[TowerTalk] KT-34XA

[Larry Clark]

The KT-34XA is an antenna that never fails to elicit opinions, often emotional,
both pro and con.  As an 'XA owner of some 15 years, allow me a couple of
obsevations.  First, my 'XA has performed flawlessly for the entire 15 years.
It has been disassembled for cleaning and upgrading of the plastic parts once in
that period.  I concede that my home in Colorado is probably condusive to the
long term survival of this antenna and its myriad electrical connections due to
the low humidity here.  On the other hand, it has been exposed to some hellish
winds with no ill effect.   I'm not sure I would recommend the antenna to
someone living on a sea coast.

I own and have read the tribander comparison report and congratulate the authors
for their methodology and objectiveness.  I must say however that I didn't
recognize my antenna in this report.  I have never experienced any of the 15m
problems with mine (although I know others who have).  I don't own an antenna
range of course, but have had the opportunity to do some direct comparisons with
other antennas side-by-side.  At various times I have been able to compare it to
a Hy-Gain TH7, a homebrew 5L 15m monobander (24 ft boom) and a homebrew 5L 10m
monobander (also 24 ft boom).  I found the 'XA to be superior to he TH7 by a
very slight margin in forward gain on any band.  The TH7 was by far superior in
F/B, also any band.  The TH7's SWR curve was also a bit more broadbanded.  I
think most of these findings have been pretty well established.  The 15m
monobander and the 'XA were surprisingly similar, with the nod in F/B going to
the mono.  The 10m mono spanked the 'XA pretty thoroughly in all categories,
sometimes showing as much as 2 S-units more forward gain and 15 db more (!!)
F/B.  The 'XA's boom is simply too long for a 5L on 10m, as confirmed by
modeling.

For the 'XA to work correctly the installer needs a couple of basics, namely:

a)  Be able to follow instructions.

b)  Have some elementary mechanical skills.

In years of installing, removing and repairing towers and antenna installations,
I have found precious few hams that possess both these requirements.  I have
found many who are excellent electronic techs, but seem baffled when having to
choose between a six-point socket and an open end adjustable wrench.  Suffice to
say I have seen 'XA assembly screwed up all kinds of amazing ways.

Within the past few days I spoke with Gary Overturf, K6CYS (an M2 dealer)
regarding the upgrade kits.  He kindly placed a call to M2 to answer my
questions.  Apparently the kit will be offered at 3 levels of complexity, the
most extensive being a full upgrade to the KT-36.  Prices haven't been
finalized.  Much of the speculation and questions posed here can be answered
with a point and click to M2's website.  Yes, the short boom version (still
called the KT-34) is offered.  There are nice photos of it on the website.

73,  Larry,  K0RS



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