SSTran Question

Hi Travis,

I assume by "most potential use" you mean range.

Go to the SSTRAN site and look for the link to the plans for a homebuilt antenna. Also check the SSTRAN site or manual for the circuit modifications and tuning procedure for this antenna. Many posters have claimed good results with this antenna.

Here's a link to an article regarding short antennas that might help you become familiar with the technology:

http://lpam.info/index.php?page=antennas

Neil

After all that I've been through with the SSTran, I would do a "Close to the Ground" set up..

My second set up was the best, And I've changed it 3 times! I never had an easier time tuning it than in the following set up config..

I have a roof mount tri-pod that is around 5' tall. I mounted a short piece of pipe in the top, just enough to mount the outside antenna at the SSTran site. (I built one to their specs) That put the radio enclosure at about eye level when connected to the loading coil. Easy access to the xmtr for tuning..

For grounding I used 50' of cheap chicken wire. I unrolled the complete roll and cut it in half. I made an "X" on the ground with the chicken wire and centered it all up. At several spots where the chicken wire crossed over one another, I soldered them togather. This made certain that the ground had a good connection to everything. I then drove a ground rod in the center of where the chicken wire crossed, soldered a wire to the chicken wire and connected to the ground rod. I then set the tri-pod dead center over the ground rod and ran a wire from the ground rod to the mounting pipe at the top. The SSTran is grounded to the pipe also as per instructions..

I used the volt meter as per instructions on the set up/tuning procedure. I found that getting the 15 volts wasn't that hard. Actually, this was the only time I ever came close to that reading! Even where I have it now I've never achieved that level! (I have it 20' off of the ground) And the range didn't change all that much..

You will need a step ladder (non-metalic) to tune the top of the antenna. Have the antenna at the center mark of the adjustment area per instructions. Hang the volt meter on the tri-pod just below the box the xmtr is mounted in so the leads reach the circuit board. You want to be able to see it when you step back away from the set up a few feet. A field strength meter of some sort within eyesight when on the ladder makes life easier also. I found that the field strength follows the voltage readings pretty close..

Follow the tuning instructions exactly as they say but make sure after you make ANY adjustments, step back a few feet and look at the volt meter. It changes as you move around the set up. Just keep adjusting untill either you drop (LOL) or you can step back away from it and the voltage reading stays as close to 15 volts as possible. Believe me, You will be tuning for a while! It's touchy but necessary. I would suggest having the audio cables connected while tuning. (With no audio) It will change when you tune without them connected and then connect them. They act as part of the ground..

I'll bet we could come up with all kinds of horror stories on tuning these things.. LOL.. But VERY NECESSARY to get the max from the unit. A poor tuning job will result in poor or shortened range. The sweet spot is 14-15 volts. If you can get anywhere close to that, you're doing great!