[TowerTalk] [CQ-Contest] Does size matter?

[Cqtestk4xs@aol.com]

Whenever I hear about some enormous array or other equipment setup, I 
recall the article in QST some years ago where W1GKK was interviewed 
about DXing. W1GKK was and is the only ham to work EVERY country since 
WW2. No one will ever equal his accomplishment for the simple reason the 
deleted countries he worked are no longer available.

He had only a modest station and worked only 20 meters. When asked the 
secret of his success, he replied "Be there when they're there".

Excellent advice even today. Put away the big antennas, guys, and just 
get on the air.

--
Bill, W6WRT
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No one disputes that modest stations can work DX.  Of course they can.  Big 
stacks on big towers are not necessary for that.  But, they do make a 
difference in who generally makes it through the pile-up first, and who is able to hold 
a run frequency on 40 or 20. My BIP/BOP/TOP/BOT 4 bay stacks give at least 10 
dB advantage in just about every usable angle compared to a single identical 
mono-bander at any height up to 200 feet. 

Stacks are not for everyone.  My BIP/BOP/TOP/BOT 4 bay stacks give at least 
10 dB advantage in just about every usable angle compared to a single identical 
mono-bander at any height up to 200 feet.

Stacks are not for everyone.  Not everyone has the available resources and 
land to erect a tall tower for the big stacks. But, once you've used them, it's 
hard to go back to a single Yagi.  

Bill  K4XS