On Project 3BTV | The Rough Draft

Figure 1. Basic radial system using 1/4 wavelength #14AWG wire. Technical information suggested radial(s) angle between 10 and 60 degrees from horizontal plane. We are developing ideas to meet angle requirement on the brainstorming board. In addition radial(s) are not mechanically sound at this time as lugs and soldering to follow in the near future. The vertical is fully extended on its support mast.

Figure 2. Technical instruction suggested feedpoint as near to earth as possible. Ideally approximately 4-inches above earth however this measurement was not achievable. We achieved reasonable standing wave ratio (SWR) and impedance readings at this height in comparison to photograph one. Additional radial(s) and feedpoint location substantially lowered SWR while increasing bandwidth. We are creating the other half of the antenna system, "One radial at a time, one inch at a time."

Figure 3. An antenna analyzer really made a difference while quickly identifying antenna resonance, impedance, and available bandwidth. I would recommend such an instrument at a budget friendly price because of efficiency. We made necessary height adjustments while adding additional radial(s) then checked the analyzer. One noted the influence of height and radial(s) through each modification.

Fred, KI6QDH and I consumed three hours off the Saturday time budget working Project 3BTV rough draft. We also contacted Ernie, W6ND a local operator who possesses a wealth of antenna knowledge. Fred charted our progress using pencil and paper as well. Each modification such as reducing antenna height or adding a radial changed SWR, bandwidth, resonance, and impedance. I was stoked as our physical universe responded.

Project 3BTV is rough draft and I pumped radio frequency (RF) into the antenna system. I had too. There is a lot more work, if one wants to call it work, remaining before this project comes off my goal list.

73 from the shackadelic.