DX Stories by Paul M. Dunphy, VE1DX

Low Band Antenna Wire

by Hugh Cassidy, WA6AUD

Originally published in the WCDXB, 30 March 1976

One of the Local QRPer came out of the brush last week and we talked of a number of things, all important, like band conditions. "You know something", the QRPer said, "with the high frequencies flat I thought I'd try forty and eighty. But I put up dipoles but nothing seems to work. Nothing at all". We thought this over for a bit for with technical matters we are always ready with an unqualified opinion.

"Tell us about it", we urged and the QRPer continued. "When I was thinking of putting up the dipoles, one of the neighbors offered me some fine wire. It was sort of strange as this fellow had complained a couple of times that I was bothering his radio. But he's in the marine supply business and he gave me this coil of real, tough stuff. Heck, he even came around to help me put it up. It's real tight and flat and strong and looks good. But I don't seem to be able to do much with those lower frequencies".

We thought this over for a bit for often we hear of one in trouble. "What sort of wire did you say you used?", we asked and the QRPer was off again. "It was a special nickel-bronze alloy, guaranteed to last for years. Real fine stuff by its looks". Son of a Gun, what could we say to something like this for we have heard of other amateurs in other places having similar problems. Sometimes it may be difficult to understand all the Mysteries of the Ages but one sure thing is to examine gifts from one-time irate neighbors!

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