[TowerTalk] Skyhawk, KT36XA, opinions requested

[Pete Raymond]

First let me say that I have no experience with the Skyhawk other than 
knowing two fellow hams who owned one.
I have been in the process of downsizing and after speaking to a number of 
people and researching what was available in the way of tribanders out there 
I ordered a KT36XA.  I received mine in July of 2007, to coin the phrase 
"plug and play" it is not.  However I enjoyed putting it together and I got 
a good feeling about  the antenna after seeing all the extremely well built 
parts, and the  thought that went into this antenna.  I will have a better 
feel for the antenna after checking it out in the upcoming contest.  I have 
installed it on a 70 foot crankup tiltover US tower and will say that my 
initial testing is that the VSWR on 20, 15, and 10 meters is excellent and 
the bandpass tuning of my amp loves it.  F/B is better than what the manual 
showed.  I have a copy of the 2nd edition of the HF Tribander Performance 
and there is some initial differences that I see compared to the test 
results of the KT34XA and the KT36XA that I have.  My VSWR curves using an 
AEA SWR-121, and a Bird #43 wattmeter are nothing like what is published in 
the 2nd edition and I think that physically and electrically these antennas 
appear to be different animals, or the test 34XA might have had some 
problems.
     I think that you cannot go wrong either way Bob it all depends on your 
requirements and what you are looking for in the way of antenna performance. 
I am sure that either antenna will give you plenty of enjoyment.  Good luck.
73 Pete N4KW


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert G. Strickland" <rcrgs at verizon.net>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 5:42 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Skyhawk, KT36XA, opinions requested


> I'm thinking of replacing my quad with either a Skyhawk or M2's KT36XA
> [reasons available on request]. I would appreciate any comments on these
> two antennas, or suggestions for some other tribander of comparable
> performance/quality. I don't need 17/12m capability except via an antenna
> turner, although the ability of either antenna to be "forced" to operate 
> on
> these bands might be a consideration. I am especially focused on
> durability, both electrical and mechanical. The antenna will be on top of 
> a
> 60ft tower in a so-so location [ie, location may wash out any subtle
> performance differences]. Email via the list or directly. Thanks in 
> advance.
>
> ...robert
>
> . At 10/07/2007 13:02, you wrote:
>>towertalk at contesting.com
>
> Robert G. Strickland PhD ABPH - KE2WY
> rcrgs at verizon.net.usa
> Syracuse, New York  USA
>
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