Allen,
Just went through a similiar mental exercise as you. My interests are the same,
contesting and DX.
The mast I use (AB-621) is about 52' tall. I have a 2 element 5 band quad at
one location and a 205BA on the same mast at another. The quad is fine, but
needed a little more punch. The 205BA is excellent, but band limited.
I looked at several LPDA, the more traditional tri-banders (5 band as well), a
three element quad and SteppIr 3 and 4 element yagis. The LPDA seemed to be the
most cost effective solution to covering the 5 bands, but the performance was
only so-so IMHO. The other antennas generally had more square footage than I
wanted, or in the case of the quad would be more difficult to install and tune.
The price of the SteppIr antennas were not attractive at first glance. I liked
the specs and what I've heard from other users. Also, I was able to see the
guts of one at Dayton and watched as they put together the 4 element. So I
bought a 4 element (which is in transit as I write this).
Two of the TCG members I know have SteppIr (3 and 4 elements) and post good
scores using them. Neither have had any problems with the antennas.
Will it be the "right" antenna? Hopefully... For my situation/limitations, I
think it will be excellent, else I would not have bought it.
Good luck with your installation and see you in the next 'test.
73,
Julius
n2wn
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