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:

DC Cable Noise Filter for Large Gauge Wire - 3" ID

SKU DCCF-3
$39.95
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DC Cable Noise Filter for Large Gauge Wire - 3" ID
Product Details
MPN: DCCF-3
Type: New
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
RFI Range (MHz): 1-300 MHz
ID-B (in/mm): 3/76.2
OD-A (in/mm): 4/101.6
Height-C (in/mm): 1/25.4
Weight (oz/gm): 420 grams
Initial permeability: 1500

(4″ OD, 3″ ID hole), RFI Noise Suppression Range: 1-300 MHz

Excellent for large cables or multiple cables – use multiple cores for higher choking. Also useful when you need high turns count for high choking with large cable - works on large gauge DC power cables.

Note: put both positive and negative cables TOGETHER through the filter so that their differential currents cancel but their common mode currents are suppressed.


 

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