[TowerTalk] antenna choices

[Patrick Greenlee]

Don't avoid the SteppIR, consider the NN4ZZ tilt plate so all antenna 
assembly and maintenance can be conducted with your boots on the 
ground.  Requires a tiltable tower but is safer than climbing or over 
time less expensive than hiring everything done, renting lifts etc.

Patrick     NJ5G

On 4/6/2015 5:51 PM, Roger (K8RI) on TT wrote:
> On 4/6/2015 3:46 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On Mon,4/6/2015 12:10 PM, Alfred Watson via TowerTalk wrote:
>>> I am thinking about a newer (maybe better) HF antenna. I have now a 
>>> T-11 LPA from Tennadyne.
>>>
>>> I've always had good results with hy gain and never owned an opti beam.
>>>
>>> Any thoughts on a TH-11 vs an Opti beam OB 9-5.
>>>
>>> Both offer the same bands. 10,15,20,17,12.
>>
>> I have a 3-el SteppIR (the original) with the added fixed element for 
>> 6M. The antenna covers 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6. It's an optimized 
>> 3-el on each band (and even at each part of each band). It's been up 
>> for about 5 years, and I've never had a problem that I could blame on 
>> the antenna. It's quite light for the gain -- K6XX, who does all of 
>> my climbing, was easily able to handle it by himself.  This antenna, 
>> and the original 4-el are mature designs. The 4-el gives another dB 
>> or so.
>>
>> The 3-3l SteppIR "trombone" antennas will give you gain on 30 and 40M 
>> as well. They are MUCH heavier, and the mechanical designs are not as 
>> mature (although they seem to be getting there). Several of my 
>> friends own them and are happy campers.
>>
>> The only other antennas I would consider are the Force12 XR-series 
>> antennas. Unfortunately their website doesn't give any specs.
>
> I have the C19XR.  IF I can find the manual, I'll post what it says.
> As I can no longer do my antenna work, I avoided the SteppIR, but 
> would give it a go otherwise.  The C19XR is on sawhorses behind the 
> house, waiting for the LM470 to be raised after the concrete cures.
>
> The previous owner made top of the DXCC list  (5 band, I think), but 
> he had a lot more dedication than I do.
>
> 73
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>
>>
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