| SWR and Model Layout
- Here's where theory meets reality. This was the first antenna modeling
project I'd taken on and the software leaves a lot to be desired in
terms of human interface, but after many, many (enjoyable) hours, I
figured out how to model this doublet and confirmed that with an SWR
plot matching my actual measurements. |
Not perfect (esp. with respect to 80 meters, it is a lower SWR than
shown), but very close. Using my auto-ATU, choke balun, and 4:1 voltage
balun (optionally), I have no problem working all the bands plotted.
Before this time I was skeptical about using open wire feeder, but now
I'm sold! Low-loss and no RF problems at all.
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Like most hams, I had to make do with the trees that someone else
planted decades ago. Thus, the azimuthal orientation is not optimal, but
I was fortunate to have enough horizontal space and trees with plenty of
height. This antenna serves my very compact office station in the house,
just my K2 and its power supply.
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