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:
PURPOSE
These kits are designed to choke common mode currents going into or exiting from your amplifier cables.Filters are supplied for the RF In, RF Out, Relay Cable/control lines, and AC power line.Use of the filters often helps cure SWR problems between amp exciter and amp and between amp and antenna tuner or direct to antenna.The AC power line choke helps keep common mode current out of the power line which could cause interference to other devices connected to the same power line if not suppressed.
USE
Standard kit for amplifiers with single input, single output, relay keying and AC input
Deluxe Kit for amplifiers with dual inputs/outputs, frequency/keying control lines
KIT INCLUDES
|
Filter Type |
Usage |
Standard Kit |
Deluxe kit |
|
F240 Ring (1.4” ID) |
RF Exciter input |
1 |
2 |
|
Snap On (1/2” ID) |
Ethernet, PTT control |
2 |
2 |
|
Snap On (1” ID) |
RF Output |
1 |
2 |
|
Snap On (1” ID) |
120/240 VAC Input |
1 |
1 |
|
Total Filters |
5 |
7 |
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Standard Kit - Part# RFI-LA-FLEX-1
RF Input:Ring Filter (1.4” ID) – 5-9 turns of RG-58/8X size through center
RF Output:Snap On Filter (1” ID) – 3 turns of coax cable through center
PTT Relay Cable:Snap On Filter (1/2” ID) – multiple turns through center
Ethernet Cable:Snap On Filter (1/2” ID) – multiple turns through center
AC Power:Snap On Filter (1” ID) – 3 turns of power cord through center
Deluxe Kit - Part# RFI-LA-FLEX-2
RF Input (2)Ring Filter (1.4” ID) – 5-9 turns of RG-58/8X size through center
RF Output: (2)Snap On Filter (1” ID) – 3 turns of coax cable through center
PTT Relay Cable:Snap On Filter (1/2” ID) – multiple turns through center
Ethernet Cable:Snap On Filter (1/2” ID) – multiple turns through center
AC Power:Snap On Filter (1” ID) – 3 turns of power cord through center
Also make sure you connect a good RF ground to the amplifier ground post.
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