Several things. First, the antenna analyzer won't tell you very much.
"The proper tool to assess antenna performance isn't an SWR meter, it's
a field strength meter." On the other hand, if you have a high SWR on
your antenna, that might be causing your radio to dramatically reduce
its power. 100 watts is certainly enough to communicate all over the USA.
Many of the problems I've had with low 80 dipoles were due to the coax.
You might check the coax for shorts and opens. Back in the good old
days, I used to have splices in my coax and they'd open sometimes. I
could check that by unscrewing the shield and if it got louder with just
the center conductor in the SO-239, then I knew the feedline was bad.
On 10/16/20 7:17 PM, Chris Luppens via BVARC wrote:
I am also learning but way behind you. But I think you should first
run antenna analyzer to be sure no issues there. I bet somebody would
lend you a Rig Stick or VNA unit, I would 😁
Chris Luppens
On Oct 16, 2020, at 7:10 PM, DAVID M GRAY JR via BVARC
<[email protected]> wrote:
Keep experiencing. I bet somebody in BVARC will come thru with help.
I have an off-center fed dipole about 135 ft. total length up about
12 ft. in the back yard… I’m near N. Eldridge Pkw and Tanner. My
signal into the BVARC HF Wednesday net is minimal but I usually get
checked in. About the same with the Louisiana Traffic Net. My
brother over in Ruston, LA… KB7QL….. often reports that I have a
strong signal up there… about 300 miles. He has a long loop up about
15 ft. He often has a strong signal into Houston on 3910 kHz.
Keep trying and I bet things will begin to change for you.
David K5HEC
On Oct 16, 2020, at 6:56 PM, Chad Kitzmann via BVARC
<[email protected]> wrote:
I’ve been a Ham since 2017 and have an 857d. Running a multi fan
dipole from 2017 until I had to cut the tree down it was in in 2019
I had dismal contacts with anyone on 80, 40, and 20.
Covid gave me some time to be at home and I setup a Hustler 6BT and
have it tuned with my MFJ 269c. I know it’s a solar minimum but
I’ve made very few contact. I can hardly reach the Texas Traffic
Net and I try each day. I might get a check in 2 times a month. I
have yet to be able to check into the 3.910 Wednesday net. I can
hear everyone but no one can hear me.
I recently built an 40/80 meter coil dipole that is an inverted v
that’s 18 feet at the center and 6 feet at the ends - nobody hears
me with 100 watts - even the 3.910 net.
Is 100 watts just too little these days? Should I be looking to buy
an amp. It seems people with higher power are the only only people
who get heard. It’s very discouraging. I can hear them - just can
work them. :(
- Chad
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________________________________________________
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
BVARC mailing list
[email protected]
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
________________________________________________
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
BVARC mailing list
[email protected]
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
--
Jonathan Guthrie
ARS KA8KPN
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