As it is now dark, I have QSYed to 160m FT8 using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. On RX lots of EU stations
immediately spotted and even my QRP (2.5W) CQ was copied in a couple of countries. Best DX on 160m FT8 RX (already) is
RA9AJ (3901km) in Asiatic Russia.
Interesting results you are getting with the earth probe antenna, Roger. Can you advise details of what you are using? It could be a possibility for people who live in cities with small gardens.
ReplyDeleteCurrently my "far end" ground is an earth rod (about 1m long) driven into the ground. The wire runs back to the shack at a maximum height of about 1.5m along the garden fence. I guess this is about 10m long. At present the other earth is the mains earth, although at the old QTH I used another ground rod and ran the wire along the ground. On 630m this made little difference. The rig is connected by a 3C39 step-up transformer (2t on rig side and about 10t on "antenna" side). On topband, noise is S0 and the match is almost 1:1. I am amazed how well it works.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roger. I might well try that here. I live in Lincoln near to the cathedral and castle, and the garden is shared with the other 5 residents in the maisonette building, so anything that is “stealthy” is of interest. I’ll also forward details to another local station that is interested in LF but has a small garden.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Keith
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is a 3C39 transformer? A google search didn’t really help....
ReplyDelete