Vectronics VEC-896 - Manual

VEC-896 Vertical Antenna Instructions
1
VEC-896 Vertical Antenna
INTRODUCTION
The basic 40 meter quarter wave vertical antenna is 33' tall and requires a reasonably good
ground or counterpoise system to function properly. The usual way to eliminate the requirement
for a complicated and space consuming ground system is to center feed a 1/2 wave (in this
example a 66' tall) antenna.
These problems were solved by combining efficient end loading with a balanced center feedpoint
design. The result is a physically small vertical antenna that gives good performance and does
not require any type of RF ground system.
The reduction in size is accomplished by adding separate loading coils and capacitance hats at
each end of the antenna for the HF bands. The efficient end loading coils are wound on
fiberglass forms. The high quality materials and construction of the HF loading system allows a
maximum power rating of 1500 watts on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. The six and two meter bands
are covered with the addition of four quarter wave decoupling stubs on the side of the main
elements.
The power rating of this antenna varies from band to band. The PEP ratings are primarily
determined be the voltage breakdown of the components, while the CW ratings are generally
determined be components heating.
The following chart lists the power rating and the 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of this antenna:
Band Power Bandwidth
CW SSB RTTY
40 m 500 1500 700 40 KHz
20 m 750 1500 1250 250 KHz
15 m 1000 1500 1250 700 KHz
10 m 750 1500 1250 1.0 MHz
6 m 300 750 300 2.6 MHz
2 m 200 300 200 7 MHz
The weight and wind load of this antenna is 15 pounds and approximately 2 square feet
respectively.
Warning: Improper installation and assembly can be hazardous! Read these
instructions thoroughly before attempting to assemble, install or operate this
product! High power transmitting devices produce voltages that can cause
severe burns or other injuries.