| Author |
Message |
    
Azstorm
Junior Member
Username: Azstorm
Post Number: 21
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 11:37 am: | 
|
Im having a hard time deciding on which antenna to use for my base.
Here are my choices:
M-400 Starduster
Super Penetrator
Avanti Sigma AV-170
I belive all are 5/8 wave and will be used for 11 meters.
So,what would you choose and why?? |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4481
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 2:05 pm: |
|
Azstorm,
Maybe Tech833's Article below will help you to choose what the BEST Antenna for your location would be, and give you with the best overall performance.
Different locations and mounting heights can make a BIG DIFFERENCE.
*****
Copper Electronics Omni/Vertical Antenna Suggestion Guideby Tech833
When choosing an omnidirectional base station antenna, several choices are available. Predicting the performance of each one is simple in theoretical circumstances, but in actual use conditions, many external situations can change the expected performance conditions greatly. In the simplest terms, there is not one perfect antenna for all situations. Taking into account the 4 biggest concerns of consumers and applying them to this purchase, we base these suggestions on the following criteria: price, power handling capability, expected mounting height over ground, and high wind survival.
The antennas are listed under each category based on expected transmit and receive performance at a distance using ground wave propagation. The antenna with the highest expected performance under a certain condition will appear on top and the antenna fitting that category with the lowest expected level of performance will be on the bottom. Obviously, the transmit and receive performance will match very closely under various conditions, so the order in which the antennas are listed remains suitable for stations only wishing to transmit (such as a beacon station) or wishing to only receive (SWL).
10 meter amateur and high power stations-
(All of the antennas in this category will handle high winds and/or high power and have wide bandwidth.)
If the tip of the antenna will be less than 30 feet above ground:
CTE Top One
Maco V-5/8
If the tip of the antenna will be greater than 30 feet above ground:
Maco V-5/8
CTE Top One
11 meter only stations-
(All of the antennas in this category will handle high winds.)
If the tip of the antenna will be less than 30 feet above ground:
CTE Top One
Shakespeare Army Big Stick
Maco V-5/8
Imax 2000 w/GPK*
If the tip of the antenna will be greater than 30 feet above ground:
Maco V-5/8
Imax 2000 w/GPK**
Shakespeare Army Big Stick
Antron 99 or Imax 99***
CTE Top One
11 meter only stations on a budget (under $50)-
(The antennas in this category not appearing in categories above will not handle high winds and/or high power.)
If the tip of the antenna will be less than 30 feet above ground:
CTE Top One
If the tip of the antenna will be greater than 30 feet above ground:
Antron 99 or Imax 99
CTE Top One
Skylab T233
Stations in areas which experience winds over 90 MPH.-
CTE Top One****
| | | | A99 | A99
w/GPK | Sky
Lab
T233 | Imax
99 | Big
Stick | Imax
2000 | Imax
2000
w/GPK | Maco
V5/8 | CTE
Top
One | | | | 11 meter | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | | | | 10 Meter | | | | | | | | • | • | | | | High Power | | | | | | | | • | • | | | | High Wind | | | | | | | | • | • | | | | Above 30' | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | • | | | | Below 30' | | | | | • | | • | • | • | | | | Price Range | under $50 | under $100 | under $50 | under $50 | under $100 | under $100 | under $150 | under $100 | under $50 |
Notes:
* The GPK (Ground Plane Kit) can be substituted with at least 3 bonded metallic guy wires attached to the support mast immediately under the base of the antenna measuring at least 9 feet long each.
** If the GPK is not added, the performance will not be greater than the Shakespeare Army Big Stick.
*** Adding the GPK to either the Antron 99 or Imax 99 will not improve the performance enough to change the ranking in this category.
**** When the lower hoop element is braced to the support mast with non-metallic monofilament, rope or twine.
*****
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Chad
Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 69
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 2:26 pm: |
|
When they say tip of antenna being less than 30'.......
That would mean the Imax would be on a 6' tower.....
Or are they talking tower/feedpoint height? |
Twa77
Intermediate Member
Username: Twa77
Post Number: 128
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 6:02 pm: |
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it seems from what i have seen on this topic, they are reforring to 30 feet at the feedpoint. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4483
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 6:20 pm: |
|
Chad,
The Tip of the Antenna is the Tip / Top of the Antenna not the Bottom of the antenna.
The Feed Point on the IMAX is at the Bottom of the antenna.
LOn
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4484
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 6:29 pm: |
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Twa77,
No if you read the Article it is Very Clear and Easy to understand.
