reGARDS!

rom time to time, I have made a point of explaining that antenneX does not possess the resources of an experimental laboratory. This was mainly in reference to having the facilities to validate each and every new or different concept presented by the various authors of articles presented in this magazine. Well, that is no longer completely true!

BEST reGARDS!
A few months ago, antenneX formed, organized, and launched the sponsorship of an International Group called the Global Antenna R&D Society, or GARDS for short. So, why did we form such a group? Well, two things motivated me mainly, although other things have emerged as the group evolved. First, as many already know, this magazine was the first US Journal to publish an extensive series about the Crossed-Field Antenna, a revolutionary new antenna concept of this century. The majority of that series of articles was authored initially by the co-inventors, Maurice Hately -GM3HAT, Dr. Fathi Kabbary, and Dr. Brian Stewart - MM1DVD. Also, a previous associate of antenneX, Ted Hart, W5QJR was involved as a ghost-writer (as he characterized himself) in that he coordinated the writing of the series through a certain point. It was and still is a very popular series of articles now contained in the Archives of past issues of antenneX. Moreover, the articles about this subject continue to proliferate because of the growing number of folks now involved in the CFA.

The original series involving the above co-inventors included some nine or ten parts, including a couple of constructions articles, followed by a stream of other articles by experimenting readers about their projects. It was at the end of the original series by the co-inventors and Ted Hart, that I began to conceive of a group such as the GARDS. It really was born out of necessity as are most inventions. After the conclusion of the series by Hart and the inventors, it was noticed that many of our reader projects were floundering because there were still many difficult questions about the concept that needed more clarification--but, no one to answer those questions!

As stated in our writing guide policy (see Writing for Us), the author is ultimately responsible for the validity of the article and that antenneX cannot test each and every concept. The author may help answer any questions, if willing to. If the author(s) feel they have taken their story as far as necessary from their perspective, this Journal cannot force the author do more. The same applied in the case of the CFA series. It was not the responsibility of this Journal to make additional explanations beyond that of the authors. But, as publisher, I felt compelled to do something more to help so many readers that had diligently followed this series for many months in great anticipation at its end of being able to build and duplicate the CFA for their own use. I felt great consternation over their frustrations and their feelings of being cast adrift. It was an unfinished symphony, but, what could I do?

AHAH!
Then it struck me! In keeping close tabs on our CFA Forum, which was filled with activity, I noticed, even among all the frustrations, there appeared to be many with CFA projects who merely needed to be more focused, inspired and perhaps assisted somehow to avoid having to reinvent the wheel each time--or make the same mistakes with each new try. Stefano Galastri, IK5IIR, of Florence, Italy certainly led the pack in the inspiration department and was among the first of the successes from following the CFA construction recipe set out in the series. I also noted these experimenters appeared to possess very bright minds with a wide variety of talents and access to a variety of useful if not essential equipment. Moreover, the problems most folks were having seemed to be in a common vein—the trickiest part—tuning! Thus, it became obvious that maybe a group could be formed to facilitate an organized approach to solving these problems—and we wouldn't have to depend on the inventors for answers that didn't come. These bright minds combined as a single force could do the job. In fact, improve upon some aspects—which later proved to be a correct assumption.

Another thought was beginning to tug at me too. There was already a radio group in existence that dealt mainly with theory though the use of computer simulation. While I am not a member of that group, I was aware of what was being concluded by this group about the CFA. First, it seems they were really upset about the latest flurry of publicity being generated about this antenna concept, going as far as to say it was plain and simply a hoax. I read comments made by members who said they thought the CFA was long ago debunked and a dead issue, followed by statement like "let's put this to bed once and for all!" They were skeptics to put it mildly!

