Dave, I would use a different approach, try 2 sloping wires opposite each other of the same length. They will cancel out the horizontal component of the loading and give you an overall better signal. For about 20 years I used a 51ft vertical with two stainless steel loading wires (just capacity to ground). Which netted 298 current DXCC. I later changed it to a 60ft vertical with shorter loading wires. Both systems used a Hairpin match. I must say I don't see much difference between the 51' and 60' vertical, although my ground system is extremely good, so would not expect too. Both vertical heights here had the loading wire tips at a height of about 35-45ft Dependent on version. All resonated at about 1.9mhz before the adding of the hairpin coil. DXCC current only confirmed is 308. 73 Clive GM3POI
-----Original Message----- From: Topband [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dave G4GED via Topband Sent: 14 March 2019 20:06 To: [email protected] Subject: Topband: Inverted L loading wire dialmma For many years my 160m antenna has been a very successful classic 21m tall Inv L mast with a horizontal loading wire. The only problem, a big one, has been the loading wire getting tangled up in the surrounding trees in very windy weather. Chopping the trees down is not an option and I've had enough of the agro of untangling, to be honest. I know I could provide loading at the feed point but it's not as efficient. So, I wondered if anyone have had success with providing the loading wire(s) at say 45deg from the mast top down to ground level? (Witches Hat style). Thanks in advance for any advice. Dave G4GED --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
