[TowerTalk] new tower / antennas questions

[Gary Stone]

Hello from N5PHT,

I am N5PHT, Gary, writing from Savoy, Texas.  I have a tower and new 
antennas project in the works and it is exciting to me but I have some 
questions.  I am putting up a 45G at 80 feet.  The antennas on top of 
the beam: Optibeam 17-4 and the WARC-7 above the big Optibeam.  

My first question is about separation?  I have read that you can put 
them closer if you put one of them 90 deg out of the other.  I have a 
22 foot mast and will be using the M2 2800DC with two thrust bearings 
so that will leave about (?) 18 feet above the top of the tower. What 
separation would be good to have both antennas aimed the same 
direction?  I would think 10 to 12 feet would be fine?  If 10 feet is 
ok that would allow me to mount the rotator a bit further into the 
tower?

Secondly, does anyone have experience with putting together the OB17-4 
(or the WARC7 for that matter)?  The OB17-4 weighs in at a little over 
200 lbs and has a 39 foot boom.  The WARC-7 is much smaller.  Any tips 
on either of these antennas appreciated?

Third, what about antenna height?  I am thinking that 80 feet is much 
better for the 3 elements on 40 meters but is that too high for 20 or 
15 meters?  I realize many hams put up antennas very high, well over 
100 feet so I am thinking 80 feet is no problem for any band 10 – 40 
meters?

Lastly, any speculation on the improvement this will be over my 
Cushcraft A4S at 45 feet for 10, 15 and 20 meters?  I am looking 
forward to have some gain in other bands, especially 40 meters!

73 de N5PHT, Gary

 <><><>   Gary Stone -  N5PHT    <><><>
            <>  347 CR 1250  <>
      <>   Savoy, Texas 75479   <>
    <>   UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  <>
      <>     (903)965-7724      <>