160m/80m Transmit Vertical by AC0C

Posted date: June 28, 2016in: AntennaNo Comments

Adding topband to a full sized elevated 80m vertical and putting N6LF’s QEX data to the test

This antenna started out as an 80m vertical – with160m capability added as a secondary consideration. In reflection, I’m very glad to have added the 160m operation as that is a fascinating band.

It’s now on it’s second version (v2), with a conversion from a trap-based to relay-based band selection and full matching net now complete.

From the diagram, you can see that 50 ohm feed line runs to the 2×6 switch (mounted on a tower about half way to the vertical), and from the switch onward to the vertical, it’s 75 ohm RG-11. The LC network is a few feet below the vertical’s base. It’s an elevated structure, with 10 elevated radials at head-height. A control line runs from the shack to the vertical allowing some relay switching which engages the cap hats to shift the resonant point of the vertical from 80m to 160m – and to likewise set the L/C for the band in operation….. READ MORE