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Old July 7th 08, 06:09 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
S Barreres S Barreres is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jul 2008
Posts: 1
Default Need help with first HF antenna

Keith, congrats on your upgrade!!

The old saying is, any antenna is better that no antenna, so to get going
why not build a quick starter-upper that will work on most all the bands.
While many might call the "G5RV Dipole" as a poor antenna, it actually works
quite well and is easy to make. There are a number of sites on the Internet
to guide you, but all that is necessary is 102' end to end dipole fed with
31 feet of balanced line in the center. If you can tune it at that point
great, but you can also add 50 coax at the end of the 31 feet into the
shack. Make sure you get it up in the air as high as you can and keep it a
flat top installation if at all possible. It will also work with drooping
ends too, but keep the end high.

On 20 Meters the antenna is a 3/2 wave dipole, and it has gain of 3db and
radiates off the end of the wires. Due to the present conditions of the
solar cycle, try to install it in a direction that would work well 20 as it
will be your first band to work "long haul" contacts. You will find 40 and
80 to work too.

BEST REGARDS,
Steve K2CX