This was followed by a protracted flurry of computer modeling efforts to prove the CFA just couldn't work. At one point, I stepped forward and offered to help this group by providing the entire series of articles and any other information we possessed, if they would just follow through and produce a working model that one or two members were considering as a departure from their computers. I knew these were very bright and capable engineers/scientists, by reputation, who certainly possessed the necessary ability to build this simple CFA. I never heard any more about that construction project and they apparently returned to more simulations to my knowledge. And, cost is not a factor or restraint to experimenting, even though the skeptics may have felt so. The fact is an experimental model for an amateur band version can be built mostly from household materials, e.g., cardboard, tin foil and pie plates. A Toroid may have to be purchased if one isn't is in the junk box, but they cost only a few dollars. After testing, then build a durable one.

Of course, the problem the group has is that none of the computer models can properly simulate the CFA, which is not a wire antenna. Those computer programs just don't fit! So, instead of keeping open minds, this group's efforts appeared to be focused on proving the CFA belonged beside the "perpetual motion machine". But, this group actually was of great help to the CFA—it made it just as obvious there was a void in this process in the pursuit of the truth. A group of another kind was missing! One was needed to actually build working CFAs—not talk it to death! Now, that assumes the CFA will work. I too wanted very much to see credible results, because I had trusted the authors right along side our readers. And, if the CFA was to be "put to bed" it should be as a result of proof that it was not a feasible concept through real exhaustive experimentation. The fact is that the CFA has long ago gone beyond the simulation stage. Theoretical research has been done years ago and Dr. Kabbary has been busy installing numerous broadcast stations, the skeptics notwithstanding. Sort of like the bumble bee, it's not supposed to fly (on paper) but don't tell it so or it may fall out of the sky!

Thus, it became abundantly apparent that a capable group was needed willing to go beyond the simulation stage and concentrate on physical working models. Further, this had to be a group made up of members with open minds, shielded from the negative thoughts of any skeptics, willing to do actual experiments and build real CFAs! After all, before the present-day machine computers, it is true all inventions were first simulated by the only early computers available—the human mind! There is no argument that simulations always precede actual experiments. These usually (always?) come in the form of human thought. However, actual physical experiments still must be performed to try out thoughts the mind can conceive. You can simulate automobiles all day long in those computers, but until you drive one down the road…..

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, I have nothing against the computer simulations or any who enjoy doing it. No, on the contrary. In fact, for nearly two years,antenneX has published a very popular column on antenna modeling. It's certainly a great device to assist the mind in working out various thoughts about an idea, except of course the device must be properly applied in order to arrive at valid conclusions, before building something—the absolute must! On the other hand, I must admit I don't have much patience with those who would kill an idea before it is even born. How many times have you had a new thought, expressed it to someone and their very first reaction is to think of ways it won't work! That's a closed mind. And, I think it is merely that person's natural reaction to things without even realizing it. Remember the expression, "they laughed at Edison". Give me a first reaction that thinks of ways to make an idea work! Give it birth, then, it's alright to consider the adversities. It would be foolhardy not to.

SPEAKING OF BIRTH
Therefore, I concluded, if there is an organized group working feverishly on the CFA exclusively through the simulation approach, why not another group working just as feverishly on building actual CFA experiments? Thus was born the idea of the GARDS. I sent out initial e-mail invitations to a handful of readers in seven countries who had obviously demonstrated a true and common interest in the CFA concept. I am pleased to say, everyone invited accepted. Now the GARDS where born, in fact. The membership is made up of engineers mostly and others with excellent construction skills and access to very sophisticated test equipment and computers. Plus another thing in common, open intelligent minds with a desire to know more. In essence, we had put together a terrific laboratory facility including both sophisticated equipment and bright minds! Indeed, a Brain Trust! A Think Tank!

