DIY Rope Antenna

[colemj]

Originally Posted by gjorgensen

Actually they're a little better at being wideband(ish) and multi-band than a random wire antenna like a backstay. I've never tried one (but probably will be soon at home) to be sure, but based on typical results they should tune across the HF bands at a better SWR with a good antenna tuner (e.g. AT-140) than a random wire rope antenna.

The ones I am aware of are cut to a specific length for a specific band, like a dipole, and do not require a coupler. While they appear to be wideband(ish) compared to a dipole, this only means it can handle a bit out of band - say 75-80M instead of just 75M.

A random wire with a coupler is a true multi-band antenna covering a large swath of frequencies. I don't know much about the bazooka, but can't see how a coupler would work well with one.

Mark

[Boatguy30]

Run the lifeline cable straight to the tuner. Why have that connection with all that potential for corrosion?

[gjorgensen]

Originally Posted by colemj

The ones I am aware of are cut to a specific length for a specific band, like a dipole, and do not require a coupler. While they appear to be wideband(ish) compared to a dipole, this only means it can handle a bit out of band - say 75-80M instead of just 75M.

A random wire with a coupler is a true multi-band antenna covering a large swath of frequencies. I don't know much about the bazooka, but can't see how a coupler would work well with one.

Mark

Yeah, now that I look at it I have to agree. I'd never payed a lot of attention to them, but someone local claimed to me he got one to work reasonably well multiband. Now that I see how they're built I can't see how they could possibly do much of anything out of band.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Run the lifeline cable straight to the tuner. Why have that connection with all that potential for corrosion?

I like Bill's setup. I think it would be difficult to make a good connection straight to the tuner with lifeline - a terminal crimp isn't going to work well. Also, it needs strain relief, and Bill's method is about the best one could provide. Besides, how much corrosion on a SS connection would you expect? Especially if covered in whipit or coax seal.

Mark