[SixClub] one last item

[Michael (KA5CVH) Urich]

From: "Ben Ramler" <ben_ramler2002 at yahoo.com>

> First my apologies on the email let me clarify what
> it is I'm saying.

Mike wrote

No apologies needed.  I am going to "assume" here that you are only going to 
be working local FM.  Those will do you fine and depending upon the 
distances to be covered.  A quick formula for line of sight is the square 
root of the antenna height times 1.5.  Its not exact because of other 
factors but it will be close enough to give you an idea of what to expect. 
As an example I know that I can work mobiles (simplex) with my CX-333 @ 45 
feet up to about 12-15 miles and that's about it. This goes pretty well with 
the formula since you need to tack on a few extra miles for the vehicles 
antenna height too.  Working other fixed stations and repeaters is limited 
to the height/range of their capabilities along with mine combined.

I am also going to "assume" that you already have the ground radial kits for 
those three antennas as well.  This means you are going to have three poles, 
three antennas, three ground plane kits, three poles and three feedlines and 
either a coax switch or tri-plexer to tie them all together at some point. 
At this point you are going to have more money tied up in all that together 
than getting either a Comet GP-15 / Diamond X-3200a / MFJ 1538 and using one 
pole and one feedline.  I understand that you already have some of this but 
look at the total cost of the remaining items and weight that against a new 
antenna and accessories before you go much deeper into this.  You may 
actually same some money by buying a new antenna and getting away from the 
mono-banders.

You mentioned needing to make some roof repairs.  My honest personal opinion 
is that I will never put anything on the roof of the house because of damage 
that may occur as a result of tripods etc.  Other have and do, I won't.

YMMV

Mike Urich KA5CVH
http://ka5cvh.com
Amateur radio ~is~ a contact sport