19
« on: July 25, 2013, 08:57:26 AM »
Thanks for posting Paul. Yes, We do not have an antenna range. I wish we did. However, We can compare antennas at home. That's a great part of the hobby that I enjoy.
I only had one antenna up at a time. The second antenna was in a pile under the tower between tests. I tested 4 times back to back. In all cases, my chart has reports of higher signal on the DBZ. My Chart shows higher RX signal that is in line with the gain in TX. I would not have believed this if I was not there. It really makes no sense to me as the Open wire doublet should have next to no loss through a balanced tuner. However, There must be some loss somewhere or the patterns are such that in state contacts suffer on the doublet.
I think once I do my tests over a 2000 mile distance, we will have more data. Its possible that the Doublet has a strong vertical component. If so, Then this all makes sense. The close in under 500 mile contacts are going to be better on the DBZ. More of an NVIS pattern.
Using a Field strength meter at 25 watts AM carrier there is no detectible RF on my Feedline of the DBZ. On the OWL, of course the meter pins near the feedline. I have current meters on each leg of the doublet and It is in balance with in a % or so. Even then, You do have some RF off the OWL.
The DBZ does not come over the home theater which is a great plus in my household. I think this is because the DBZ is not radiating over the feedline and causing the interference. There is also the idea that the OWL with balanced grounded tuner, Is using the HOUSE wiring as a counterpoise. Hence, The home theater turns into a public address system.
I was going to run some more tests today but woke up to pouring rain.
C