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Design by Eric Smitt K9ES
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I connected my MFJ-269 Analyzer through 4 feet of RG214 to the barrel connector of each vertical. Measuring between 3.4 MHz and 4.1 MHz, the Rs, Xs, and VSWR values were recorded on a spread sheet, with a different spread sheet for each vertical. The first graph for the SW antenna vertical was as shown in the following table:
All other verticals produced the same results, with slightly different resonant frequencies. In accordance with the Comtek manual, each antenna should be resonant 100 KHz lower than the desired operating frequency, due to a shift in resonance when the verticals are connected to the 4-Square system. The first antenna measured a center frequency of 3800 KHz, with a 2 to 1 VSWR bandwidth from 3650 KHz to 3975 KHz. The 325 KHz 2-1 Bandwidth indicates how wide the design is. However the resonant frequency was 3800 KHz, or approximately 250 KHz too high (for covering Phone and CW with reasonable efficiency, with resonance of 3650 KHz +/- 25 KHz). The antenna was lowered, and the loading coil was compressed so that the 8 turns were 4 inches long, instead of the original 5 inches. The new resonance moved to 3675 KHz, in tolerance with the goal being met. Each vertical was individually tuned. I then wanted to re-adjust the resonant frequency to the CW portion of the band, so that I could maximize the performance for the 2005 CQWW DX CW contest. I devised the tuning stub method, which was quite effective. One thing is clear about this antenna. It covers the entire phone band and CW band, and with the Comtek Control Box, and inbalance is shown by power being dumped into the load port of the controller. In daily operation, I have observed only 70 watts dumped into the load (while operating around 3980 KHz). The typical power indicated in the CW portion (near 3500 KHz is about 45 watts, and the dumped power around 3650 KHz is under 15 watts. The most important discovery was that the VSWR was non-existent. 1000 watts into the antenna produces a maximum reflected power of under 5 watts. This antenna is FLAT, and highly efficient, from all the reports received, as well as the contest scores achieved.
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