Two wire Beverage notes


When using individual wires, maintain the spacing between the two wires. This will help the front to
side signal ratio to be near optimum.

Slope the wires down to ground at both ends.This idea is not original. I read it in one of the "Low
Band DXing" books by ON4UN. Over a number of years I tried this on 80 meters at my two
locations, and at a friends QTH.We found the slope did not change low angle signals
compared to a straight drop.We did find that high angle signals were reduced. We ended up with 82 feet
of slope at each end for 80 meters.(the length of slope would double on 160 meters)

In Northern climates, use a long ground rod as winter time frozen earth does not conduct well.
If it is not possible to drive the rod all the way in, do not leave a large amount above the ground
as this may pick up signals which are not wanted.

The coax outer shield can pick up signals and compromise the front to back. It is good to have
the last 60 or more feet of coax buried near the KB-2 box.
This avoids pick up and the capacitance to ground and will have a beneficial effect.
Coax laying on the ground is usually OK. In cases where the coax is above ground, an effort should be
taken to remove common mode signal pick up. I use ferrite cores over
the coax near the KB-2 Box. Clamp on core halves are often available as surplus, or used at hamfests for bargain prices.

Use the standard (best) lengths for Beverages from the tables available. 290, 440, 600, 800 feet etc.
I recommend covered wires in areas where rain or snow static is a problem. For those using individual
wires one of the better wire coverings is THHN. This covering is tough, thin and light. Covered wire can
cause a slowing of radio waves (velocity factor) I cut my Beverage for the 80-meter dx SSB band.Due to
the velocity factor it was optimum in the CW band. It works so well over the entire band that I never
changed it.

In a high traffic area, 9 feet above the ground is the best compromise for one of my Beverages

Note: Cost wise, It is difficult to beat a Beverage antenna for performance.

Some Europeans are experimenting with 2 and 3 feet above ground Beverage antennas. This reduces solar
QRN, but can cause problems such as animals getting into the wire, and the need for an preamplifier.

2007 update: I purchased a preamplifier, and tried a close to the ground Beverage antenna in an
out of the way area. I found the pattern and signal to noise ratio to be excellent.
The QRN sometimes noted in solar storms is often less than with other taller Beverage antennas.

If you have questions, email me at k1fz@verizon.net

www.qsl.net/k1fz/

73
Bruce - K1FZ