----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian Kyle" <[email protected]>
To: "Ed Lesnichy" <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2003 5:31 PM
Subject: LF: Frustration!
Hi Ed, hi all,
been workin the old socks off these last few days only to wind up
where
I started. Put loading coil outside last Friday and got an immediate
worthwhile increase in antenna current. Ever suspicious, checked it with
the
rough-cut plywood panels for its rightful home chocked perilously round it
and all well.
Finished box yesterday except for antenna access and waterproofing so got
stuck in today to finish job by lining with 'turkey foil' and sealing
antenna entry point. Result?
Worse than when indoors even after much rematching and tuning, so ripped
off
foil and am now back where I was for antenna current, it's blowing like
mad
and rain is on the way. But at least the dam'thing isn't taking up space
in
the shack.
Hello Ian
NEVER put your loading coil in a metal box, it totally destroys the
efficiency. Consider it as part of the antenna from the radiation point of
view. You have never seen a loading coil on a Mobile encased in a metal CAN,
the coil contributes to the over all efficiency ie coil plus whip.
I have seen reference to encasing the loading coil here on this reflector
that is why those signals are poor.
My coil sits outside exposed to the elements and does not seem to be
effected by changing wx, neither does the amps vary whether it be dry or
wet. Recent info on here suggests heating the loading coil to increase the
amps consumed, if this is the case the coil wire, insulation etc is very
suspect.
I change my antenna wire and rewind a new coil at least once a year. I also
check the insulated radials and change if necessary.
Try a turkey next Xmas without the FOIL, Foil is nether good for antenna
coils or Turkeys
73 de Mal/G3KEV
Suspect earthing troubles but in the meantime I think I'll take to drink!
Little point in trying to set skeds with RU, but as some broad said in
some
movie or other "tomorrow is another day"
MI0AYZ
PS - will be watching and listening Tuesday and available if anyone wants
to
take a chance on a sked.
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