I have got used to the idea of buying factory built radios, and factory
packed beam antenna kits. I don't think I'll ever get used to the notion
of buying a factory made dipole or other wire antenna. I buy wire and
insulators, feedline (both ladder line and coax) and sometimes baluns
and I BUILD wire antennas. I have seen too many poorly installed cheapo
PL-259s on ready made connectorized coax to ever trust a factory done
PL-259. I install them myself, and then I know their done right. It
takes some learning and some mistakes. That is how we learn. I recommend
the same for any new ham. Learn how to build at least something that is
important in your radio operation. Antennas are easy and fun.
Maybe I'm an old timer, since I actually started to enjoy hearing Frank
Sinatra over the main PA system as the house lights went up and we knew
it was time to head for the parking lot to continue the party and get
ready for the next show.
Back to Ten-Tec....They have been selling a product call the Acro-bat
for about $10. This little piece of plastic (acrylic I guess, hence
"acro" in the name) provides a structurally sound method to connect
feedline (either ladderline or coax) to wire at the feedpoint of a
dipole antenna. It will even work for a folded dipole made of
ladderline. I have not tried one yet myself. All the reveiws I have read
about it are good. I recommend trying it.
DE N6KB
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