Thanks for the positive feedback from all. I'm not looking for a 'killer' antenna, just something small but more efficient than the Cushcraft A270-6 that I am currently using. I have it fixed tilted at about 25 degrees atop my 33' foot 'pole tower'. I made some modifications to the feed part of it and retuned the gamma matches and it works OK, not great, but OK. I'd like to replace it with something with a little more gain on 435. It works very well on 145. I'm either going to clone the Arrow (VE2ZAZ's clone) or buy a bare Arrow and weatherize it. Got all winter to ponder it.
And yes, Jim WA4IVM, guess we are a couple of old fogies... Looks like we both got our tickets in the same year, and got retired the same year. 30 years with IBM and 6 years in other places as a consultant was enough for me. Glad that part of my life is over.
Thanks again for all the comments and 73 ...
Jim Bob Buckeye AKA **** Jim Leder**** K8CXM since 1961 IBM retiree since 1999
There are 10 types of people in this world -- those who understand binary and those who don't.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Wright" wrightjrjr@verizon.net To: "Jim Leder" k8cxm@fuse.net Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 9:01 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Arrow antenna
Jim Leder wrote:
I am a user of an Arrow II handheld yagi. I am also very impressed with it's performance. Has anyone attempted to weatherize it for permanent outside tower use? Seems a little Loctite on the element threads and some shrink wrap around the BNC connectors, pull the foam handle and mount it. Anyone try this?
Jim Bob Buckeye AKA**** Jim Leder**** K8CXM since 1961 IBM retiree since 1999 There are 10 types of people in this world -- those who understand binary and those who don't.
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
It is a nice antenna for portable use, but a bit skimpy in gain for use on a tower with a lot of coax loss and no preamp. Don't forget about that diplexer in the handle will need weather proofing. I own this antenna but use M2 (M squared) longer antennae with preamps for a more versatile ability to band hop with out blowing a preamp by mistake. My preamps have a 100 watt rating before they should be damaged.
If you can stand the loss in the coax, take a shot. The antenna is not that expensive that you can't replace it if weather gets to it.
73, Jim WA4IVM since 1961 Verizon (Bell Atlantic) retiree since 1999.
Probably makes us a pair of old timers!