Hustler 6BTV Antenna section

[thedutydoctor]

Hey guys W8BFO here, is there a dedicated Hustler antenna group? I recently installed a new 6BTV at my home QTH and I am looking to lower the SWR on 80 meter. I have 28 - 32 foot radials as per the DX-Engineering paperwork, everything else is fine 1:2 1:3 but for some reason the 80m seems to be terrible. Just curious on what others are finding or if this is maybe just my home QTH since it mostly granite based here in WV. Many thanks, Will - W8BFO.

 

[prcguy]

I don't have specific knowledge of the 6BTV but I do know its very narrow band on 80 and the impedance probably goes much lower than 50 ohms as you go below 20m. On some similar trap antennas I've had to run a 50 to 12.5 ohm transformer on 80m to get the match down because the impedance was down around 12 ohms there. Remove a bunch of ground radials and the impedance goes up closer to 50 ohms but the efficiency goes down the toilet at the same time.

If this turns out to be the problem you can put a shunt coil at the base shorting the antenna to ground and tune it for just 80m. That will raise the impedance mostly on 80 with little effect on higher bands.

Hey guys W8BFO here, is there a dedicated Hustler antenna group? I recently installed a new 6BTV at my home QTH and I am looking to lower the SWR on 80 meter. I have 28 - 32 foot radials as per the DX-Engineering paperwork, everything else is fine 1:2 1:3 but for some reason the 80m seems to be terrible. Just curious on what others are finding or if this is maybe just my home QTH since it mostly granite based here in WV. Many thanks, Will - W8BFO.

 

[Johnson1522]

I'll second what prcguy said about it being narrow. I have the same antenna with 30 42' radials in a 360° pattern. As I added radials I measured with an analyzer and I couldn't tell a big difference for SWR, but I did notice my SWR dips weren't so severe.

 

[N9PVW]

I also had the same problem. I installed a shunt coil, and was able to get the SWR down.

 

[thedutydoctor]

Thanks prcguy. Johnson1522 and N9PVW, Your right it is very, very narrow on 80m I will install a shunt coil and see if that helps the situation, IMO I guess could just run a long wire for 80 but I figured I would try a commercial brand antenna to see if they are that magic one stop shop for antennas. Being in an HOA I am limited to what I can get in the air, I will let you know how it goes and many thanks.

 

[prcguy]

Turns out DX Engineering makes an adjustable shunt coil for this antenna, although its pricy. You can make one for almost free with just some 14ga solid copper wire wound in a coil but here is theirs to look over. Maybe N9PVW could give the dimensions of his to save some time experimenting.

DX Engineering DXE-VMN-1 DX Engineering Vertical Antenna Matching Network | DX Engineering

Free Shipping - DX Engineering Vertical Antenna Matching Network with qualifying orders of $99. Shop HF Vertical Antenna Matching Networks at DX Engineering.

www.dxengineering.com

 

[Johnson1522]

Thanks for the weekend project, prcguy! Good luck thedutydoctor, looking forward to hearing how this turns out for you.

 

[thedutydoctor]

Turns out DX Engineering makes an adjustable shunt coil for this antenna, although its pricy. You can make one for almost free with just some 14ga solid copper wire wound in a coil but here is theirs to look over. Maybe N9PVW could give the dimensions of his to save some time experimenting.

DX Engineering DXE-VMN-1 DX Engineering Vertical Antenna Matching Network | DX Engineering

Free Shipping - DX Engineering Vertical Antenna Matching Network with qualifying orders of $99. Shop HF Vertical Antenna Matching Networks at DX Engineering.

www.dxengineering.com

Thanks prcguy, I ordered it I figured what with work and lack of time and the current honeydew list, it makes sense. Hoping it will at least drop it enough to be usable. I will keep you updated, Johnson1522 its going to be next weekends project by the looks, hopefully I dont have to work and its not raining. 73s

 

[Golay]

If at all practical, in addition to the radials you already have in place, lay out another quarter wave (62') radial. Just stretch it out on top of the ground and see if 80 plays better for you.

 

[prcguy]

For a ground mounted vertical with radials on the ground, a bunch of short ones is usually better than a singe or couple of long ones. Its all about the spacing at the ends which should be something like .02 wavelengts or less. That means the longer the ground radials the more you need to achieve .02 wavelength spacing. If you can lay down a dozen or more 20ft radials it should be better than four 62ft radials. Better yet lay down two strips of 4ft wide chicken wire 25ft long each in an X pattern with the antenna planted in the middle.

If at all practical, in addition to the radials you already have in place, lay out another quarter wave (62') radial. Just stretch it out on top of the ground and see if 80 plays better for you.