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:

SIGNALPEN(TM) PENCIL SIZE RF DETECTOR LIGHT, 60 Hz to 1.2 GHz, Miliwatts to Kilowatts, Direct Contact or Inductive Detector, No Battery! Fits in Shirt Pocket!

SKU SIGNALPEN
$49.95
Introductory Price
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SIGNALPEN(TM) PENCIL SIZE RF DETECTOR LIGHT, 60 Hz to 1.2 GHz, Miliwatts to Kilowatts, Direct Contact or Inductive Detector, No Battery! Fits in Shirt Pocket!
Product Details

SignalPen(TM)

Our device, in the style of a pen. A portable device that you hold at the end of the pen to detect any RF signal source in close proximity without a battery. It uses RF electromagnetic field as a power source to light up an indicating light. Simple tool/instrument to locate or troubleshoot any RF source from handheld transceiver, mobile radios, or base station and radio repeaters. This device also detects a high voltage AC power line from 15kV and above, also a handy tool for electrician. Just store in shirt pocket like your other pens!

Self-Powered RF Detection Light (No Battery Needed)

Product Dimensions: The size of a pen

Specifications: 60 Hz to 1.2 GHz

For Optional Models: 2.4 to 6 Ghz Min. to Max.

RF Powered Detection: Milliwatts to Kilowatts

Proximity Detection: Wireless: 0.5 in to 3 ft

Capable of in-circuit detection from 20 mW. 30 seconds at 100W

Warranty: 3 years warranty no matter what, except:Intentional breakage and tampering of device

USER MANUAL


 

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