Given where we are in the sunspot cycle, I've been considering ways to bolster W4QA's DX performance on the lower bands. Specifically, 80 meters has always been a weak point in my antennas situation for the usual reasons: you need room, you need elevation. If maximum efficiency is desired, there's just little substitute for size -- and that goes for both horizontal and vertical antennas (including the radial / GP system).
So in that context, this tree in my backyard -- about 125' from the house and maybe 90' high, is begging to be a useful support for 'something'; for now, that 'something' is going to be a full-sized, 1/4 wave, 80 meter wire vertical with elevated radials. This tree (Liquidambar Styraciflua), what we call a "Sweet Gum" tree in the Carolinas, aren't that useful for much other than firewood, and, well antenna supports. (The seed pods are a devil to deal with in your yard...but that's another topic.)
In general, the vertical element will be made out of 13 gauge stranded / insulated copper wire and the radials from 18 gauge stranded / insulated copper wire -- all from The Wire Man (no affiliation). The feedpoint will incorporate a choke/unun and depending on the Z measurements, I may design some type of simple matching (possibly a shunt inductor at the base (?)) to raise the input impedance closer to 50 ohms.
Look for more posts as this develops and I welcome comments....
73, Rush
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