[50mhz] Beam purchase

[LANCE COLLISTER]

TNX Carl for the good construction tips! With the new computer optimized designs 
available, many more people have access to really great antennas, which often 
perform significantly better than old antennas produced before such modern 
technology was available.  For those who are interested in maximizing the 
performance of their equipment, the technological advances during the past two 
decades really have opened amazing opportunities!  GL and DX!  VY 73, Lance


Carl wrote:
> Living within a long walk ( 15 miles or so) of the CC plant Ive been 
> familiar with them since the early 60's when Les Cushman ran the place 
> on Hayward St in Manchester, NH.
> 
> And yes, they have had their share of problems with mechanical and 
> electrical designs.
> 
> However as long as you dont expect 120 mph wind survival and are willing 
> to do a minimum of work on your own the current offerings are mighty good.
> 
> Material quality is good, problems are often owner induced during assembly.
> 
> I use only ALL stainless hose clamps for the elements; I believe they 
> are now supplied but be sure to check. Tighten with a socket wrench, a 
> screwdriver is insufficient unless you are King Kong. Apply a thin 
> coating of conductive anti-seize on the joints.
> 
> I have two CC 6 el Boomers that I redesigned as 8 el that have been up 
> thru ice storms and wind gusts over 90 mph for about 15 years with no 
> damage. One at 60' and another at 180' on top of the highest hill in 
> almost 20 miles.The high one is wind buffeted 24/7 even with a dead calm 
> on the ground.
> 
> If you use the stock connector assembly then use the anti-sieze on the 
> threads and on the bracket. If you want to take the time then convert to 
> an N connector.
> 
> Seal the exposed inner ends of the gamma match with your favorite 
> method. I use heat shrink tubing with the sealant included on my HF yagi 
> gamma matches. The Boomer uses an all metal T match which doesnt use 
> anything to allow water into.....except the connectors.
> 
> I have no connection to Cushcraft, financial or otherwise.
> 
> Carl
> KM1H
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "LANCE COLLISTER" 
> To: 
> Cc: 
> Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:10 PM
> Subject: Re: [50mhz] Beam purchase
> 
> 
> 
> Cecil Acuff wrote:
>> Greetings Group,
>>
>> I am planning a 6 meter beam purchase.  Looking for a 4 to 6 element.
>> (maybe as much as 7 el) What is recommended.  I know this is somewhat of
>> an open ended question but I think in the long run for me, beneficial to
>> tap the experiences of this group.
>>
>> The beam will be mounted above my HF beam at around 55 ft.
>>
>> I have looked at M2 and they look nice but kind of light weight.  I live
>> in the gulf coastal region and we get some ugly storms at times.  No ice
>> to worry with for the most part.  I had just about decided to buy a
>> Cushcraft 5 element but have been warned of issues with water entering
>> the connector and the gamma match.  Some seem to like the Hy-Gain line
>> but I'm not sure if those are still being sold or not outside of the HF
>> stuff MFJ is selling.
>>
>> Not really looking for a 30' boomer just more of a general purpose beam
>> that is durable but a good performer.
>>
>> Any suggestions would be appreciated...
>>
>> Thanks...
>>
>> Cecil Acuff
>> K5DL
>>
>> Moderator: Ray Brown, KB0STN
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>>
> Hello Cecil,
> 
> If you are willing to do a little homebrewing, you can construct as good an
> antenna (or better) than anything commercially available:
> 
> http://www.yu7ef.com/
> 
> You can make the antennas as rugged as is required by your local 
> weather.  For
> detailed example of how one person constructed his YU7EF yagi:
> 
> http://www.on4kst.com/10el50/
> 
> I have worked a number of YU7EF yagis on 6m EME, and they really work. I 
> will
> add, though, that I have noticed a significant reduction in ground gain 
> when 6m
> beams are mounted above HF beams, which tend to look like ground and 
> shield the 6m
> beams from precious reflections coming up from the ground.  However, if 
> you are
> aren't looking for the extra dB of ground gain and are happy with an 
> all-round
> beam for casual use, that type of installation probably will satisfy 
> your needs.
> 
> GL and VY 73, Lance
> 
> 
> 

-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728   URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
2m DXCC #11, 6m DXCC #815