[TowerTalk] TA-33 and Mosley

[Lee Buller]

I've been following with interest the thread on the TA-33 and Mosley
antennas.  I must say that I have no connection with Mosley.  When I have
called for parts for the TA-33, they delivered.  Not a problem, but they
should have parts for an antenna that has been in production for more than
30 years.  They even sold me parts to make parts.  I had a damaged trap and
it was cheaper to buy the parts, wire, etc and wind it myself than to have
a complete trap sent out.  They encouraged me to do this.   They are a
little slow, but....I can be patient (sometimes).

But, I must take exception with this antennas.  It just doesn't radiate.  I
have compared the TA-33 to a TH6DXX and have found the TA-33 to be greatly
wanting.  I know that the TA-33 is not in the same class as the TH6DXX, but
they are tribanders, they use traps, but the TH6DXX has a longer boom which
allows the antenna to NOT make sacrifices on any of the bands.  The TA-33
does a good job for what it is....a compact, easy to assemble, durable
antenna.  You put it up and forget about it.  The TH6DXX can claim that as
well.

But, the TA-33 seems to have some some serious drawbacks.  I think it loads
fine, has a good SWR, but it seems that it doesn't radiate very well.  Oh,
don't get me wrong, I have worked DX with it...and contests...and rag
chews.  You will get through the pile up eventually....but it doesn't have
"mojo."  I've had a hard time detecting a front to back ratio using the
antenna.  I have used this antenna at 40 and 60 feet and the same things
occure....very little "mojo" and very little F/B.  Many times, I felt I was
loading up a 50 ohm resistor.

When my buddies came over and saw the Th6DXX sitting in the back yard
disassembled (I had gotten a deal on the antenna with a pack of SS
hardware), they got to work putting the antenna together and in a day we
had the TA-33 down and the TH6DXX up.  What a difference!  That antenna has
major "mojo" and some F/B.  I had one of these antenna up once before and
had forgotten how these antennas played.

Why did I get rid of the first TH6DXX?  Neighbors....ice storm....stupidity
(not all hams are bright all the time).  Now that I have this antenna up
again....it really has made a difference.

Comments and flames to me.....

Lee Buller
k0wa@southwind.net


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