[VHFcontesting] Loops - M2 or KB6KQ

[Mike Coogan W7MGC]

George,

I have used Norm's loops and his phasing harness for a year, a pair 
stacked for 222 and a pair stacked for 432 at my home QTH, (not mobile), 
have worked great right out of the box. I question your statement that 
Norm's loops are not tuneable. The instructions that came with mine 
clearly stated, (quote) "All KB6KQ Antennas tune easy. Where the 2 
dipole elements connect at the insulator, remove the screw from one side 
and slide the element in or out to facilitate adjustment. Moving the 
elements closer together LOWERS the resonant frequency and moving the 
elements further apart RAISES the resonant frequency- it's that simple"

Are you saying you tried this and it does not work, or you were not 
aware of these instructions or?. Would like to know in case I ever felt 
the need to attempt any re-tuning. Thanks  and 73

Mike  W7MGC
Vancouver, Wa
CN85qr

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "George Burton" <k7wwa at saber.net>
To: "JT Croteau" <jt at w6cfo.net>; <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 4:54 PM
Subject: RE: [VHFcontesting] Loops - M2 or KB6KQ


> Hi JT
>
> I had problems with both brands but for two very different reasons.
>
> First KB6KQ, I purchased a set of four loops, 2 on 2 meters & 2 on 
> 432. I
> ordered them with the phasing harness.
> 1) These antennas mount to your mast using a single u-bolt on each 
> loop.
> That may be an advantage if you need to mount the antennas to an 
> existing
> support mast.
> 2) One of the N connectors on the supplied UHF phasing harness was not
> assembled correctly. The center pin was recessed and barely made 
> connection
> on the antenna connection. When I called Norm (KB6KQ) concerning the 
> problem
> all he said was "it checked ok with my analyzer". I tried to explain 
> to him
> that it not only looked wrong but it failed when I measured the center 
> pin
> position using the type N connecter center pin gauge that I have from
> Andrews Company (Heliax). He did offer to replace the cable but since 
> I had
> everything need to replace the connecter I declined his offer. When I
> replaced the connector, without cutting the harness shorter, I found 
> out
> that he did not use the type N connectors with the self-positioning 
> center
> pin detent. In case he was not aware of that type of connector I 
> called him
> and suggested he start using them. He told me that he knew about them 
> but
> they cost too much.
> 3) When I mounted the loops on a fiberglass mast using the spacing 
> that he
> recommended, the UHF loops were off frequency and there is no way to 
> adjust
> his loops. When I called Norm to see if he had any suggestions he 
> asked me
> the type and the length of my feed line. After I answered him he tried 
> to
> tell me that I needed to us a very specific length of cable. I asked 
> him to
> explain why and he told me that the length of cable was very critical 
> and if
> I did not use 1/2 wavelength multiples of a specific length of cable 
> between
> the antenna and my radio the VSWR would be high.
> 4) I found him unwilling to accept any constructive comments 
> concerning his
> antennas. At that time I had access to some high quality test 
> equipment but
> he was not interested in what I had to say. He told me how many 
> antennas he
> had sold as if that proved his product was good. I have spoken with 
> other
> that were pleased with the antennas that they purchased from him. In 
> my case
> I was not pleased with the quality of his product.
> 5) I returned the antennas to him for a refund, which was promptly 
> paid.
>
> Next M Squared, I still needed a set of antennas for my rover station 
> so I
> purchased a set of four loops, 2 on 2 meters & 2 on 432. I ordered 
> them with
> the phasing harness. Due to the mounting method that is used on their 
> HO
> Loops, I ordered their stacking assembly.
> 1) When I placed my order they ask question to make sure that I 
> received
> what I needed.
> 2) I was very impressed with the quality of the machining that was 
> used to
> make the HO loops.
> 3) The antenna phasing assembly was first class and used good quality
> connectors and cable.
> 4) The loops are adjustable and easy to tune to the operating 
> frequency.
> 5) The instructions were clear and well documented.
> 6) The only problem that I found was with their stacking kit. Please
> understand that I stacked four (4) HO loops on a single mast that was
> mounted on the front of my vehicle. Due to the mounting location on my
> vehicle I was unable to guy or brace the mast. One my first rover 
> short trip
> the M2 mast bent. I replaced the damaged parts but on my next long 
> rover
> trip the mast fractured. In my option, if you are stacking four HO 
> loops and
> if they will be subject to vibration or highway winds as in a vehicle, 
> you
> need to guy the mast.
> 7) If your installation will have the 2-meter loops and the 432 loops 
> on
> different masts, I doubt you will have the problem with the stacking 
> kit
> that I had.
>
>
> Based on the difference in construction quality between the KB6KQ 
> antennas
> and the M2 antennas I strongly recommend the HO Loops from M2!
> KB6KQ makes a good-looking antenna but when you can compare the 
> difference
> in construction quality and the attention to detail it is clear which 
> is the
> better antenna. The M2 antennas are tunable for your installation and 
> the
> KB6KQ antennas are not.
>
> George
> K7WWA
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of JT Croteau
> Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 1:44 PM
> To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] Loops - M2 or KB6KQ
>
> I'm looking to purchase several loops for mobile use and trying to
> decide between those from M2 and KB6KQ.  I've looked at all the 
> various
> reviews and still can't make up my mind.
>
> I'll be looking at a 2 stack for 2M and a 4 stack for 70cm.
>
> Any advice?
>
> Thanks and 73's.
>
> ---
>  JT Croteau                                             Wilmington, CA
>  ARS W6CFO/MM aboard "QuickSilver"                  Los Angeles Harbor
>
>
>
>
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