[Antennas] Re: Opinions please

[Steve-W0OOW]

Sorry, but I couldn't resist.  Trim the tree! OR go above it :)
Ham antennas must come before trees :)  Actually, I think that is a common
problem.  Trees grow and antennas don't.  Seriously, can you go higher?
Here, the trees are older and wind damaged so that they tend to lose limbs
during a storm.... kind of a selve trimming tree :)
73.oow


> `Hi All,
>
> I am currently using a Cushcraft A-3 beam at my QTH.  This is put up on a
50
> foot tower among trees.  At the moment, I have a small branch of one tree
> which touches the tip of the reflector at one point when I am rotating the
> antenna.  I am wanting to replace this antenna with something which will
> provide me with gain and directivity on the present three bands plus 17
and
> 12 meters.  I have personally reached the conclusion that a Lightning Bolt
2
> element 5 band quad would give me what I want with a smaller turning
radius
> than I presently have.
>
> But, before I make the investment, I would like to get some thoughts from
> the list.  Are there any other beams out there with the same or slightly
> smaller footprint as an A-3 which would give me all five bands with good
> gain and front to side and front to back ratios?  Any other type of
antenna
> I ought to consider that would give me the things I want and fit into the
> space I have?
>
> Thanks so much for your thoughts.  Very 73.
>
> Kevin :)
> Amateur Radio:  K7RX
> Navy Marine Corps MARS:  NNN0SHS
>