[TowerTalk] Force 12 20M Monobander

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

The point of comparison to the 204BA or SteppIR is not that
you would want to buy one of those, it is that the claim
that "OP-DES" is such a breakthrough that it has the gain
of a SteppIR with adjustable elements on longer boom
is suspect.  In any event, F12 doesn't even claim anything
about the gain at the band edges.  That makes me strongly
suspect the gain rolls off.  If I were you, I would ask
for a copy of the manual and see if it has separate
sets of dimensions for phone vs cw.  That would be the
dead giveaway.  Good luck.

Rick

On 5/12/2016 9:53 AM, Russ Dearmore via TowerTalk wrote:
> Rick,  Thanks for your comments.  I found the F/B to be much higher than you did so maybe we're talking about different antennas.  The OP-Des design of the Force 12 is probably the reason for better gain and flatter SWR.  I've got more confidence in the 5kw power rating than the 1.5kw of the 204BA since I use a manually tuned amp that wants to go higher than that.  I'll probably keep looking at the new designs rather than the old technology.  In regards to the SteppIR I'm not comfortable with the extra maintenance they are well known for.  Needlessly expensive in the long run.    I also share your skepticism about antenna manufacturer's claims and think it's time for a monobander comparison test like Ward did with the Tri-banders some time back.    Thanks again, Russ  K5ZZR
>   Peak F/B: 26.12dBPower Rating: 5kwGain: 9.23dBi @ 14.250MHz   My Heroes Wear Combat Boots!
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