DX 101: From the Workbench Building a KAZ antenna for MW DX

Visit DX Central for more DX tips, airchecks and educational resources for the AM and FM Dxer: www.dxcentralonline.com
"DX Central - because we're all about radio!"
Twitter: @DXCentral
Facebook: @DXCentralonline

In this edition of DX 101, we explore the process for building your very own KAZ antenna for MW DX! I started out planning on a 22x65 for both, but found I could squeak out an extra 5' on one of them.

I walk step-by-step on the process I use to build mine, including what parts I use, what tools you will need and a few tips/tricks I learned along the way.

For the uninitiated, KAZ antennas, designed by legendary DXer Neil Kazaross and therefore bearing his namesake, are terminated loop antennas. They require a terminating resistor on one end (can be fixed or variable) which is used to reduce or null completely unwanted signals from one direction, and a 9:1 transformer and feedline connection on the other end. However, many opt to use the Wellbrook FLG100LN amplifier. This provides the 9:1 transformer as well as an amplifier with 23dB of gain(!).

Parts List
Wire
Many local hardware and boxstores have multiple options for pre-spooled and custom-cut wire. I like having spools on hand so I buy mine 500 feet at a time. I always use Southwire, 14-gauge stranded THHN wire, in whatever color suits what I feel I need:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-500-ft-14-AWG-Stranded-Grey-Copper-THHN-Wire-By-the-Roll/3396048

Banana Plugs (need 2 pair)
https://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-Banana-Plugs-Corrosion-Resistant-Gold-Plated/dp/B00JFC9BJU/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=banana+plugs&qid=1618807031&sr=8-11

Wellbrook FLG100LN (need 1)
Indoor and outdoor box for the transformer and amp combo.
https://www.loop-antennas.com/wellbrook/North_American/FLG100LN

ermination Resistor (need 1)
If you do not buy the Russian FLAG kit from eBay, you can make your own. Check out our video on termination resistors, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8QxqyV22U

OR

Russian FLAG antenna kit (need 1)
If you do not want to order the Wellbrook amplifier, this is a substitue. This contains the indoor and outdoor amplifier boxes, plus a fixed 1000 ohm termination resistor: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Flag-Pennant-LOOP-HF-Antenna-KIT-50-Ohm-with-Preamp/201553084711?hash=item2eed800127:g:Gw4AAOSwxvBZn9ev

Flush-style cable clamps (need 1 package of 2, one for each end of the KAZ)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-16-in-Zinc-Plated-Flush-Type-Wire-Rope-Clamp-2-Pack-42984/205883072

CountyLine 3/8" Step-in Electric Fence Post (need 2, one for each end of the KAZ)
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/sunguard-ii-3-8-in-fiberglass-step-in-post

Kitty Hawk Telescopic 22' Fiberglass Windsock Pole (need 1)
https://store.kittyhawk.com/products/22ft-hvy-duty-tele-pole

Rope (need quite a bit, buy a 1000 foot spool, you won't regret it)
I use a gray colored 1.8mm "Handy Hundred" rope from R&W rope. They have multiple sizes and colors to choose from but this is some of the absolute BEST antenna rope I have ever found: https://rwrope.com/products/handy-hundred-cord-1-8mm?variant=31137394425958

Feedline (need 50 ohm)
The length is dependent on what you need, but I recommend the ABR RG8X from Gigaparts. Inexpensive and hearty, works like a champ and hasn't let me down.
https://www.gigaparts.com/50ft-rg8x-lmr-240uf-coax-jumper-w-pl259-ends.html

Tools you need to do the job
Phillipshead screwdriver
https://www.amazon.com/Buspoll-stubby-screwdriver-piece-%EF%BC%8CPhillips/dp/B084ZRYNV3/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=stubby+phillips+head&qid=1620972554&sr=8-11

Wire cutter
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Cutters-Diagonal-Nippers-Cutting/dp/B08BVXGGKC/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=wire+cutter&qid=1620972584&sr=8-11

Wire stripper
https://www.amazon.com/Southwire-Equipment-SA822-Automatic-Stripper/dp/B01ADWQKYO/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=wire+stripper+southwire&qid=1620972633&sr=8-8

Tape Measure
https://www.amazon.com/Komelon-6633-Fiberglass-Measure-300-Feet/dp/B001VU6BGA/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=300%27+tape+measure&qid=1620972754&sr=8-2

Mallet
You will want one of these to hammer your ground stake or rod(s) into the ground to support your Kitty Hawk mast. Whatever you use to drive into the ground, something adding up to 1' should suffice:
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-30503-Handle-Rubber-16-Ounce/dp/B00KX4KFG2/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=mallet&qid=1618807634&sr=8-7

Electric Fence Insulators
You can screw these into 2x2 wooden fence rail, or wooden slats, to provide support for your base wire to keep it at a consistent height. The 2x2 or wooden slat you can find at your local hardware store. One piece of wood in the center, and then 2-3 more fanning out should be sufficient.
https://www.amazon.com/Ketofa-Electric-Insulator-Accessories-Insulators/dp/B0899947KD/ref=sr_1_23?dchild=1&keywords=electric+fence+insulators&qid=1620972807&sr=8-23

Скачать видео