[NLRS] 6 Meter Moxon field test

[jcplatt1@mmm.com]

Here is a website for the Par antenna that Tim was describing.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamants/1822.html

I believe that its a 2 element yagi with the ends of the yagi bent in
towards each other to the point where they almost meet.   By bending the
ends in the overall size is reduced plus the bent in section provide for a
mechanical support for each other.   Electrically its the center of the
elements (driven element and one parasitic) that have the high current flow
and do most of the radiating (ala a dipole) so the ends are less critical
.... a good compromise.

As with all 6m rover antennas they work best when you can get them as high
as possible.    After all, a wavelength on 6m, our lowest VHF band, is 20
feet !     Take a look at those antenna patterns in the ARRL handbook(s) as
to what happens to your take-off angle as the antenna, any antenna, is
moved from 0.25 to 0.50 to 1.00 wavelength above ground.

For instance, moving a 6m dipole from 8' to 20' above ground lowers the
peak take off angle from 35 degrees to 14 degrees and comparing the gain
numbers at a fixed 5 degree take off angle shows a 8.6 dB improvement .....
that is to say that a 6m dipole at 20' will have the same "gain" as a 3 ele
yagi mounted at 8' for those important long haul contacts and for "local"
work.   This is one reason why its hard for fixed stations to work 6m
rovers when they are more than 50 or more miles away when the rover is
running a loop mounted at 8 feet yet the same stations can work easily on
2m.

73, Jon
W0ZQ.