160M ANTENNA 160M ANTENNA INSTALLATIONINSTALLATION

K1FTK / KA1SJV K1FTK / KA1SJV ST. AGATHA, MAINEST. AGATHA, MAINE

160M ANTENNA 160M ANTENNA INSTALLATIONINSTALLATION

K1FTK / KA1SJV K1FTK / KA1SJV ST. AGATHA, MAINEST. AGATHA, MAINE

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY -- JULY 2007 JULY 2007UPDATED 12/08UPDATED 12/08

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY -- JULY 2007 JULY 2007UPDATED 12/08UPDATED 12/08

STARSTARTT

---- BACKGROUND BACKGROUND ----February 2007February 2007

After getting the bug to operate 160m in the winter of 2006, we installed one of the After getting the bug to operate 160m in the winter of 2006, we installed one of the commercially available 160 meter vertical antennas just in time for the 2006 CQ WW commercially available 160 meter vertical antennas just in time for the 2006 CQ WW 160 contest. This antenna required no guys or radials and claimed to be “ground 160 contest. This antenna required no guys or radials and claimed to be “ground independent”. At that time our ground was solidly frozen and, with ~4’ of snow down, independent”. At that time our ground was solidly frozen and, with ~4’ of snow down, it was really our only option. The antenna worked when the band was open, but it was really our only option. The antenna worked when the band was open, but otherwise, not very well. It also had a very poor S/N ratio.otherwise, not very well. It also had a very poor S/N ratio.

In the Fall 2006 we moved and raised the antenna to a better location away from the In the Fall 2006 we moved and raised the antenna to a better location away from the house / garage and their metal roofs. Performance did improve for the 2007 house / garage and their metal roofs. Performance did improve for the 2007 CQ WW 160 contest, but still, it was nothing to brag about. It had to be replaced. CQ WW 160 contest, but still, it was nothing to brag about. It had to be replaced.

As a side note; We later found that our local ground condition is bad (heavy shale) .. As a side note; We later found that our local ground condition is bad (heavy shale) .. this more than likely contributed to “some”, but not all, of the antenna’s inefficiency.this more than likely contributed to “some”, but not all, of the antenna’s inefficiency. We looked at other various commercialWe looked at other various commercial dipoles and verticals. They too, had dipoles and verticals. They too, had questionable efficiencies … they were short, had loading coils, meant to be questionable efficiencies … they were short, had loading coils, meant to be mounted low or they had unsupported counterpoise arms which are not good in mounted low or they had unsupported counterpoise arms which are not good in our ice storms etc. our ice storms etc.

---- BACKGROUND BACKGROUND ----February 2007February 2007

After getting the bug to operate 160m in the winter of 2006, we installed one of the After getting the bug to operate 160m in the winter of 2006, we installed one of the commercially available 160 meter vertical antennas just in time for the 2006 CQ WW commercially available 160 meter vertical antennas just in time for the 2006 CQ WW 160 contest. This antenna required no guys or radials and claimed to be “ground 160 contest. This antenna required no guys or radials and claimed to be “ground independent”. At that time our ground was solidly frozen and, with ~4’ of snow down, independent”. At that time our ground was solidly frozen and, with ~4’ of snow down, it was really our only option. The antenna worked when the band was open, but it was really our only option. The antenna worked when the band was open, but otherwise, not very well. It also had a very poor S/N ratio.otherwise, not very well. It also had a very poor S/N ratio.

In the Fall 2006 we moved and raised the antenna to a better location away from the In the Fall 2006 we moved and raised the antenna to a better location away from the house / garage and their metal roofs. Performance did improve for the 2007 house / garage and their metal roofs. Performance did improve for the 2007 CQ WW 160 contest, but still, it was nothing to brag about. It had to be replaced. CQ WW 160 contest, but still, it was nothing to brag about. It had to be replaced.

As a side note; We later found that our local ground condition is bad (heavy shale) .. As a side note; We later found that our local ground condition is bad (heavy shale) .. this more than likely contributed to “some”, but not all, of the antenna’s inefficiency.this more than likely contributed to “some”, but not all, of the antenna’s inefficiency. We looked at other various commercialWe looked at other various commercial dipoles and verticals. They too, had dipoles and verticals. They too, had questionable efficiencies … they were short, had loading coils, meant to be questionable efficiencies … they were short, had loading coils, meant to be mounted low or they had unsupported counterpoise arms which are not good in mounted low or they had unsupported counterpoise arms which are not good in our ice storms etc. our ice storms etc.

