On 2/14/2012 10:32 AM, Josep Torres wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I would like to hear from people that have tried or compared a 2-3 element
> vertical array vs a 2 element yagi for 40m. I don't have a yagi, but I can
> maybe put a 2(3) element vertical array. At moment, I only have a 1/4wvl
> dipole at 14m high. I want to improve my setup for that band.
>
> Sorry for the post because this is much devoted to 160, but I know many guys
> here have tested many antenna configurations, so maybe I can have a response.
> Thanks very much..
>
> Josep
> EA6BF
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
>
Hi, Josep:
Given the simplicity and minimal expense, the 2 element vertical
performs well.
Before being able to afford the Comtek 4-square phasing system last year
I had a 2-element 40-meter array up and in use for about 5 years. It was
a simple system using coax phasing lines (Christman feed, if I recall
correctly) and, even in light of some of the negative comments about
this system, it worked very well for me.
In my location (northern Nevada) the most useful aspect of the antenna,
with the elements oriented at 75/255 degrees, was the ability to
substantially null east coast QRM when working DX from The Pacific and
Asia. My null, based on repeated observations, was, at a *minimum*,
20db. I don't believe you'll do that with a 2-element yagi!
I have 40 quarter-wave radials, on the ground with poor soil, and that
likely contributes to performance. The elements were (and still are)
1-3/4-inch diameter aluminum camouflage support tubes which are readily
available in my area. They are easy to erect and are guyed, four ways,
with light Dacron line at the 28-foot level.
I did consider adding a third, in-line, element but it's just one of
those things I never got around to and by the time I retired I had the
4-square in place. In retrospect it may have been a better idea to do
the third element at a right-angle to the 2-element array to allow 4
directions with 3 elements. The coax phasing system is still useful with
one vertical common and the unused vertical simply switched and floating
to isolate it from the active elements.
Good luck!
--
Jack, W6NF
Silver Springs, NV
DM09ji
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
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