For my purposes, the GAP did a good job. I'm not saying it's the
best around, however. I didn't care for its performance on 80 either,
but it wasn't a band I spent much time on anyway so I didn't push the
issue. I was able to work many states on the Geritol net but I assume
that many of those folks had better than average stations for that band.
I'm probably going to re-erect the GAP but I have been toying with the
idea of getting the Butternut HF9.
Remember, *all* antennas follow Gooch's Law: The RF gotta go somewhere!
73,
Bob AA0CY
----------
From: T A RUSSELL[SMTP:n4kg@juno.com]
Sent: Friday, June 12, 1998 6:05 AM
To: aa0cy@nwrain.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Vertical?
The HF-2V is full size (or nearly so) on 40M but base loaded on 80M.
Base loading is the LEAST efficient method of loading, resulting in a
low feed impedance and narrow bandwidth. My friend KZ4V has an
HF2V with 120 radials 33 ft long which works well on 40M but she
struggles on 80M with this antenna. Her new 90 ft high inverted vee
and vertically polarized Delta Loop are much more competitive on 80.
I like the design of the relatively new and unknown MFJ-1792 80 / 40
vertical. It is full size on 40M with a loading / isolating coil and
tophat
on top for 80M. Top loading is the most efficient form of loading.
This antenna is reasonably priced at $160. Two users have reported
good results with this antenna on Towertalk.
The GAP verticals are inductively loaded by a "transformed" reactance
on the lowest band of operation which reduces efficiency on that band.
For an excellent review see page 75 in the January 1995 issue of QST.
Most users express displeasure with performance on the lowest
band of operation.
( I have no affiliation with any antenna manufacturer or retailer. )
de Tom N4KG
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