I¡¯ve used this strategy on bare summits above 3-4000 feet with some success. Unfortunately at sea level or low elevation you¡¯re just warming the earthworms. Any type of short vertical with an elevated radial will provide a decent takeoff angle. You can model this in EZNEC. A good resource for using short verticals effectively are the writings of Jerry Severns for the ARRL Antenna handbook or the website for antenna ¡®guru¡¯ LB Cebik.?
Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com?
N7CQR@...
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On Mar 25, 2025, at 12:42, Dave AB7E via groups.io <AB7Echo@...> wrote:
?
You should try the EFRW sometime just laying on the
ground, or maybe laying across a rock.? I'll say again ... most of
the radiating from an AX1 comes from either the counterpoise or
the shield of the coax (if not using a common mode choke), and for
the majority of uses either of those are lying on or very near the
top of the ground.? The surface of most "ground" isn't an RF
ground, and if the soil is dry or fairly non-conductive the actual
RF ground is probably several feet below the surface.? Not sure
what the ground characteristic in the Orkneys is, though.
Dave?? AB7E
On 3/25/2025 12:18 PM, Dan N7CQR via
groups.io wrote:
I forgot to mention that I also carry a EFRW in my little bag,that
of course is more efficient than almost short loaded vertical.
Mine is Adam¡¯s K6ARK clever design that incorporates a 9:1 balun
into the BNC connector. But you have to have either a tree or a
pole to toss it into. If you¡¯ve been to the Orkneys you know that
there¡¯s not many trees there¡?
Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com?
On Mar 25, 2025, at 11:22, Dan N7CQR via
groups.io <N7CQR@...> wrote:
?
It¡¯s a matter of trade offs that each operator is willing to
make. No doubt that other larger antennas can be more
efficient,but how much are you willing to pack around? Last
summer I made a trip to the Orkney Islands,and you are
definitely limited in how much baggage you can bring on a very
small plane. . Wanting to get some radio time in,it¡¯s an easy
decision to bring my small bag and still have room for
clothing and other essentials. And I successfully got on the
air with the AX1 at 5W. Worked 10 countries in one 45 minute
session. For me that¡¯s a good trade off. ?Back home I use the
best antenna I can reasonably carry. Lately I¡¯ve been using
the Chelegance MC 750 vertical which is a full 1/4 wave on
20-10 Meters with the KH1 and having excellent results. It
breaks down into a relatively small package-but still nothing
I¡¯d ever fly or take a longer hike with. We have so many great
options these days.?
Dan Presley 503-701-3871
danpresley@me. com?