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March 2007

In the late Winter of 2007 we talked with Dave Bowker, K1FK, in Ft. Kent to get an the late Winter of 2007 we talked with Dave Bowker, K1FK, in Ft. Kent to get an idea of what he thought might be a good solution. Dave had previously constructed idea of what he thought might be a good solution. Dave had previously constructed a 75’ 160 / 80m vertical at his QTH in 1999. a 75’ 160 / 80m vertical at his QTH in 1999. Details of the main element construction can be found in either ARRL publication;Details of the main element construction can be found in either ARRL publication;““QST” June ’04QST” June ’04““More Vertical Antenna Classics”More Vertical Antenna Classics”

After a lot of discussion and modeling, After a lot of discussion and modeling, Dave designed a modified version for a Dave designed a modified version for a dedicated 160m 60’ vertical antenna with dedicated 160m 60’ vertical antenna with 4 - 55’ long top loading wires and 60- 60’ 4 - 55’ long top loading wires and 60- 60’ radials.radials.

Our target center frequency was Our target center frequency was 1.860 MHz with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80KHz .1.860 MHz with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80KHz .

March 2007

In the late Winter of 2007 we talked with Dave Bowker, K1FK, in Ft. Kent to get an the late Winter of 2007 we talked with Dave Bowker, K1FK, in Ft. Kent to get an idea of what he thought might be a good solution. Dave had previously constructed idea of what he thought might be a good solution. Dave had previously constructed a 75’ 160 / 80m vertical at his QTH in 1999. a 75’ 160 / 80m vertical at his QTH in 1999. Details of the main element construction can be found in either ARRL publication;Details of the main element construction can be found in either ARRL publication;““QST” June ’04QST” June ’04““More Vertical Antenna Classics”More Vertical Antenna Classics”

After a lot of discussion and modeling, After a lot of discussion and modeling, Dave designed a modified version for a Dave designed a modified version for a dedicated 160m 60’ vertical antenna with dedicated 160m 60’ vertical antenna with 4 - 55’ long top loading wires and 60- 60’ 4 - 55’ long top loading wires and 60- 60’ radials.radials.

Our target center frequency was Our target center frequency was 1.860 MHz with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80KHz .1.860 MHz with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80KHz .

Early plot indicatingEarly plot indicating ~30~30º take-off angle and º take-off angle and good null at the zenithgood null at the zenith

Early plot indicatingEarly plot indicating ~30~30º take-off angle and º take-off angle and good null at the zenithgood null at the zenith

1.860 MHz1.860 MHz

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March 2007March 2007

One problem that had to be dealt with during the modeling was the local ground One problem that had to be dealt with during the modeling was the local ground condition, it’s very poor due to the heavy shale deposits.condition, it’s very poor due to the heavy shale deposits.

----- Published data shows our “typical” local ground conditions as ---------- Published data shows our “typical” local ground conditions as -----

Bad Ground > Conductivity of 1 mS/m Dielectric constant of 3Bad Ground > Conductivity of 1 mS/m Dielectric constant of 3

Where As ( Ref: NEC4WIN ) :Where As ( Ref: NEC4WIN ) :

Poor Ground > Conductivity of 2 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 12Poor Ground > Conductivity of 2 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 12 Medium Ground > Conductivity of 5 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 13 Medium Ground > Conductivity of 5 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 13 Good Ground > Conductivity of 6 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 14Good Ground > Conductivity of 6 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 14 Excellent Ground > Conductivity of 30 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 20Excellent Ground > Conductivity of 30 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 20

March 2007March 2007

One problem that had to be dealt with during the modeling was the local ground One problem that had to be dealt with during the modeling was the local ground condition, it’s very poor due to the heavy shale deposits.condition, it’s very poor due to the heavy shale deposits.

