[TowerTalk] 40M/80M Vertical Choice - second attempt

[Clint Talmadge W5CPT]

The adding of top loading to the HF2 is out because I do not want guys. If I
could put up with guys I would have gone for the MFJ-1793 - top loading and
20 meters - but it MUST be guyed.  I am not that concerned about the narrow
BW on 80M as I will tune it to the DX portion of the band and leave it
there.  I have a trapped dipole for chatting with the KY Morning Crew if I
want to.

Clint Talmadge - W5CPT


-----Original Message-----
From: Grant Saviers [mailto:grants2 at pacbell.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 6:03 PM
To: Clint Talmadge W5CPT
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] 40M/80M Vertical Choice - second attempt

The top loading of the MA *might* if large enough make it electrically as
long as the HF, so that makes the loading comparison a wash for the stock
antennas.  Since you can add top loading to the HF (see the
manual) that makes it a clear winner.

Another option is to add a variable inductor (Tornado drive) at the base so
you can tune around on 80m. (you might make a replacement for the stock 80m
coil that compresses and expands the coil like the Tornado.  
All it takes is a small DC motor and delrin screw.)

If you can elevate the feedpoint and radials about 8' the ground loss will
be way less even with a limited number of radials.  See the recent QEX and
QST articles.

Grant  KZ1W

On 6/28/2011 1:16 PM, Clint Talmadge W5CPT wrote:
> It seems that the Yahoo Group truncated my table - I 'll try again
>
> I have decided to replace my makeshift 40/80M vertical with a store 
> bought model and have narrowed the choices to two: The Butternut HF2V 
> and the Cushcraft MA8040V.
>
> Facts&  Figures:
>
>                    HF2V    MA8040V   Advantage
>
> Price          $270        $265          Draw
>
> Height        32'          23'             HF2V
>
> Weight       13#          9#              HF2V
>
> Loading     base        top              MA8040V
>
> I have the remnants of a well-used HF6V which is the basis for my 
> present antenna so I am familiar with how the Butternuts go together, 
> but the manual for the Cushcraft seems pretty straight forward.
>
>   What have I not considered?
>
>   Clint - W5CPT
>
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