Having "only" 5 watts doesn't change the need for proper termination and antenna match. 5 Watts, or any wattage, for that matter can be a problem. 5 watts MAY make the problem less physically an problem.
73, Bill K9YEQ -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2016 12:59 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Small QRP antenna Nothing in this post is true. Optimum length for a counterpoise is a quarter wave. Radials are a form of counterpoise, and their optimum length is also a quarter wave. More radials reduce ground losses. Failing to provide an adequate counterpoise will cause the antenna's return current to flow on your coax, which makes the rig hot with RF. That's not much of a problem with 5W, but it can be a very big deal with 100W or more. Of course, it does depend on what you mean by "much" and "minimal." Inadequate counterpoise or radial systems can easily reduce you signal by 6 dB. That's an S-unit, and it reduces your 5W signal to 1.25W. I wouldn't call that minimal or "not much." 73, Jim K9YC On Thu,12/29/2016 7:30 AM, Fred Moore wrote: > With an end fed 1/4 wave you only need a counterpoise that is about > .05 wave length. it can be the coax or another counterpoise. > Although a counterpoise has some effect on radiation pattern of a quarter wave > radiator, it is minimal. You won't see much improvement in performance > by going above .05 wave length.. it's not worth the trouble to > increase the counterpoise length.. ______________________________________________________________ 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] ______________________________________________________________ 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]
