ZS6BKW Ham radio HF antenna 80meter 3.8mhz modification add a capacitor build it yourself

Short video where we add a capacitor to an existing ZS6BKW HF antenna to raise the 80M resonant point to the voice portion of the band without negatively impacting the other bands the antenna operates on. We also look to see the benefit of using this approach vs the use of an antenna tuner if there is one and the benefit of using this in conjunction with a tuner.
sources:
www.qsl.net/k1...
#survivalcomms

[@ShaneKA5GSS]

Very informative video Thx for sharing

[@survivalcomms]

You are welcome ! Thanks for watching !

[@fotografm]

Excellent video. Thank you !

[@survivalcomms]

You are welcome ! Thanks for watching !

[@Swamp-Fox]

Nice mod! Using that Polyphaser enclosure was a great idea. I have never looked for a flange mount PL-259 before. I was surprised that Pasternack did not have one. I was able to locate a few but the quality is probably no bueno.

[@survivalcomms]

Thank you very much ! You will see me repurpose polyphaser enclosures on several other projects coming up. I haven had any luck finding a flanged PL259 either but when I come across some I will buy several rest assured. Thanks for watching !

[@yowsa52]

Awesome anakysis

[@survivalcomms]

Thank you ! Thanks for watching !

[@samajier2566]

Nice mod

[@survivalcomms]

Thank you and thanks for watching !

[@lowrybrock8272]

Really good video Brett. I really like how you built the capacitor into the antenna. Very ingenious and it looks great. It makes an interesting antenna even more of an asset. As someone with limited options for antennas, this one looks like a good option. I do like to work 30 meters built I have a tuned dipole I built for that. I’ve been searching for an antenna that doesn’t really need a tuner. I’m from the camp that believes tuners are a compromise and should be used sparingly. Thanks for the time and effort you put into your videos and the research. Take care and 73 sir!

[@survivalcomms]

You are welcome ! Thanks for watching !

[@josephthomas8318]

Built a very rough zs6bkw sorta doublet out in the field today and while it was around 2:1 on 40-10, it wouldn't tune on 80m. All I did was swap the 1:1 out for a 4:1 and it tuned 160-10m

[@survivalcomms]

If its a flat match it has loss in your transformer. Sweep it and look for peaks and valleys or better yet dispense with the balun altogether . Thanks for watching !

[@shizzle666440]

Hey Brett, From looking at the W5DXP modifications going to go with a 1000pf to centre it around 3.7. What KV rating would you recommend for the door knob capictor for running 100 watts.

[@survivalcomms]

You should be able to get away with a 1kv cap. Thanks for watching !

[@marionmc1]

Why not just use a better tuner to add capacitance wherever you want it?

[@survivalcomms]

I have a dozen excellent tuners and that isnt the point. Thanks for watching !

[@pnyarrow]

Hi Brett. Sorry to hit you out of the blue with a question. I have been going throught my kit and came across a couple of solar rechargeable battery sets that can also be charged via usb connector from a computer. I discovered a 'blacberry' brand plug with a usb port; could that be used just like a 'computer' out put for charging these items safely? ATB. Nigel

[@survivalcomms]

Good to see you Nigel. You should be able to use the cable if it fits. It should be a USB A to Micro USB. You could charge it from just about any USB port. I hope this helps !

[@pnyarrow]

HiBrett. Thank you for the swift reply. I was worried about ampage and voltage si Iam assuming the dedicated plug will sorth thes things out. Thank you so much for your help. ATB. Nigel@@survivalcomms

[@survivalcomms]

@@pnyarrow It will work out just fine.

[@pnyarrow]

Thank you once again Brett.@@survivalcomms

[@survivalcomms]

@@pnyarrow You are most welcome Nigel !