While these anecdotes and even the modeling results are interesting, they provide only a measure of insight into the questions about any antennas performance. Midway between them and using WSPRLite to compare two antennas, in this case one with a counterpoise and one without, the Reverse Beacon Network or WSPR Reporter would give far more insight than modeling and contacts made.
The RBN will give near real time results for locations where there are receivers and where propagation exists. If you used CW to call CQ, you could download that day's data and view the RBN results of your CQ's. There are many more WSPR receiving sites, but that would require using a computer with one's portable transceiver. If additional weight, time, and a small amount of battery capacity aren't big issues, bring along a WSPRLite transmitter. Spend as much time as you are able and willing then analyze the data at the WSPRLite DXplorer web site. Bring a friend with his or her gear and another WSPRLite transmitter and you'll get real data comparing the two configurations from on-the-air tests that are meaningful. You can find a copy of my presentation on the subject at: http://caravan-club.squarespace.com/s/2018-May-Mader-HF_Antennas_and_Propagation.pdf. If you're at Ham-Com this coming weekend, I will give an updated version there on Friday at 1:00 p.m. CDT. 73, Bill, K8TE P.S. I have no pecuniary interest in WSPRLite other than having purchased a couple plus accessories. "Pierre....Not too shabby! "I made a "DX" contact with a fellow in Ontario from a site in NW Georgia in the US. It may not be my farthest, but it was another country :-) "This was a couple of weeks ago with the KX3 on 20 meters SSB , 15 watts (external battery), AX1 attached to radio and 13' counterpoise. "I was perched atop a rock wall overlooking a lake on one side (facing Canada). "Hoping to do some hiking this weekend and a SOTA summit (or two). Just bought the BNC to binding post adapter to try my hand at 40 meters. "I love the AX1 setup - can't hardly wait for the 40 meter version!!!!! "Hank K4HYJ" -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ ______________________________________________________________ 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
