Which whip top for auto tune HF antenna

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 at 07:30
ThreadID: 53021 Views:2231 Replies:3 FollowUps:0
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hi to all members and a happy new year to all. I would like to know if anyone can tell me which antenna top to use on a Codan auto tune antenna. A fibre glass or a stainless whip top, i understand a fibre glass whip top will give me better overall performance, is this true. I have a codan ngt hf thanks to all for your help Regards GG
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Reply By: Footloose - Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 at 09:15

Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 at 09:15
There is little difference in performance between the two. The f/g one will tune down to 2020khz, but the stainess one might not.
AnswerID: 279308

Reply By: Tony MD - Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 at 09:22

Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 at 09:22
Being longer, the fiberglass whip will be slightly more efficient than the shorter stainless steel whip - & more so with the spring fitted. The shorter whip probably wont tune on the low RFDS frequencies such as 2020khz. I doubt that you will be able to tell much difference!
The fiberglass whip, being more rigid, will provide better performance whilst mobile - less mobile flutter.
The short whip is handy to use where height clearance is a problem.
Efficiency of the 9350 auto tune antenna can be radically improved by extending the whip (can be done at the spring) by slightly less than a 1/4 wave length using wire - doesn't have to be vertical or straight. This improves the radiation efficiency & losses in the matching section. Only to be done whilst stationary.
Happy new year, Tony.
AnswerID: 279310

Reply By: Mike - Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 at 19:51

Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 at 19:51
Hi Tony I have the same set up as you, I also have the fibre glass aerial, a SS 1.8m and a SS1.6m I use the SS 1.6m all the time I havent noticed any difference when I have changed aerials during a sked to try them out, as the others have said you wont be able to tune into RFDS 2020 with the SS whips. all the best, Whisky 1244
AnswerID: 279427

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