The 80m sloper could work as the 3rd harmonic for 30m as you know. But it is resonant too high for 30m. Addition of 80 or 100cm of element at the end was supposed to work out for 30m. I haven't examined the antenna for years. The outer sheath of the element was almost decayed. No wonder it has deteriorated in that way since it was kept as it is for almost 25 years. It is astonishing the element has not cut yet.
Anyway, I was not so eager to exchange the element by myself. Bringing out the solder iron beneath the element, I connected that additional wire to the element. Later, having turned out too short for the adjustment, it got SWR about 1.7 on the mid portion of 30m. Maybe, I could run with it. Opposing to my intention, SWR reads much better on CW band of 80m. Let it go as it is.
In the daytime, I could hear a few JAs on 30m. But they seemed so called JCC/JCG chasers. I worked a few of them. The antenna seemed to work well. The only problem is if there are anyone who enjoys ragchewing. I would make debut on 30m this week end after a long absence.
Shin San,
ReplyDeleteI was happy to find that you had been on 30 meters, and I found out by looking on Reverse Beacon Network. But now I see how you did it, and I am happy to hear that you are trying that band. I use 30 meters often and usually use the segment from 10.110 MHz and 10.122 MHz. Also 10.132 MHz where several of my friends hang out during the morning time, and late afternoons, 17:00 to 24:00 UTC. Of course sometimes I go up on 21.032-045 MHz where we talk some times. But I often hear JA stations in the 15:00 to 17:00 UTC and QSO some of them. My antenna does put a signal into Japan as I have found out on 30 Meters, and also to many other areas of the world such as Australia and South Africa! It seems to me that more cw ops on this band are willing to chat, but I also notice more recently that DX stations are appearing.
Shin
DeleteThere are some ragchewers on 30m and I am pleased you are QRV. West coast USA is always there late night plus VK and ZL. 30m guys generally want to escape from the contests. it is an excellent band, though rather noisy at my QTH. It would be good to see you there.
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DeleteBob and John,
DeleteThanks for the comments. This evening, I have tried a few QSOs on 30m with this antenna. Of course, one of them was you, John. This antenna has worked pretty well for transmission while reception was not so good as expected. I knew of that from experience on 80m in the past. I was aware of someone calling me but they were too weak. Is it the condition today?
The cardioid pattern of sloper is another problem. While Nobu JF3KNW sent John 599, I could give only 569 to you from here, John. I am sure it is partly due to the pattern, which favors the northern hemisphere in my case. The signal sounded watery here.
It has reminded me of the days when I had only wire antenna or vertical etc. Once I have known of the honey taste of beam antenna, I could hardly do with only such a simple antenna as this sloper. But it might be a good lesson for me to recall that hard days with simple antenna from time to time.
See you on 30m, and, preferably on the other bands.
Shin
Shin:
ReplyDeleteWhen the contesters clog up 40 mtrs, I always go up to 30 mtrs. Usually, I can find a ragchew on 30.
I use 80 mtr (tuned for the low end of the cw band) and 30 mtr inverted Vs fed with the same coax. The antenna works fine.
On 30 mtrs, I have never worked Japan. Maybe someday, I will get lucky!!
Give 30 mtrs a serious try. I think you will like it.
73,
John, n5df
PS: I officially retire June 1!!
John,
DeleteFirst of all, congratulations to you on your retirement. You could spend much time for your hobby or projects. You may travel a bit more.
So far as I have operated and listened 30m for a couple of days, it is a bit disappointing to me. There are dozens of JAs exchanging meaningless JCC/G numbers there. No ordinary QSOs. Some US are too weak to ragchew. It might be due to the condition. I will spend more time on 30m. See you there soon.
Shin
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ReplyDeleteMiniprop Plus shows good signal strengths on 30M from W6 to JA from 0800-1430UTC. I will listen for you. We have been visiting our grandkids this week. Our grandson turned 2; yes he is a Rascal.
ReplyDeleteBill
Dr Shin-San: It is always a pleasure getting to chat with you. Tnx so much for your call today. I agree with you and the others here...30 mtrs, as well as 12 and 17, are good for ragchewing when contests are going on. My random wire tunes very well 10 - 40, so I will look for you on 30 when contests on. I like contests because they are a good way to see how well my station getting out...I did real well on this past weekend WPX! But I love a good ragchew best about radio. Hopefully see you again real soon, my friend!! Vy 73...Joe, w6udo
ReplyDeleteJoe,
DeleteThanks for the comment. When I found your QSL requesting mine sent by air mail for a QSO back in 2007, I was really upset not replying to you yet. That's why I have given you a call this morning. I am relieved to apologize to you.
Yes, 30m often opens nicely to the US. It will be the place I could seek refuge from contests. However, comparing this sloper to 40m Yagi, I feel a bit disappointed at it. I know it is no use to compare them hi. I would stay on 40 or 20/15m unless contests are going on.
See you again soon. I will post the QSL tomorrow.
Shin
Shin
ReplyDeleteI have been having some success recently on 12m and 17m to EU and USA, strangely late at night when the old MUF laws seem to be ignored by the Gods of propagation. Quite a few FOC guys hang out there too. Why don't you consider putting up a WARC band antenna, or maybe just a simple vertical with an ATU... you would enjoy it.... back to Saudi on Saturday but for the last time... after that I will be standing by the building of a new vessel in China. Hope to catch you before I go...
John,
DeleteHmmm, it is an enchanting story to me. As you know, we need to get newly license for those bands. I have been relunctant to do that. Due partly to my laziness and to unwillingness to do with this bureaucratic system. I may consider to apply for WARC.
Take care on the way to Saudi. You mean you would be assigned to an office in China? In the same shift? I hope you could operate radio from there as well.
Shin