[TowerTalk] G5RV

[KI9A at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/3/04 7:36:17 PM Central Standard Time, jsb at digistar.com 
writes:

> Regarding G5RV:  doesn't this antenna have rather poor efficiency if the
> typical SWR across the "usable" range is 2:1 or higher?  I can match a
> piece of dacron with a good tuner but it isn't a very efficient radiator

Oh boy, there is always at least one of these guys around when it comes to 
the subject of the G5RV...

I use one on 40/80  @ 45'. In 5 years, I have worked EVERYTHING I have heard 
on it. I have scored near the top of my class ( high power) in domestic 
contests. Any ( well, almost any) antenna at 45' is going to be poor for DX on the 
low bands. I have over 170 DXCC on 40  & about 145 DXCC on 75/80 with it. 

Lemme see you do this with a piece of dacron. Ok???

Yeah, it isn't a yagi. Yeah, you need a tuner. But, I did have a full size 80 
meter dipole up, at the same height, same orientation, & doing A-B switching, 
i NEVER, ever heard  or saw any difference between the 2. Modeling progrmas 
might say different, but, my primitive tests show otherwise.  I have never had 
1/2 wave 40 dipole up, but I would assmue the results would be the same.

Bottom line is this --- If you DO NOT have the space for a full sized 80 
meter dipole, a G5RV is great alternative. Period.

73!
Chuck
KI9A