Here is our standard new member invitation, which includes a brief summary of our goals and manner of functioning (this is a recent copy and shows the GARDS has now grown to 9 countries):

And fun is being had by all, indeed! Before the GARDS, most of the questions on the CFA Forum was "where are the working CFAs?" Now as a result of the GARDS' efforts, there are numerous successful CFA projects completed around the world. One was actually used recently in a contest. From the beginning, I had said I want to see PICTURES along with results of actual working CFAs built from our series of articles. Now, I am pleased to report, we have exactly that, complete with actual pictures and reports of significant QSOs. The QSOs range from 500-5,000 Km so far, which handles the needs of most Hams. My hat's off to these very bright and vigorous members who have cooperated keenly to solve problem after problem and prove the CFA is a real antenna and really works! There are many built from the 75/80-meter version described in the antenneX series of CFA articles, but other versions are sprouting including 40 meters and more recently a 20-meter by Ozzie Levin, W5RK of Texas, USA.

Here's Ozzie's description of his CFA set up: "... Since using my [20-meter] CFA antenna, I have made numerous contacts. But what surprised me most, yesterday during the European DX contest, I managed to work a number of Europeans countries. 11 in a short span of time. Can't tell me the CFA doesn't work. Maybe this will inspire others. Thanks to everyone from whom I have gathered ideas on the building of this CFA, 73"

KB6WFC asked Ozzie about his setup and surroundings: Ozzie replied: ".....I live in a one-story condo and don't have access for outdoor antennas. My CFA is approximately 4 feet above ground in my apartment right next to my operating position. It is about 8 inches from the wall. This is an all brick condo. I am surrounded by condos on either side of me and so far have not had one incident of TVI or other RFI interference, although I think I may be getting into their telephones. I had to put a filter on mine. 73 Ozzie"

And a reaction from KB6WFC "Wow! Quite an extraordinary accomplishment to work 11 European contacts & YB3OSE on 20m with less than 30 Watts with your CFA arrangement. I thought that the CFA would not have been a good DX antenna being more a near field ground wave than a sky wave antenna unless it were mounted free & clear at some great height. Very inspiring. Regards."

What's next on the compact antenna scene? Well for one thing, antenneX is working on a 160m version of the GP CFA and several versions of the "DDA" introduced below and a subject of one of this month's articles. Yes, A/B tests are made too.

INITIAL OBJECTIVES REALIZED!
Now, at least my original objective has been fulfilled with those reports of satisfaction, or should I say, ecstasy? Here are just a few of the pictures kept in the archives of the GARDS website Headquarters. These are just a random assortment and not in any particular order, but, as you can see, these are quite real.

But not only are we now enjoying numerous CFA success stories based on the original CFA series, we are finding ways to redesign that tricky tuning network, the area that has ruined so many projects for would-be CFAers. Not only that, but clever ideas have developed for methods to actually "see" how the mysterious fields are performing so tuning can be optimized. The GARDS are going on well beyond the information originally provided by the inventors and we are just at the tip of this iceberg of discoveries! Just think about how long we have been finding new ways to "bend wires".

WANT TO BE A GARDS MEMBER?
While the GARDS is a membership by invitation only, if you believe you have the same interests as described above and want to join, please let me know. I merely stress that we want ACTIVE members interested in the design, development and experimentation with compact antenna concepts. If you just want to be a curious onlooker, the GARDS is not for you. For the curious onlooker, eventually any promising discoveries will be available in the form of articles in future issues of antenneX. With this understood and you are interested in discussing a possible membership in order to actively participate in our eXperiments, just send an e-mail to the attention of GARDS ROSTER and tell us about some of your own experiments and anything else about your interests in this pursuit, including a brief of your professional background, equipment available to you, etc. Keep in mind, you don't have to be an engineer to join, nor possess a bunch of equipment. A good optimistic energetic open mind will do as well. We have some very able members who are not engineers, but have abundant energy and are inspired. Construction abilities and computer skills are useful. And, just as said above, we have fun!

