Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Inverted L for 160 meters. Post #808.

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/ddbrweVlhCE.  At one time, I was one of many radio amateurs that couldn't work stations on 160 meters because of the large amount of horizontal or vertical space a dipole or quarter wave vertical for this band would occupy. In this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), we learn how an "Inverted L" antenna can help you get on "The Gentlemen's Band."  Stan does a good job of explaining the general theory, construction, and use of an inverted L antenna, which can give you a decent signal, provided you use a good ground or counterpoise system along with the vertical and horizontal dimensions of this antenna.  If you feed this inverted L with open wire, ladder line, or television twin lead, you can get reasonable performance on all amateur HF bands from 160 through 10 meters.  Try to get the vertical element as high as you can and then stretch out the horizontal portion as straight as possible.  Although the 160 meter band has limited range during daylight hours, it can open up for hundreds or even thousands of miles at night.  Excellent range can be obtained if you operate your station during the "greyline" hours just before sunrise and just after sunset.  With many modern rigs offering 160 meter coverage, it would be a shame if you didn't make an antenna, even a compromise one, for this band. Have fun!

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