[TowerTalk] What brand to choose?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 2025-11-30 12:20 PM, ARTHUR BERNSTEIN via TowerTalk wrote:

> Interesting about the claimed lower noise due to its tighter 
> vertical pattern. Don’t think Justin has ever explained that matter, 
> only that it is lower noise. Seemingly any antenna having a tighter 
> vertical pattern would cut down that objectionable noise, which is
> mainly vertically polarized.
Justin has discussed this matter in several places.

In general, the lower noise is due to reduced sidelobes in the
*free space* H-plane pattern.  Those lobes would normally be
pointing straight up/down (+/- 15 degrees) ... in other words
at the noise sources in your home/shack and your neighbors'
homes.

Most antenna manufacturers will not post *free space* H-plane
(elevation) patterns - if they even post elevation patterns those
patterns over ground which hides any H-plane side lobes.  Compare
that to the Innovantennas "online shop" which shows elevation
patterns with generally smooth reductions of the pattern with
any discrete sidelobe reduced at least 18 dB below peak forward
gain.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2025-11-30 12:20 PM, ARTHUR BERNSTEIN via TowerTalk wrote:
> Interesting addition from Jim Brown regarding the InnovAntenna. I’ve heard lots of good things about the 7 element LFA. i feel it’s 30 ft boom is a bit much for my situation. The JK below it would have a 22 ft boom.
> Interesting about the claimed lower noise due to its tighter vertical pattern. Don’t think Justin has ever explained that matter, only that it is lower noise. Seemingly any antenna having a tighter vertical pattern would cut down that objectionable noise, which is mainly vertically polarized. Regarding Innov, I’m concerned about the square boom and metric replacement parts. I know JK has the round boom and replacement parts are available about 100 miles from me.
> Plus Ken at JK is just a phone call away.  Their 7 element is like the Innov size wise. They don’t advertise it, but they have a 5 element on a 15 ft boom. I emailed Ken, yesterday, to see if they can produce a 6 element with intermediate size from the two.
> Great forum here!
> Art., N2KA