[TowerTalk] Optibeam OBLY14-5

[Grant Saviers]

A 4L SteppIR 20>6 has no trombones.  My 4L has been up 8 years without 
an issue with the 6m kit.  I just put up a DB36 to add capability (30m) 
and it replaced a W6NL 40m Moxon which is in about the same 40m 
performance ballpark.  As noted, the DB36 with three trombones is a big 
and complex antenna, but seems to hold up well as reported by others 
around here that use them.  An Orion 2800 handles it and a 86' 80m 
rotatable dipole with ease.  Of course any 6 band antenna has complexity 
and some trade-offs. Boom length matters, so the big Optibeam at 350# 
and 69' boom (yikes!) would be awesome if it stays together! (plus a 6m 
5L). That one is in a really different ballpark, even the 49' boom. Are 
any installed?

JK makes great antennas mechanically and performance and from US 
aluminum if you need a repair.  I've checked the modeling for my JK 2L 
80m with NEC4 and it agrees with the claims.  It is turned with one of 
Kurt's PPs and is working great.  I have a W6NL design 40m Moxon for 
sale (a second one).  Contact me off list.  Too big to ship.

Grant KZ1W


On 11/15/2018 3:54 AM, kstover at ac0h.net wrote:
> I'm about to make a decision between the 4 el SteppIR 20-6m and the 16 el
> version of the Optibeam Log-Yagi. Whichever way I go that antenna with the
> JK402T I'm going to stack above it will be turned by a K7NV prop pitch
> rotor.
>
> Unlike the SteppIr, which has almost single handedly revived the crank up
> tower market because the antenna goes up and comes down so often for
> maintenance/repair and the Optibeam which you barely hear a word about
> outright failing.. If you want to compare real world failure rates compare
> those two. Who wins? Ahem.
>
> K7NV has also put out warnings about the SteppIR's with trombone elements
> being way understated in surface area specs and we hear crickets on this
> reflector.
> This conversation has clear4ed some things up for me. I was just about to
> drop some serious cash on a new crank up tower. I think I'll go with an AN
> Wireless tower, the Optibeam Log-Yagi, the JK402T and the K7NV PP.
>
> I have nothing but respect for Kurt. I'm buying his product.
>
> R. Kevin Stover    AC0H
>
> ARRL, FISTS, SKCC, NAQCC.
> "If it doesn't work the first time you push the button it won't work the
> 20th.Just stop."
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Jim Brown
> Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2018 3:04 AM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Optibeam OBLY14-5
>
> On 11/14/2018 11:38 PM, David Gilbert wrote:
>> If not you're just spreading an unsubstantiated rumor.
> Hi Dave,
>
> I know Kurt Andress well enough to know that he does not deal in
> unsubstantiated rumors. He is, among other things, a superb Mech Eng'r, and
> he runs a first rate biz installing antennas. That puts him in a position to
> see a lot of problems.
>
> Things DO change in the world of manufacturing -- ask anyone who has dealt
> with a company that changes hands, or that acquires an overly aggressive
> bean counter (or purchasing agent who wants to make a good impression with
> bosses who don't know any better).
>
> I made my living as an audio systems design consultant, and it was part of
> my responsibility to know who was making good stuff, who was supporting it,
> and who was not. In my 40 years in that world, I saw all of the above happen
> over and over again, as once great companies and products turned to crap.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
>
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