XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated

My Amateur Radio Life

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Antenna changes for the good

Posted: 20 Nov 2021 11:14 AM PST https://va3qv.wordpress.com/2021/11/20/antenna-changes-for-the-good/



This weekends post is a bit strange but here we go




I have been subject to lots and lots of static across the bands here with
my stealthy antenna.



Yaesu FT 950 (my shack rig)













The FT 950 / SGC237 combo receives fantastic signal reports but to be
honest I have issues hearing most average stations.




It was suggested by the local repeater crowd that I try building an Ugly
Balun and put it in line with the chances that it would help with my static issues. So this morning I acquired an empty Folgers coffee Plastic Can and went to work. I am more than pleased to say that its working fantastic. I
now have lower static levels with the pre amp on than I did with the preamp off. This is a big deal for me as my stealthy antenna consists of 40 feet (approx) of green insulated wire hidden in the Fir Tree beside my
backyard. I have a few radials strung around the perimeter of the yard
which along with the green wire is feeds my SGC 237 Smart tuner.








The above picture is not the one I built but I think it shows the way it supposed to look when constructed properly.




As I had no PVC Pipe laying around the Folgers Red Plastic can worked and
as I was already feeding the SGC with RG58 from the FT 950 and I had lots
left on the 50 foot run it was easy enough to wrap the can with about 20
feet (or so)




Safe to say I am NOW pleased because now we get into the 2nd part of the
story




The statement if it aint broken . dont mess with it was also proven true
today




I run about 50 feet of RG58 from the radio (PL259 connectors) from the
radio. At the end that connects to the SGC I used a small commercial patch cord with a SO239 to BNC which connects to the SGC 237. After completion
and the balun was in place I had nothing but grief. The tuner (which I
think can tune dry string if asked to) could not find a match on any band.
I double checked all my connections but no luck. Out of despiration I took
an Amazon SO239 to BNC adapter (no patch cord) and it worked and all is
well with the universe again.




I dont know why that patch cord decided to fail after years of faithful
service perhaps like me it just wanted to retire and decided that that was
the time to do so.




But at the end of the day its working great




Enjoy the rest of your weekend




73bob

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