[IRCA] 3.5 Inch (89mm) "Baby FSL" Design Photo and Tech Details

[d1028gary@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Thanks again to Craig Barnes for providing the first ocean coast test of the new 3.5 inch "Baby FSL" model (and for providing the first airport TSA screening test a few days from now, when he returns to Colorado). 

The "Baby FSL" models are spinoff versions of the 5 inch FSL model published in 2012 in the "Heathkit-like" construction article posted at http://www.mediafire.com/file/9ze98h293s85p86/5_inch_FSL.doc In 2012 the highest sensitivity Medium Wave Litz wire available for FSL antenna construction was the 660/46 type, and the 2012 article version used that type. In 2014 the higher sensitivity 1162/46 Litz wire became available, though, providing a significant performance boost in FSL antenna sensitivity. Although there are three slightly different "flavors" of these Baby FSL models (32 rod, 27 rod and 24 rod versions), they all use the highest sensitivity 1162/46 Litz wire, giving them astonishing sensitivity for their tiny size. They all compare favorably with the 2012 article 5" FSL version (which in turn was extensively tested, and found competitive with a 4 foot air core loop, as described in the article). 

They are several major advantages of these tiny FSL models. All the parts are commonly available on eBay or at hardware stores, and construction is relatively cheap and easy. The 2012 article can already be used for most of the steps (with a future revised article specifically planned for the Baby FSL model). The smaller, lightweight size makes them easy to carry around, and (presumably) easy to pass through airports for long-range travel. And finally they can be "ganged" together to provide cumulative gain, a bonus feature making them pretty competitive in all-out DXing. A design photo of a 32-rod model is posted at https://app.box.com/s/qyqie6hqgrq71637vbilw5eora4qxadj Craig Barnes is currently using a 27-rod model to receive exciting TP-DX on the ocean coast, and there is also a 24-rod model available (with a construction cost of under $100). 

73 and Good DX, 
Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA) 


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