2000370616H80
| Joined: | Wed, Nov 7th 2007, 14:15 | Roles: | N/A | Moderates: | N/A |
Latest Topics
| Topic | Created | Posts | Views | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Need a Plan B for a G5RV | Mar 5th 2013, 16:14 | 3 | 7,119 | on 7/3/13 |
| Ham-made TV Antennas work better | Jan 13th 2013, 21:05 | 4 | 9,614 | on 18/1/13 |
Latest Posts
| Topic | Author | Posted On |
|---|---|---|
| Need a Plan B for a G5RV | 2000370616H80 | on 7/3/13 |
| Thanks, Zack, this is exactly the info I needed. I 'could' leave well enough alone...but that's no fun at all. I'm gonna extend the matching section with my own 300 [or so] ohm twinlead/ladder-line. The calculator you linked for me will come in handy on this little project. I realize the G5RV is a compromise, except maybe on 20 meters, but it will be an easy way to get my shack back in HF operation after moving to a new location after 20 years at my former QTH. I left my entire antenna farm behind when my house was sold, so now I'm starting from scratch yet again. Thankfully, I have lots of tall pines now in every direction! Even so, I'll still be erecting some verticals as well. So much experimenting to be done...so little time, energy and money. Thanks again, Zack! |
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| Cobra Senior RF Ground? | kb1yvr | on 7/3/13 |
| This type of antenna, like most dipole designs, does not require grounding per se, but it does matter what the height above ground will be. Try to install the antenna at least one-half wavelength [of the frequency you'll be working] above the ground for best performance and low SWR. | ||
| Need a Plan B for a G5RV | 2000370616H80 | on 5/3/13 |
| I'm hoping for a workaround (save face) in order to get on the air (HF) ASAP. Here's my problem. I'm trying to convert an 80 meter dipole into a G5RV but the TV twinlead matching section is around two feet (2') short of the 28.5' in the specification. There aren't any stores in my area that carry twinlead anymore and I don't have any window or ladder-line laying around to save the day. What should I do to salvage this project in a hurry? Will two (or so) feet less of matching section affect all bands, some bands or ??? Originally, I was going to make this G5RV long enough for 80 meters but now I'm considering going for the 40 meter specifications because things aren't going so well today and this will be a temporary antenna anyway...at least until I can get the materials together to do it right. Any assistance with this little problem will be most appreciated. Dub, K4DUB |
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| Ham-made TV Antennas work better | 2000370616H80 | on 15/1/13 |
| Hello there, Mike, thanks for all those links and suggestions. I'll definitely check them out and build something that looks good for my situation. Dub, 73 |
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| Ham-made TV Antennas work better | 2000370616H80 | on 13/1/13 |
| We've all seen these little boxed-up, plastic-covered, so-called Hi-Definition Digital TV Antenna products on the store's shelves that cost anywhere from pocket change to a small fortune, right? As radio amateurs we all know that RF antennas only see RF waves...they don't care if the signal contains digital, analog, black & white, color, hi-def or whatever kind of information. That's just physics. As hams, we know that precise measurements, good electrical connections and good grounding are essential factors in building, tuning and maintaining virtually any antenna system worth its salt. That said, I can't imagine spending good money on a piece of plastic junk at Walmart that probably wouldn't outperform a coat hanger for long distance TV reception. I may be wrong about that so correct me if that's the case. Either way, I'd bet there are plenty of great TV antennas out there, designed, built and used by radio amateurs that are far better performing antennas than most of the products we see in department stores or even Radio Shack. Oh, I know Radio Shack sells some good outdoor antennas that work just fine, especially when erected at high elevation and connected to an amplifier. But I'm interested in what we can build at a very low cost, with easily obtainable materials that will perform as well as any other antenna...short of a monster Yagi design. You know, a reasonable size and preferably indoor-friendly. Even a good outdoor design would be welcomed. So, are any of my fellow hams here willing to divulge the secrets to fabricating the ultimate Ham's TV Antenna? Thanks for your suggestions. Dub, k4dub 73 |
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