Thanks for all the responses -- I have quite a few things to work on. To summarize the thread:
1. Use at least one ground radial. I have been using the radials that come with the MP-1, but I notice that things change a bit (like more rx noise, or Z changes) when I grab the case of the KX-1 or 259. I'm planning on clamping the antenna to the rail of the "balcony" (aka "shelf") on the ship hoping that will provide enough ground. I'm taking some wire with me as Plan "B". 2. I think I'm going to revisit my idea of marking the coil positions and not taking some sort of SWR measuring device. It's pretty obvious now that marks made using 4 wire radials on a deck made of Trex are not likely to be very good when the real ground is a 1,000 passenger, steel boat in salt water! The "Tenna Dipper" may be the ticket, and easier than finding a big steel boat in N. Cal. to test with. 3. Coax length to transform the impedance: This was a good call from W3FPR. N6BV's TLW (on the CD in the 20th ed ARRL Antenna Book) will help me investigate this from the warmth of the shack. I may take a couple or three different lengths of RG-58 if I can figure this out. 4. And Wayne's reminder to me that the ATU tunes in steps rather than continuous may be another key here. A small change in the complex Z at the antenna connector might move the match point in the ATU closer to one of the attainable values. Fortunately, I have some time before we steam off. Again, thanks for all the responses Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