----- Published data shows our “typical” local ground conditions as ---------- Published data shows our “typical” local ground conditions as -----

Bad Ground > Conductivity of 1 mS/m Dielectric constant of 3Bad Ground > Conductivity of 1 mS/m Dielectric constant of 3

Where As ( Ref: NEC4WIN ) :Where As ( Ref: NEC4WIN ) :

Poor Ground > Conductivity of 2 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 12Poor Ground > Conductivity of 2 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 12 Medium Ground > Conductivity of 5 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 13 Medium Ground > Conductivity of 5 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 13 Good Ground > Conductivity of 6 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 14Good Ground > Conductivity of 6 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 14 Excellent Ground > Conductivity of 30 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 20Excellent Ground > Conductivity of 30 mS/m Dielectric Constant of 20

1” Polyethylene 1” Polyethylene pipe used for pipe used for the coax runthe coax run

Our typical Our typical ground ground

conditioncondition

Our typical Our typical ground ground

conditioncondition

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April 2007April 2007

The antenna’s vertical element and four guy posts were constructed from 30’ The antenna’s vertical element and four guy posts were constructed from 30’ lengths of 5” diameter, .055” wall aluminum irrigation pipe. After cutting the steel lengths of 5” diameter, .055” wall aluminum irrigation pipe. After cutting the steel couplers from the pipe ends, each resulting section only weighed 30 lbs. couplers from the pipe ends, each resulting section only weighed 30 lbs.

The vertical element consists of two 30’ sections joined together with a 4’ long The vertical element consists of two 30’ sections joined together with a 4’ long internal doubler that was riveted in place. The element is guyed at 20’, 40’ and 60’ internal doubler that was riveted in place. The element is guyed at 20’, 40’ and 60’ with the 60’ level containing the 55’ long top loading wires.with the 60’ level containing the 55’ long top loading wires. May 2007, Installation beganMay 2007, Installation began

After the snow finally melted, we did the layout using a surveyor’s transit (we have After the snow finally melted, we did the layout using a surveyor’s transit (we have a collection of 25 transits and levels dating from 1850-1960) to ensure that the guy a collection of 25 transits and levels dating from 1850-1960) to ensure that the guy posts where at 90º , centered on the antenna pier and that the actual guy points posts where at 90º , centered on the antenna pier and that the actual guy points were at the same elevation. Each guy point elevation was critical in order to were at the same elevation. Each guy point elevation was critical in order to maintain a uniform top loading wire angle, which in our case is 39 ½ º. This gave us maintain a uniform top loading wire angle, which in our case is 39 ½ º. This gave us a take-off angle of ~30º.a take-off angle of ~30º.

. . . . Our final guy point heights’ were designed to be . . . . . . . . Our final guy point heights’ were designed to be . . . .

West 7’, North 14 ½’, East 9 ½’ and the South 8 ½’. West 7’, North 14 ½’, East 9 ½’ and the South 8 ½’.

April 2007April 2007

The antenna’s vertical element and four guy posts were constructed from 30’ The antenna’s vertical element and four guy posts were constructed from 30’ lengths of 5” diameter, .055” wall aluminum irrigation pipe. After cutting the steel lengths of 5” diameter, .055” wall aluminum irrigation pipe. After cutting the steel couplers from the pipe ends, each resulting section only weighed 30 lbs. couplers from the pipe ends, each resulting section only weighed 30 lbs.

The vertical element consists of two 30’ sections joined together with a 4’ long The vertical element consists of two 30’ sections joined together with a 4’ long internal doubler that was riveted in place. The element is guyed at 20’, 40’ and 60’ internal doubler that was riveted in place. The element is guyed at 20’, 40’ and 60’ with the 60’ level containing the 55’ long top loading wires.with the 60’ level containing the 55’ long top loading wires. May 2007, Installation beganMay 2007, Installation began

After the snow finally melted, we did the layout using a surveyor’s transit (we have After the snow finally melted, we did the layout using a surveyor’s transit (we have a collection of 25 transits and levels dating from 1850-1960) to ensure that the guy a collection of 25 transits and levels dating from 1850-1960) to ensure that the guy posts where at 90º , centered on the antenna pier and that the actual guy points posts where at 90º , centered on the antenna pier and that the actual guy points were at the same elevation. Each guy point elevation was critical in order to were at the same elevation. Each guy point elevation was critical in order to maintain a uniform top loading wire angle, which in our case is 39 ½ º. This gave us maintain a uniform top loading wire angle, which in our case is 39 ½ º. This gave us a take-off angle of ~30º.a take-off angle of ~30º.

. . . . Our final guy point heights’ were designed to be . . . . . . . . Our final guy point heights’ were designed to be . . . .

West 7’, North 14 ½’, East 9 ½’ and the South 8 ½’. West 7’, North 14 ½’, East 9 ½’ and the South 8 ½’.

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THE INITIAL ANTENNA THE INITIAL ANTENNA LAYOUT . . .LAYOUT . . .

This was based on This was based on

our land survey that our land survey that was done in 2005was done in 2005

It fits perfectly in theIt fits perfectly in theavailableavailable spacespace

THE INITIAL ANTENNA THE INITIAL ANTENNA LAYOUT . . .LAYOUT . . .

This was based on This was based on

our land survey that our land survey that was done in 2005was done in 2005

It fits perfectly in theIt fits perfectly in theavailableavailable spacespace

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GUY POST DESIGN GUY POST DESIGN REQUIREMENTSREQUIREMENTS

Maintain a uniform top loadingMaintain a uniform top loading wire angle of 39 1/2wire angle of 39 1/2ºº

Tractor cab clearance of 7’ under Tractor cab clearance of 7’ under the West lower guy line.the West lower guy line.

GUY POST DESIGN GUY POST DESIGN REQUIREMENTSREQUIREMENTS

Maintain a uniform top loadingMaintain a uniform top loading wire angle of 39 1/2wire angle of 39 1/2ºº

Tractor cab clearance of 7’ under Tractor cab clearance of 7’ under the West lower guy line.the West lower guy line.

TYPICAL GUY LINE AND TOP TYPICAL GUY LINE AND TOP LOADING WIRE DETAILLOADING WIRE DETAIL

14ga Copperweld Top Loading Wire 14ga Copperweld Top Loading Wire

3/16” Double Braided UV Resistant 3/16” Double Braided UV Resistant Dacron guy linesDacron guy lines

TYPICAL GUY LINE AND TOP TYPICAL GUY LINE AND TOP LOADING WIRE DETAILLOADING WIRE DETAIL

14ga Copperweld Top Loading Wire 14ga Copperweld Top Loading Wire

3/16” Double Braided UV Resistant 3/16” Double Braided UV Resistant Dacron guy linesDacron guy lines

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--- --- GUY POST INSTALLATIONGUY POST INSTALLATION --- ---

After all the guy post locations were double checked against the layout, 8” diameter After all the guy post locations were double checked against the layout, 8” diameter holes were bored and the forms placed. Each guy post was then set in ~400 lbs of holes were bored and the forms placed. Each guy post was then set in ~400 lbs of 4000 psi4000 psi concrete, plumbed and left to cure.concrete, plumbed and left to cure.

--- --- GUY POST INSTALLATIONGUY POST INSTALLATION --- ---

After all the guy post locations were double checked against the layout, 8” diameter After all the guy post locations were double checked against the layout, 8” diameter holes were bored and the forms placed. Each guy post was then set in ~400 lbs of holes were bored and the forms placed. Each guy post was then set in ~400 lbs of 4000 psi4000 psi concrete, plumbed and left to cure.concrete, plumbed and left to cure.

Ex: North guy postEx: North guy postEx: North guy postEx: North guy postEx: East guy postEx: East guy postEx: East guy postEx: East guy post

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--- --- OVERVIEW OF THE COMPLETED GUY POSTSOVERVIEW OF THE COMPLETED GUY POSTS --- ------ --- OVERVIEW OF THE COMPLETED GUY POSTSOVERVIEW OF THE COMPLETED GUY POSTS --- ---

West, North and East postsWest, North and East postsWest, North and East postsWest, North and East posts

East, South and West postsEast, South and West postsEast, South and West postsEast, South and West posts

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After the guy posts were installed, a 1924 Buff & Buff transit was aligned to the antenna After the guy posts were installed, a 1924 Buff & Buff transit was aligned to the antenna pier and all guy point elevations were double checked. This was required before drilling pier and all guy point elevations were double checked. This was required before drilling and installing the guy post eyebolts. They had to be in the same plane . .and installing the guy post eyebolts. They had to be in the same plane . .

After the guy posts were installed, a 1924 Buff & Buff transit was aligned to the antenna After the guy posts were installed, a 1924 Buff & Buff transit was aligned to the antenna pier and all guy point elevations were double checked. This was required before drilling pier and all guy point elevations were double checked. This was required before drilling and installing the guy post eyebolts. They had to be in the same plane . .and installing the guy post eyebolts. They had to be in the same plane . .

Ex: Checking the South guy Ex: Checking the South guy point elevation . . . . point elevation . . . .

Ex: Checking the South guy Ex: Checking the South guy point elevation . . . . point elevation . . . .

Ex: Checking the West guy Ex: Checking the West guy point elevation . . . . point elevation . . . .

Ex: Checking the West guy Ex: Checking the West guy point elevation . . . . point elevation . . . .

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Ground preparation for the first 10 of 60 radials Ground preparation for the first 10 of 60 radials began by cutting the grass as low as possible . .began by cutting the grass as low as possible . .

Ground preparation for the first 10 of 60 radials Ground preparation for the first 10 of 60 radials began by cutting the grass as low as possible . .began by cutting the grass as low as possible . .

. . Then, using an electric edger with a 7 ½ “ diameter, serrated steel blade, . . Then, using an electric edger with a 7 ½ “ diameter, serrated steel blade, grooves were cut to a depth of ~1 ¼”. Following that, each of the 14ga copper grooves were cut to a depth of ~1 ¼”. Following that, each of the 14ga copper wires were embedded. Natural erosion and grass will eventually fill the grooves.wires were embedded. Natural erosion and grass will eventually fill the grooves.

. . Then, using an electric edger with a 7 ½ “ diameter, serrated steel blade, . . Then, using an electric edger with a 7 ½ “ diameter, serrated steel blade, grooves were cut to a depth of ~1 ¼”. Following that, each of the 14ga copper grooves were cut to a depth of ~1 ¼”. Following that, each of the 14ga copper wires were embedded. Natural erosion and grass will eventually fill the grooves.wires were embedded. Natural erosion and grass will eventually fill the grooves.

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K1FK radial bonding K1FK radial bonding clamp made from clamp made from

¾” copper pipe¾” copper pipe

K1FK radial bonding K1FK radial bonding clamp made from clamp made from

¾” copper pipe¾” copper pipe

--- --- PREPARATION FOR INSTALLING AND BONDING THE RADIALSPREPARATION FOR INSTALLING AND BONDING THE RADIALS --- ------ --- PREPARATION FOR INSTALLING AND BONDING THE RADIALSPREPARATION FOR INSTALLING AND BONDING THE RADIALS --- ---

K1FTK shown K1FTK shown cutting the groovescutting the grooves

for the radialsfor the radials

K1FTK shown K1FTK shown cutting the groovescutting the grooves

for the radialsfor the radials

KA1SJV shown KA1SJV shown embedding the embedding the

radialsradials

KA1SJV shown KA1SJV shown embedding the embedding the

radialsradials

GrooveGroove

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--- --- RADIAL PREPARATION AND BONDING TECHNIQUE RADIAL PREPARATION AND BONDING TECHNIQUE --------- --- RADIAL PREPARATION AND BONDING TECHNIQUE RADIAL PREPARATION AND BONDING TECHNIQUE ------

K1FK shown stripping the K1FK shown stripping the radials in preparation for silver radials in preparation for silver soldering to the bonding clampsoldering to the bonding clamp

K1FK shown stripping the K1FK shown stripping the radials in preparation for silver radials in preparation for silver soldering to the bonding clampsoldering to the bonding clamp

Radial bundle soldered to the Radial bundle soldered to the bonding clamp and now bonding clamp and now

secured to an 8’ ground rod secured to an 8’ ground rod

Radial bundle soldered to the Radial bundle soldered to the bonding clamp and now bonding clamp and now

secured to an 8’ ground rod secured to an 8’ ground rod

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--- --- ANTENNA RAISING SEQUENCE ANTENNA RAISING SEQUENCE --------- --- ANTENNA RAISING SEQUENCE ANTENNA RAISING SEQUENCE ------

We’re now ready to hand raise the derrick . . .We’re now ready to hand raise the derrick . . .We’re now ready to hand raise the derrick . . .We’re now ready to hand raise the derrick . . .

60’ Antenna60’ Antenna 30’ Derrick30’ Derrick

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With the derrick fully raised, K1FTK secured the intermediate South guy points from With the derrick fully raised, K1FTK secured the intermediate South guy points from the derrick to the antenna at the 20’ and 40’ levels in preparation for the raising. The the derrick to the antenna at the 20’ and 40’ levels in preparation for the raising. The intermediate guy points will be removed once the antenna is raised.intermediate guy points will be removed once the antenna is raised.

With the derrick fully raised, K1FTK secured the intermediate South guy points from With the derrick fully raised, K1FTK secured the intermediate South guy points from the derrick to the antenna at the 20’ and 40’ levels in preparation for the raising. The the derrick to the antenna at the 20’ and 40’ levels in preparation for the raising. The intermediate guy points will be removed once the antenna is raised.intermediate guy points will be removed once the antenna is raised.

KA1SJVKA1SJVPICPIC

K1FTKK1FTK K1FKK1FK

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The derrick being hand lowered by K1FK, the antenna is now at ~45º. The derrick being hand lowered by K1FK, the antenna is now at ~45º. K1FTK keeping light tension on the top loading wires to prevent them K1FTK keeping light tension on the top loading wires to prevent them from developing kinks.from developing kinks.

The derrick being hand lowered by K1FK, the antenna is now at ~45º. The derrick being hand lowered by K1FK, the antenna is now at ~45º. K1FTK keeping light tension on the top loading wires to prevent them K1FTK keeping light tension on the top loading wires to prevent them from developing kinks.from developing kinks.

K1FKK1FKK1FTKK1FTK

KA1SJVKA1SJVPICPIC

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Derrick now fully lowered Derrick now fully lowered and the antenna is at 90ºand the antenna is at 90º

With the antenna fully raised, all guy With the antenna fully raised, all guy lines are secured to their respective lines are secured to their respective posts so the derrick can be removed. posts so the derrick can be removed.

Derrick now fully lowered Derrick now fully lowered and the antenna is at 90ºand the antenna is at 90º

With the antenna fully raised, all guy With the antenna fully raised, all guy lines are secured to their respective lines are secured to their respective posts so the derrick can be removed. posts so the derrick can be removed.

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--- --- K1FK BASE INSULATORK1FK BASE INSULATOR --- ------ --- K1FK BASE INSULATORK1FK BASE INSULATOR --- ---

The lower stud will thread The lower stud will thread into the antenna pierinto the antenna pier

The lower stud will thread The lower stud will thread into the antenna pierinto the antenna pier Once installed on the pier, the antenna will Once installed on the pier, the antenna will

set in the top groove similar to aboveset in the top groove similar to above

Once installed on the pier, the antenna will Once installed on the pier, the antenna will set in the top groove similar to aboveset in the top groove similar to above

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--- --- K1FK RFK1FK RF MATCHING TRANSFORMERMATCHING TRANSFORMER --- ------ --- K1FK RFK1FK RF MATCHING TRANSFORMERMATCHING TRANSFORMER --- ---

The bifilar winding on this ferrite rod The bifilar winding on this ferrite rod produces a perfect 25 produces a perfect 25 transmission transmission line required for the low impedance line required for the low impedance 1:4 RF1:4 RF Matching Transformer. Matching Transformer.

Loss at 1.8 MHz, <Loss at 1.8 MHz, < 0.05 dB 0.05 dB

The bifilar winding on this ferrite rod The bifilar winding on this ferrite rod produces a perfect 25 produces a perfect 25 transmission transmission line required for the low impedance line required for the low impedance 1:4 RF1:4 RF Matching Transformer. Matching Transformer.

Loss at 1.8 MHz, <Loss at 1.8 MHz, < 0.05 dB 0.05 dB

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With the raising fixture and derrick now removed and all guys fully secured . .With the raising fixture and derrick now removed and all guys fully secured . .

