Mike, I found a website with detailed info on the ZS6BKW antenna.
http://www.nc4fb.org/wordpress/zs6bkw-multi-band-antenna/ To use the antenna on 80M and above the 39.1 ft of ladderline should drop down as vertically as possible, and then connect to 50 ohm coax through a "1:1 current balun" (common mode choke). If you connect the station end of the coax shield to center conductor and feed it against a radial system the coax will be part of the "vertical element" of what has become a 160M top loaded vertical fed against a radial system. How will the coax in your installation run from the station to the base of the ladderline? Or, if you have a 40 - 45 ft high support (tree) you might consider a W8AMZ 160M Reduced 1/2 Sloper. http://w8amz.com/W8AMZ_SLOPERS_Page.html If you do try the ZS6BKW antenna reconfigured as a top loaded vertical on 160M by connecting the station end of the coax shield to center conductor fed against a radial system, I'd like to know how it works for you. 73, Marsh, KA5M -----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mike Smith VE9AA Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2015 1:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Topband: ZS6BKW Thanks very much Marsh. Obviously you have some serious antenna modeling skills and I do thank you for that second analysis. If I may indulge you for one last request (tweak) pse? If you could keep everything the same, but instead, leave the ladder line as is and short the 50' of coax at the shack end (and add a normal 10' jumper to the radio if it makes a difference?) would that make the #'s much different? Ground radials attached to the real 10' jumper /shorted coax interface, right at the window. I think in actuality I am going to buy LM240 (is that that right moniker for a RG8/x mini equivalent?) so I can sneak it out a window, etc. and if I was able to make the switch-over in the shack (or right at the window-ledge) then that would be the way I go. Thanks for the extra work. Hope we manage a QSO ! Mike VE9AA & ??#??? this summer. p.s.-can't wait for snowmelt as I can start building and testing ! Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
