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:
MAXI-CHOKER Features:
- Uses proprietary Multi-Mix, Multi-Core, Multi-Turn(TM) ferrite technology for maximum choking (up to -48 dB common mode noise rejection) and maximum bandwidth
- Choose 1.5 KW, 3 KW PEP or 5KW PEP for heavy duty digital modes up to legal limit, 50 ohm SO-239 connectors In/Out, 1-61 MHz, usable to 100 MHz
- Suppresses transmitter coax feed line radiation when installed at antenna feed point or reduces common mode receiver "noise" when installed at radio end of coax.
- Available with ground stud/static bleeder option for solving tough RFI issues
- Available with dual stud/wingnut output for ladder line interface
- Works for all coax fed antennas from 1.8-61 MHz (160-6 meters) - excellent for multi-band beams, verticals, dipoles and highly unbalanced off center fed antennas.
- 2-5 times more common mode noise rejection, wider bandwidth and higher power then competing filters (excellent replacement/upgrade in performance for MFJ-915)
MAXI-CHOKER feed line chokes are used to suppress common mode current carried on the outside of the coax braid which is often responsible for receiver noise and RFI in the receiver/transmitter. These chokes are very useful for suppressing RFI common mode current at the antenna feed point, at 1/2 wavelength intervals along the coax feed line and also at the entrance to the radio station. This choke is available with a SO-239 input/output and ground/static bleeder stud (optional) for attachment to a ground rod. Use an isolator every 1/2 wavelength for the antenna operating frequency (include velocity factor in calculation). Use the ground lug option for long coax antenna feed lines (over 1/2 wavelength at the operating frequency of any antenna system in the near field of the coax).
Need a smaller power rating but with same, great common mode suppression? Try our 500 watt PEP rated Mini-Choker HERE
Production Note: Maxi-Choker may be in Black or White color depending upon available inventory at time of shipment.
Production Note: "N" connector models are custom made per order - please allow 2 weeks for manufacturing prior to shipment. You can also get the regular SO-239 version and the optional UHF PL-259 PL259 Male Plug to N Female Jack Straight RF Connector Adapter : UHFMTONF
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