He talks about the TIP of the Antenna which is the TOP of the antenna.
He is NOT Talking about the Feed Point (where the Coax Connects) to the Antenna.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Bob_p
Advanced Member
Username: Bob_p
Post Number: 637
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 9:40 pm: |
|
Azstorm, I know you did not list the I-Max 2000 as a choice, but it shouldn’t be over looked.
I'm a big I-Max 2000 fan and my I-Max is at 30 feet to the feed point and it does a great job.
Tech833's review called the I-Max 2000 exposed pretty much says it all for the I-Max.
Tech833 has over 20 years of professional experience as a Broadcast Engineer, and we are very lucky to have him here as a 100% reliable source of information covering all areas of radio technology, but particularly concerning antennas and antenna installations.
The review can be found to the left under.
Topics
Subscriber (Preview).
Product Reviews.
Imax 2000 Exposed.
If your looking for a 5/8ths wave antenna for 11 meters, they are all going to perform about the same no matter how much you pay, a 5/8ths wave is a 5/8ths wave, it’s not like comparing a ½ wave to a 5/8 ths wave, as is the case with M-400. After that comes personal preference. Some people like fiberglass and others swear by aluminum.
M-400 Star Duster = 1/2 wave ground plane antenna. Sold at Copper as the SkyLab T233. http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:rrPP8yiFkmAJ:www.copperelectronics.com/newitems.shtml+M400+StarDuster&hl=en&start=12
Super Penetrator =5/8thsw wave
Avanti Sigma AV-170=5/8ths wave
I-Max 2000=. 64 wavelengths.
I would choose the I-Max 2000 because it is a very broad banded antenna that will cover anywhere you might want to go on any radio sold here at Copper with an exceptionally low SWR.
|
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1997
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 - 11:21 pm: |
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I cut a sky lab down to 6 meters it worked great untill lighting got it |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4486
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 06, 2005 - 6:23 am: |
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For an OMNI Base Antenna,
Our TOP 2 Picks would be:
#1 ~ The IMAX 2000
#2 ~ The MACO V-58
Why?
Because in over all Performance we have had GREAT Results with Both Antennas.
Sorry but so far we have not found any Omni Antenna out there on the market yet, that has out performed them in actual use with our station setup.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN 
&
Shirley
1st Sargant
CEF164
|
Azstorm
Junior Member
Username: Azstorm
Post Number: 22
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, January 08, 2005 - 1:49 pm: |
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The Maco V 5/8 looks allmost identical to the Sigma.
Ive heard good reports on the Imax but am not yet convinced its any or much better than the a-99 I currently have.Longer yes,better? hmmmmmm.
Looks like its going to be a toss up between the Sigma (found one new in the box),or one I didnt throw in the mix originally,the I 10K. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4508
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, January 08, 2005 - 6:59 pm: |
|
Azstorm,
Guess you have not read the Review or Articles located in the: Subscriber (Preview) area of the forum written by Tech833 yet?
Under: Articles » How to Choose a Ground Plane Antenna
And
Product Reviews
» A99 Exposed
» Review
And
Product Reviews
» Imax 2000 Exposed
» Review
If you read these Articles and Reviews ALL of your questions will be answered.
You will not find a more Professional, Comprehensive & Accurate Review on these antennas by anyone anywhere.
Tech833 is not just any backyard antenna tester but a Licensed Professional in his field, and highly respected by others in the radio world and his profession.
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Azstorm
Junior Member
Username: Azstorm
Post Number: 23
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 10:31 am: |
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Ok,youve convinced me.
Im going with the Maco V 5/8.
Ive heard that the radials have a tendancy to fall out on windy days after some time.Vicious rumor,or truth??
Will I need to reinforce they method by which they attach or will it be fine as designed (provided I assemble it correctly)? |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4531
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 10:43 am: |
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Azstorm,
The only suggestion I recommend is adding a piece of Poly Rope inside of each element to prevent singing.
Just cut a piece long enough to run all the way inside of each element and slide it in, then dab a glob of silicone on the end and put the cap on and you are all set.
Never heard of or seen any elements fall out yet on one when properly installed.
The Instructions are very good and easy to understand.
