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:

Palstar LA-1K Linear Amplifier Deluxe RFI Kit - 7 Filters for RF In/Out, AC power, Control Lines

SKU RFI-PALSTAR-LA1K
$99.95
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Palstar LA-1K Linear Amplifier Deluxe RFI Kit - 7 Filters for RF In/Out, AC power, Control Lines
Product Details
MPN: RFI-PALSTAR-LA1K
Filter Power Rating (PEP watts): max coax cable rating
RFI Suppression Range (MHz): 1-600 MHz
# Ferrite Filters: 7
Typical Use:: AC/DC power, RF In/out (x3), Control Lines

All coax I/O and control lines and AC/DC power line for high end amplifiers with multiple RF inputs and outputs, control/keying/frequency I/O.

Includes typical amps such as Yaesu Quadra, Icom PW1, ACOM, ALPHA,Tokyo High Power, Palstar, ETC.

Included are the following chokes and installation guidelines to suppress RFI in and out:


Deluxe Kit:

RF Input (1x):Ring Filter (1.4” ID) – 5-9 turns of RG-58/8X size through center

RF Output (3x):Snap On Filter (1” ID) – 3 turns of coax cable through center

Relay/ALC Cables (1x):Snap On Filter (3/4” ID) – multiple turns through center, both cables in same ferrite

Band Control cable:Snap On Filter (3/4” ID)- multiple turns through filter

AC/DC Power:Snap On Filter (1” ID) – 3 turns of power cord through center

You get 1.4" ID Ring x 1, 1" ID snap on x 4, 3/4" ID snap on x 2 with each kit.

STOP THE RFI NOW WITH THIS SIMPLE TO INSTALL KIT


 

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