[TowerTalk] Hy-Gain HG-54D and Steppir DB18

[k6ye at q.com]

Paula,

I have the HG-54HD, A50-3S, C4-XLD, and a triple wall 15' mast. I feel that the tower handles my "little stack" with ease. Your loading, in my opinion, is about the same. Kudos on factoring in cushion (in every case, moment of force aka torque).

IMHO, go with the 18E if F/B on 30 is that important to you. In addition, your total windload with the new stack should be fine (even when fully extending the tower). Good luck on either course that you select and please report your results in due time.

Semper Fi,

Tommy - K6YE
DX IS and CW RULES
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Paula Uscian <pmuscian at sbcglobal.net>
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:19:17 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [TowerTalk] Hy-Gain HG-54D and Steppir DB18

I would like to install either a Steppir DB18 or DB18E on my tower. The tower is a Hy-Gain HG 54D crankup rated for 16 SF at 50 MPH. I'm inclined to get the DB18 to play it safe with its 10.1 SF of windload. After adding loads for a coax run, controller cable, rotor and mast, I'd still have a bit of a cushion. The DB18E's 12.1 SF I fear may put me too close to the tower limits. Biggest trade-off on 30M between the 18E and 18 is some gain (7 vs. 5.4 dBi) and 20 dB vs. no dB F/B. So not a ginormous loss to go with the DB18, but on the other hand, I don't want to unnecessarily cheat myself out of an additional element on 30M ;-). 
 
Current antennas on the tower are a Force 12 C4-XSL (8.9 SF with 2 feedlines) and a 5 el 6M KLM--precise wind load rating unknown but likely under 3 SF. FYI I tend to treat the tower very conservatively, e.g., cranked down a good amount when not in use.
 
I'd appreciate any thoughts on which Steppir to get. Many thanks.
 
73 Paula k9ir
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