[TowerTalk] [Bulk] Re: antenna choices for K4XS

[Grant Saviers]

I'm using an A4S for field days that started to show various sags and 
bends after up 7 years in an exposed site, maybe 70mph peak winds.  It 
is weak at the boom to mast and at the elements at the boom so cutting 
and double wall sleeving got it all straight.  Maybe $30 of tubing from 
DXE.  Trap boots now need replaced, available from MFJ (btw mine was 
original CC).  The stamped "C" shape boom to element clamps also splay 
with use so the elements loosen.  Two 6-32 x 2" SS machine screws on the 
"C" flanges keep this from happening. An enthusiastic FD assembler 
squashed one element by overtightening the through bolts, so some more 
cut and double sleeve fixed that and made it more assembler proof.  
Overall an ok antenna if tweaked a bit.  I can't speak to what MFJ 
"value engineering" has done to it.

Grant KZ1W

On 4/11/2015 5:17 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> I also own a Cushcraft A3, but I have only used it for field day type
> setups and it's currently in a box in Aruba.  The aluminum tubing crushes
> when you tighten the element clamps and in my opinion it is not heavy duty
> but I have had many contest wins with it so I have no complaints.
>
> I used a different A3 during the ARRL DX Phone contest last month.  It was
> mounted at 33'. One element fell off a couple weeks before the contest but
> it was repaired.  Running barefoot I made over 6200 QSOs in a weekend so
> it works reasonably well. You can read more about this contest effort here
> -> http://lists.contesting.com/archives//html/3830/2015-03/msg02222.html
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> To:	TOWERTALK at contesting.com
> Subject:	Re: [TowerTalk] antenna choices for K4XS
> From:	Bill via TowerTalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Reply-to:	Cqtestk4xs at aol.com
> Date:	Sat, 11 Apr 2015 07:52:16 -0400
>
> Ed is right about not having to spend money to have a big  signal.
>
> Although I bought my M2 stuff new, the four Cushcraft antennas are  all
> used.  The A-3 tribander cost me $75.  The three high stack of  A-3WS
> antennas
> were all second hand and I think the three high stack for 12/17  cost me
> around $500 total and that includes the 30 meter adapter kit for the top
> one.
> The signal is second to none on 12 and 17....for $500.
>
> Bottom line, like Ed said...you can spend big bucks for antennas or  you
> can be resourceful and do it on the cheap, but still have a good  signal.
>
> K4XS
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>