[TowerTalk] Force 12 20M Monobander

[john at kk9a.com]

The 204BA is an old design. New OWA designs have consistent gain and F/B
as well as flat SWR across the band and beyond with no match. I have not
modeled G0KSC's OP-DES designs, I suspect that he has taken it up a notch.

John KK9A


To:	"TowerTalk at contesting.com" <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
Subject:	[TowerTalk] Force 12 20M Monobander
From:	Russ Dearmore via TowerTalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Date:	Thu, 12 May 2016 16:53:27 +0000 (UTC)

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