As has been said already, in the case of the KX1, attach the
counterpoise to the outside of either the BNC connector, or to the
outside of the BNC socket that is on the radio.
If you attach it to the outside of the connector, you should be able
to secure it with either tape or a hose clamp after wrapping a turn or
two of the bare wire around the connector. I would use a small hose
clamp for this purpose. That way, you can take the entire thing apart
if necessary, without gumming up the outside of the connector with
tape.
Also, you do not have to limit yourself to one counterpoise wire. As
was mentioned for the screwdriver type antenna, 2 or more are
sometimes better. And, for 40 meters, longer is usually better too.
Another option is to use a BNC to SO239 adapter, which many people
already have around for use with their HT.
Use a banana plug for the antenna portion of the wire, and push the
business end of the banana plug into the center hole of the SO239. It
will fit perfectly. The Dreaded Radio Shack sells a banana plug with a
set screw which really will work just fine for this purpose *if your
wire diameter isn't too small. Then, proceed as above with the
counterpoise wires.
For a radio such as the 703 that has an SO239, use the banana plug for
the antenna, or solder the wire to the center pin of a PL259. The
counterpoise can then be attached either to the shell of the PL259, or
to the ground terminal of the radio.
Remember that the counterpoise will be carrying an RF current whenever
you transmit. So be sure to keep children, pets, and un-suspecting
adults for that matter, from touching the wire when operating the
radio. Even at 2 or 3 watts, a skin and RF encounter will quickly turn
any radio skeptic into a true "don't touch this" believer.
Mike Duke, K5XU
American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs
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