Richard Clark wrote:
On Wed, 3 Nov 2004 09:39:49 -0800, "denton"
wrote:

Hi all...
I have a 32 ft aluminum mast that I want to feed at the bottom with an
extensive radial system laying on or just below the ground.

Hi Denton,

Sounds like a good start.

I plan on homebrewing a matching network at the base, with tuning stubbs on
the vertical radiator and plan to use the antenna on 30 thru 10 meters.

Do you really want to run outside to change bands?

Before I get too into the project, I am wondering if I would have a better
antenna if I simply purchase a Gap Titan, butternut or something of their
irk. Thanks in advance.

Not particularly, except maybe for the higher frequencies. Your 10M
of radiator being used on a 10M wavelength portends difficult tune up
(perhaps part of your motivation for the matching box). However,
being one wave long, it also has major radiation lobes pointing up
rather than out.

It is most suited for 40M (quarterwave) through roughly 15M (5/8'ths).


It will make an excellent antenna for the bands Richard indicates: down
to 40m, and up to about 15m.

You do seem to be prepared to spend some money, so if you don't want to
run outside to change bands, a remote auto-ATU would be a very good buy.

That is exactly what I am using now - a 32ft mast with an auto-ATU at
the bottom. If you can tilt the mast over easily, you can also plug in a
horizontal loading wire at the top to make an inverted-L for 80m and
even 160m.


--
73 from Ian G3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek