TOPBAND TRANSMIT ANTENNAS


It is possible to make almost any antenna radiate...but will it radiate well? On 160 meters an efficient antenna is a requirement if QSOs more than a few hundred kilometers away are to be expected. Generally, "the higher and bigger is better" theory prevails, and most of the competitive contest stations and successful Dxers have full-size 1/4 wave (or longer) verticals, phased pairs, 4 squares or high (in excess of 125 feet) dipoles.

For many, such large antenna systems are out of the question, but this does not mean that one cannot enjoy 160 meter DX or contest activities. On the contrary, while so-called "compromise" antennas are just that, nevertheless many which are properly installed with good ground systems can produce excellent results. A low-loss compromise vertical with 70% efficiency will be only a few Db down in signal strength at the other end from a similarly-powered station using a full-size transmit antenna, other things being equal. In the pileups, one must be patient when running such a compromise antenna; good operating technique and patient listening usually results in being able to work that elusive DX station, though it may take much longer than a station with a full-size antenna system.

Here, then, are the compromise antennas which I have used, as well as some articles about others which should produce satisfacory results. These antennas are reproduceable and they WILL work if installed properly over an efficient ground system.


LINEAR-LOADED 160/80/40 VERTICAL

TOP-LOADED 160/80 VERTICAL

TOPBAND ANTENNA REFERENCES


Last Updated on June 3, 2003