I was single band 15 some years back, had a nice run going to Europe
Saturday morning using 8/8 Telrex yagis (45' booms, 128/64'). The noise
started building 'til I couldn't copy the weak ones, which was about all
that was calling me at that point.
I also had a four-element Skylane quad at 70'. Switched to it, the noise
went away and I was able to work all those weak ones.
My conclusion was that full wavelength closed loop antennas have a low noise
advantage, regardless of the debate over gain vs. yagis or performance at
low heights, etc. A serious contester should consider having a quad for low
noise receive, even if he continues transmitting on the big stack.
Drawbacks: mechanical -- cumbersome to build and put up and maintain,
especially on a guyed tower. The next one(s) I put up will be on a self
supporting tower. I have enough parts for 5/5 and have a 70' tower set
aside for this possible purpose. Also helpful, 20' stepladder or
scaffolding to build them.
73
Rich Boyd
KE3Q/W3AO
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