Hello,
I am having trouble picking up any dx stations, or any stations at all. I am located in Naknek, Alaska and am attempting to operate on 20 meters. I am working at an FM radio station where I have setup the ham radio. I am running an old Kenwood 520s tube style transceiver that is in great condition.
The station operates on 100.9Mhz FM at 1000 watts on a 331 foot tower. I have cut a 1/2 wave dipole and installed it as a vertical vee at 50 feet with 100-120 degrees angle of separation. The antenna is made using #14 AWG shielded solid copper wire. I am running about 150 feet of RG-8 coax. The antenna is fed using a 1:1 PVC style balun.
I have cut several antennas and am having trouble getting an swr lower than 1:3. I also cannot hear any stations at all on any band. Today is ARRL Field Day and you would think I would be able to hear someone. Even though I am probably hundreds of miles away from the nearest 20 meter station I should be able to pick something up.
My notepad of the layout of the tower, guy wires, antenna (red), and station.
Me installing the wire antenna at 50 ft.
Any thoughts? I am new to HF and need some help.
Thanks,
Ben
I am having trouble picking up any dx stations, or any stations at all. I am located in Naknek, Alaska and am attempting to operate on 20 meters. I am working at an FM radio station where I have setup the ham radio. I am running an old Kenwood 520s tube style transceiver that is in great condition.
The station operates on 100.9Mhz FM at 1000 watts on a 331 foot tower. I have cut a 1/2 wave dipole and installed it as a vertical vee at 50 feet with 100-120 degrees angle of separation. The antenna is made using #14 AWG shielded solid copper wire. I am running about 150 feet of RG-8 coax. The antenna is fed using a 1:1 PVC style balun.
I have cut several antennas and am having trouble getting an swr lower than 1:3. I also cannot hear any stations at all on any band. Today is ARRL Field Day and you would think I would be able to hear someone. Even though I am probably hundreds of miles away from the nearest 20 meter station I should be able to pick something up.
My notepad of the layout of the tower, guy wires, antenna (red), and station.
Me installing the wire antenna at 50 ft.
Any thoughts? I am new to HF and need some help.
Thanks,
Ben
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