Over the last several weeks I and some others in WVDXA have been helping our
friend Tim K8RRT gear up for the next topband season. First, we commissioned
one of K2AV's FCP systems under a 1/4 wave 160 L. Preliminary Reverse Beacon
Network signal comparisons between K8RRT's L /FCP and my similar inverted L
using elevated radials indicate similar signal reports with both of us running
the same power level. More testing is needed, after I do some minor repairs to
my system. The band was not open to EU when our tests were run, but we had 5
or 6 NA spotting station reports with which to compare signals. The FCP is
obviously working, but the jury is still out as to how closely in varying condx
it will compare with a few elevated radials.
Tim had no trouble breaking a good pileup on CY9M for a first Q with the FCP
and he has had no problem at all making QSO's with western EU in the last
couple of days. We are encouraged by the operational results so far, although
I concede they don't prove anything other than the antenna with FCP works.
On Monday Tim and I built a Hi Z Antenna four square array, with assistance
last Friday from W8TN in laying out the vertical locations. This is the first
one of these systems in use around these parts. We were very careful to
accurately measure the array layout and all of the interconnecting cables. At
the end of the day, it was with great anticipation and some apprehension that
the power switch was turned on for the Hi Z system. Signals poured forth from
Tim's K3 on the high end of the AM broadcast band, much to our relief.
Whenever I build a RX antenna, the first tests are always run on the high end
of the AM band. The front to back ratio and sensitivity of the Hi Z system was
amazing. On just about every AM channel, we could separate several stations
simply by rotating the switch. On one frequency, the Hi Z four square produced
an S9 signal which could not be detected at all by Tim's 1/4 wave transmit L.
Later that night, Tim worked two EU stations on 160 that were not detectable on
his transmit antenna. On 80 and 40M, Tim could copy signals that could not be
copied and in some cases even detected on the xmit antennas. The first day
results made a believer out of me! If my hilltop were not so congested, I
would install one of these systems, without hesitation. Unfortunately, the
clear space is just not available. Guess I am stuck with short beverages and
dual flags on the sides of the hill, same as the last few seasons.
NH8S upcoming on Swains Island will have two of these Hi Z four square arrays
for the low bands. I expect they will be able to hear well! WVDXA has two
ops on the Swains expedition: W8TN and W8HC. GL in the chase!
73 Charlie N8RR
_______________________________________________
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
