I also have the OB2-40 and the OB16-3. I fully agree that they are very
strong and work exactly as specified. All of the parts are well marked,
and even with a rather marginal manual it is pretty difficult to mess up
the assembly. I've compared my actual pattern and SWR plots with those
specified by Optibeam (DF2BO will send you the NEC plots on request) and
they are right on the money. I also agree that you want to tighten the
bolts of the boom splices extremely well. There is a huge amount of
stress on those joints but the bolts will take the necessary torque ...
I used a large socket wrench and put a lot of muscle to it without
failure. You can view some pictures of the assembly process on my web
site at www.ab7e.com.
Regarding the OB12-4, I think it is an excellent antenna and I strongly
considered buying it instead of the OB2-40 and OB16-3. Even today, I'm
not sure I wouldn't be just as happy with the OB12-4 and it certainly
would be easier to deal with ... there is a LOT more work involved
erecting and accessing one antenna above another versus a single antenna
on the tower.
73,
Dave AB7E
On 9/1/2011 10:09 PM, Tommy Alderman wrote:
> Scott,
>
> I have the OB40-2 and the OB16-3, respectively being a 2-el 40m and a 16
> element tri-bander. They have only been up a year but in my opinion, they
> are very good in both performance and mechanical design. One of the keys to
> these square boom yagi's is to make absolutely sure you tighten the sections
> of the boom extremely well. I have heard of their large 80m booms literally
> coming apart. I just had an annual inspection and my yagi boom's show no
> sign of problems.
>
> Optibeam does a great job in detailing how all of the pieces go together.
> Their German to English translation could use some help as parts of the
> manuals are not easy to understand.
>
> I am quite happy with Optibeam.
>
> 73,
> Tom - W4BQF
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Scott Weiss
> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:55 PM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Optibeam 12-4
>
> Good evening to all,
> Looking for opinions and or advice on the Optibeam product. Particularly
> the OB12-4. I have a local and well respected ham/contester who loves the
> product. I've been to eham and the latest review was from 08/09 time frame.
> 73's
> Scott N2WF
>
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