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:
1/2″/12.7mm max Cable Size Chokes
Model SLO-1/2 family of chokes are for use with ½” coax cable like RG-8, RG-213, 9913, LMR-400 and similar cables up to ½” diameter – works on all cable impedences (50, 62, 75, 90 ohms etc). 80-6 meters.Choose SLO-1/2 (5 beads) or for extended choking, choose SLO-1/2E (10 beads) or for super extended choking choose SLO-1/2SE (15 beads).
Select chokes with minimum of 500 ohms at your frequency of interest for best results or upgrade to our CUBE(TM), Super Choker(TM) or Maxi-Choker(TM) chokes up to 10,000 ohms choking.
Select 5 bead version for 80-2 meters use; 10 bead version for 160-6 meter use, 15 bead version for even higher choking power on 160-20 meter frequencies. Power rating is same as coax cable used power rating. Protective heat shrink included with beads and instruction manual.
Snap On and Slip on Feed line chokes available in sizes to fix cables with outside diameters of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1" - check website for other size options.
The 5 bead, 1/2" model was previously part # BA-8
The SLO31-1/2-5 is the new name for the old product name BA-8-5, the SLO31-1/2-10 for BA-8-10, etc.
Testimonial:
KI7AY
Wanted to let you know that I was having a problem with RFI on 40m, but immediately after installing your Slip On Coax Feed Line Choke -1/2"/12.7mm cable, 1.8-300 MHz on a new RG-213 jumper between the IC-9100 and tuner, IT WENT COMPLETELY AWAY!
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