Hope this helps.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Troublemaker
Member
Username: Troublemaker
Post Number: 54
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 10:20 pm: |
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my antennas are at approx.60' to the coax connector. I've tried the Maco 5/8,Imax 99,and the Imax2000,in 2004 and at 150 miles range,the Maco 5/8 is the best of the three,as far as transmit AND receive are concerned.(my own experience)and per Tech 291. |
Englishalan
New member
Username: Englishalan
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 11:06 am: |
|
Sirio 827 or Vector 4000,(sigma IV clone)
The TWO BEST omni 11m antennas on the market
Regards
Alan |
Road_warrior
Advanced Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 885
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 1:27 am: |
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Enlishalan,
Is it windy where you live? I live in PA.
and have had the Sigma clone. Kept breaking
in the wind here. No luck with it. |
Airplane1
Advanced Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 610
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 8:39 am: |
|
My maco V 5/8 is up over a year now and never a problem with SWRs or radials comming out or damage of any kind here in PA. I live in a open field where the wind really blows in winter and we`ve had very high gusts of wind too still great. I just checked all the nuts,bolts and clamps to see how they are holding up and there is no rust or corrosion thes far.I did not use any rope inside the radial either and dont see a need so far.
I am very happy with the performance also. I will recomment a maco product any time. |
Quackquack
New member
Username: Quackquack
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, October 31, 2005 - 1:42 pm: |
|
What about the Avanti Astroplane? |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 8019
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 31, 2005 - 8:13 pm: |
|
Quackquack,
WELCOME TO THE COPPER FORUM!
The Avanti Astroplane was not in Tech833's article as the Avanti Astroplane is no longer in production.
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
|
Road_warrior
Advanced Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 889
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, October 31, 2005 - 8:35 pm: |
|
Quackquack,
The Top One in the article is a astroplane
look-alike antenna. Original antenna no
longer in production.
|
Quackquack
New member
Username: Quackquack
Post Number: 2
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 - 2:13 am: |
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Ok, my bad. So that particular design holds it's own. I am currently running an original astroplane and was wondering if it was worth upgrading, but I guess not since I am restricted on the height of my antenna. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 8031
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 - 2:17 am: |
|
Quackquack,
WELCOME TO THE COPPER FORUM!
Scroll UP to the 2nd Post in this topic and Read Tech833's Article and it should answer your Questions.
Hope this helps,
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 826
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 12:06 pm: |
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Keep the Astroplane away from limbs. It is a little flimsy. Get performer.
To the new reader or one wanting a new antenna, if you want broad banded use of your radio without a tuner,and probably one of the top 5 performing antennas of all time, you will be very happy with the Imax 2000. Go ahead and get the gd/p kit. The Maco V groundplane will likely outdo it in the distance (but what is a 1/8 of a pound different at 150 miles?) but the Maco is only good for the cb band and not too far above or below while tuned to cb. Get an Imax antenna up high and enjoy trouble-free service.
I have no regrets about buying and using an Imax 2000. When the wind blows it rolls with the punches. There are no metal parts to brake when it freezes over. Points to ponder.
mikefromms |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1097
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 - 7:32 pm: |
|
Severe winters does take it's toll on certain
antennas.
In our town there's various different antennas
up. Some from the 70's, 80's, 90's.
I will say this much: Stardusters do not last
long here. All metal antennas with Horz. radials
have bent or broken radials. (Except mine, but, this is the 1st winter for my I-10K.)
The antennas that have survived around here are
the Fiberglass antennas and Astroplanes. Top Ones look cheap, but, there survivers and a good antenna. If you live in a milder climate: Most antennas should do you well.
JIM/PA/CEF 375 |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1105
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 1:50 am: |
|
After talking to a handful of fiberglass
antennas owners in my area. The average life
around here for those is 10-15 years.
Alot of older A-99s went bad in this time
span. Have a close friend have his go out
the other day. Weather has been mild, just
quit working. |
Danusee
Junior Member
Username: Danusee
Post Number: 20
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 9:14 pm: |
|
I would go with the I10k. I don't like the way the Maco V58 is built. First, the hot vertical section sticks down into the grounded section insulated by plastic. The I10k vertical hot section is mounted on a fiberglass section above the grounded base part. For me the Maco V58 was a swr setting nightmare. The wire broke in 8 months that goes to the tuning ring. With that said I took it down put up a old dipole that I had made and I hope I never see another Maco V58 again. Also the hot section is only around 18'-19' long depending on how it tunes. Not even close to 5/8 wave length. Yep if and when I buy another it will be the I10k. Right now the side tower mount dipole has picked up gain to the side it is mounted on which is the direction I talk so it is fine for my situation.
