[SixClub] New 6M antenna array up

[jeffdrau]

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the info. I'm looking into a new setup here also.
I'll be interested in your findings.

73, de Jeff, N0OST
Wichita, KS.




-----Original Message-----
From: sixclub-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:sixclub-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Gary Mitchelson -
N3JPU
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 6:14 PM
To: 'World Wide Six Meter Club'; '_Mailing List 50 MHz';
6meter at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SixClub] New 6M antenna array up


Spent the past couple of weeks preparing and finally installing a new 6M
antenna with some new features I hope will be useful. I had a C3I 6 element
(great, super robust, but heavy) up at 50' for the past couple of years but
always felt that the previous 5 over 5 stack (Rutland's) seemed to play
well. Actually that 5 over 5 got me 6M WAS in the 1998-2000 timeframe with
100W from the east coast.

But the stack always did not do well on shorter E skip, but did great on the
low angle stuff. So in order to get the most out of both worlds I added a
Array Solutions 6M StackMatch II. This allows me to select Top, Bottom or
both in phase and without 75 ohm phasing lines. Just 2 equal length 50 ohm
lines. There is an option to do an Out of Phase selection but am not sure
that will be to worthwhile on 6M.

My new stack is comprised of a pair of Directive Systems (they make the
antennas for Down East Microwave) DS50-5's, which are 5 elements on a 18'
boom with 9.1dbd gain each. I also replaced all the flexi 9913 coax with
1/2" Heliax to help improve my receive as much as possible. The lower
antenna is at 38' and the top at 51'.

There has been no openings since I put up the stack up but have noticed that
the lower antenna by it's self picks up more noise than the top, and with
both phased the noise really drops and signals pick up slightly.

As I get to play with the stack switching I will be noting which setting is
best (Top, Bottom, Both) and will build up a spreadsheet as I get enough
data to input. Hopefully this will show the usefulness (or not) of this kind
of configuration.

There are some pictures on my website.

Gary Mitchelson
N3JPU Montgomery Co. MD  FM19
http://www.mitchelson.org/

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