Don - I recently installed the T-8 on a 55' crank up tower. The ant is at 63
feet. It went to- gether fine. Took about 3 hours total. Used two saw
horses in the driveway but did not put the parallel booms together until I
carried the two parts to the base of the tower. It has been up about 3 months
and easily handles the local winds which often gust to 35 or 40 mph (Gulfcoast
living). The elements are very flexible and sway in the wind which may be a
key to wind survival. This antenna is not designed like a brick wall but
appears to be plenty strong. The longest element droops about 12 inches at
the end.
I like it since it covers all frequencies without the aid of an antenna tuner.
Point it and transmit. I believe the quoted gain figure is accurate as well
as the front to back ratio. It will not match the gain and fb of a single
band yagi but is close enough for me. To obtain the broad band, no fuss
feature you must compromise somewhat on gain and fb. This antenna replaced a
TH7.
As you may be aware the boom consists of two square tubes installed parallel
to each other but electrically separated. The ends of both of these tubes are
open to the wind. When the boom is at a wide angle to the wind, the open ends
of the boom act like a whistle or flute causing a low pitch sound. My wife
thinks it sounds nice. It bothers me. The quick cure is simply to rotate the
antenna so the wind passes at a different angle. Of course if you are
operating, then you live with it until you QRT. I would plug the open ends
before erecting the antenna which should solve this problem. You might be
able to simply insert some plastic or fiberglass screen material in a wad
which probably will interrupt the passage of air down the tubes and also keep
the bugs out while allowing moisture to dry.
I like the antenna. It works for me. I run 400 watts typically and I can
work anything I can hear without much trouble. I almost purchased Force 12
multiband antenna which appears to be a good design.
Jan Rehler, W5KNZ, Corpus Christi, Texas
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