[TowerTalk] New antenna system

[Mike Fatchett]

Things change.  I was a big supporter of F12 when they first hit the market.
They were very responsive to questions on the phone and on the reflectors.
Lately it appears that they are not responsive at all.

I was very pleased with my two C3's but wanted something different at my
Montana home.  After reading the articles from Ward and Steve the idea of
adjustable elements really made sense.  SteppIR has been bombarded with
orders and I know the guys there have to be quite busy but they have always
returned my calls if they were not available.  I even asked Mike to come up
with dimensions for a 20m antenna that suited my operating style which he
provided free!  That request was much more involved than either one of us
initially thought but I did get what I needed.  

I have the 4 ele SteppIR and could not be happier.  Above the SteppIR is a
Cushcraft XM240 with no noticeable interaction either way.

I don't subscribe to the more is better theory.  Just because F12 offers 400
antennas does not mean they are all good or that F12 is any better of a
company than Fluidmotion.

Rob's question is quite valid and they type of questions that are perfect
for this reflector.  Can F12 tell you exactly how their antennas will work
with all the competitions antennas?  Interaction is unique to each
installation.  

Mike
W0MU

 

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Keith Dutson
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 9:45 AM
To: TowerTalk
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] New antenna system

Force 12 is a long-established antenna development company that plows much
of their income back into developing new antennas.  SteppIR has an excellent
design and is trying to get a foothold in the industry.  For a comparison of
the two take a look at the number of products offered by each.

Interesting comment about your decision to change from Force 12 to SteppIR
and others based on returned phone call.  I presume SteppIR must not have
answered your questions adequately or you would not be asking here.

Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Rob Santello
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 4:10 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] New antenna system

Hello all,

   I'm new to the list. I originally sent this to the Force 12 list and it
was suggested that I send it here for all you to see and send comments or
suggestions you'd like. Here is my original message:

Would like opinions and advice,

   I am going to put up an LM-354 54 foot tower on a relatively small lot. 
At first I was thinking about going with an XR-5 and EF-606 with my old
Cushcraft 11 element 2m beam on the top. But after 4 or 5 attempts to talk
with a tech at Force 12 (never returned my calls), I'm thinking about going
a different route. Here is my current plan: I have a 12 foot mast and I'll
put 3 feet of it into the tower into a Tailtwister. Right on top of the
tower I'll mount a 3 element SteppIR (They returned my call within an hour).
So that now leaves about 8 feet of mast. At the top I want either a
Cushcraft D40 or Force 12 EF-140. Both seem to be nearly identical in size,
weight, performance, and price. Anyone know which is the better antenna
here? Then somewhere in between, I'll mount the 11 element 2m beam. I'm
thinking the 2m beam wont interfere too badly in the middle. Probably about
5 feet above the SteppIR and 3 feet below the 40m dipole. Does this sound
reasonable? That setup will give me 40 - 2 meters. I'm not an "antenna guy" 
so that's why I'm looking for help here. I just want to get the most I can
get in this small space. Thanks in advance for any thoughts and/or advice! 
I'd really appreciate it!
--rob--

_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
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http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk