[bars] Setting up my first station

[James Orsborn]

Wayne,

I totally agree and second Geoff’s recommendations.

I personally have one of Bob’s 40M Capacitive Tuned OCF Antennas.  In my case, I have only been able to get it about 25’ off the ground.  It is basically in a horizontal mode going from the roof of my two story Garrison out to the only tree in my yard.  As such, it has a very omnidirectional pattern.  But I will say that the performance has been exceptional.  I am able to use it on all of the ham bands from 89M to 10M.  I work exclusively with Digital modes (FT8/FT4).  I have WAS on 2 bands and 49 states on two more.  I have QSLs for 36 of the 40 CQ Zones and I have QSLs for over 140 DX Entities.  I can routinely cover Australia, Japan, South America, and Europe.  My only open areas are lower population areas like eastern Africa, India, and Southern Asia.  All of this is with an omnidirectional coverage that allows me to easily switch between stations in CONUS, Alaska, Argentina, and France.

PART recently offered to help a few members build a 40M (multi-band) End Fed antenna purchased as a kit from the ARRL.  Bob offered some guidance on how to modify the antenna for improved performance.  But the BIGGEST problem I noticed was that people had a hard time following one set of instructions.  As Geoff said; do NOT mix and match antenna design elements least you will surely fall into a deep rabbit hole.  I am in the process of backing out several changes that I made with the hope that I can complete my 20/15/10M design.

73,
Jim KB1SEQ

Sent from Jim's Mail for Windows 10

From: Geoffrey Feldman<mailto:geoffreyf at comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 3:00 PM
To: 'Wayne Geiser'<mailto:geiserw at gmail.com>; bars at w1hh.org<mailto:bars at w1hh.org>
Subject: Re: [bars] Setting up my first station

Bob Glorioso W1IS (W1IS at ARRL.org<mailto:W1IS at ARRL.org> is a really great resource on this subject.  He lives in Stow, regularly attends PART westford meetings.  He will also be giving a talk at the Ham Expo next weekend on exactly this subject.   Also with OCF antennas, don’t mix and match design elements. It doesn’t work that way.  Use the whole recipe or do the math and make sure your own will work.

There are also some great books available from the ARRL.  I suggest that you read the sections on grounding and lightning safety very carefully.   My favorite scheme is one that involves a copper or aluminum plate in the side of the house which is grounded itself. The feed lines are connected to pass through connectors on one side of the plate.  On the inside, the feedlines are left disconnected and on the floor when not in use.  Grounding for safety, grounding for counterpoise, grounding of mains circuits  are different subjects and should be kept somewhat separated in practice.  All in those ARRL books.

I would be happy to come and look things over.  I can also bring some portable antennas (and transceivers) I use in HF if you want to play and see how that goes in your QTH.    I also have gear for getting wires and ropes high up in trees.

-73-
W1GCF
Geoff

From: bars [mailto:bars-bounces at w1hh.org] On Behalf Of Wayne Geiser
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 1:29 PM
To: bars at w1hh.org
Subject: [bars] Setting up my first station

I think it is finally time to quit procrastinating and get an HF station set up.  I’ve been mulling it over for some time and think I have a plan.

Step one is to get an antenna in the air.  I think I have a good place to hang a 7 Band OCF dipole in some trees.

Before I start to spend money on this, is there anyone with skills / experience that can offer their opinion about my site / plan?  A visit is probably in order (I live in Tewksbury).  I can bribe you with homebrewed beer! 😊  I also have no experience in getting the antenna where it is to live, so I’ll be looking for help with that as well.

Thanks, in advance, for all help, advice, and encouragement.

73,
Wayne, KC1ONM


"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." - John Barrymore.


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