[TowerTalk] Force 12 20M Monobander

[Jim Thomson]

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

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 ? 

##  say what ?   The only power limit on any 204BA is the balun used with it.   The 204BA will take anything you can throw at it. 
Nobody is about to melt 1.25 inch OD AL  tubing any time soon.  The insulators used on any of these monobander Driven eles
have plenty of HV stand off.    Even with 20 kw out, the rms voltage is only 1000 vac.  And the peak V is only 1414. 
20 kw = 20 A  into 50 ohms.   20A wont put a dent on any Al tubing.   The only power limitation on any of these mono banders is 
the balun,  coax used, and  connectors.  Nobody ever blew up a 7-16  Din connector.  

Jim  VE7RF