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.
Here are several different 1:1 baluns you can use depending on power requirements:
This Extra Large size Ring and Snap-On Combo Pack is our BEST VALUE and a convenient solution for troubleshooting RFI/EMI (200-2000 MHz) with various diameter cables ranging from 1.4" to 1.4"/35.6mm for use as either single turn or multiple turn RFI filters. Great for Grab and Go portable operations or general RFI and noise suppression.
The filters are useful for RF coax, AC/DC power cables, Ethernet, data, audio/video and device interconnection cables.
Always use a snap on or ring with a larger inside diameter than the diameter of the cable and use multiple turns if possible (2 turns through the snap on is the same as 4 snap ons with 1 turn). Included in these combo packs are our most popular snap on sizes as follows:
Extra Large Combo Pack includes the following:
F240-61 ring – 1.4″/35.6mm ID – 6 pieces
FSB61-1/4 – 1/4″/9.5mm ID – 12 pieces
FSB61-1/2 – 1/2″/12.7mm ID – 10 pieces
Normal Retail price is $194 for these parts bought individually. You also get FREE USA SHIPPING for this item.
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