Beverage Antenna Transformers and Components

[W0BTU]

If want to finally hear those weak signals above the noise and QRM, then you need a Beverage antenna.

If you have a little land or woods (or have a friendly neighbor who does), you CAN have a Beverage receiving antenna that works just as well as the ones that all the big DXers and contesters have.

Few antennas are simpler or cheaper to erect.
You just need a good matching transformer.
And that's what we make. Get them at http://www.w0btu.com/buy_beverage_antennas.html.

Hear signals that you'll never hear on your dipole or vertical. And hear what you can hear on those antenna with less background noise.

Top quality materials, workmanship, and performance. Reasonable prices starting at only $16.

30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee and one-year warranty.

Inquiries: bevantennas (at) w0btu (dot) com

[VE1PEW]

I am interested in a 2 wire beverage antenna for transmitting. I saw the transmitting transformer on your site. Will that work with a 2 wire antenna? Do you also sell the relay controller?

73,Paul
VE1PEW

[W0BTU]

Hello Paul,

I used the transmitting transformer here on a single wire unterminated beverage. (Well, it was a 2-wire, but I had the wires connected together at each end, so electrically it was really a single wire).

I am kind of working on a relay controller, but I haven't yet decided on the exact components. Some of the parts I used to make the control box on the Beverage antenna web page are no longer available, and I need to find some really good quality replacements.

I'd explain more, but I've been sicker than a dog today. Thanks for asking.

[VE1PEW]

Ok Mike,

Let me know when you are feeling better and can give a little advice on a set-up.

73,Paul
VE1PEW

[W0BTU]

Hi Paul,

Exactly what would you like help with?

[VE1PEW]

Hi Mike,

Would I need to buy 2 of the transformers for use on a 2 wire antenna. Have you used the controller for switching an antenna used for transmitting or just for receiving? How much output will the transformer/controller handle? I don't ever run more than 500w.

Thanks

73,Paul

[W0BTU]

If you want transmitting bidirectional capability, we could be talking some serious complexity and expense here, Paul.

Would I need to buy 2 of the transformers for use on a 2 wire antenna.

Two-wire reversible Beverages require three transformers, all of them different, in addition to the relays, etc.

Have you used the controller for switching an antenna used for transmitting or just for receiving?

So far, just for receiving.

I disconnected my NE-SW Beverage from the Beverage controller, unplugged the reflection transformer at the far end, and ran it directly to my main transmitting antenna switch. It was sure a lot of fun to try, but I missed the full functionality of the instantly-switchable four-direction receive, and finally put it back the way it was for now.

How much output will the transformer/controller handle? I don't ever run more than 500w.

I have tested the three-core transformer at http://www.w0btu.com/Beverage_antenn..._on_a_Beverage at 800 watts. Details of those tests are there.

We would also need a non-inductive termination resistor capable of dissipating several hundred watts. That's one of the reasons why I ran mine unterminated while I was using it for a transmitting antenna.

I might try what you have in mind someday, just for fun. However, I don't know that I would recommend what you want to do, Paul. This would have issues, not the least of which is that the power output would be further reduced off the feed end.

Here's a photo of the one I used, in a sealed enclosure.

[ZS6EGB]

Dear Mike , Very well written and explained thoroughly. I might need some transformers , but not sure on your relays....needs detail and some info on the smaller caps. Suppose all could be build into a 150mm X 100mm box?? Would like to build this small project for a contest.
My email address : zs6egb@live.com ----- Emil ( Pretoria )

[W0BTU]

Thanks Emil. Email is sent.

The remote relay is a 4PDT P&B KHA series, and the small capacitors are 0.1 uf disc ceramic. Other than what is mentioned on my Beverage antenna page, I do not have a parts list, or step-by-step assembly instructions, as some people have asked me for.