Re: [TowerTalk] Quad vs SteppIR

[Joe Giacobello <k2xx@swva.net>]

Rick, I'm not sure what you mean by directive, but there's no doubt that 
quads have poorer F/B than Yagis.  Quads seem to have a very narrow 
frequency range over which the F/B peaks, but across the rest of the 
band it's at least 10 dB poorer than a Yagi, if not more.  Nevertheless, 
I am using a four element, five band quad on a 24 ft. boom, and the 
model shows that forward gain is at least equivalent to a three element 
monoband Yagi on 20M and better on the higher frequency bands where the 
boom length is longer.

I am also not thrilled with the common feed approach that Mike uses. 
Lew McCoy, in his review of LB quads indicated some interactions 
between harmonically related bands,  i.e. 10 and 20 meters, but I 
believe that the feed system has been modified since then.  I use 
separate feeds for each band via a remote switch and my experiences have 
been excellent.  I have to admit that I've not done actual A/B testing 
on quads vs Yagis, but my on the air experiences indicate that they are 
quite competitive.

I use LB parts in my home-brew quads, and they are of excellent quality. 
Mike also gives attentive, personalized service.

Finally, I would say that a multiband quad is an easy way to get the 
equivalent of  multiple monoband Yagis on a single, (relatively) simple 
support structure.  There's a lot to be said for that.


73, Joe



Richard (Rick) Karlquist (N6RK) wrote:

> I have a Lightning Bolt quad and a 4 element SteppIR.
> My experience is the same, the SteppIR is way more
> directive than the quad.  Before the quad, I had a
> KT34.  It was also more directive than the quad.
> I only got the quad because it covered the WARC bands.
>
> Rick N6RK
>
>  
>
> > Subject: [TowerTalk] Quad vs SteppIR
> >
> >
> > I took down my Lightning Bolt quad, which had been on a 70 ft tower for 9
> > years. I replaced it with the 3 el SteppIR.
> >
> > The first thing I noticed on 20M, was that I had to point the antenna in
> > the direction I wanted to talk instead of just aiming it north
> >
> >
> >    
>
> _______________________________________________
>
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>
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>  



_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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