[50mhz] 6m yagi

[John Kemker]

Look at the table from 
http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/6mAntennaComparisonTableByVE7BQH.txt 
and use that to compare your options.

For readily-available in the US, the M2 6M5X appears to be the clear 
winner in gain and construction.  Well worth the money.  The next down 
in performance, for an antenna you don't have to modify, is the 
Directive Systems DS50-5.  If you're willing to spend a few extra 
dollars and do some mods, buy an A50-5S from Cushcraft and perform the 
W5WVO mods on the antenna.  It will bring the performance up above the 
DS50-5, but under the 6M5X, for under $20 more.  (Less, if you have some 
of the parts already on hand.)  Construction of the Cushcraft is decent, 
though not up to the level of the M2. 

You can improve the construction by using some form of 
anti-gall/anti-seize compound (read the sidebars in the W5WVO document 
thoroughly) on all the stainless joints and definitely use some form of 
anti-oxidant compound, such as No-Alox, Harger HAAJC-8, Penetrox, etc on 
all the Al to Al joints.  Be sure to use a green Scotchbrite pad on the 
aluminum parts prior to coating with the anti-oxidant compound.  (If you 
wish to economize, you can use just the anti-ox compound for both the 
Al-Al and stainless to stainless joints.  It will do the same thing, 
though not as well as using some blue Loc-Tite on the threads.)  
Personally, I like locking down the boom sections with a single 
sheet-metal screw on each joint, as it prevents rotation in the wind and 
makes it easier to re-align, if you have to partially disassemble at 
some point.

r miles wrote:
> I did a post a few days ago asking  about HyGain 6m antennas. I've read a few items that say since MFJ took over their QC is bad.
> I'm looking to replace my 3 el Cushcraft with sometning a bit better. I'd like 4 el or 5  in a 12' or less boom. And $$ is an object. 
> I found several. Gushcraft,Comet,HyGain & if I can pull up the $$ M2.
> .........
> I'd like some opinions/experience with any or all. Or am I missing some?
> K9IL
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-- 

--JohnK
73 de W5NNH
10X 75371/M&M 117/SMIRK 6185/Six Club 285/TRA 2499/Norcross 228 F&AM




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