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Monster Media 1993 #2
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X510MA
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1992-12-01
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41 lines
X510MA
I have received an abundance of replies to my query about which antenna to buy.
I think I know how Craig Sheregold must have felt. :-)
My choices were:
COMET GPX-2010 or CA-2x4MAX SLC
CUSHCRAFT ARX-270 (NOT the AR-270)
DIAMOND X-500HNA or X-500NA or related.
I bought the Diamond (X-510MA), which seems to be a very well built antenna. I
got many many replies indication same, including one from Alaska - the owner
stating that weather is none too nice up there, and his antenna works just
fine, even with a heavy coating of ice on it. I also got a few from people who
wern't very happy with Diamond. Complaints were about water ingress in the
radome, the antenna whipping in heavy winds, and SWR. Concerning water
ingress, Diamond stresses that the inter-section joints must be tightened ALL
THE WAY til no threads show or water may leak in. This was difficult with the
provided "wrenches", so it wouldn't surprise me to find that some of you
haven't tightened those joints down all the way. As far as the whipping, I
have noticed that the antenna does sway in the breeze and that this could
effect the pattern in the short term. Nothing I'd lose too much sleep over.
I'd much rather it bend than break! Regarding SWR, well actually narrow
bandwidth, I have noticed that on 145.05, the SWR is a pretty high 1.7 or so.
I'm not happy about it, but one must sacrifice bandwidth for gain in some
cases. I will try to adjust my 2m amp to deal with it. On 441.O25, the SWR is
a much more tolerable 1.2:1. One thing that should be made clear to some of
the respondents: This antenna is *NOT* a Station Master. If you want a
Station Master, go out and buy one! Don't expect to get it's equal for 170
bucks. I also received a several of replies recommending other antennas,
including the Comet, and Austin brands (I'm not ignoring you guys), but the
majority of comments concerned the Diamond, probably because they have been
around a few years and are fairly well known, more people have had an
opportunity to buy them.
Thank you all for your feedback, it was very helpful indeed. If anyone wants
more specific information on the replies I received (and am STILL receiving!),
drop me a note. Maybe I can try and put together some kind of statistical
breakdown for you.
73's de Charlie - N3HAZ@KA3RFE.MD.USA...