PPT Slide
- I also did the previous mod plus added 7 feet of 3/4” at the same place as the coil was added. This worked even better but it was very mechanically unstable. I guyed it at 8 and 16 feet but it still tended to buckle. If it where guyed in three places it would be OK. I found that the majority of the improvement came from the near top loading and did not go back to the longer configuration.
- I also added a small top hat as show here. A bigger one would likely add more performance but I was concerned about wind loading in the minimal guyed configuration I’m using. The Top Hat is mounted about 5 ‘ above the coil on the 5/8” section.
- The way this antenna is now it is not visually disturbing (to my wife or neighbors and performs reasonably well. Additional height or guys would make it more visible.
- I intend to try a larger coil (more turns and larger diameter) this spring as I’m sure that will further improve performance.
Heavy Aluminum wire (ground)
(I used 4 pieces and fastened to each rod
4 support rods made from 3/8”
aluminum flat rod 1/16” thick
18” long with a 1” bend. Fastened to the antenna with a hose clamp.