Dan |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1127
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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Danusee- What state do you live in? |
Thehobo
Junior Member
Username: Thehobo
Post Number: 45
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 12:55 pm: |
|
say hey, in the near future, im also going to either the i10k or the excalibar by coily, if there still made.. the one main reason is the somewhat little interfearance i do to mommas computer?? about all i do is stop her wireless mouse from working??had a freinds old hy gain penatrator, and it didnt have that problem?? being as i like more band width then the maco, ill go with one of the others?? i have a 6 eleament jo gunn star series coming, so i need a seperate antenna for the ground plane.. so it will be one of the above!! ok off the soap box at least for now!! lol
thehobo
274150 am
monitor ch.. |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1128
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 7:34 pm: |
|
I-10k has about the same bandwidth as
a Maco 5/8. Not sure about the Coily.
Hobo- you may have a simple problem that
could be corrected. |
Danusee
Junior Member
Username: Danusee
Post Number: 21
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 8:41 pm: |
|
Road warrior,
Good pic of you I10K. Kentucky is where I live.
Dan |
Road_warrior
Senior Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 1133
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 9:07 pm: |
|
I was just wondering since you seemed to
have trouble with the Maco 5/8.
Was problems due to bad weather? |
Danusee
Junior Member
Username: Danusee
Post Number: 23
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 8:31 pm: |
|
It must be the wind. We have had many gusty days since I put it up. Global warming? |
Kyoji_fujimatsu
Junior Member
Username: Kyoji_fujimatsu
Post Number: 20
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 9:00 pm: |
|
Whatever you do , just don't get the Skylab/starduster.
All they are is a QUARTERWAVE ground-plane with the radials bent down. |
Kid_vicious
Senior Member
Username: Kid_vicious
Post Number: 1009
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 10:44 pm: |
|
kyoji, not sure if you already knew or not, but the radials have to be angled down for the correct impedance when using a 1/4 wave radiator.
hope to catch you on CH.4 someday,
matt |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 3394
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 7:23 am: |
|
"Whatever you do , just don't get the Skylab/starduster. "
DISAGREE .......
This antenna on 52.525 worked as well as a ringo 1/2 wave ..... measured .....
It is a center fed dipole ( yep most 1/4 wave groundplanes realy are ) and unless you go to a 5/8 wave you will be hard pressed to find any gain over one of these.
Problems with SKYLAB ..... the radiator is poorly attached to it's feed point and a bit flimsy.
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Kyoji_fujimatsu
Junior Member
Username: Kyoji_fujimatsu
Post Number: 21
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 8:48 pm: |
|
If you were on 52 mhz. the starduster/skylab would act as a half-wave end fed vertical but I would suspect problems because there is no matching network at the feedpoint to make it load properly on 52mhz.
Now on 11 meters the starduster/skylab is just a quarter-wave with the radials bent down. Yes, they bend the radials down on quarter-wave ground planes to get the impedance closer to 52 ohms. But that does not change the fact that it is still just a quarter wave GP.
If this antenna was a half-wave say , a basic dipole, the lower element would be sharing the same axis as the top element. That is not the case here. If it were an end fed half-wave, it would be similar to an A99 or maybe a "ringo" desighn with no radials. That is not the case here either.
Half wave antennas do not require radials. Adding radials to an antenna that is a half-wave does not have any effect on it's performance good or bad.
The starduster/skylab is one of the most overrated CB antennas of all time.
It is advertised to have 5db gain. Since this antenna is a quarter-wave ground plane it has ZERO db gain , YES, ZERO db gain.
Quarter wave ground planes are the benchmark to compare all other CB antenna desighns to. The desighners need to have a common reference to guage the performance of "better" antennas.
Here is some db gain ratings for whoever reads this.
Quarter wave GP, 0 db gain. (starduster/skylab 102 inch whip on your car roof etc...)
Half-wave center-fed dipole 1.6 to 2 db gain over a Quarter wave GP.
Half wave End-fed , 2 db gain over QWGP ( A-99 etc...)
5/8 wave , 3 db over a QWGP. ( Maco 5/8 , super-penetrater etc...)
.64 wave, 3.1 db over a QWGP . ( Imax 2000, Super-swamper , Rad shak had one too.)
PDL II actually had only 5 db gain. over a QWGP.
2 element yagi = 5 db gain.
3 element yagi is 6 db gain.
4 element yagi is 6.85 db gain (moonraker 4's)
5 element yagi is about 7.7 db gain.
Have a good day ! |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 3429
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 10:16 am: |
|
"It is advertised to have 5db gain. Since this antenna is a quarter-wave ground plane it has ZERO db gain , YES, ZERO db gain. "
That may be so but .......
