[TowerTalk] Recommendations for Purchasing a short 2 Element 40 Meter

[James C. Hall, MD]

I quit using the old B-1 balun. I use the "Ugly balun" on all antennas. Works extremely well with no heat degradation.

73, Jamie
WB4YDL

Sent from my iPad

> On Aug 1, 2014, at 11:36 AM, "Dale Drake" <daleaa1qd at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> I had a recent bad experience with the Cushcraft XM-240.  The present
> manufacturer had changed the U channel design from the original when it was
> made by the NH company.  The original design ( according to the guy that
> actually designed it) used a heat treated aluminum channel but the "new"
> design uses a thinner channel formed from sheet in a brake ( not heat
> treated). 
> 
> Mine was of the newer design and the wind ( 40-50MPH gusts from the remnants
> of Bob) tore the 1/4" hex head cap screw heads right through the U channel
> on one side and left the element dangling.  I called the manufacturer in MS
> who said they had never heard of that failure but they sent me a new U
> channel for free.  I put large stainless fender washers under the heads of
> the 1/4" cap screws this time to spread the stress out more and so far so
> good.  If I was to do it over I would replace the less rugged U channel with
> something more like the original design.
> 
> If you want to see the pics email me directly aa1qd at arrl.net
> 
> Also if you plan on 1.5KW AM I would not use the stock balun as it is like
> to fail with that much heating from what I've heard from other hams.
> 
> Dale 
> AA1QD
> 
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