Dear OM/YL,
Just an early advisory that W6MMA is going to sell copies of his coil
mods which upgrade the performance of the St. Louis Vertical. Since my
first report several weeks ago there are now two versions. Either coil
converts the original SLV design into a major-league antenna!
The larger 10-80M coil is 1 1/2" in diameter and 16" long. It will even
cover 160M with an extension on the wire radiator. This heavy-duty
design is suited for either portable or permanent installation.
The new 10-40M coil is 1 1/2" in diameter and 7" long. It is light and
compact thus perfect for portable operating with emphasis on
backpackers, hikers, bicyclists etc.
The classic tinned wire coils are machine inletted into a pvc form and
feature a sliding tap. The settings are repeatable which means in most
instances the tuner can be left at home.
The coils slip fit over the second section of the SD-20 collapsible
fishing pole. Both the design and workmanship are first-class. Unlike
the SLV's original twin-lead coil these solid wire coils are positioned
at about 5 1/2' to minimize ground losses.
A well-designed two part antenna base assembly accompanys each coil. The
upper base section slips on the bottom of the collapsible pole and
should be glued/epoxied in place. It provides a BNC antenna fitting plus
attachment points for the upper and lower radiator and the radials.
The lower base section includes a heavy-duty gutter spike and easily
holds the extended antenna upright. This part slides into the coil for
storage when the SLV is disassembled.
The 10-80M coil is $50 and the 10-40M coil is $40. The base set
accompanys each coil. Shipping by Priority Mail is $5.00 for either
version.
This weekend Vern Wright telephoned so I could monitor what he was
hearing on the bands. The he proceded to work two contesting JA's on 20M
SSB (one running a kw) with two of his SLV's operating in phase. The rig
was a NorCal Cascade running three watts!
During another telecon I listened to W6MMA in California take his turns
in an 80M SSB net originating in Canada. For that demo he used the
Cascade and a single SLV. I've heard it all on these and several other
occasions. In addition, at Vern Wright's request I conducted some
FYBO-type testing here in St. Louis with excellent results. I am, as
they say, a "believer"!
W6MMA monitors the QRP-List but does not have e-mail capability at this
time. Try him at (916)622-2390 evenings or write to Vern Wright at 1606
Pheasant Way, Placerville, CA 95667.
The twinlead coil and balanced feedline on my original SLV get the job
done. However, these custom coils upgrade the design into a truly *hot*
antenna! If you decide to buy I don't think you will be disappointed.
Finally, a very specific disclaimer that I have no financial interest in
these products.........but I am a very happy user!
Best regards,
de Dave, NF0R nf0r@slacc.com
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