| Author |
Message |
    
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 799
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - 5:05 pm: | 
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A friend of mine said he hear some cber's who have been eaves dropping on our channel commenting on my Imax being on a 100 ft. tower. He said one guy stated it was a waste to put a groundplane up there; that, I should have at least a 4 element beam. A comment was made that it was "childish" to put a light up there and to try to see how far off you can see your tower and antenna above the trees. I just thought all of this was part of the hobby.
I'm happy with the Imax up there. That's what I want for now. What do you think about all of this and the "childish" comment?
Mikefromms |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 7796
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - 5:38 pm: |
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Mikefromms,
It is your Antenna not anyone elses and the Only thing that counts is what YOU think of it. 
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Sinker
Intermediate Member
Username: Sinker
Post Number: 182
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - 6:07 pm: |
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Tech808 nailed it.
Some may be jealous that you have a 100' tower (I'm envious).
Like he said it is yours to do with as you will.
As you said "I'm happy with the Imax up there. That's what I want for now."
If I tried to please everyone else I would be in a world of hurt in my profession - I do what I feel is right and stand by it. Some like it, some don't but I also have a 94% return customer rate.
If I had the money I would have a different radio and antenna than I do now but I am also very happy with what I have now and figure I am lucky to even have it.
You will always find haters and those who are not happy unless they can bag on someone else.
Bottom line, your system works and probably better than those doing the talking so don't sweat it. I think when you said "childish" you hit the nail on the head.
Tim
CEF-634 |
Hollowpoint445
Advanced Member
Username: Hollowpoint445
Post Number: 857
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - 6:15 pm: |
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It's certainly not a waste - the higher the antenna the better the range - ESPECIALLY with an omni. The radials (notice I didn't call it a ground plane because at 100' it isn't one) help to lower the angle of radiation and even out the pattern.
Tech833's remarks on the subject:
"Adding the GPK-1 ground plane kit will provide a significant improvement in gain on the horizon, which will noticeably improve local communications."
I borrowed his comments from his review of the Imax2000:
http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/discus4/board-auth.cgi?lm=1011570399&file=/7750/10782.html
While I don't agree with your neighbor's comments about the counterpoise or using a 5/8 wave omni on a 100' tower, I think I understand what they mean about putting up a beam instead. The effort and expense of erecting a 100' tower is considerable and a beam would give you the most benefit. If I were going to put up only one tower I'd certainly want to have a directional antenna on it. But it's your tower and your choice. They're probably jealous. I am! |
Chad
Advanced Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 532
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - 7:37 pm: |
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they want it, you have it. |
Starface
Intermediate Member
Username: Starface
Post Number: 256
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - 9:54 pm: |
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In The Words of the 70's my Friend just
Till next time
Starface CEF#476
Southeast Net Control
Auburndale,FL |
Road_warrior
Advanced Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 876
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 28, 2005 - 12:59 am: |
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If i could put up a 100 ft tower, I would
also have a Omni on it. See nothing wrong
with that.
|
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 800
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 28, 2005 - 1:58 pm: |
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I should have put tower up in the first place. Tower is not expensive around here. Towers with tv antennas are being discarded at a very cheap rate around here. The expense is the steal cable. I have 4 sets of steal cable on my tower.
My station is a big station with that Imax up there 101 ft at the base/clamps. I mainly use a Magnum Omega Force S-45 and it rocks all by itself. Using my interior tuner, I tuned my Kenwood 850 down to 20 meters and go a 5/5 report! Amazing--at least it is to me.
I love the solar light that was placed in the top of the tower cap. It provides a cheap light. No, I didn't need it at 101 ft, but it sure looks cool up there! Oh, am I being childish again? I can see my tower a mile away over the trees!
Mikefromms |
Road_warrior
Advanced Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 878
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 28, 2005 - 7:59 pm: |
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LOL...At least you always know it still
standing even in the dark. LOL |
Road_warrior
Advanced Member
Username: Road_warrior
Post Number: 879
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 29, 2005 - 8:50 am: |
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Around here in town 90-100ft towers are
not allowed for CB. But, anything over a
75 ft tower a light must be placed on top.
So, that light on yours lets you see your
tower a mile away and it's also a nice
safety feature.... |
Karls357
Junior Member
Username: Karls357
Post Number: 18
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 6:31 pm: |
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hi i would like to know what would be a good brand tower for that size and and for the best price i am looking now for next spring but maybe not 100 ft but that would be cool ps they are jealous |
Mikefromms
Advanced Member
Username: Mikefromms
Post Number: 804
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 02, 2005 - 12:22 pm: |
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I could have gone higher, but I got nervous watching my friend up there,and after seeing how much higher it was getting over the tree, I decided to stop at 89 ft. With my pole on top my Imax is at 101 ft. at the bottom where the coax hooks.
I actually used two different kinds of tower. One was home made and one regular tower. The main thing is strong sleeves between joining tower sections and lots of good cables attached to strong supports. It was cool watching them pull up the first 60 ft. on a hinge plate.
Height is everything.
Mikefromms |
