| Author |
Message |
    
Supernuker
New member
Username: Supernuker
Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 2:53 pm: | 
|
Does anyone know what the difference was between the Big Stick base antenna and the Super Big Stick? I have both and wondered which one to put up. Also, I've heard, read, somewhere that the top element can be substituted with a 102" stainless steel mobile whip for better results. Anyone tried this? I've also read on this forum somewhere that the Ground Plane Kit is pretty worthless for the Big Sticks. Any comments? |
Dindin
Intermediate Member
Username: Dindin
Post Number: 449
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 5:31 pm: |
|
Supernuker,I'm working off of memory here on the bigstick answers and here goes.
The original Shakspere 2 piece,18' bigstick with the 9' coax pigtail out the bottom is a coaxial dipole.I did have the opertunity to disect one after it had been run over by a tractor,the top section is mearly a 102"fiberglass whip.subsituting a steel whip will have neglegable improvement if the original is still sound.The super bigstick was Shakespere's answer to manufacturing an antenna that could be shipped ups without oversized charges.its design compares to the antron or solarcon a-99.a large difference though was Shakespere added a plastic insulating sleeve to try and meet C.P.S.C. electrocution standards.I will decline to answer about adding the ground radial kit to it because opinions seem to be evenly divided as to its benefit.
|
Crafter
Senior Member
Username: Crafter
Post Number: 1044
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 6:43 pm: |
|
We tried using a steel whip couldnt tell it added anything (except static). We also tried using the ole AKO with oil in them with a little better recieve. |
Mikefromms
Intermediate Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 296
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 7:07 pm: |
|
The GPK probably won't help the big stick.
mikefromms |
Supernuker
New member
Username: Supernuker
Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 7:48 pm: |
|
Thanks for the responses...Since I don't have the original top section for the Super Big Stick, I've ordered a new Stainless Steel whip as a replacement. Should be here in a few days I guess. Right now the original Big Stick is on the house and working, but it doesn't seem to do a very good job of DX'ing. I guess the 1/2 wave di-pole construction has too high of a launch angle compared to a 5/8 wave design. I was hoping that the Super Big Stick was a 5/8 wave construction but after measuring the bottom section today, 10' exactly, it must be another 1/2 wave. My Super Big Stick does have a rubber boot where the top and bottom meet...I always thought that was for weather proofing not electrocution protection. But you're right Dindin, I found an article on the web where Shakespeare recalled the Super Big Stick in 1984 so they could install the 'new' rubber boot. They came like that thereafter. I hope it works well with the SS whip. Any other insights?
Thanks all...73's |
Karatebutcher
Senior Member
Username: Karatebutcher
Post Number: 1815
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 10:22 pm: |
|
I STILL HAVE MY SHAKESPEAR BIG STICK, 2 piece I bought it in 1973 and it is still in good shape. I put a Francis Amazer on the top and it is terrific. |
Bc910
Intermediate Member
Username: Bc910
Post Number: 210
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 11:32 pm: |
|
any one heard of a military big stick?
heard of 'em a long time ago from a ham and he said it wads the best antenna ever
Bc |
Crafter
Senior Member
Username: Crafter
Post Number: 1045
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 11:42 pm: |
|
Bet you could put a wilson center load antenna on it, and tune it. |
Supernuker
New member
Username: Supernuker
Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 9:26 am: |
|
BC, I've heard of the Military Big Stick. I don't know what the design was but I think it was green. I too have heard it was/is supposed to be real good but I figured it was just another urban legend.
I think I'll hold off on getting the Ground Plane Kit for my Super Big Stick until after I see what results the Stainless Steel whip brings. |
Mikefromms
Intermediate Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 298
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 10:05 am: |
|
Supernuker, the 9 ft. steel whip will work fine. I've done this with the super big stick myself. In my opinion, don't waste your money on the gp/k for a big stick. Even the manufactors DO NOT try to sell a gp/k for the big stick. Dx conditions have not been that hot for anyone; so, don't blame your antenna altogether. Get the base of your antenna up around 36ft and that might help the dx once it is coming in. A little fire in the wire is a big plus as well!
mikefromms |
Supernuker
New member
Username: Supernuker
Post Number: 9
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 12:54 pm: |
|
Agreed Mike. The base of my Big Stick is now about 35', putting the tip around 55'. I may soon be putting up another mast arrangement which should put the tip of the Super Big Stick up to the 65' height or so.
I try to run my rig without extra power...the D201A does a pretty good job on it's own, but there are occasions where I kick in an extra 250.
Thanks for everyone's input...all is appreciated.
Cheers! |
Mikefromms
Intermediate Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 299
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 8:05 am: |
|
I ran a super big stick up around 60 ft one time and it did a great job. To bad the pine beatles killed the tree. She loves you no, no, no. This was one Beatle's invasion I wish had not happened.
mikefromms |
Supernuker
Junior Member
Username: Supernuker
Post Number: 11
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, December 03, 2004 - 3:58 pm: |
|
I've just received the 9' SS whip. I'll be putting this on the top section of my Super Big Stick this weekend. I'll post on this forum any improvements, if any, that I notice. |
Supernuker
Junior Member
Username: Supernuker
Post Number: 12
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, December 12, 2004 - 4:07 pm: |
|
I've had this SS whip installed on top of my Super Big Stick for a week now. I can honestly say that I believe it to outperform the original Big Stick I had up there. Same height, mount, grounding, etc. I just swapped out one for the other. My DX'ing and RX have improved and stations nearby have reported a marginal gain in signal strength. Nothing scientific but just a gut feeling that this arrangement works better than before. I think I'll hold off on buying a new base antenna until this one falls apart. Thanks to all that have responded. Three-zero-one out. |
