Thank you for a very enjoyable and timely program (as usual), JJS. A few nits to pick or amplify on:
NVIS is Near Vertical INCIDENCE Skywave, not Near Vertical INDUCTANCE Skywave. I think you had a brain-freeze.
A clarification: A Carolina Windom (A.K.A. OCF-dipole) is a (near) center-fed (~38% from one end) dipole. More commonly, the Zepp, End-fed Half-wave and Coaxial Dipole are truly end-fed, but these are typically limited to a single band (or potentially odd harmonics thereof). When erected horizontally, each of these antennas is directional and provides best signal broadside to the direction of the wire. Any of these can be deployed in the form of an Inverted-vee, requiring only a single elevated center support, and will provide omni-directional coverage (and good NVIS coverage as well).
I run a great-performing multi-band (80/40/20/10) Inverted-vee or “Maypole” antenna with a free-standing/tilt-over center mast of 40+ feet. With a transmatch I can operate any HF band. Check out http://westsat.org/ for info on Maypole antennas!
I wholeheartedly agree with the above with the addition that if an antenna is fed by coax or ladder line at the center (or off center of the radiating element), it is not a Windom at all according to earlier editions of the ARRL Antenna Book. A Windom is a single feeder antenna fed off center against ground. The “Carolina Windom” is a marketing name only and has not basis in reality. I have spoken with Gordon West and a manufacturer of the “Carolina Windom OCF Diople” and the both agree with me. A nit I know, but we are in a technical hobby and words mean something.
Thanks for a great show and keep up the good work
73
Juliet59
HIGHLIGHTS & RESOURCES
Thank you for a very enjoyable and timely program (as usual), JJS. A few nits to pick or amplify on:
NVIS is Near Vertical INCIDENCE Skywave, not Near Vertical INDUCTANCE Skywave. I think you had a brain-freeze.
A clarification: A Carolina Windom (A.K.A. OCF-dipole) is a (near) center-fed (~38% from one end) dipole. More commonly, the Zepp, End-fed Half-wave and Coaxial Dipole are truly end-fed, but these are typically limited to a single band (or potentially odd harmonics thereof). When erected horizontally, each of these antennas is directional and provides best signal broadside to the direction of the wire. Any of these can be deployed in the form of an Inverted-vee, requiring only a single elevated center support, and will provide omni-directional coverage (and good NVIS coverage as well).
I run a great-performing multi-band (80/40/20/10) Inverted-vee or “Maypole” antenna with a free-standing/tilt-over center mast of 40+ feet. With a transmatch I can operate any HF band. Check out http://westsat.org/ for info on Maypole antennas!
God bless & 73,
Hotel-04
I wholeheartedly agree with the above with the addition that if an antenna is fed by coax or ladder line at the center (or off center of the radiating element), it is not a Windom at all according to earlier editions of the ARRL Antenna Book. A Windom is a single feeder antenna fed off center against ground. The “Carolina Windom” is a marketing name only and has not basis in reality. I have spoken with Gordon West and a manufacturer of the “Carolina Windom OCF Diople” and the both agree with me. A nit I know, but we are in a technical hobby and words mean something.
Thanks for a great show and keep up the good work
73
Juliet59