Hi Stephen,
Next time try to get the counterpoise up off of the ground/grass a
couple of feet and I believe you will be surprised at the
improvement. [You might have to stand up to keep the counterpoise
below the base of the antena. ;-) ] The ATX will never get close to
performing as well as a proper (or even modest) dipole, but you can
still have loads of fun.
72 de Barry - W4WB
Had the opportunity to compare the ATX with my 20m wire dipole
today,
sitting out in the garden. The dipole is about 20 feet high.
Sitting on
the grass with the 817 between my knees, and the appropriate
counterpoise
lying on the grass, the ATX was never more than 2 s points down on
the
dipole. Admittedly this was the middle of the day, and there was
only
European stuff on 20m, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I'm pleased to say that the 817 novelty still hasn't worn off!!
73 Stephen G4SJP
