Correction To My 160m Doublet Antenna Model
- Details
Previously I had created a couple of antenna models using the 4NEC2 software however as I slowly continue to learn how to navigate the software and accurately model an antenna I found that my first model was way off, and that would include my assesment of the triangle loop at 1100 feet. Below I have included what I beleive to be much closer to accurate models of my 160m doublet which is 240 feet long and the apex is at or about 75 feet high and fed with 150' of 600 ohm ladder line into the shack and into a Palstar AT2K T-match network with a built in balanced line 4:1 balun.
After creating this current model I tend to believe that it more closely resembles the radiation characteristics that the antenna exhibits through my use and station reports from many different locations. Eventually as I become more familliar with the software I will reintroduce the model for the triangle loop since based on information available in an article on horizontal loops located HERE it would seem that my original model was far from accurate on angle of radiation as well as pattern.
My current doublet @ 1.85 Mhz
| CURRENT | RADIATION | PATTERN |
 |
 |
 |
My current doublet @ 3.910 Mhz
| CURRENT | RADIATION | PATTERN |
 |
 |
 |
My current doublet @ 7.200 Mhz
| CURRENT | RADIATION | PATTERN |
 |
 |
 |
The following is my attempt to overlay the pattern on my property using Google Earth and the radiation pattern on 160 meters. Somewhat crude but might tend to give an idea to other stations as to my signal strength vs radiation pattern.
| CLOSE UP VIEW | EXTENDED VIEW |
 |
 |
*** note that the red is the highest levels of gain, followed by the orange(ish) and then the nulls (or lower gain) being in dark blue ****
If you have any advice or would like to offer corrections to my models then please comment and possibly the beginners like me with this EZNEC software can gain some passed on knowledge.
| |
|
CM |
Write comment (2 Comments)
Out With The Negative ...
- Details
I have been thinking about my perceived duty to expose those that have a total disregard for other amateur radio operators in their operating practices as well as those that choose to go through life as "grifters" and with every and any opportunity, lie or mislead to get something of value from another. The problem with this is that as I continue to hold a grudge or harbor ill feelings towards those described, I am bringing myself down in the process.
I have left amateur radio hobby on a couple of occasions in disgust with the amount of money that I have put into purchasing the gear as well as the time spent making my antennas as efficient as possible while staying within my budget only to spin the dial and hear the fools and out of control operators that constantly curse (using the really bad words, etc... ), intentionally jamming communications, or otherwise trying their best to make this hobby miserable to others as it must be to them.
I am not alone in feeling this way toward the hobby and recently I have had discussions with other hams that also are appalled by the fortunes spent only to have this hobby turn into nothing more than a truck stop during the evening hours when the worst of the worst create havoc on the C.B. radio. I ask myself often if this is going to be just another out of control band like that of 11 meters, without enforcement or fear of being penalized for behavior that is either illegal or otherwise contrary to proper radio communication etiquette.
Starting today the writing and exposure of the negative aspect of this hobby are coming down from this website and I will focus only on the good that makes this hobby fun. It will be hard to toe the line and keep from making my observations of the dark side available to all but it is something I just have to try to do. I do not like the animosity created by the negative exposure and the conflicts and arguments (fights) that arise so I do this now with preservation of my sanity being the priority over my lack of concern for the insanity of others.
Write comment (1 Comment)
CQ World Wide DX Contest (SSB)
- Details
I was hoping to do much better in this contest than I did. I was caught off guard a bit by the sheer amount of participants and the over crowding of certain bands such as 20 meters. There was simply no room to work at various times during the day and even when you would find a small clear spot to make a run there always seemed to be someone park a half a kilocycle away and basically destroy your reception of the lighter stations.
On a positive note I did work 108 different countries and even a few of those were ones I have not worked or confirmed yet so if I receive a confirmation then that will be a pleasant surprise. As I looked at some of the top scorers I was amazed at how tey could work so many countries (300 +) and in half the time I took to get my measly 246 Q's.
I received some after action advice from Kevan, N4XL, as to what I could learn from the contest to carry with me in the next. Much of the advice was new and refreshing and some of the points he had made I had pondered on my own and determined I would address those areas. One thing is for sure - I have no choice but to get myself a beverage antenna out in the woods at about 800' to 1,000' in length which should improve on my wasted time listening for the perfect opportunity to eventually work the weaker stations as well as those on 160 meters that were coming back to my calls but I was without luck ciphering the contents of the transmission. Another lesson learned and another project to improve the modest station.
 |
 |
 |
Write comment (0 Comments)
Page 3 of 5
