Richard and all:

Am writing to you from the Michigan QTH.

Just got here late last evening, but the house is empty, and our stuff will 
not arrive from the movers till Tuesday or Wednesday.

So, lots of settling in and adjusting to do here.

Regarding the antenna situation, my first goal will be to get the Alpha 
Delta DXCC up, but I also want something that will do better than the DXCC 
on 80, and that will work on 160, since I have never operated on that band 
throughout my ham career.

Am leaning right now toward the Carolina Windom 160 that is made by 
radioworks.  It is 265 feet long, but can be put up in a number of 
configurations such as a flat top, an inverted Vee, and inverted U.  There 
are also ways to put it up as an off-center fed system.

www.radioworks.com


Have heard and read lots of good things about this antenna, and do need 
something that will readily stand up to the rough northern Michigan winters.

Have not totally made the decision yet, but am leaning in that direction.

I have already gotten offers of help putting things up, but have to get 
settled in other ways first.

Will keep everyone posted.

73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 10:21 PM
Subject: wire antenna basics


Hi everyone;
I was away for a few days and didn't think it was long enough to get =
into nomail.  I have had a few chuckles over the wire antenna discussion =
but there are a few very very basic questions that I'm curious about.
Firstly, what is an acceptable swr?  At one time it seemed like anything =
much over 2/1 was unacceptable.  Others use a tuner and could care as =
long as the tuner can deal with it.
Secondly, what is a reasonable height for both the center and the ends =
of the wire?  Now we would love the center about 60 feet but assuming =
that doesn't have a tower then what?
Thirdly we have talked about lots of supports from bvc pipe to wood.  We =
haven't discussed how this monster is mounted?
My first support back when I had space was a 24 foot flag pool which had =
a mount that was cemented in the ground and the pole swiveled up on one =
bolt and was secured by the second.  It was basically 8 feet of 2 & 1/2 =
pipe 8 feet of 2 inch pipe and 8 feet    of 1 & 1/2 inch pipe.  Greedy =
here added another 8 feet of 2 & 1/2 inch pipe at the bottom which gave =
me 32 feet but it was a beast to raise and lower.
Also, what about the ends?  Trees are the obvious solution but if there =
aren't any available then what?
As for your situation Tom, if you can get your dxcc up and running I =
suspect that will more than meet your needs.
Richard