Greg,
I took down my 40 meter 4 square after putting up an OptiBeam OB2-40 last
year. Here is what I experienced:
Setup:
- The OB2-40 is at 92'
- The 4 square had 480 1/2-wave radials
- Terrain map to EU from tower: http://www.klient.com/TerrainToEU.jpg
- HFTA plot of OB2-40 to EU: http://www.klient.com/AnglesToEU.jpg
Initially I thought I would keep them both up and perhaps either one would
be better at times. But, that wasn't the case... the OB2-40 was the clear
winner every time. That might not be the same with the beam at 40' or with
different terrain, but thats what I found.
In taking it down I gave up up instant direction changing, which I miss
during contests around 2am east coast time when 40m is open to both EU and
VK/ZL at the same time or for contests like WPX where you can work anyone.
But, I figured I'd rather have a few dB and rotate the antenna. And, I had
plans to re-use some of the 4 square's parts in a 2 element array for 80m
and the 40m 4 square was just in the way.
You might consider putting up the 4 square first and seeing if it offers an
improvement. With the beam at 40', it very well may. And, if you're into
stateside contests you'll like the instant direction changing.
73,
Tom, NI1N
----- Original Message -----
From: <deuhs@earthlink.net>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 14, 2005 4:04 PM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] EF-240S at 40 feet vs. 4 square
> Hello all:
>
> I currently have a EF-240S (part of a C-4SXL) at 40 feet on a quad mount
> roof tower. It works surprisingly well, and my quad mount (Glenn Martin)
> is built like a tank. Since my big tower project will probably be delayed
> until next year, I've been thinking of replacing my 40 meter antenna with
> a 4 Square, located in a marshy area of my yard. Granted, I realize we're
> talking two different antennas but general thoughts appreciated. BTW, if
> I move take down the 40 meter elements I can then raise my 20-10 m
> elements up another 10 feet or mount something like a 2 ele quad.
>
> Thanks - CU at Dayton!
> Greg
> K0PJ/9
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