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Old 13-12-2011, 17:24   #1
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"whip" Antennas for 20, 40 meter

I have an Icom 718 but no antenna tuner. From your experience, what is an inexpensive antenna set up that will allow me to talk on 20 and 40 meter bands and does not require a tuner. I was wondering if the $30 whips like these would be acceptable.

Lakeview Company manufacturers of Mobile Antennas and Accessories By WD4BUM.The Ham Stick Folks.

Or can I rig vertical dipoles for better results ? If so, what's the best way.
I'm only going to Mexico and Central America this trip and want to get on the nets.

Thanks for your advice.
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Old 13-12-2011, 18:16   #2
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Re: "whip" Antennas for 20, 40 meter

Do you want to get on the nets while underway or on the hook or both? On the hook, nothing beats an inverted-vee dipole hoisted up the mast with each leg as close to 90 degrees as possible, then no tuner needed. Using coil and cap traps, this will work on as many bands as you build or buy the traps for. That is what I use and have (2) fiberglass telescoping 40' poles angled on opposite railings. Underway you could use a vertical whip tuned to your operating frequency, i.e 14.300 mhz would be 468 / 14.3 / 2, for a 1/4 wave antenna. 16' 4 1/2". You will need to run a counterpoise for this antenna if used without a tuner.
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Old 13-12-2011, 20:13   #3
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It would be hard to beat a vertical dipole for 20 meters hoisted on a halyard.

For 40 meters deckofficer's solution sounds pretty good.

When you get into short loaded verticals you start to lose a lot of your effective radiated power, but you might be surprised at how well they work in practice. The improving propagation now will also cover many shortcomings!
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Old 13-12-2011, 22:13   #4
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Re: "whip" Antennas for 20, 40 meter

I've got an AH-4 tuner for sale. Bought it for my 718 but the radio pin out on the radio for the tuner was/is dead. Didn't have time to get the radio fixed before heading to sea. Bought an SGC 230 that didn't info from the radio. $200 for the AH4
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