How to build a G5RV Transmitting antenna
Originally posted to the packet bbs system by KC6CFF. Thanks Jim!

The G5RV is an easy-to-build 80-10 dipole requiring no traps. All bands
are covered, including 30, 17, and 12. The G5RV has high SWR, by
design, on most bands and a tuner is required. Unlike most dipoles, the
"basic" design is not a 1/2 wave, but instead a 3/2 wave dipole on 20
meters. A half size unit can be built, halving top and feeder, for 40
and up. For more info and detailed theory about this versatile antenna
see G5RV article in the ARRL Antenna Compendium. The article is by G5RV
himself, the only HAM we know honored by being named after an antenna,
according to Jim of RADIO WORKS.

      <                        102 ft.                        >
      _________________________________________________________
                                 |
                                 |
                                 |      34 ft matching section *
                                 |
                                 |
                                 |

       * Adjusted for velocity factor of feeder, if necessary.

                     * HINTS, ETC. *

This is my first antenna project. I built mine with insulated 12
ga. wire I had laying around. Initially I had "homemade" open wire
feeder for the matching section. The antenna worked fine on 20 and up,
but turned my tuner into a "self lighting" meter unit on 40 and
80 (smelled kinda funny too). Originally I blamed my budget tuner, but
after replacing the open wire (because of storm damage), it now works
fine on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10. I don't have WARC capabilities and can't
report performance on those bands.

The replacement matching section is 300 ohm twin lead with the length
adjusted for it's velocity factor ( 34 ft * .82). The top is kinda
touchy when it comes to trimming. My antenna is hard to get at so i
shortened up 1 ft first try and moved the resonant section from well
below the band (SWR was 1.6 at lower band edge on 20m) to above 14.2
(SWR 1.3). Light trimming is suggested. Due to the normal high SWR,
others have suggested not using a coax feeder with wimpy dielectric,
particularly if running substantial power.

So how's it work? I LIKE it. One antenna that works well on all bands.
I've received good reports, voice and cw, on all bands running a
barefoot Yaesu FT 101B. Surprising number of contacts from QTHs that
would seem to be unfavorable because of my antenna orientation. My next
G5RV is going to be a half size unit wit  a different orientation and
extending the 300 ohm line all the way back to the tuner. (G5RV
recommends the open type feeder, by the way). If you build (or have
built) a G5RV and have anything to add about this versatile antenna,
please send me feedback at the address below. I'll put out and updated
version of this file.