What is a ZS6BKW antenna?
What is a ZS6BKW antenna?
The ZS6BKW antenna is an optimized variant of the venerable old G5RV. Unlike the original G5RV, which requires an antenna tuner on all bands, the ZS6BKW / G5RV is capable of operating on 10, 12, 17, 20 & 40m bands, generally without a tuner, and with SWR readings usually at 1.5:1 or less.
How long is a G5RV antenna?
102 feet
Standard G5RV antennas are 31 meters (102 feet) long, excluding feedline and matching section length, and can be used on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. A half-length G5RV (51 feet long) can be used on 40, 20, 15, and 10 and is known as the G5RV Junior.
What is a double bazooka antenna?
A DOUBLE BAZOOKA antenna is an extremely broad banded Half Wave Antenna which can operate efficiently across an entire Ham band with little change to the SWR. The BAZOOKA antenna design was developed by the staff of M.I.T. in the early 1940’s for use by the US. Government as a radar antenna.
What is the best HF wire antenna?
Top 10 Best HF Vertical Antenna Buyer’s Guide
- Comet Original Base Antenna – Great Heavy-Duty Option.
- Hustler Amateur Ham Radio Antenna – Awesome Multi-Purpose Selection.
- Super Antenna Amateur Radio With Antenna – Excellent for Durability.
- OPEK Multi-Band Antenna – Subtle and Sleek Appearance.
How long is a double bazooka antenna?
Total length 118.3 feet Coax length 83.6 feet Twin lead length 34′ 8 1/2” feet total or 17′ 4 1/4” on each end of the antenna.
How many bands does ZS6BKW multiband HF antenna work?
Actually, it’s a design from ZS6BKW (aka G0GSF), similar to the G5RV, but it actually resonates on five bands, (well 6, actually) and doesn’t rely on a tuner (ATU) to make it work.
What kind of ladder line for ZS6BKW antenna?
The ZS6BKW is a “random length dipole” with ladder line acting as a 1:1 transformer. I prefer to use 450 ohm 18 AWG solid ladder line which is readily available on ebay in appropriate lengths (20m). The antenna is designed with the dipole arms electrically 1.35 wavelengths. The cut lengths must correspond to this (allowing for velocity factor).
Which is a better antenna G5RV or ZS6BKW?
The ZS6BKW antenna is a better match for our bands than the G5RV. The method of construction and tuning is essentially the same for both antennas but the dimensions are different. The ZS6BKW is a “random length dipole” with ladder line acting as a 1:1 transformer.
Is there a problem with the ZS6BKW dipole antenna?
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a ZS6BKW, many of us simply cannot understand the aversion newer hams have to simple dipole antennas. The operation of the OCF and the G5RV family, as well as end-fed antennas, requires a certain amount of antenna theory to understand. If everything goes well out of the box, this isn’t much of a problem.