[TowerTalk] Cushcraft 40-2CD / A3S separation?

[Bill Coleman]

Looking at the June 2004 QST at the 2003 SS Phone results on page 102, 
there's a picture of KH6ND at the top of the tower at WP2Z. He's 
standing on the boom of what appears to be a 40-2CD, mounting what is 
unmistakably an A3S.

The odd thing is, the A3S is little more than waist-high. Unless Mike 
is an 8 foot tall mutant, this can't be much more than about 4 feet of 
separation.

Isn't this a bit close? Can these antennas be placed this close 
together without degrading interaction?

The reason I ask is that I have an A3S at 49.5', and would be 
interested in adding a 40m beam below it, but always thought this 
wasn't sufficient separation. If it would work with only 5.5 feet of 
separation, I'd consider it.

Or is this the kind of compromise that only works on an island 
surrounded by salt water?

Comments?

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901