Tom:

I currently use an MFJ  998 high-power auto-tuner, and  my hope was that it
would do exactly what you are suggesting here.

My plan at this time is to work with the antenna itself, particularly the
ladder line, and see if that solves the issue.

Then, if things can't be  improved,  it will be on to looking at the ground
system and associated connections to see if I can come up with something
better there.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Tom Fowle
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2015 12:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Question About Cobra Ultralite Senior Antenna

Tom,
sounds pretty reasonable for a second story system.I wonder if a "ground
tuner" like the one MFJ makes could help? of course they're intended for
unballanced antennas working against ground, but maybe such a tuner could
help make that long ground wire look shorter.

Tom Fowle
WA6IVG
On Tue, Aug 18, 2015 at 08:18:58AM -0400, Tom Behler wrote:
> Tom:
> 
> At this point, my grounding system consists of one 8-foot ground rod 
> that is connected to the main ground of the house electrical system 
> with ten-gauge stranded copper ground wire.  I then have a stranded  
> copper ground wire running from the main ground connection up to the 
> main ground lug on an MFJ window feed through panel in my shack, which 
> is on the second floor of my house.  All antennas are connected to 
> that feed through panel.  And, each piece of equipment (i.e. radio, 
> amp, and tuner) are connected to the main ground lug on the feed 
> through panel with 12-gauge copper ground wire.  As far as I can tell, all
ground connections are good.
> 
> Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators 
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Tom Fowle
> Sent: Monday, August 17, 2015 10:58 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Question About Cobra Ultralite Senior Antenna
> 
> Tom,
> first thoughts are about grounding.
> Though not familiar with the antenna, I assume it is basically a 
> loaded dipole and that the manufacturer claims it's matchable on all
bands.
> 
> What is your R.F. grounding system like? is all the gear, particularly 
> the xcvr, amp and tuner, well grounded together and to a good heavy 
> lead to at least one ground rod?
> 
> Tom Fowle WA6IVG
> 
> On Mon, Aug 17, 2015 at 10:13:49AM -0400, Tom Behler wrote:
> > Hello, everyone.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > I guess this question is best directed to those who are familiar 
> > with the Cobra Ultralite Senior antenna made by K1JEC, but I'll take 
> > thoughts from anyone who is interested in replying.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Several years ago, I purchased a Cobra Ultralite Senior antenna from 
> > K1JEC, or Granite State Antenna in New Hampshire.  My main reason 
> > for making the purchase was to have operating capability on 80 and 
> > 160 meters.  The antenna itself is up about 35 to 40 feet, and is 
> > strung between trees on my property, and on a neighbor's property.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > The antenna works well on 80 meters, and much of 160 meters, when 
> > tuned with my MFJ 998 auto-tuner.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > However, I have never been able to get it to tune on 40 meters.  In 
> > addition, the tuning and performance are questionable at best on 20, 
> > 15, and
> > 10 meters.  In fact, one problem I have noticed recently is that 
> > when tuning it on 20 meters, using my MFJ998 auto-tuner and my 
> > ALS600, I actually get RF coming through the PTT switch on my Heil 
> > gold line mic.  This, of course, is not good.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > All of this is prompting me to try to correct the situation.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Several months ago, I contacted Joe at Granite State Antenna in New 
> > Hampshire, and he suggested that I make sure the excess ladder line 
> > is coiled in several loops, and is off the ground. I just 
> > double-checked this, and it is what we did when we installed the
antenna.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > A ham friend of mine has suggested that I cut off the excess 
> > ladderline, and see if that helps.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > I am reluctant to do this, because the instructions say not to do 
> > so, and it is one of those steps that will be difficult to reverse.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > I am thinking of purchasing some RF chokes to help with the issue, 
> > bbut I still think there is a basic problem with my instalation.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Fortunately, my Alpha Delta DXCC tunes well on40 through 10 meters, 
> > but it would be nice if I could get the Cobra to do the same.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
> > 
> >