Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Cheap portable antenna for SSB + CW w/ USRP1?

[Marcus D. Leech]

On 06/10/11 11:51 PM, Mark Cetilia wrote:
> Hi all,
> Just curious if anyone might have some suggestions for a cheap (ideally < 
> $100) portable antenna for receiving (not transmitting) SSB + CW? 
> Something that can easily fit into a carryon bag, can be used indoors and set 
> up  / broken down quickly would be great.
>
> It would be nice to cover as much of the LFRX's range as possible—160 to 6 
> meters I guess?
> The Ettus site mentions DC to 30 MHz, but the board has DC to 50 MHz 
> silkscreened onto it—not sure which is correct?
>
>   
The LFRX has a not-very-steep roll-off above 30MHz, so it's usable above
30MHz.

> I've got my eye on an MFJ-1622 right now, which supposedly covers 40 to 2 
> meters.
> Not completely optimal, but it's looking decent for the price + form factor… 
>
> Anybody out there have experience with that antenna?
> Other possible leads would be greatly appreciated as well.
>
> Thanks so much!
>
>
>   
The MFJ-1622 is probably adequate, but not stellar.  Its hard to make an
antenna that is both a good
  match, *and* a good radiator over wide frequency radiators, *and* is
physically compact.




-- 
Principal Investigator
Shirleys Bay Radio Astronomy Consortium
http://www.sbrac.org