THE MINIMALIST BACKPACK TM
ANTENNA SYSTEM
(C)1999, 2000 BONNIE CRYSTAL KQ6XA
HF Antenna for the Micro-Light Backpacking Enthusiast
SIMPLE CONSTRUCTION DETAILS AND SUGGESTIONS ON VARIOUS
FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
 1 |
MiniBac.
The Minimalist Backpack Antenna System.
Designed to be extremely efficient for both weight
and radiation.
Components of the Minibac
|
QTY
|
ITEM
|
|
2
|
98 FEET, STRANDED COPPER INSULATED WIRE, #26 AWG |
|
2
|
75 FEET, NYLON CORD, 2mm |
|
4
|
INSULATORS, LIGHTWEIGHT |
|
2
|
BANANA PLUGS |
|
 2 |
Virtually unlimited configurations of the MiniBac are
possible. Miniback forms its own feedline, which is quickly assembled in
the field to meet the requirements of your site and choice of style. No
lossy, heavy coaxial cable, or bulky twin lead is used. Open wire feed
makes every precious watt count.
<#2-LEFT: The MiniBac forms a multi-band dipole using
2 supports, or an inverted-Vee with a single support. |
 3 |
<#3-LEFT: Using a single support, such as a tree or
pole, the MiniBac forms an Inverted-L with efficient counterpoise simply
laid on the ground using no special alignment. This antenna configuration
provides a good omnidirectional pattern, with both low angle and high angle
radiation. While a tuner is suggested for multiband operation, no tuner
is needed for 50ohm operation on 7MHz. |
 4 |
<#4-LEFT: Using a single support, such as a tree or
pole, the MiniBac forms a Tilted-L with counterpoise raised above the ground
several feet high. The raised counterpoise method provides slightly better
radiation effiency. This antenna configuration provides optimum low angle
signal on 10 through 30MHz as indicated in the direction of the beam arrow.
On 3.5 through 7MHz, it is omni-directional with high angle radiation for
communications within about 350mile radius. |
 5 |
<#5-LEFT: A single wire of the MiniBac forms a Delta
Loop antenna strung from a single support tree or pole. This method provides
high efficiency with good directivity on 14MHz, requiring no tuner for
50ohm match. Using the twisted pair feedline, which can be run just above
ground level, this configuration may be used with good success on other
frequency bands, 18 to 30MHz, but a tuner is recommended. In addition,
for 3.5 and 7MHz operation, the remaining MiniBac wire can be laid on the
ground as a counterpoise, similar to the #3 Inverted-L, with the Delta-Loop
and its feedline used as a vertical radiator against the counterpoise. |
Ham radio operators are welcome to homebrew
and use the MiniBac for personal and club use.
Non-commercial use of the MiniBac name for
ham radio in connection with the antenna is
authorized. All commercial rights are reserved.
Links to this site should direct to the home page.
Permission for use of drawings should
be requested by email. |
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