Re: antennas and stuff

[mc-20]

Hi Don,
 I found part of the problem,  my fault for not checking every detail, I
purchased two  large packages of AA batteries at Wal-Mart in the preparation
for hurricane season. Thinking I would be getting fresh batteries, not so,
I borrowed a  Fluke Bench Meter, one of those real fancy ones, measures
everything including frequencies and tested all the batteries. When you buy
discount,  sometimes you get what you pay for.  ALL  the batteries  are
about 3/4 to 2/3 capacity, not one in 40 batteries measure up to par.

With new package of Coppertop from Lowe's I now get  areadout of  2.2 watts
.

Mike
MC -- KB7DPC


----- Original Message -----
From: "W3FPR - Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: "mc" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 8:52 PM
Subject: RE: antennas and stuff

> Mike,
>
> Great that you now have something working - the KX1 ATU will tune a
> variety
> of antennas, but some of the ones that have worked for others is quite
> 'iffy' - if the conditions are right the may load, but what a lot of folks
> don't realize is that there is a lot of loss in an antenna system that has
> a
> radiating section shorter than 1/8 wavelength.  The CB whip with a drag
> wire
> may work OK on 20 meters under some conditions, but its losses begin to
> increase exponentially as the frequency drops, so it won't be a very
> effective radiator for 30 or 40 meters.
>
> What concerns me is your power reading of only 0.5 watt - the KX1 should
> give you at least 2 to 3 watts with the internal batteries, and 3 to 5
> watts
> with a 13.8 volt power supply.  You might want to check the charge
> condition
> of your batteries or look for something wrong with the KX1.  Check the
> power
> output with a 50 ohm dummy load attached rather than an antenna to be
> certain what the power output capability of the KX1 really is - bypass the
> tuner when checking with the dummy load (see instructions on KXAT1 manual
> for bypassing the tuner).
>
> I will not be able to listen for you over the next couple weeks, my
> antennas
> are in a state of change at the moment and I don't have anything but my
> portable setup (and that is packed away).  If you ask on the Elecraft
> reflector, I am certain you will find several folks willing to listen for
> you.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: mc [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 7:58 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: antennas and stuff
>>
>>
>> Hello Don,
>> Part of the confusion was getting so any different answers. example a CB
>> antenna will work fine or the one about a extendable car FM antenna and
>> dragging  a counterpoise along behind while walking down the street.
>> I have re-done my antenna completely and measured out now exactly
>> 33 feet on
>> both antenna and counterpoise (minus the inch and 1/2 for connection to
>> nylon ) Plus I have an ATU. According to the KX1  instrument when
>> tuning I
>> am getting 0.5 watt and a SWR of 1.0, I'm told this is a good readings to
>> have.
>>
>> Plus the manual for building and operation assumes that you know
>> a lot about
>> HAM. so I still reading and learning, its an interesting learning curve.
>>
>> I would appreciate it if you could to listen at 1900 EST on Monday 7118.
>> Then if I hear nothing in return I will try at 1915 EST on 14118.
>> And then
>> the same thing each day of the week until I get this right. I will get it
>> and I will get it right and my code will get better.
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Mike
>>  KB7DPC
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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>>
> --
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