[TowerTalk] Hi-Tech Station Cost

[Tom Rauch]

> According to one reference, this should be much closer to 2 dB for the
> identical number of elements on an identical length boom, making the
> comparison between the quad and the Yagi a bit more dramatic.  See the
> excellent article in the May, 1968 issue of QST, by J.E. Lindsay, W0HTH. 
> In particular, read his summary at the bottom of page 19.

That article was based on scaled antennas. It was later determined 
the bulk of the gain advantage was due to the improved feedpoint 
connection at UHF, where the antenna was tested. 

> >From a purely empirical standpoint, the signals that stand out, time and
> again here at my QTH in Florida come from the quads.  This seems to be the
> case for stateside and DX signals.  One of the most impressive signals,
> (if not the absolute strongest signal) I have ever heard on 40-meters
> comes from John Brittain, K9DX.  I believe he is using a 2-element quad on
> 40, 4-elements on the upper bands, all mounted on a 30-foot boom, atop a
> Tri-Ex Sky Needle at 90-feet.

With day-to-day QSB, the various power levels used, the 
differences in location, it is impossible to sort out five dB of 
difference in every day empirical observations. 

However, Wayne Overbeck took the time and trouble to compare 
yagi's and quads to a reference antenna he moved around to each 
QTH. What he found was very few quads worked as claimed, and 
the best quads were absolutely no better than an equivalent length  
yagi...most were worse.

If you look at moonbounce operators, where every fraction of a dB 
counts, you won't find arrays of quads. That's because they 
MEASURE the performance, rather than depending on emotions.


73, Tom W8JI
w8ji@contesting.com

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