In a message dated 99-08-28 23:00:24 EDT, mdunlap@pressenter.com writes:
> I'm the new guy on the block and am setting up a new station (tower ect.)
> for the first time. I am very mechanical and informed but there is much
> unchartered seas that I must cover in this installation and I need All of
> your inputs!!!
Hi, Mike --
Oh boy, oh boy - a blank sheet of paper!
The first tower and antenna system will be a learning experience but
since you've been a TowerTalkian for awhile, you shouldn't make any serious
errors.
I would suggest a moderate tower with good-to-excellent antenna for the
first tower. You can always put up a bigger, more elaborate one when your
experience and expectations are more advanced.
A key question is "What do you want your station to do?" Do you want to
chase DX, operate contests, Work All Counties, ragchew with your buddies in
Texas, etc.? Each activity has a different set of options and techniques.
The advantage of putting up a 'moderate' tower (50 feet more or less) is that
you can always use it for another antenna direction and more high angle paths
even if you put up a bigger system.
>
> First, the tower needs a little refinishing on a few spots and was hoping
> someone had a good "system" (pre treatment/zinc treatment),
Wire brush will take the rust off and then you can spray the spots with
a good cold galvanizing spray. LPS makes a good one and the Klein is also one
of the best. Avoid the cheap ones - you get what you pay for. Champion Radio
Products carries the Klein.
> tribander
> recommendations. Currently planning on a KLM KT-34xa but am open to all
> suggestions! My goal: "Bigger ears (within reason) and a small mouth!"
> Not planning on running any amps.
The XA is one of the 'high performance tribanders' so you can't go too
wrong there. You might not be able to get a new one since KLM has bitten the
dust and even then they have been using substandard parts that have affected
its performance for the last couple of years.
You might consider the Force 12 C31XR or Bencher Skyhawk - two very
effective HF weapons. A copy of our tribander comparison report will answer
all your questions about the dozen tribanders that we compared on-the-air.
It's available from http://www.championradio.com. It's 80 pages of protocol,
data sets and summaries.
Cheers & GL, Steve K7LXC
Champion Radio Products
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