Hypothesis

I wrote about the twisted feed point wires and how untwisting them seem to correct a problem.  I got to thinking that maybe my contact with Pete in Minnesota was dumb luck or just better band conditions.  I knew that I would have replicate the original conditions and find a way to measure the result. 

     I occurred to me that I could use a field strength meter.  I dug out an cheap Vanco SWR/Field Strength meter.  I also decided to set up a local park to get away from the antennas at home and interference they might provide.  Lakeview Park in Portage, Mi is about a mile from my house and nice place to visit.  Plenty of picnic tables to use as a test bench.  Not exactly the same conditions as the last time but very close.

I chose the 40 meter coil and low and behold I found that I had forgotten my radials at home.  However I did have a TV twin lead counterpoise so that was attached in place of the Pac 12 radials.  Barely visible in the picture is an orange spot back by the tree which is my winder for the lead.

     I also brought some test leads try and replicate the miss wired feed point.  One can sort of see the test leads on the antenna to the right in the picture.  After finding a spot on 40Meters that was clear I called CQ and took the follow reading on the Vanco FSM.

Of course the next step was to remove the test leads and retake the reading.

Viola! it worked.  Test is I believe reasonably accurate.  I stood in the same place both times and used the same power setting on the radio.   I am confident I can replicate the test in the future.    While at the park with all this equipment was able to make another CW contact with Ray KC0URL in Minnesota again. 
     Lesson learned.