Hi Richard,
The real way to have a "really big signal" is to have a "really big
antenna". You get tons more bang out of a really good antenna than a big
amp. Sure the kilowatt helps too but the first thing to have is the antenna.
Many people subscribe to the 50/50 rule where you spend half your station
budget on antennas and half on the rigs. My own experience is that you
should actually put more into your antenna than your rigs.
Ask yourself where you want to have a big signal and then build the right
antenna for it. For example if you want to kick butt on 80/75 for DX, then
put up a four square. This antenna however doesn't put a big signal straight
up. If you want a big signal for the locals (NVIS propagation), a low dipole
is the way to do it. The same holds true for the higher bands. A stack of 4
element StepIRs on a rotating tower (or ring rotors) will give you the
ability to adjust the launch angle to get you a bigger signal for DX than
just a high antenna. There are times at my station when a low (50 foot high)
antenna does better than the high (90 foot high) antenna. The stack lets you
optimize the angle you're working as well as the direction. See the HFTA
program for more information on that.
A station who invests in the optimum antenna will always have a big signal
regardless of power. 10 db of antenna gain works on both transmit and
receive so it's actually better than having 10 db more output.
Good luck and 73,
Jerry, K0TV
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Carey" <rwcarey@gte.net>
To: <amps@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 10:34 AM
Subject: [Amps] Henry 8K
>I have a Alpha 87A amp. which does a nice job, but am looking for a
> Henry 8K Ultra. I thought I would like to put out a really big signal
> when the need arises. I have heard the big Henry does have some problem
> areas? I would appreciate hearing from any one that could comment on
> this, or has had experience with these amps.? Richard KB8OTZ
>
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