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Update October 2006: We finally had to give in. The antenna just can't stand the wind at the QTH! The antenna is now converted into an inverted L antenna, with the vertical part about 18 meters high. The radial systems remains the same, and the antenna actually seems to be working better than the shortened vertical. So far, it seems to be handling the wind satisfactory. Summer 2006:  Titanex V160S The 160 meter antenna is a V160S from Titanex. 27,5 meter high.
The radial system consists of 300 radials, with approximately 3,6 km of wire. 24 radials, in East-West directions, are ready to be rolled out for selected contests for another kilometer of wire (only temporary - they will be crossing roads/neighboring properties). These radials will be of more than a 1/4-wave lenght!
In addition there are about 220 square meters of poultry net, in selected directions. The directions for North America and Far East/Japan (and VK/ZL) are given priority. Within a SWR of 2:1 the antenna has an amazing 70 kHz bandwith. The antenna works very well! At the moment we are one of the bands biggest alligators (big mouth - no ears), so the next project is to get a separate RX antenna. The antenna is erected about 60 meters from the shoreline, and faces sea water from 180 to 270 degrees.  160M radial net All radials and poultry net are connected to a Comtek radial ring.  Comtek radial ring detail A detail from the radial ring. The yellow cord is connected to a ground rod.  Extra guy ropes It is 'always' VERY windy at the QTH!
The Titanex original configuration with 2 sets of 3 guy ropes just can't keep the antenna up, so we are trying with 3 sets of 6 guy ropes. Hopefully it will be enough!
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