One aspect of the K2AV FCP is KISS. However, experimenting with change of components and proven architecture should anyone opt to do so will produce unfavorable results.
So... KISS and construct an FCP in the way it has been proven unless experimentation is the objective in which case the results will be diverse and directly related to variations one may choose to make. The FCP as designed with recommend components and it works and works well, which is the ultimate in deploying the KISS principal. Success with variations may well be much like a young lady who proclaims "I'm Sweet 16 and never been kissed." Those who vary may enjoy their results but most likely not. Wanna build a better mousetrap? - Go for it. Wanna put up a proven design then follow K2AV recommendations. No harm in trying. 73, Jack -----Original Message----- From: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 6:45 PM To: 'TopBand' Subject: Re: Topband: FCP model On 7/31/2012 1:45 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > Well, an inductor and a choke are TWO devices instead of one. > > We've all heard of KISS. Yes, BUT -- two cheap parts I can easily build instead of one expensive one that I have to buy. An excellent ( >5K ohms resistive) common mode choke to handle legal power can be built for about $5 (16 bifilar turns #12 THHN on a 2.4-in o.d. #31 core) and a suitable inductor wound with #10 THHN on a short length of 4-in PVC conduit will have a Q of at least 250 at 2 MHz, and costs about $2. And I don't have to buy a commercial product. I've wound and measured several such inductors using the standard equations (turns, diameter, winding length) in the ARRL Handbook and gotten inductance values within a few percent at 2 MHz, so you don't even need test equipment. Please don't view my comments as criticism, Guy. You've done some great work here that is allowing PFG operation on 160M from small lots. Yes, some controlled tests would be great. I'd be happy to help out if someone in this area (N6RK?) wanted to set it up, and I'm certain that it wouldn't be difficult to recruit others if needed.. 73, Jim K9YC _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK