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

[Kim Elmore]

It's far from the best out there, but the Cushcraft XM-402 has a pretty good bang for the buck. I've had the earlier model for almost 20 years up only about 48 ft and it helps quite a bit. I use a strengthened boom (0.125" wall aluminum) but haven't done any of the element strengthening mods. It's been through some significant ice storms here in OK and, thanks to the lack of wind during and after the ice accretion, survived.

The dual-band 40/30 OptiBeam certainly looks very nice!

Kim N5OP 

"People that make music together cannot be enemies, at least as long as the music lasts." -- Paul Hindemith

> On Jul 30, 2014, at 1:21, "L L bahr " <pulsarxp at embarqmail.com> wrote:
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> 
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> 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
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