Don't forget - HyGain and Cushcraft are under the MFJ umbrella. Who knows
how successful they would be as separate businesses? Larsen is a
predominately commercial antenna producer. Don't know about the others, and
you are correct, there are probably many other multielement yagi
manufacturers, and I think that seems to part of the thrust of the
discussion.
While I enjoy contests, they are not my primary interest. I'm just an old
fashioned 60 years licensed DXer. I listen a lot more than I transmit, think
the contesters call it 'hunt and pounce' I've two very old multiband yagi's
on the tower (yes folks, just one tower, can you imagine that!!!). One is
the oft maligned TH-7DX which has served me well since it was first
introduced. The other is the faithful A3WS. My rigs are old too, like me. I
try not to participate in the 'who can get 'em first' pileup for a new one
or something special (that's for the folks who like to beat and lash
themselves). I can wait a bit. Patience and watching the band condx is what
I do, Just can't consider sitting for hours trying to break pileups (usually
it is the East Coast RF curtain we left-coasters contend with). Worse is
having to listen to the 'band police' who just can't stop transmitting over
the top of the DX stations. Getting so tired of the 'UP UP UP' and 'dumb
bastard, he's split', etc.
I'd love to have some multi-thousand dollar antennas, several really tall
towers and fancy new rigs but so far have not found the need. I also find my
Toyota Sienna gets me to the same places as a Cadillac Escalade (OK, I admit
I only get a light noting a low tire vs the actual air pressure reading of
the particular tire).
Comparing antennas (modeled or not) in other than a rigid field testing
situation where every antenna gets subjected to exactly the SAME parameters
doesn't help me personally, although it sure results in some spirited
discussions. The existing modeling programs are great, have a solid purpose
and should really be part of designing and building an antenna, saves a lot
of work. But proof of the pudding is what happens when the modeled antenna
is actually built and put in use. How an antenna performs at my QTH really
can't be reasonably compared with someone's experience with the same
antennas in NE or ME, Aruba or India.
Use what you have, but use it well. I really need to think about selling
the old Vibroplex Presentation for something more 'up to date'?
Lots of talent and good advice here on Towertalk, but sometimes not
practical. However, it sure is a learning experience to read all sides of
these discussions and I do continue to learn something new most every day.
Thanks folks.
Don W7WLL
-----Original Message-----
From: Bry Carling AF4K
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2015 1:26 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] antenna choices
I disagree. You don't think I have a clue. I think you have less than zero
clues.
OK that's an imaginary number, but it's as laughable as this argument!!
Those companies have been sold but they are still in business under new
owners.
In fact more antenna companies have been starting in recent years like M2,
Spiderbeam, etc.
Hustler
HyGain
Cushcraft
GAP
Cubex
Mosley
Comet
Larsen
Gem
Arrow
and many more.
These all still exist. Gotham is gone. So what? You claim a lot of them are
gone. Evidence
shows otherwise. They are still selling and succeeding. Next?
On 10 Apr 2015 at 10:26, David Gilbert wrote:
For mass production you need a mass market. I don't think there is one
anymore. Optibeam pretty much builds to order (although of course they
stock parts and tubing), and given the variety of models required to be
credible I suspect other companies do mostly the same. I don't think
you have a clue about the scale of the market or the costs involved.
Stop and consider all the antenna companies that have folded or been
sold in the decade or two ... some several times. If selling cheaper
antennas on a large scale was as lucrative as you claim somebody would
be doing it, but reality is headed in the other direction.
Dave AB7E
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