On Sun,1/1/2017 6:44 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
It takes up little real estate for the radiator, but does require putting down a ground screen at the base of the inverted L.
To avoid confusion about how antennas work, it's best to call this a counterpoise, and leave the word "ground" out of it. The first function of a counterpoise is to provide a path for return current. The earth is a terrible path, because it's basically a big resistor, so it burns a lot of transmitter power, leaving less for the antenna to radiate. Radials are a nearly ideal form of counterpoise, because they not only provide a low resistance source for return current, but they also shield the antenna from lossy earth.
In addition to the very good solution that Don described, there are other possibilities. K2AV has designed what he calls a "folded" counterpoise that fits on a pretty small lot. Google to find details. His original design was for 160m, but it can be scaled for 80M.
I've given several talks to ham clubs about "getting on 160 from a small lot." It's mostly about antennas and counterpoise systems. http://k9yc.com/160MPacificon.pdf For 80M, divide the dimensions by 2.
73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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
