I think I'll order this antenna tomorrow.
http://www.copper.com/cart/product_i...7f1ba3585ea42d
I think I'll order this antenna tomorrow.
http://www.copper.com/cart/product_i...7f1ba3585ea42d
Gain figure is a bit exaggerated. "Power Multiplication:20x" is definitely exaggerated.Originally Posted by kk4fpx
Typically, a 3-element beam has 7-8 db of gain, at best. That's not even a 10x increase in ERP.
My 15-4CD Skywalker shows about 10 dbd (12.1 dbi) for 4-elements.
It's a perfectly fine choice, but don't believe everything you read about gain specs, especially when it comes to CB antennas.
"People Who Don't Want Their Beliefs Laughed at Shouldn't Have Such Funny Beliefs" -AD5MB
"If someone tells you he believes in and talks to an invisible bunny named Harvey, you put him on medication and a regimen of therapy. If someone tells you he believes in and talks to God, well, that's perfectly acceptable. Why that's the case is impossible for me to fathom." - WP2XX
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The problem with gain figures - especially in the case of CB antennas - that they're often stated in dBi (decibels over isotropic) when a more plausible real-world comparison is dBd (decibels over a dipole). It's very difficult (physically speaking) to construct and position a true isotropic radiator, but that doesn't stop sellers from using one as a reference point.
"Everyone wants to be an AM Gangsta until it's time to start doing AM Gangsta shit."
The late, great Albi once told a story about building an isotropic radiator. He said he forgot to attach the feed line before he put it down, and then couldn't find it again.
Last edited by NQ6U; 06-11-2012 at 08:53 AM.
All the world’s a stage, but obviously the play is unrehearsed and everybody is ad-libbing his lines. Maybe that’s why it’s hard to tell if we’re living in a tragedy or a farce.
I.m aware the gain is over stated.But it's still better than my inverted v.
It will definitely be better than what you're currently using. And there's a couple ways to get coverage from 24-30MHz if you're space limited and also want to use the setup with your CB rig...either by sticking another driven element (parasitically coupled) on the boom, adding a bit of boom to either end, a 12M reflector/director and an 11M director...or just convert the works into a log-periodic. 5 elements properly laid out will net you around 6dBd forward gain and around 16dB F/B ratio across that entire range.
"Everyone wants to be an AM Gangsta until it's time to start doing AM Gangsta shit."
Build one. You'll save bucks, and you'll have the pride of knowing it is something you built. Plenty of plans online.
Here is a nice 2 element: http://www.iw5edi.com/ham-radio/?2-e...meters-band,49
You don't need all that aluminum tubing either. Build it with wire and PVC Pipe for support.
Or how about a 10M Moxon? A great antenna! Cheap and easy! http://www.wb5cxc.com/10mmoxon.html
Building antennas has been one of the things I like best about this hobby.
For Aluminum tubing Texas Towers is a great source: http://www.texastowers.com/aluminum_.htm
Last edited by KA9MOT; 06-21-2012 at 03:46 AM.
"One man with courage makes a majority." ~ Andrew Jackson
Steve KA9MOT
Macomb, IL
Truth. Build your own antenna for the win. Verticals are easy. You can find everything reasonably priced at the local Home Depot or other hardware store. I have used copper, conduit, (yeah that is heavy) and wires with pvc. I have EZNEC and design what I want to build and when I have time,, I build it.
Check for local a scrapyard that specializes in aluminum. There's one here in Commerce City that is amazing.
Replaced busted pieces on my Gap Titan, with good results.
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of knowledge to the nipples of ignorance?" ~ Professor "Dick" Soloman
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