Hi Don,
I found part of the problem, my fault for not checking every detail, I
purchased two large packages of AA batteries at Wal-Mart in the preparation
for hurricane season. Thinking I would be getting fresh batteries, not so,
I borrowed a Fluke Bench Meter, one of those real fancy ones, measures
everything including frequencies and tested all the batteries. When you buy
discount, sometimes you get what you pay for. ALL the batteries are
about 3/4 to 2/3 capacity, not one in 40 batteries measure up to par.
With new package of Coppertop from Lowe's I now get areadout of 2.2 watts
.
Mike
MC -- KB7DPC
----- Original Message -----
From: "W3FPR - Don Wilhelm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "mc" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 8:52 PM
Subject: RE: antennas and stuff
Mike,
Great that you now have something working - the KX1 ATU will tune a
variety
of antennas, but some of the ones that have worked for others is quite
'iffy' - if the conditions are right the may load, but what a lot of folks
don't realize is that there is a lot of loss in an antenna system that has
a
radiating section shorter than 1/8 wavelength. The CB whip with a drag
wire
may work OK on 20 meters under some conditions, but its losses begin to
increase exponentially as the frequency drops, so it won't be a very
effective radiator for 30 or 40 meters.
What concerns me is your power reading of only 0.5 watt - the KX1 should
give you at least 2 to 3 watts with the internal batteries, and 3 to 5
watts
with a 13.8 volt power supply. You might want to check the charge
condition
of your batteries or look for something wrong with the KX1. Check the
power
output with a 50 ohm dummy load attached rather than an antenna to be
certain what the power output capability of the KX1 really is - bypass the
tuner when checking with the dummy load (see instructions on KXAT1 manual
for bypassing the tuner).
I will not be able to listen for you over the next couple weeks, my
antennas
are in a state of change at the moment and I don't have anything but my
portable setup (and that is packed away). If you ask on the Elecraft
reflector, I am certain you will find several folks willing to listen for
you.
73,
Don W3FPR
-----Original Message-----
From: mc [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 7:58 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: antennas and stuff
Hello Don,
Part of the confusion was getting so any different answers. example a CB
antenna will work fine or the one about a extendable car FM antenna and
dragging a counterpoise along behind while walking down the street.
I have re-done my antenna completely and measured out now exactly
33 feet on
both antenna and counterpoise (minus the inch and 1/2 for connection to
nylon ) Plus I have an ATU. According to the KX1 instrument when
tuning I
am getting 0.5 watt and a SWR of 1.0, I'm told this is a good readings to
have.
Plus the manual for building and operation assumes that you know
a lot about
HAM. so I still reading and learning, its an interesting learning curve.
I would appreciate it if you could to listen at 1900 EST on Monday 7118.
Then if I hear nothing in return I will try at 1915 EST on 14118.
And then
the same thing each day of the week until I get this right. I will get it
and I will get it right and my code will get better.
Thanks,
Mike
KB7DPC
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