[50mhz] Antenna Suggestions

[Ron Calhoun]

I am looking for some suggestions for a replacement for my CushCraft A503S.

My limitations are (besides budget) about an 8' turn radius as my 
tower is located among the trees in the backyard. Fortunately, my 
landlord had no problem with the tower, but his XYL said no 
"logging", so the antenna has to fit in the available space. Present 
antenna height is 35', and can go no higher at this QTH.

The only yagis I have owned are the 3 el now up, and a 5 el 6m I used 
with my Heathkit Sixer back in 1962. Never owned a Quad. Use wires 
for HF.

Likely candidates to fit budget and available space are:

   C3i  C5-50
   CushCraft  A505S
   CushCraft  A505S with KM1H mods
   Lightning Bolt Quad  6MCQ-4
   Cubex  4LMVQ

The HyGain didn't make the list as I am not impressed with the 
construction as described in their manual. The quads seem interesting 
and I have read the Quad vs Yagi debates before.

Have checked the eham.net reviews and the August 50mhz archives.

Right now, I am leaning towards the CushCraft A505S with the KM1H 
mods posted on the 6mt.com website.

Homebrew is not an option as there is no local source for aluminum 
tubing, and most suppliers ship only UPS or FEDEX, whose charges to 
this island town are obscene. I did e-mail CushCraft 10 days ago 
about buying enough parts to convert my A503 to an A505, but they 
never responded to my query.

Setup here is 756 Pro, FT-650, a KB6KQ Loop, and the A503S. I prefer 
to put $$ into antennas before amps, but an amp may be on the horizon 
as well.

I would appreciate suggestions based on experience with these, or 
similar, antennas.

Thanks.

73

Ron Calhoun, KL7XL

Sitka, Alaska, CO27hb