Hello All, The 5" Mini-FSL was the first of several compact, AM-only antennas that were developed for those DXers who thought that FSL models were either too expensive, too complicated, or both. It was designed to be simple, effective, easy to build-- and cost only about $90 in part purchases (as of January 2012). After having been tested against various air core loops in an outdoor environment, the tiny model really exceeded expectations-- deadlocking in weak-signal performance with a full-sized 4-foot air core box loop (the antenna of the August 2010 Oregon coast DXpedition).
In an effort to make assembly of the tiny FSL antenna as simple as possible, a special, 10-page construction manual has been prepared, patterned after the famous Heathkit assembly manuals of the last century. In a step going beyond the Heathkit manuals, multiple Photoshop-enhanced assembly pictures are included in the article, showing each assembly step in a clear way. Assembly of the model has also been made as simple as possible-- all of the parts are readily available on the open market, and most of them have been stockpiled here. Pre-cut kits of the PVC frame parts have been prepared, which are available at cost (along with the other parts, as long as supplies last). The tiny FSL was designed to be a DXing thriller, and for those still "on the fence" about giving new antenna design a try, the perfect introduction to a exciting new DXing experience http://www.mediafire.com/?9ze98h293s85p86 Thanks very much to Rob Ross of London, Ontario for his generous gift of 140mm x 8mm ferrite rods to develop this (and other) mini-FSL models, and to Dave Kellmer of Portland, OR, for providing a generous supply of the Funnoodle (soft) inner core material. Hopefully this compact new antenna will provide a major boost in each builder's hobby excitement! 73 and Good DX, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA) _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