The base insulator, spark gap, ground strap, feed strap,The base insulator, spark gap, ground strap, feed strap, coax and matching transformer box were installed . .coax and matching transformer box were installed . .

With the raising fixture and derrick now removed and all guys fully secured . .With the raising fixture and derrick now removed and all guys fully secured . .

The base insulator, spark gap, ground strap, feed strap,The base insulator, spark gap, ground strap, feed strap, coax and matching transformer box were installed . .coax and matching transformer box were installed . .

3/16” Wide Spark Gap3/16” Wide Spark Gap

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--- --- THE COMPLETED ANTENNATHE COMPLETED ANTENNA --- ---

THIS WAS A MAJOR PROJECT; MADE THIS WAS A MAJOR PROJECT; MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF:POSSIBLE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF:

• K1FK , ANTENNA ENGINEERINGK1FK , ANTENNA ENGINEERING RF MATCHING TRANSFORMERRF MATCHING TRANSFORMER BASE INSULATORBASE INSULATOR ( A VERY SPECIAL THANKS ! )( A VERY SPECIAL THANKS ! )

• KA1SJV, EMBEDDING 3600’ OF RADIALSKA1SJV, EMBEDDING 3600’ OF RADIALS GUY POST INSTALLATIONGUY POST INSTALLATION

ELEMENT CONSTRUCTIONELEMENT CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUTSITE LAYOUT

•K1FTK, GUY POST DESIGN K1FTK, GUY POST DESIGN GUY POST INSTALLATION GUY POST INSTALLATION

CUTTING RADIAL GROOVES CUTTING RADIAL GROOVES ELEMENT CONSTRUCTIONELEMENT CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUTSITE LAYOUT

IT WAS FUN AND VERY EDUCATIONAL!IT WAS FUN AND VERY EDUCATIONAL!

--- --- THE COMPLETED ANTENNATHE COMPLETED ANTENNA --- ---

THIS WAS A MAJOR PROJECT; MADE THIS WAS A MAJOR PROJECT; MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF:POSSIBLE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF:

• K1FK , ANTENNA ENGINEERINGK1FK , ANTENNA ENGINEERING RF MATCHING TRANSFORMERRF MATCHING TRANSFORMER BASE INSULATORBASE INSULATOR ( A VERY SPECIAL THANKS ! )( A VERY SPECIAL THANKS ! )

• KA1SJV, EMBEDDING 3600’ OF RADIALSKA1SJV, EMBEDDING 3600’ OF RADIALS GUY POST INSTALLATIONGUY POST INSTALLATION

ELEMENT CONSTRUCTIONELEMENT CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUTSITE LAYOUT

•K1FTK, GUY POST DESIGN K1FTK, GUY POST DESIGN GUY POST INSTALLATION GUY POST INSTALLATION

CUTTING RADIAL GROOVES CUTTING RADIAL GROOVES ELEMENT CONSTRUCTIONELEMENT CONSTRUCTION SITE LAYOUTSITE LAYOUT

IT WAS FUN AND VERY EDUCATIONAL!IT WAS FUN AND VERY EDUCATIONAL!

N7GLRN7GLRPICPIC

K1FTKK1FTK

( NICE LIGHTNING ROD ! )( NICE LIGHTNING ROD ! )BACKBACK NEXTNEXT

--- --- INITIAL TESTING AND FIRST ON AIR RESULTS, JUNE / JULY 2007INITIAL TESTING AND FIRST ON AIR RESULTS, JUNE / JULY 2007 --- ------ --- INITIAL TESTING AND FIRST ON AIR RESULTS, JUNE / JULY 2007INITIAL TESTING AND FIRST ON AIR RESULTS, JUNE / JULY 2007 --- ---

ANTENNA IMPEDANCEANTENNA IMPEDANCE

• Freq = 1.890 MHz Z = 12.5 Freq = 1.890 MHz Z = 12.5 +/-j0 +/-j0• Freq = 1.860 MHz Z = 10 Freq = 1.860 MHz Z = 10 +/-j0 +/-j0• Freq = 1.830 MHz Z = 11 Freq = 1.830 MHz Z = 11 +/-j0 +/-j0

