[TowerTalk] BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR CONTESTING?

[ersmar@comcast.net]

Mike:

     My favorite (and only) tribander is a Bencher Skyhawk.  Specs say 8.5 sqft, but don't say how this number is computed.  Caveat Amateur.

     Other than that one question, I have no problems with the Skyhawk, either assembling it or in its operation.  It's FLAT (below 2:1 SWR) in the 20M and 15M bands, and FLAT from 28-29 MHz.  Gain is sufficient (the antenna is actually three single-band Yagis with 3 els on 20 and 15 and 4 els on 10) but F/B is such that I can still work stations off the back.  (What do you expect from a relatively short boom?)  

     IF you decide to buy one, make you it comes with (or buy as an option) the DE clamps.  This will keep the DE spacing relatively uniform during high winds.  Otherwise, some Hams have reported their amps tripping off due to high SWR as the DEs whip around in high winds.  

     Web page:  http://www.bencher.com/sky_hawk1.html .

     Usual disclaimer:  I am not an employee of Bencher, just a satisfied customer.

73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F



> WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED TRIBANDER FOR CONTESTING? NO GREATER THAN 9 SQUARE FEET 
> OF WINDLOAD.
> 
> TNX,
> 
> MIKE, VE4MM
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