160m OCFD Antennas

160m OCFD Antennas


Although I am a fan of the OCFD antenna when seeking a single multi-band antenna, I have never built a 160m OCFD antenna, though I have used a Carolina Windom on that band.  Like all other dipoles I have used on 160m, I found the Carolina Windom to be poor performers for 'my' 160m requirements.



The problem with all 160m horizontal dipoles is, they are poor DX performers, unless you can raise them to heights which are impossible to reach within city limits.



After many years of using various dipoles and the Carolina Windom on Top Band, I was encouraged by Scott, W4PA to switch to an Inverted-L antenna.   I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of the Inverted.-L on Top Band !



As a contester in Europe, I had always struggled in DX contests to work just one stateside station on 160m to get the new multiplier.  After switching to the Inv.-L, I found I could call CQ and have multiple stateside stations return my call.  I had similar experience when trying to work Asiatic Russia.



IMO, comparing a horizontal dipole (of any kind) to an Inv.-L on 160m is like comparing a VW Beetle to a Porsche.  They play in two different leagues!



Since my web is about sharing my experience with others, and not about repeating hear-say information, I cannot write anything about the 160m OCFD, except DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!



'YOUR' mileage may vary, of course.


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