Resonance at 1.860 MHz SWR 3.9Resonance at 1.860 MHz SWR 3.9

ANTENNA IMPEDANCEANTENNA IMPEDANCE

• Freq = 1.890 MHz Z = 12.5 Freq = 1.890 MHz Z = 12.5 +/-j0 +/-j0• Freq = 1.860 MHz Z = 10 Freq = 1.860 MHz Z = 10 +/-j0 +/-j0• Freq = 1.830 MHz Z = 11 Freq = 1.830 MHz Z = 11 +/-j0 +/-j0

Resonance at 1.860 MHz SWR 3.9Resonance at 1.860 MHz SWR 3.9

SIGNAL STRENGTH AT N7GLRSIGNAL STRENGTH AT N7GLR

(Compared to 2006, nominal(Compared to 2006, nominal 600W)600W)

An increase of ~ + 3 ½ S units (22dB)An increase of ~ + 3 ½ S units (22dB)

( Based on Kenwood TS50 6 dB / S unit )( Based on Kenwood TS50 6 dB / S unit )

SIGNAL STRENGTH AT N7GLRSIGNAL STRENGTH AT N7GLR

(Compared to 2006, nominal(Compared to 2006, nominal 600W)600W)

An increase of ~ + 3 ½ S units (22dB)An increase of ~ + 3 ½ S units (22dB)

( Based on Kenwood TS50 6 dB / S unit )( Based on Kenwood TS50 6 dB / S unit )

EQUIPMENT USED FOR IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS EQUIPMENT USED FOR IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS • AEA CIA-HF Analyzer (K1FK) AEA CIA-HF Analyzer (K1FK) • PALSTAR ZM30 Digital Antenna Z Bridge (K1FTK)PALSTAR ZM30 Digital Antenna Z Bridge (K1FTK)

EQUIPMENT USED FOR IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS EQUIPMENT USED FOR IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS • AEA CIA-HF Analyzer (K1FK) AEA CIA-HF Analyzer (K1FK) • PALSTAR ZM30 Digital Antenna Z Bridge (K1FTK)PALSTAR ZM30 Digital Antenna Z Bridge (K1FTK)

IMPEDANCE MATCHING RESULTSIMPEDANCE MATCHING RESULTS

The low impedanceThe low impedance 1:4 RF Matching Transformer 1:4 RF Matching Transformer lowered the SWR to 1.0 : 1 @ 1.849 with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80 KHz lowered the SWR to 1.0 : 1 @ 1.849 with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80 KHz This also provides ground for static discharge.This also provides ground for static discharge.

IMPEDANCE MATCHING RESULTSIMPEDANCE MATCHING RESULTS

The low impedanceThe low impedance 1:4 RF Matching Transformer 1:4 RF Matching Transformer lowered the SWR to 1.0 : 1 @ 1.849 with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80 KHz lowered the SWR to 1.0 : 1 @ 1.849 with a 2:1 bandwidth of ~80 KHz This also provides ground for static discharge.This also provides ground for static discharge.

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SWR PLOTSWR PLOT1.0 : 1 @ 1.849 MHz1.0 : 1 @ 1.849 MHz

PALSTAR ZM30 Digital Antenna Z BridgePALSTAR ZM30 Digital Antenna Z Bridge

1.804

1.849

1.884

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UPDATE …. 12/08UPDATE …. 12/08UPDATE …. 12/08UPDATE …. 12/08

2008 CQ160 SSB CONTEST RESULTS2008 CQ160 SSB CONTEST RESULTS(UNDER MY OLD CALL WB1FTK)(UNDER MY OLD CALL WB1FTK)

11stst PLACE FOR THE STATE OF MAINE PLACE FOR THE STATE OF MAINE21,609 POINTS21,609 POINTS

2008 CQ160 SSB CONTEST RESULTS2008 CQ160 SSB CONTEST RESULTS(UNDER MY OLD CALL WB1FTK)(UNDER MY OLD CALL WB1FTK)

11stst PLACE FOR THE STATE OF MAINE PLACE FOR THE STATE OF MAINE21,609 POINTS21,609 POINTS

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’’7373K1FTKK1FTK KA1SJVKA1SJV

’’7373K1FTKK1FTK KA1SJVKA1SJV

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