ANTENTOP- 01- 2017 # 021

The GRASSWIRE:
Another Approach to Hidden HF Antennas

Windom In The Grass

I have elsewhere described a Windom antenna. While it is usually hung from a pole or in a tree, it works when used in a "grasswire" mode. Just lay it on the ground. Dimensions are repeated in Figure 7 for ready reference.

When I travel, I sometimes take one of these made of #22 insulated hookup wire. Since I often set up beside motel parking lots, and often after a day's work, sometimes after dark, I've color-coded the wires. The longer is black, and the shorter, red. This helps me determine which way to point the Windom. Remember, though, that it fires off the long end. Of course, it fires the other way, too, but with a bit less gain.

I hope this has given you a good case of curiosity. Go out and try one of those ground - mounted wires. They're easy to build. Even the balun is easy to build.

And they're fun to play with.

A last word to put off discouragement: the Grasswire, and Beverages in general, are lossy compared to a good Dipole at a half-wave height. They are disappointing for QRP operation. Run a bit of power with these antennas. 100-W RF or more should do the trick.

©1997 Michael J. Toia

Figure 7

Windom on the Ground

Flourish Magloop Antenna by Klaus Boecker

Credit Line: The Urban Radio Ham group at Facebook

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