometimes QSO guys down down in the Caribbean.

      Load something up and give it a shot!

73...   Bill K3WA