Topband: RDF for Transmit 4 Square vs 8 Circle Array

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

I might suggest some flags or pennants as receiving antenna alternatives 
with a broader beamwidth.  Easy to throw up.  I used one for all 
receiving in V3M lowbands and high bands and was impressed.

W0MU


On 10/16/2017 2:28 PM, donovanf at starpower.net wrote:
> Hi Chuck,
>
>
> I have both a full size transmitting 4-square and a W8JI BSEF
> 8-circle array using 25 foot low impedance passive umbrella
> verticals. There are no active electronics in the W8JI's BSEF
> 8-circle array, unlike the Hi-Z array.
>
>
> While the transmitting array is an excellent receiving antenna,
> I can verify that the 8-circle is superior in some situations
> apparently because of its much narrower beamwidth. I'm sure
> the Hi-Z array would provide similarly excellent performance.
> I have completed QSOs with very weak DX stations that could
> not have been completed with the 4-square or my Beverages.
>
>
> For a contester its very important to have an alternative antenna to
> the 8-circle array. Its 3 dB beamwidth is so narrow (about 45
> degrees) that you won't hear some off-azimuth callers. Normally
> I use the Beverages for receiving and switch to the 8-circle array
> only when needed.
>
>
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: "Chuck Dietz" <w5prchuck at gmail.com>
> To: topband at contesting.com
> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2017 6:26:41 PM
> Subject: Topband: RDF for Transmit 4 Square vs 8 Circle Array
>
> I was always told that, if one had a 4 square, there would be no need for a
> receive array. I am finding this to be untrue when looking at the list of
> RDFs. (Receive Directivity Factor) I have snooped through the archives
> reading about RDF.
> Can anyone verify this from actual experience? Can you actually hear stuff
> on an 8 Circle that can't be heard on the transmit 4 square? I would think
> the difference might be more than marginal with the difference in RDFs of
> 2.48 db. I'm not sure of the difference in takeoff angles. That could be
> important too.
> As a practical matter, the 8 Circle is huge and expensive for a single
> band antenna...
>
> Chuck W5PR
> _________________
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
> _________________
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband