On 04 Aug 2008 00:11:56 GMT, Ed
wrote:



My thanks to those who have responded so far. Much food for thought.
Roy, I downloaded the demo program.... BUT.... I'm going to have to
spend some time learning its operation... it appears to have a
considerable learning curve, which I'm sure will be well worth the
time.... when I get it.


Commets on salt water corrosion have been noted. I'm about 1/4 mile
from the nearest salt water.... and down wind. My mobile RV vertical
antenna has been parked here for about 3 months now and is already
showing early signs of the corrosion.

My thoughts at the moment are I can either easily remove the aluminum
elements and clean them every 6 months or so, OR perhaps I should use
an insulated wire supported by a fibre glass support. I note someone
mentioned the DX-IS poles out of Georgia. Although I swore I would stick
to only the vertical I originally spoke of, the idea of a quality
fibreglass mast does seem to have benefits for my location. If anyone
else can recommend other sources, or their opinions of robust fibreglass
masts, I'm receptive. Given the comments on projected poorer
performance of a 30 foot vertical, I suppose I need consider one that is
higher, but I have CC&R's, and while not enforced, I do not wish to
draw attention to myself.

Thanks to all, so far.

Ed K7AAT


My EZNEC models don't show much difference in radiator materials with
a diameter of of 1.5 inches. Why not steel TV masting?

It has been mentioned that 70 feet would be better but so would 140
feet! We all have some sort of limitations. The important thing is to
get a workable antenna up.

If a thirty foot radiator is what you can do that is it. Life is
simpler with a good antenna tuner (I love my SGC-237) and I am on the
air. I expect it would work well with a thirty foot wire as well.

The more important consideration is the ground issue. I bought 2000
feet of insulated wire on EBAY and it worked out to about 35 radials
of up to 70 feet. They are stapled into the grass and hard to locate
after a couple of years even though they are bright green.

I rarely use the vertical for anything other than 40-80 & 160 but it
will load up to 10 meters for sure and probably the advertised 6
meters for the tuner.

You might find my primitive experiment interesting.....
http://dixienc.us/28FtVert/28FtVertical.htm

John Ferrell W8CCW