Hello Fred,

I am not familiar with this antenna, but if the lowest SWR that you can
achieve is 2.0 to 1, then I would suggest that something is very wrong.  I
have read specs on many multi-band antennas over the years, and the highest
SWR  at band edges is generally stated to be under 2.0 to 1.  An SWR of 6.0
to 1 is outrageous in my opinion.  You may use a tuner to bring the SWR
down, but that doesn't do anything to reduce the SWR from the perspective of
the coax.  If you ran very much power into an antenna with an SWR of 6 to 1
you would probably destroy the coax.  Many hams believe that everything is
hunkey dorey when the tuner brings the SWR down from the perspective of the
radio, but that doesn't mean that the coax won't suffer the consequences.  A
tuner does not reduce the SWR on the feed line.  Have you reviewed the
assembly or installation directions that came with the antenna to see what
is said regarding tuning the antenna?  The paperwork may tell you how to
reduce the SWR, without destroying the SWR on any single band.  Does this
antenna use traps?  Also, what kind of coax are you using?  What is the
maximum power that you will be transmitting?  Perhaps others will express
their opinions about this SWR situation, but I personally would not use an
antenna with SWR over 2.0 to 1.  I go crazy if my SteppIr displays an SWR at
some frequency on the band of 1.2 to 1.  I am not saying that every antenna
will have an SWR as low as what a SteppIr will produce, but I believe that
the installation and operating instructions for my DB36 say that an SWR
under 1.5 to 1 is acceptable.   That means that an SWR at that point on the
band in question over 1.5 to 1 is unacceptable, and that further tuning on
that band is required.

If the antenna instructions that a balun is required, then get an
appropriate one before pouring on the coal.

Best 73, and good luck.

Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Fred Adams
Sent: Sunday, August 04, 2013 3:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Update on 80 meter windom antenna

I think you guys remember me asking for info on the 10 thru 80 meter windom
antenna a couple of weeks ago and I thought I would bring you up to date on
my progress.  I purchased the antenna from Radio WAVZ and got it up on my
tower about 6 PM Friday evening so I haven't had time for lots of testing.
I had just enough room to put it up without any bends or turns.  The apex
is up at about 37 feet and the ends up at 10 feet.  I had enough COAX to
make only a 3 turns choke with adding extra COAX and so far I have had no
RF.  I can tune allbands with my LDG tuner except 15 meters.  I do not need
a tuner on the 40 meter band and I didn't try 60 meters as I couldn't
remember the frequencies.  The highest SWR is on 75 meters and I would like
to bring it down some if possible.  On 75 meters the SWR is 6.0 and the
other bands run from 2.0 to just over 3.0.The low end of 75 meters is about
3.5 SWR.I do not want to make any quick changes as I suspect making any
changes may change the other bands also.  Band reception has not been very
good but as best I can tell the antenna seems to receive well. It sure is
nice to get most of the bands with a single dipole antenna.  I will
appreciate any suggestions for improvement and especially bringing down the
SWR on 75 meters.  Thanks much,