[Harc] Thank You Tunes

[Matthew McClain]

Something to keep in mind is that though you can tune a non-resonent
antenna it doesn't mean that it will actually get out or receive well, in
fact think of a 50 ohm dummy load, it's a perfect match to the radio but no
signals are going to get in or out of it, and a wire can be a dummy load
just as easily as a dummy load can be a dummy load

On Sat, Mar 23, 2024, 8:55 AM Andrius D. Ilgūnas via Harc <
harc at reflector.humboldt-arc.org> wrote:

> THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH to all who have responded to my question about an
> antenna!
>
> My brain bucket overfloweth.
>
> I think that this is what I've learned far:
>
> 1. There are resonant, and non-resonant antennas. Generally, resonant ones
> are tuned to work on one frequency, whereas non-resonant ones aren't tuned,
> and thus require a tuner.  Generally.
>
> 2.  Perhaps the most recommended was an inverted V or a random/long wire
> antenna. The inverted V is a kind of dipole, but because it's a V, it
> becomes more omnidirectional.
>
> 2.a  A "random wire" and a "long wire" is the same thing.
>
> 3. End-fed needs a tuner and although easier to set up, are deaf on
> several bands.
>
> 4. The higher, the better; at least 35' above the ground.
>
> 5. Antenna traps are old-school, and were a way to make antennas appear
> shorter electrically on higher frequencies.  These days, multi-band
> antennas use magic dust instead of traps.
>
> 6. Ladder-line can be used instead of a coax cable between the transceiver
> and antenna. Because it's balanced, where a coax is not, it can handle
> higher SWR and doesn't heat up a much.
>
> 7. Tuner don't actually tune an antenna. Rather, they match the impedance
> on the cable to reduce the SWR and get more of the energy into/out of the
> antenna.
>
>
> *I understand that none of these are RULES, but rather, they are
> generalities, aka "rules of thumb" and exceptions and caveats can be found
> for each. *
>
> *However, is my understanding correct? <=========*
>
> If I'm right about all of the points above, then my gray matter guides me
> to thinking that I want a non-resonant antenna with a tuner.  Probably an
> inverted V or a doublet, as Jaye recommended.
>
> *What should I look for in a tuner? <========*
>
> Or *should I finalize on an antenna type/configuration first and then go
> looking for an "appropriate" tuner?  <========*
>
> And before I forget, how much effort have you put into lighting
> "protection"? I get that nothing would protect from a direct strike, and
> don't operate equipment when I hear thunder.  And I also understand that
> those "lightning arrestors" on Amazon aren't much more than surge
> protectors. Some folks just put in a grounding rod (*don't daisy-chain
> chassises!*), while others go all-out with installing radials to
> grounding rods and have large plates to encourage lighting to go elsewhere,
> etc.
>
> *Given that we get about 3-5 strikes each winter around here, how much
> effort have YOU put in protecting your base station from strikes?
>  <========*
>
> Finally, I am amazed at all the excellent advice I've been generously
> given from you all!  It's as if I tripped into Elmer City here!! Thank
> you!!!
>
> I PROMISE THAT I'LL GET LESS NEEDY OVER TIME!!
>
> --
> Andrius
> *To know recursion, you must first know recursion.*
>
> --
> Harc mailing list
> Harc at reflector.humboldt-arc.org
>
> http://mail.reflector.humboldt-arc.org/mailman/listinfo/harc_reflector.humboldt-arc.org
>
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