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@contesting.com
[mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of JT Croteau
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 1:44 PM
To: vhfcontesting@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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