I took the overall measurements posted by Bob for the new Vector 4000 and set my total length to them. Of course, I do not have the open cage ball for the top, so I just took the length in with tubing. I ended up around 28' 2" overall.
Next I bent out the radial connectors to what I feel approximates the proper 30* needed, and remounted them to the center radiator at 13 3/4" from the bottom of the antenna.
I checked the radial loop for proper size, and found it a little large, reduced its overall length and repositioned the radials on the loop to exact quarters of the loops circumference. because the plastic circular standoff is only so big, it ended up beneath the center gamma rod strap with the new radial angle.
I made a new gamma to the dimensions posted by bob for the new V4k, and found the center rod a little short to bring down the match closer to ideal. You can see in the posted photo that the strap is at the extreme end of the gamma rod. I used a 36" rod and had to move my strap up to 35" to get the SWR down.
I did not like the bottom of the gamma tube being higher than the mount points of the radials so I reluctantly used a nut that isn't stainless steel to put it lower . I'll have to replace it tomorrow.
(bringing the bottom of the gamma sleeve down 1", and the strap up 1" took in the difference in the 36" gamma rod to the 34" rod.)
Everything done seems to have had a positive effect. Results for now at 12' above ground isolated from the mounting mast and no coax choke beneath the feedpoint connector:
28.755 ---------- 5.2:1
28.305 ---------- 1.8:1
27.855 ---------- 1.2:1
27.555 ---------- <1.1:1
27.405 ---------- 1.1:1
27.205 ---------- 1.2:1
26.965 ---------- 1.5:1
26.515 ---------- 2.5:1
26.065 ---------- 4.0:1
25.615 ---------- 5.2:1
25.165 ---------- 6.0:1
At this point it is a little bit more narrow banded than the 5/8 wave from which it has gotten its parts, but certainly usable well within the range of frequencies that I talk. When nothing's happening re DX I monitor 19. When DX rolls I mostly run from 20 to 40 and a little above, preferring 38LSB.
I did briefly talk to a station west of me 10 miles away, another northwest of me 30 miles away, an yet another south of me 10 miles. I received good reports from all of them. I wish I had more technical locals to give me more than "a room full of you" and "blowing smoke" I'll see if I can get someone to mobile out a few miles and see what happens one day soon.
Next I've got to get it up in the air. I'll have to start on that tip over tower tomorrow after work.
Thanks, Everyone.
What other suggestions might be in order for this thing? any?
Perhaps when the new Vector 4000 goes up the SWR results can be posted for comparison. . .