INTRODUCING THE DDA
As you may have noticed, the GARDS were formed to work on compact antennas, not just the CFA, although it was our first project. Now emerging from our laboratory is the new Duo-Disk Antenna or DDA. It's not fully baked yet, but early results are more than encouraging. Richard Morrow, K5CNF has produced and tested the unit you see here and on the front cover of this month's issue of antenneX. As one can readily see, it's a very compact antenna indeed when compared to the coffee cup beside it in the picture. The details of its construction and test results are described in this month's issue as well. But, I can tell you this much so far. It tunes up more easily than the CFA and is smaller in size. First contacts "out of the box" using 20 watts power were over 500 miles (800 Km) and SWL was 8,000 miles (13,000 Km). It got consistent reports of S-7 & S-9. A/B comparisons were made against an inverted V antenna of 45 feet (14m). An amazing thing is it exhibits an almost complete lack of QSB while the inverted V had lots of fading! On many contacts, the DDA had a better signal. Yes, it is a most encouraging device to say the least, especially considering it was crudely tuned with a temporary matching network for the initial test from inside the house 5 feet (1.5m) from ground level!! Forget about likely coupling with the inverted V. It was about 100 feet (30m) away.

We expect to produce more articles about the DDA based on this 40-meter version in addition to the 80 and 160-meter versions now in the works. The same tuning network described for the CFA can be used on the DDA, but, Rich has also come up with another tuning design that early tests show can handle 160 through 30 meters (see front cover). We are hooking that network up to the DDA as this is being written. He thinks this network might reach on to 20 or so with more work. So, keep watching for this one in future issues!

NOW WHAT'S THE ISSUE?
Well. I’ve gone on too long again and I’d better get to the introduction of this month’s issue. Our veteran writing team with us with their usual fine contributions and we have some new subjects for you too. I think you are going to like this issue a lot!

THE SEPTEMBER 1999 ISSUE NO. 29 CONTENTS:
OUR MONTHLY COLUMNS (plus this one by yours truly):
From the Shack A Guest Editorial by Richard Morrow, K5CNF
Our own Editor is back again this month with an editorial entitled the Roar of Controversy! Richard talks about two things that have roared this month: 1) the continued heated and roaring debate between the naysayers and the practitioners over the CFA concept and 2) the roar of Hurricane Bret that hit the Corpus Chrisit, Texas area. You decide which does the most damage!

Antenna Modeling by L. B. Cebik, W4RNL
Every commercial implementation of either NEC or MININEC tries to anticipate the needs of its users. Therefore, each tries to provide crucial data in the most usable form. Polar plots, SWR sweeps, etc. appear in graphical form, with supplementary numerical data. Some data is available in tabular form, often modified to make it more readable. Behind every form of data made available to the user lies a basic NEC core output table--or, more correctly, a collection of tables. Once you have generally mastered the readily available information, it is time to look at the core output in order to gather new data, refine data already in hand, and even to get a new slant on existing data. This month, LB's column focuses on What Can We Learn From Tables?

Ham WorkShop by Richard Morrow, K5CNF
When is a doorbell not a doorbell? Answer: "When it's a remote tuning device!" Richard Morrow, K5CNF has written this month's installment of the Ham WorkShop with a clever remote tuning device he built from converting a doorbell. This clever article is entitled Build a Remote Transmitter Keying System.

We are sorry to report that one of our staff writers, August Hoecker, W8MIA who has been with antenneX for the last year and one half writing the Ham WorkShop column will no longer be writing this column due to sickness in his family, a pending relocation to Arizona and time limitations for project construction. But, be sure to read his article, described below, Constructing your own Frequency Standard in this month's issue. August will continue to offer such feature articles from time to time and will always be available to you through his email address here at antenneX <w8mia@antennex.com>. He encourages your continuation of email questions about any of his articles. August is also a strong supporter of our "Discussion Boards" and I am sure you will be able to read his input there from his frequent visits. His big shoes will be hard to fill and his clever and inventive style will be missed. Good luck, August from all of the gang at antenneX!

Well, there you have it, folks—thanks for listening and remember, the reading lamp is always on for you in the reading rooms. If I can be of further help, I'm just a Stone's Throw! away. jack@antennex.com

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