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:

UHF PL-259 PL259 Male Plug to N Female Jack Straight RF Connector Adapter

UHFMTONF
$5.95
In stock
1
Product Details
MPN: UHFMBNCF

Specifications :

* Connector A : UHF male plug PL259 straight connector ( inside screw and center is plug male pin )

* Connector B : N female jack straight straight connector ( outside screw and center is hole female pin )

* Adapter Type : UHF Male Plug to N Female Jack Adapter


* Impedance : 50 ohm

* Gold plated or Nickel plated contacts

* Salt spray test : >= 48 hours, enhanced corrosion resistance

* Mounting : machined brass construction crimp & soldered mount

* Connection Protection: Black Heat Melt Shrink Tube Versafit or equivalent

* Operating frequency :0-6 GHZ

* Technical characteristics : temp. range : -65 to +165 ( PE cable range : -55 to +85 )

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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