Thanks Matt: This is pretty close to what I have, but I’ve done a 36’ radiator and 13’ counterpoise. So maybe it’s in the details. I have my antenna wire (100’) wound on a kite string winder. I spool out what I calculate I need and the other end is connected to my BNC/banana adapter. So I have 60+’ of wire still wound on the reel. Is the inductance effect of the remaining wire wound on the reel have any effect on the antenna?
<Getting ready to be schooled.> Michael K2MAW > On Sep 29, 2016, at 9:39 AM, Matt Zilmer <mzil...@roadrunner.com> wrote: > > Hi Michael, > > If your KX3 has the ATU, you can use the following random wire for 20 through > 10m, and it will work under all conditions I've come across. I've used it on > 40m as well, but there are more dependencies on height of the radiator (to be > effective). > > 28 foot radiator (I use #20 stranded). If you have a tree or even a tall > bush nearby, weight one end of the wire and toss it into the tree as high as > you can. > > 13 to 17 foot counterpoise, or "trailer" wire. This can be laid on the > ground, usually opposite of the direction your radiator is sloped. > > Use a Banana to BNC adapter at the KX3, and attach the radiator to the red > post. The black post is attached to the counterpoise wire. Use your ATU to > adjust feedpoint SWR. > > As a testimonial to this antenna configuration, I've used it on multiple > field days at 5W to score a ton of QRP contacts. One year, I was outscoring > our main station running a K3 at 100W while I had the KX3 using this antenna > (at least some of that is technique and luck). > > When you're done at the site, pull your radiator wire back down and wind it > up with the counterpoise wire. Then - you're on to your next site. > > 73, > > matt W6NIA > > > On 09/29/2016 09:22 AM, Michael Wong wrote: >> Thanks everyone! Larry's was great, quickly actionable advice. I’ll do this >> the next time I go out. I don’t have a shack, and am still hunting around >> for a spot where I can try some of the other great suggestions (that I can >> fit in my backpack and if I actually find a spot where I can string up a >> wire. >> >> I do use a wire counterpoise for both my wire and Buddistick and try to keep >> it off the ground except for the end. >> >> Yes, I have an older copy of the antenna book and I’m in the transmission >> lines chapter. I guess I should just skip ahead to the long wire chapter. >> >> Given all the advice, I’m going to continue to try to find a good wire >> antenna deployment given the random locations I tend to drop in at. >> >> Thanks all! >> >> Michael >> K2MAW >> >> >>> On Sep 29, 2016, at 8:34 AM, Bill <k9...@live.com> wrote: >>> >>> That's great advice, Larry! >>> >>> Bill >>> K9YEQ >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Larry >>> Gauthier (K8UT) >>> >>> The most likely answer is "it depends." Despite the theoretical differences >>> between the antennas, there are situational differences where one will >>> out-perform the other: quality of ground, height, propagation, direction to >>> receiving station... >>> >>> BUT, you can measure those differences yourself. Tune-up on the Buddistick >>> in the CW portion and send the string "test test de <your callsign> <your >>> callsign>". Move your VFO 5 KHz and send the same string on the random wire. >>> >>> Then open your browser to the Reverse Beacon Network's search page and enter >>> >>> your callsign. >>> http://www.reversebeacon.net/srch.php >>> Compare your received signal strength on each antenna by the stations who >>> heard you. Run the test a few times to minimize QSB and propagation fading. >>> >>> What do you get? The results ("which is better?") may be different as you >>> move from one location to another. If you can carry both antennas use the >>> one that's working. >>> >>> -larry (K8UT) >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Michael A. Wong >>> >>> Hey folks, >>> >>> KX3 and Buddistick owner here. I've been getting a lot of feedback that I >>> would get better performance (more contacts) with a random wire vs my >>> Buddistick. So, while I've noticed that reception is much better with the >>> wire, with the Buddistick, I get 1.1:1 according to the KX3 and have made >>> all my contacts with the Buddistick. >>> >>> Now, recognizing the DIY nature of our hobby might lead people to recommend >>> a random wire over a commercial antenna, if I actually manage to deploy the >>> wire "optimally", should I really see performance equal or outpace the >>> Buddistick? Or am I simply finding bad luck the times I try to get a QSO >>> over a wire? >>> >>> I've tried deploying from a 30' pole sloping down, the hypotenuse of the >>> triangle pointing to my desired direction. I tried deploying 40+ feet >>> between two trees about 12' off the ground. Now I'm going to get a Zebco 202 >>> >>> and rig up my slingshot to deploy vertical. But honestly, I can get the >>> Buddistick up and running in about 3 minutes.... >>> >>> Mainly, I'm on 20m and maybe I haven't read the right book on random wire >>> antennas, but I would appreciate the group's thoughts. >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> Message delivered to michaelw...@mac.com >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to mzil...@roadrunner.com > > -- > "Always store beer in a dark place." -- R. Heinlein > > Matt Zilmer, W6NIA > [Voignier] > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to michaelw...@mac.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
