Workman W58 Not Really A 5/8 Wave Antenna?

[freecell]

I see, this is not a wire antenna though. Your formula is close enough to 585/f in the real world anyway.

Thank You,

SuperLid

that formula only applies to antennas in free space.

 

[SuperLid]

You implied that by adjusting the lower section, in lieu of the upper, the VSWR bandwidth would be wider, than narrower. The antenna was already too short, so nothing to adjust in respect to length, as it was at the physical maximum length as built.

The antenna is done and gone. I am happy about that and not going to play around with one of these again.

 

[SuperLid]

that formula only applies to antennas in free space.

It is close enough in real life.

 

[freecell]

@ a frequency of 27.205 mhz. the difference is 13.25 inches. it's easier to shorten an element if length is excessive than it is to add length to an element that is too short.

in free space: 585 / 27.205 = 21.50' or 258.04"
over real earth: 615 / 27.205 = 22.60' or 271.27"

learn the difference.

 

[SuperLid]

@ a frequency of 27.205 mhz. the difference is 13.25 inches. it's easier to shorten an element if length is excessive than it is to add length to an element that is too short.

in free space: 585 / 27.205 = 21.50' or 258.04"
over real earth: 615 / 27.205 = 22.60' or 271.27"

learn the difference.

I know the difference. The real world difference, at the adjustment stage is noise.

SuperLid

 

[freecell]

LOL!

 

[frederick alton]

I just recently purchased this antenna, I built it per the supplied manual, the Maco V58 corrected manual and using all of the information I found on its construction out there on the web I can find. It just does not work for me as advertised.

I tested the antenna at three heights above ground, 6.5', 16.5' and 22'. I have tried two different lengths of coax, the VNA launch cable all with the same results. The antenna center frequency as built, is between 22-23 MHz.

The Workman manual states, the radiator length starting point at 240, the Maco is 248". I set the bracket that is clamped to the radiator to a point that allows one inch of vertical clearance between the tuning ring ends.

I have tried the Master Chief instructions, as well as doing the math. Nothing adds up....to a 5/8.

The way I interpret the antenna, is the ring is a 1 turn inductor, tapped 6.25" from the center connection point of the two halves. This makes the lumped loading side of the inductor 24", the tap wander lead is 9.5" and the angle bracket is 7", for a total of 40.5". The shunt side of the inductor is 11.5" at the suggested starting point.

The math suggests, this should work at 248" in total length (less the base tube at 12", fr a total radiator of 236
") but it doesn't. So, I am thinking the ring match is not working as intended and is being cancelled. The only way I can find a match at 27 MHz, is at around 16', or actually slightly less. This leads me to believe that this antenna is a 1/2 wavelength antenna. To get to 5/8 wavelength, one would need to increase the length.

This antenna has been built by others that experience the same results that I have. The manufacturer has not been helpful. Maco says this antenna is a copy of theirs, that has some build problem and does not work. I have read quite a bit about the Maco, but the Workman info is sparse. I am looking for some real world experience that may shed some light on this, as I have wasted 4 days doing this and that to make this thing work on 27 MHz as a 5/8 wave, to no avail.

Thanks,

SL

I know this is a old tread but i just put up the same antenna 7/20/24 received 7/19/24 had to replace a Hy-Gain SPT-500 plastic section was smashed so ordered a maco i thought and when i got it realized it was not the same but put it together and put the antenna up with a 1.1 swr and with amp in line 1.3 on 20 so we tried it out from same location as the old antenna i was giving a guy 20 miles away was 4 s units now 1 s units but still cant hear him anyways lol but it does have a great swr and cleaner audio on tx and rx and now i dont set off leds in the house and i dont have as much static 6 s units to 3 s units and seams to be a little more durable u gain some and you loose some but quality is good for most part 73s

 

[SuperLid]

I know this is a old tread but i just put up the same antenna 7/20/24 received 7/19/24 had to replace a Hy-Gain SPT-500 plastic section was smashed so ordered a maco i thought and when i got it realized it was not the same but put it together and put the antenna up with a 1.1 swr and with amp in line 1.3 on 20 so we tried it out from same location as the old antenna i was giving a guy 20 miles away was 4 s units now 1 s units but still cant hear him anyways lol but it does have a great swr and cleaner audio on tx and rx and now i dont set off leds in the house and i dont have as much static 6 s units to 3 s units and seams to be a little more durable u gain some and you loose some but quality is good for most part 73s

What antenna did you get and where from?

 

[snippits75]

From the wall of text with no periods, my decipher is this.

He ordered a Maco V58, but got sent a Workman copy, and it works good!

 

[SuperLid]

From the wall of text with no periods, my decipher is this.

He ordered a Maco V58, but got sent a Workman copy, and it works good!

I suspect that's not how it went. I also would like to know, how long his radiator is from end to end.

If it is a new W58, it should work as well as the Penetrator. I redesigned the antenna for Workman.

SL

 

[w9cll]

and cleaner audio on tx and rx

The antenna does not affect TX audio. RX can be better if the received signal is stronger.

 

[AudioShockwav]

The antenna does not affect TX audio. RX can be better if the received signal is stronger.

These claims are part of the CB myths, I had a big blow out argument with a guy about how his adjustable quarter wave had twice the audio as a loaded antenna......
I think Joe Gunn started this by listing antennas by the " Audio Gain "
Years ago......
Unicorn wank.

73
Jeff

 

[Dr_DX]

I redesigned the antenna for Workman.

SL

Did you add any internal reinforcing?

My last W58 snapped right above the insulator and it was single wall.

 

[SuperLid]

Did you add any internal reinforcing?

My last W58 snapped right above the insulator and it was single wall.

Yes I did.