[RTTY] Antenna Question

[Bill Coleman]

On Jul 1, 2006, at 12:19 PM, Professional Home Inspections wrote:

> If you had the choice, which antenna would you mount on a crank-up  
> tower,
> about 60 feet to the antenna?
>
> A Hygain TH5-MK2
> A Cushcraft A4S
>
> And WHY ??

Practically speaking, there's not a whole lot of difference between  
these two antennas. They are both trapped tribanders with similar  
boom lengths 19 and 18.5 feet, respectively.

I would favor the A4S myself. A couple of reasons. First, I happen to  
like Cushcraft antennas. The A4S has been installed by a large number  
of hams, and it is a proven performer. While perhaps not as efficient  
as some of the modern computer-optimized designs, it will hold its own.

The TH5-Mk2 isn't quite as popular. The Hy-gain probably has slightly  
better mechanical construction, but is heavier. The extra driven  
element probably doesn't buy much in the way of performance, but  
contributes to extra weight and wind load.

I tend to like the lightweight element design of the Cushcraft. It  
might not be so appropriate if you live in an area that gets frequent  
icing. (Although my A3S survived an ice storm with about 1/2" of ice  
on top of the elements)

It would be the A4S for me, choosing between these two. If you are  
trying to pick the best tribander with a 19-foot boom, the Force-12  
C19 series would probably outshine most.


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901