160m inverted L Antenna
Suburban antenna for 160m.
Yes. It is possible to put up a quarter wave wire antenna for the 160m Ham band in a suburban backyard.
If you have a suitably located tree or two and/or a flagpole or like, then go for it. Try to get as much wire
in the air. It doesn't just have to be vertical. A long horizontal component will act as a capacity hat and
help get that current up the wire to where it can be radiated more effectively. It will definitely be better
than a single short vertical wire or mast.
I did manage to achieve this, after a long period of operating with a base loaded quarter wave vertical.
With the construction of a tilt over mast and some pulleys, I could run a wire length further - out to the
tree in the front yard, and higher. A real quarter wave. Add a few more radials....
More wire is better ...
What's better than a quarter wave? A fat quarter wave with more radials! So, now we add additional wires to both the vertical and the top section. This trick is often used when a solid construction is not possible nor cost effective. This also should be better, when trying to load up this antenna for the low bands......!
Useful Links
- Keble's Trading website