For many years now, I have been using a Hy-Gain DX-88 trap vertical
antenna. Before this, I had a Hustler trap vertical, with reasonably
well tuned radials, on a 30 foot mast on the roof of my house. That
worked out very well, but I got concerned about its potential as a
lightning rod, and took it down.
I do have a tower here, but due to the size and relief of my lot, I
can't guy it, and it is pretty close to my lot line, so VHF beams are it.
My lot is on a valley wall, and the back yard is about 35 feet below the
crest. My house and the hill blocks the vertical for almost 120
degrees. To counter all this, I use a DX Engineering radial plate and
about 70 radials, ranging from 18 to 25 feet long.
I am amazed at how well this antenna gets out, even at QRP power
levels. I have nothing to compare it to, as it is the only antenna I
could put up on my lot. During last year's ARRL Centennial, the only
territory I could not contact was the Marianna Islands. I got all the
rest, and worked all states, spending a lot of time at the 10 watt level
with my Argonaut VI.
I will be moving in a year or so up to north central Wisconsin. There, I
have a lot more room, and also a decent radio horizon. So, I will see
how well this vertical works out in the open. I can put up a guyed
tower, and also put up a much taller 80/40/30 vertical antenna.
I'm planning on enjoying my dotage!
Steve WA9JML
On 1/9/2016 11:44 AM, John Occhipinti wrote:
I have been getting a lot of questions about my Vertical Antenna. I speak
purely from my own personal experience of being an Amateur Radio
Operator for the past 39 years.
My 42 foot Hygain All Band Vertical is just 1 of my antennas. I also have a
Hygain Long John 4 Element 20 Meter Monoband Beam, 50 feet high
on a Universal Aluminum Tower and a
Radio Works Full Wave Loop All Band Antenna.
I also use an Ameritron AL-1200 Legal Limit Amplifier.
Let me address my Vertcal Antenna setup. It is 42 feet high and I have
30 radials, with each radial being 35 feet long, going out in a fan type
direction, for a total of over 1000 feet of radials.
When I am running the TEN-TEC 20 meter SSB net, I use my Monoband
20 meter beam. When I switch to my Full Wave Loop, the signals drop about 2dB.
When I switch to the Vertical Antenna the signal drops around 5dB and the weaker
stations cannot be heard.
When I am running the TEN-TEC 40 meter net, I use the Full Wave Loop. When
I switch to the Vertical Antenna the signal drops about 4 to 5 dB and the weaker
stations cannot be heard.
The VSWR is good on all antennas, so the point I am trying to make is that my
Vertical Antenna is a compromise antenna for me at my location.
I know that I have worked many stations using a Vertical Antenna and the people
"swear" by them. Most of these people live in restricted zone areas and
cannot put up a beam/tower or a long wire or dipole.
So what do they base their statements on, if they do not have another antenna
to compare it with?
I know that some Vertical Antenna users will not agree with me and that is their
right to do so. I just wanted to respond with a blanket post to address all
those
who have been contacting me about Vertical Antennas.
I have never lived in a restricted zone area or sub-divison, but I still can
empathize
with those who are forced to use Verticals and Flagpoles or even Wires in their
attic. If this works for you, I say God bless you for finding a way to get your
signal
out and enjoy your hobby.
Thank you for your time.
John D. Occhipinti, K3UR
Net Manager, ten_tec Amateur Radio Nets
QRZ Page: http://www.qrz.com/db/k3ur
Group Owner, ten_tec Amateur Radio Net Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ten_tec_radio_net/
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