This probably goes without saying, but... always use a counterpoise (at least one wire) if you're actually trying to make QSOs. Without one, the whip not be resonant on its target band, and you'll lose 15-20 dB of signal at the receiving station. Even with the counterpoise, I always use the internal ATU in the KX3 to improve the SWR.
For listening only, I'll sometimes use the whip without a counterpoise wire. I still use the ATU in the KX3 in this case (you can't hurt it, since this is done at 2 W). This resonates the whip for RX purposes. Wayne N6KR Don Butler <[email protected]> wrote: > Barry . I just tested my 20 meter and 17 meter whips by fully extending them > and connecting them directly to a Rig Expert AA-230 Pro outside in the open > yard ... With NO Counterpoise wire ... this is the first time I've tried > this .. > > And after doing so I'm not so sure that it's reliable. > > 1. The fully extended 20 meter whip, mounted directly to the analyzer > dips to 2.6:1 at 17.860 Mhz .. ( when mounted on an aluminum base with > counterpoise wires it ran from 1.2:1 to 2.2:1 through the 20 meter band). > > 2. The fully extended 17 meter whip, mounted directly to the analyzer > dips to 2.7:1 at 21.940 Mhz ... (when mounted on the aluminum base with > counterpoise wires it ran around 1.2:1 from 18.100 to 18.200) > > Based upon my testing, and what you previously reported, I'd say that you > probably do have a stock 20 meter whip that is correctly labeled. > > I have photos of my homemade aluminum base ... but am not sure if I can post > it to the reflector so will not attempt that ... but if anyone would like to > see them contact me offlist and I'll be happy to share them. > > Don, N5LZ ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
