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

[Steve London]

If you are going to do high power AM on 40 meters, then I strongly 
recommend rebuilding the 402BA, digging a large pit to put it in, and 
feeding it with high-loss coax.

73,
Steve, N2IC


> I am wanting to buy a short 2 element 40 meter beam.  I live near Houston, T
exas so ice loading would not be a factor.  From time to time I do use 
legal
limit AM and SSB, so that might be a factor.  At one time I used a HyG ain
402BA but took it down years ago when I moved.  I still have it and had 
planned
to refurbish it and install it at the present QTH.  However, what little 
I have
read there are much better short 2 element 40 meter beams out there these
days.  I think high power AM is not the best idea with this old antenna.
Consequently, my mind has now progressed to the point where I think I 
need a
different newer short 2 element 40 meter beam.

I'd sure be interested in hearing from knowledgeable hams what I should
consider buying and why.  These things are not cheap, so I don't want to 
make a
mistake in what I purchase.  I'm thinking the AM power requirement might 
limit
my selection.  I'll be mounting the antenna up around 50 foot.  So can 
you guys
give me some advice?  I'd sure appreciate any advice you might be able 
to pass
on to me.

73,

Lee, w0vt
Houston