The starduster is a center feed 1/2 wave dipole since the radiles are at such a high downward angle. The one used here was CUT TO 54 INCHES and had a VSWR of 1.2:1 at 52.525
It was compaired to a 1/2 wave end fed Ringo AR-6 which was mounted on the same pipe at the same hight feed with the same coax.
They at 3 local stations measured just about the same less that a DB change and I even vaired the power +/- 3db so they had a referance on the S meters to go buy.
I DISSAGREE the skylab does a good job mine was retired only after a DIRECT LIGHTING HIT .....
But it ( CUT TO 52 MHZ ) and the ringo both suvived 4 HURRICANES and winds here of over 100 MPH which my TOP-ONE did not.
We also checked our meters by using a IFR-1200 generator and found the numbers closly matched the meter readings ...... less that 1 DB between them ..... NOW hight would change this on 11 meters so my tests at 30 foot are valid for 6 Meters only ..... the frequency both antennas were used on.
Just my opinion and based on my findings here.
Bruce
WA4GCH
0n 6 since 66
SMIRK # 70
life member ARRL
Member QCWA , OOTC
and CEF 132
|
Marconi
Advanced Member
Username: Marconi
Post Number: 540
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 1:39 pm: |
|
I agree with Bruce on this one. The Starduster is surely not a 1/2 wave ground plane. It is more like a vertical 1/2 wave dipole that anything, but it is not truely that either. It is a sleeved 1/4 wave ground plane antenna with slanting radials. If it were a 1/2 wave ground plan it would have a radiator nearly 18 feet long and the SD'r does not have that. It is not truely a dipole either because it has a raised ground plane attached.
Regardless of what it is however, it is an exceptional antenna even in this group of much larger antennas. It will not make quite as big of signal to the horizon as most of these other bigger antennas, but it is a quite, and efficient, and will get you just about as many contacts as the best of them, under many similar setups and conditions.
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Kyoji_fujimatsu
Junior Member
Username: Kyoji_fujimatsu
Post Number: 22
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 10:36 pm: |
|
I like doughnuts. |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 3434
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 20, 2006 - 6:58 am: |
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Being diebetic i'll pass on the doughnuts ..... |
Nsrr
New member
Username: Nsrr
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 9:19 pm: |
|
I would get the Mosley mini beam.CB11
I used one in the 70s and it was great.
Downside they are to costly,about 370.00.
Larry Davis
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 4708
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 1:41 am: |
|
We used 2 DI-6's for our repeater in 1974 TODAY that would run $400 + Shipping.
Good antennas at a costly price.
On 6 since 66
|
Philuk
Junior Member
Username: Philuk
Post Number: 28
Registered: 4-2009
| | Posted on Friday, July 06, 2012 - 9:04 am: |
|
If noise on RX is a problem or lack of space for ground planes I would also consider the Gain Master from Sirio as they are so quiet when it comes to signal to noise ratio just about on par with a delta loop, please note they are expensive and mine is homebrew (still working on it to get the tuning right as there are so many varibles involved in this balanced design) but as it stands now on an MFJ tuner to help for time being it is a nice antenna to work with compared to what I have tried on the CB bands:-
Delta Loop vertical
A99 with-without GPK(also two co-phased no GPK)
Commtel 444 (same as sigma 4)
GAP 5/8
1/2 wave vertical dipole (also two co-phased)
The comercial Gain Master is repoted to having a realy good bandwith but so far with my homebrew version of a balanced stub matched 5/8 wave end fed with coax choke and capacitance compensated radiator??? I have not seen this so cant comment.
Phil
M6MRP Yaesu FT817nd, FT840 FT51R.
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Sitm
Intermediate Member
Username: Sitm
Post Number: 472
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, July 16, 2012 - 4:01 pm: |
|
I would use the antron 99 or Imax 2000, again due to the simplicity of installation and economical value. |
Dale
Senior Member
Username: Dale
Post Number: 1868
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 - 9:35 pm: |
|
this is a old topic .but from what antennas were listed id go 4 the penatrator 500. they are back.
id would go for the maco 5/8 or m-400 if your on a budget.after have used the a-99 and imax im just not impressed by them
dale/a.k.a.hotrod
cef426
cvc#64
|
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 1594
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 8:27 am: |
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I have to agree with Sitm, I've been happy with the A-99. 4ft off the ground, sloped at around 15 degrees (it's on an old satellite dish mount). I have worked and conmfirmed 80 countries on 10M using 5W on SSB. OH yeah, 49 Stsates - Idaho is proving illusive.
Tech237
N7AUS
God made me an athiest, who are you to question his wisdom?
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