On Sun, 11 Feb 2007 08:51:02 -0600, Randy Moore wrote: >FWIW, the antenna I'm trying to use is an 88 foot dipole in >the inverted vee configuration with the apex at about 45 feet.
That's part of your problem -- it's a lousy 160 antenna. 160 is a band that sort of forces you to take antennas more seriously. Not that they need to be perfect or textbook, but you can't throw away 10-20 dB and expect to make Q's like you can on the higher bands. I suggest you do something like what I did when I lived on a small lot in Chicago. I managed to work across the country with 100 watts, and worked at least one 160 contest QRP. See details at http://audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/k9yc160TopLoad.htm Note that while my "counterpoise" was a big wrought iron fence and some short radials, another ham in Chicago uses the HVAC system in his sprawling suburban house as a counterpoise. :) When I moved from Chicago to the side of a mountain near Santa Cruz last spring, I took down the antenna and re-installed it at my new qth. I started with about 25 radials, adding more as I have time (and find the copper), and I now have 40. No surprise -- the antenna works even better here. :) 73, Jim Brown K9YC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
