so maybe this would work?

[binrat]

What is the sheild of the coax going too?? If nothing, then I would build the same elements for the sheild as well.

 

[mr_fx]

What is the sheild of the coax going too?? If nothing, then I would build the same elements for the sheild as well.

I was thinking about driving a ground rod and connecting the shield to it, then it would be a Marconi grounded 1/4 wave

 

[mr_fx]

What is the sheild of the coax going too?? If nothing, then I would build the same elements for the sheild as well.

the shield is going to a 150 ft top rail of a chain link fence (I sanded the rail where it contacted the shield)

 

[BJ radionut]

Mr. FX: If the fence is constructed as mine was....
20ft sections of Galv tubing...
Die cast Alum end fittings which are loosely clamped on the poles....
Then question as I did mine, the continuity from end to end is most likely pretty poor...
You might have a better shot with a wire laced onto the rail...
Later
All the Best
BJ

 

[mr_fx]

Mr. FX: If the fence is constructed as mine was....
20ft sections of Galv tubing...
Die cast Alum end fittings which are loosely clamped on the poles....
Then question as I did mine, the continuity from end to end is most likely pretty poor...
You might have a better shot with a wire laced onto the rail...
Later
All the Best
BJ

I could join the sections at each point by driving a self tapping screw in them

 

[mr_fx]

well the issue is where the sections of the top rail connect... if you place a ohm meter with one lead on one section and the other lead on the section next to it you get a reading of about 0.07, that is after sanding the surface a bit to ensure good contact...

now if this was just one 2 sections it would not be that big of a deal, BUT it's 7 unions... so if we assume that each union has the same resistance it would look something like this

measuring between the first section and the second = 0.07ohm

1st section to the 3rd = 0.14ohm

1st > 4th = 0.21 ohm

1st > 5th = .28 ohm

1st > 6th = .35 ohm

1st > 7th = .42 ohm

1st > 8th = .49 ohm

and in truth it might even be worse that that by the time it's said and done. but basically the only parts that is doing it's job is the first 20ft section, after that each section would be doing less and less...


in short I need to drop some ground radials

 

[mr_fx]

well problem solved...

I added 3 ground radials, just laying out on the ground, one was about 135ft, 75ft and 35ft, give or take a little

also I found that the center conductor's mounting lug had popped the threads, and as such the pressure on the elements was a little low, but still not that big of a deal, I doubt it made a big difference, but I replaced the hardware just to be sure

the aerials are still a little long, as the swr is nice and low just below the bands (160m, 80m, 40m) I might try to trim them a little bit, but I know I would rather have the antenna a little long than to be a little short

I plan to a hammer a few ground rod into the ground and connect to that as well

So I guess this antenna would basically be a Fanned, grounded, Marconi 1/4 wave

 

[mr_fx]

I am reworking this antenna, lowering the feed point to a couple inches off the ground (instead of 4-5 feet)

also shooting the 160m and maybe the 80m higher in the tree,