500kHz improvements - summarised

The spiral top-hat on the 500kHz antenna.

Since first putting a signal out on 500kHz a few months ago, I believe the ERP has increased by about 18dB. These steps were:

• Initial PA 500-700mW (0dB reference)
• PA output increased to 5W (+10dB)
• Additional grounds added (+2dB)
• Antenna spiral top hat added (+6dB)

No further changes are planned as I am close to fulfilling my original objectives of seeing how effective a small and simple QRP 500kHz station could be. The two remaining goals are to get reports from Germany and Sweden.

After that, it will be farewell to 500kHz and welcome to the next challenge!