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VK3YE
antenna The L-match is the simplest way to transform the widely varying
impedance presented by a wire antenna to the 50 ohms required by
projects the transceiver. It comprises just two components - an inductor and a
capacitor. An L-match is particularly suited for backpack style portable
operating as they can be made so small and light. An L-match plus a
thin wire antenna is lighter than a coax fed dipole and allows
operation on multiple bands as well.

Description
So what is an L-match? It's just two components - an inductor and a
capacitor. Both need to be variable to match a wide range of
antennas, although it's OK that only one is continuously variable.
Usually the coil is tapped while the tuning capacitor is continously
adjustable.

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The coil can be wound on a piece of 25mm plastic pipe, or if space is

limited, on a iron powder toroid. The capacitor can be a plastic
variable type salvaged from an AM radio. Both these parts will stand 5
watts QRP power. However if you want to run more power, then you'll
need heavier construction, including the use of an air-spaced tuning
capacitor.

Construction is very simple. No circuit boards are required. However

it's a good idea to keep leads short as this will allow the unit to
function correctly on high HF bands such as 10 metres.

Usage directions are given above. It's desirable to have some sort of
tuning indicator if your rig does not have inbuilt SWR indication.
Possibly the most compact is an LED, though this can be hard to see
in bright sunlight.

Portable operating with an L-match

Down Under FYBO 2016 June 26

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How does 'any old bit of metal' go as an HF antenna?

Further ideas and information

Antenna couplers galore More antenna coupler plans and
video demonstrations

Parts you'll need

You may not be able to find the exact parts used but substitutes
should be obtainable. Some ideas are listed below.

Variable capacitor

Here you have a choice between a plastic dielectric variable capacitor

and an air dielectric type. The plastic type is smaller, lighter and
cheaper. However I wouldn't use it with more than about 5 to 7 watts.
The air dielectric version is heavier but can take a higher transmit
power and is easier to add a knob to. The value isn't that critical but
aim for one with a maximum of around 200pF.

Variable Capacitor - 2 Pcs 24mm Top

Capacitor -... Variable,... Potentiometer...
$2.15 $13.95 $6.30

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Inductor

Variable inductors aren't as readily available as variable capacitors.

Unless you can get a roller inductor you need to make your own
tapped inductor as described above. The number of turns in the circuit
can either be varied with a switch or a wander lead with alligator clip.
Enamelled copper wire, such as found in old power transformers, is
good for the coil windings.

TEMCo 24 AWG Creative one 25 Remington

Copper... Pcs Silver... Industries...
$6.09 $10.35

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Switch

This coupler calls for a rotary switch. The more positions the more
taps you can have on the coil and the wider the range of antennas
you can match. Heavy duty switches are required if you wish to run
high power. Another approach, if you don't have a switch, is to use an
alligator clip to tap onto various parts of the coil. This works well but
requires the top to be open to permit easy access.

Parts Express 2 Pcs 1P8T 1

Rotary Switch... Pole 8 Position...
$9.99 $7.11

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Sockets to connect transceiver and antenna

Common antenna socket types include SO239 (to accept PL259

plugs) or BNC. Some homebrew QRP rigs even use RCA connectors
to save money. Another option is you could have a flylead with plug to
fit straight into your transceiver. This may make the coupler harder to
pack but means that there's no risk of you leaving a coax patch lead

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behind. Another possibility is to use a BNC female as this can plug

straight on to BNC equipped transceivers.

4 Pack CESS TNP BNC Male 10 Pack CESS

BNC Female... Plug to 2x... 4mm Terminal...
$6.44 $8.99 $7.05

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Case

Either scrounge a lunch box from the kitchen, make one out of circuit
board material or consider one of these. But before ordering check it's
of sufficient size for the parts used!

Hammond Estone VNDEFUL 5Pcs

1591ESBK... Waterproof... Black...
$7.99 $7.96 $7.60

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Minimum QRP:
Doing more...
$23.99

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Hand-carried
QRP antennas:...
$11.99

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Getting back into

Amateur...
$11.99

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Parker VK3YE
1997-2017.

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