Eric,

I'm wondering which of the 20 meter dipoles you have from Hy power? 
His full size 20 meter dipole is 35 feet long and would really need some 
pruning, but I'm guessing you are using one of the shortened /loaded 
dipoles from the QRP/stealth page on his site.
  I think one is at 20 feet and the other at 12 feet.

You should of course check the docs you got with the antenna, but I 
think  my earlier  suggestion is valid, and you should try shortening 
the ends a bit.  The docs will tell you  how much  a length  change will 
  affect the resonant point, and  by how much.  If you are using one of 
the super short  antennas, a  small change will have a big effect, and 
it may be easy to over shoot and you wind up going from to long, to too 
short and jump over the resonant point.

          I've used his antennas, and currently have one up for 
40/80/160.  The antenna docs should have tuning/adjustment instructions, 
and you should follow them, even though it's going to be hard just using 
the autotuner to see what works.

73, hang in their.  You have too much nice gear there to just have it on 
display for visitors.

Steve KW3A


On 6/14/2012 8:32 AM, Eric Clegg wrote:
> Hi Steve,
> Thanks for the useful info.
>
> I'm going to try shortening the dipoles or probably concentrate on one only.
>
> I'm glad I just have to bring in the traps a little and not actually
> physically cut any wires.
>
> I'm using new cables short ones of course from the Kenwood to the balcony.
>
> I also have an MFJ line isolator between the rig and the cable that goes out
> to my balcony.
>
> I may see if I can hear the 20 meter net this Sunday.
>
> Have a great rest of the week.
>
> Eric
> KU3I
>