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:

FT114A-61, ID=.75", RFI Range 250-2000 MHz

SKU F114A-61
$4.95
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FT114A-61, ID=.75", RFI Range 250-2000 MHz
Product Details
MPN: F114A-61
RFI Range (MHz): 250-2000 Mhz
ID-B (in/mm): .75/19.05
OD-A (in/mm): 1.14/29
Height-C (in/mm): .545/13.8
Weight (oz/gm): 33 grams
Initial permeability: 125
A(L): 145

Ferrite Ring Toroid Core, ID = .75"/23mm, Mix 61

NOTE: Special order - please allow 2 weeks for delivery

Case Size: 371


 

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