[TowerTalk] Force 12 Sigma 80

[Tom Rauch]

> Have any readers had experience with Force 12 Sigma 80???  I am
> considering a vertical due to small lot and dissatisfaction with my
> inverted vee for DX. The info on F 12's site looks interesting but
> $600 for a 80M vertical !!!! WOW.  Opinions??


Why not just build a vertical Brad? 

While linear loading is generally not as efficient as lumped loading 
using properly designed inductors or a small capacitance 
hat/inductor combination, you'd almost certainly never notice the 
difference (expect perhaps in a yagi). By far the bulk of losses are 
generally in ground systems, so concentrate on a good earth 
ground. If you have a really good ground system, a 35 foot base 
loaded vertical would work nearly the same as a full size antenna!   

If you could just erect a 30-40 foot push up mast, and make 
guylines to the top load the mast, you could have a really nice 
broad-band and efficient vertical for less than $100.

Another choice is the 80/40 meter MFJ vertical. While it is narrow 
banded on 80, but works quite well. It is top loaded and about 34 
feet or so high. You could also modify it and make a better 80 
meter antenna out of it by using a larger "hat" at the top.
73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com 

________________________________________________________________________
Where do you get ICE bandpass filters & beverage matching boxes?  The
same place that pays for the hosting of this list:  The eHam Store.
Order online at http://store.eham.net.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com