For those looking for a new hobby challenge, the "Heathkit-like" full construction article for the 3.5" (89mm) Baby FSL antenna (23 pages long) has been completed, and is posted at http://www.mediafire.com/file/pnfm8909c77zjoy/3.5inch-FF-FSL.doc
This design is actually a more compact version of the 2012-year 5" FSL antenna (which also had a full construction article), which was tested and found to be competitive with a 4 foot (1.22m) air core box loop. By replacing the 660/46 Litz wire with the newer, more sensitive 1162/46 type and augmenting the ferrite sleeve with slightly longer rods, this compact "airport-friendly" design matches the high gain performance of the larger 2012 model. Protected by a matched-size plastic tote packed in hand-carry luggage, it was designed to be compact and rugged, and fully up to the challenge of frequent air travel. Already these "airport-friendly" FSL antennas have successfully passed through TSA screening 7 times here on the west coast, and have provided high-gain DXing excitement for both Craig Barnes and me during our April Hawaii DXpeditions. The article includes FSL operating tips (useful for any FSL antenna) and recommendations for travel DXing. Good luck to all who accept the challenge! 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]
