G5RV/ZS6BKW Antennas

The ZS6BKW antenna is a better match for our bands than the G5RV. The method of construction and tuning  is essentially the same for both antennas but the dimensions are different.

Here is the ZS6BKW antenna installed at AK6R fine tuned for the CW/FT8 frequencies on 40-20-17-12-10 meters.  An excellent antenna when installed at 30 feet or higher and no tuner required avoiding the tuner losses and constant retuning.  If you want to work all bands from 80-10 install an antenna tuner between the 1:1 balun and the amplifier and ignore the 39/40 switch.

Is this the best FT8 antenna?  – I think so as I has made over 70,000 contacts and it still is a proven winner -Good world wide DX, easy to install, no tuner and takes full legal limit.

PAL ZS68006 Ant Layout - G5RV/ZS6BKW Antennas

 

Here are several different 1:1 baluns you can use depending on power requirements:

50:800 ohm (16:1) CUBE™ Unun 3-43 MHz - 1KW/2KW PEP

SKU CU-16-1000SS
$129.95
Bulk pricing available for quantities of 2 units or more
PEP Power Output
1
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50:800 ohm (16:1) CUBE™ Unun 3-43 MHz - 1KW/2KW PEP
Product Details
Country/Region of Manufacture: Made in USA
Type: Unbalanced output
Input ohms/Output ohms: 50 to 800
Frequency Range < 2:1 SWR (MHz): 1KW: 3-43, 2KW: 3-31
PEP Power Rating (watts): 1000/2000
Insertion Loss (dB): < .2
Input Connector: SO-239
Output Connector(s): Eyebolt
Transformer Topology: broadband binocular core
Hardware Type: Stainless Steel
Enclosure Size: 4" x 4" x 2"
Weight (pounds): 3
Antenna Compatability: end fed

16:1 Ununs are useful between coax and long wires with a load impedance near 800 ohms like a beverage antenna. Shortwave listener antennas also can benefit with the 16:1 unun and it may provide a better match than 9:1 ununs – this means quieter noise levels and stronger signals so you can hear distance stations easier. Output is eyebolt/output on top, ground/counterpoise on side.

Choose 1KW/2KW PEP power option depending on needs.

Custom versions available. 16:1 also available as Balun output.



 

Here is the Coax Noise Filter used to suppress coax common mode currents (works for all type of antennas)

 

PDF of ZS6BKW at AK6R Construction Article HERE: My ZS6BKW Antenna