[TowerTalk] LPDA versus Hy-Gain Suggestions

[Peter Chamalian]

I went through the very same debate earlier in the year.  I had a T-10
which was prone to breaking the boom at the longest element.  The boom
section was replaced once but within 2 years it was cracking again.

After looking at the options, I found a) manufacturers of the LPDA's
rate their antennas 2-3 db lower in gain than other models.  That's a
lot to give up.

I looked at multibanders (not the Sommer) and wound up with a Force 12
C31XR and Force 12 MAG240N (40).  The thing I liked about the XR is you
can separate the feeds to allow for separate feeds to each band or you
can treat it like a tribander with one feedline.

I use the XR on the WARC bands (20 meter elements on 17, 15 meter
elements on 12) and don't have much trouble working anything.  On the
standard 20-15-10 bands, it really rocks and rolls.

Both antennas are well rated for wind survivability.  I swapped e-mails
with VE1JF, GM3POI and GW3YDX on the subject.  All three are in high
wind and bad weather zones and have had great success with the Force 12
antennas.

Hope this helps,

73, Pete, W1RM

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Club Repeater
Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2003 3:54 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] LPDA versus Hy-Gain Suggestions

I have been debating my antenna installation for over
two years now...  I have several questions, and wish
to thank all of those I have contacted for their
valued opinions, suggestions, and pictures.  I have
been scrubbing the reflector for months also looking
for information.

I am contemplating the installation of a LPDA at my
QTH.  Looking at the manufacturers it's down to
Sommer, M2, and maybe Tennadyne (I spoke with Chuck of
Tennadyne and he told me that after the 1st of the
year that Tennadyne will be changing hands).  So that
may leave Tennadyne out of the running.

These antennas are the Sommer XP808, M2 7&10-30LP8,
and the Tennadyne T12 respectiviley.  What I have been
looking for is the best performing, best built LPDA
antenna.  I know that the Sommer looks very rugged,
and have read the reflector results on the antenna. 
The M2 LPDA is available in a 125mph version.

And with new ownership Tennadyne T12's future is
questionable.  And after reading a user's result on
the T12 when he pulled it down after 7-8 years it was
so stressed fractured, it was nothing more than scrap
material.  So that tells me that it's not ready for
the "long-haul".

I like the idea of having 10-40 meters on a single
feed line, but isn't too critical.

I already have a Hy-Gain TH-11DX (10/12/15/17/20) in
the basement and would purchase the Hy-gain Discoverer
7-3 for 40 meters.

My debate is which way I should go.  Should I stick to
my Hy-Gain plans or look into an LPDA more?

I want something that is strong, will last a very long
time, and is competitive.  I know a LPDA is a
compromise, but they seem to make contacts in the long
haul while other antennas fade into the noise.  I am a
contester and never found anyone serious into
contesting using a LPDA.

73 de Brian, KB0ETC


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