Hi,

I have used a Butternut HF-9VX vertical for many years. Now I am thinking of
getting a HF beam antenna. I am not into contesting. Rather I enjoy
memorable QSO's with hams that like to share thoughts and ideas. Since I
have enjoyed "local" (i.e. mostly Europe) QSO's with my vertical, I would
now like to reach as far as I can, i.e. real DX's. I am doing CW and SSB
equally much.

My interest profile leads me to optimize my beam for a warc band, on a
higher frequency, e.g. 12m or 17meters. But how common is warc out there?
If I got a 12 or 17meter mono bander, would I sit in vain to find the QSO's
I want? Would it be more safe to just optimize for 20 meters?

Given the solar cycle I guess it would be wise to optimize for something in
the "mid-range" wave lengths, like somewhere in the range of 17-20m, to be
able to DX in the solar cycle dip as well. Is it a waist of money to get a
beam for the higher frequencies, except during the high peaks in the solar
cycle?

I would appreciate if anyone could share experiences and ideas on this
matter. Also if some one could recommend a really good, high quality beam
for my interest profile.

Tnx de SM5WVN /Phil

Philip Nyströmer wrote in
:

Hi,

I have used a Butternut HF-9VX vertical for many years. Now I am
thinking of getting a HF beam antenna. I am not into contesting.
Rather I enjoy memorable QSO's with hams that like to share thoughts
and ideas. Since I have enjoyed "local" (i.e. mostly Europe) QSO's
with my vertical, I would now like to reach as far as I can, i.e. real
DX's. I am doing CW and SSB equally much.

My interest profile leads me to optimize my beam for a warc band, on a
higher frequency, e.g. 12m or 17meters. But how common is warc out
there? If I got a 12 or 17meter mono bander, would I sit in vain to
find the QSO's I want? Would it be more safe to just optimize for 20
meters?

Given the solar cycle I guess it would be wise to optimize for
something in the "mid-range" wave lengths, like somewhere in the range
of 17-20m, to be able to DX in the solar cycle dip as well. Is it a
waist of money to get a beam for the higher frequencies, except during
the high peaks in the solar cycle?

I would appreciate if anyone could share experiences and ideas on this
matter. Also if some one could recommend a really good, high quality
beam for my interest profile.

Tnx de SM5WVN /Phil


My suggestion would be a log periodic. I have a Tennadyne, 6 el log,
http://www.tennadyne.com/ and it works very well for me. The nice part
is the ability to go anywhere on the bands with a good usable SWR and
consistent performance. If I had to do it over again, I would buy the 8
el Tennadyne as the SWR curves are a bit flatter. It’s been up for about
6 years now and has weathered ice storms and high winds with no problems.
I like the Tennadyne brand and I think they are honest about their
antennas.
73

John Passaneau, W3JXP

On Thu, 05 Apr 2007 21:22:53 GMT, Philip Nyströmer
wrote:

Hi,

I have used a Butternut HF-9VX vertical for many years. Now I am thinking of
getting a HF beam antenna. I am not into contesting. Rather I enjoy
memorable QSO's with hams that like to share thoughts and ideas. Since I
have enjoyed "local" (i.e. mostly Europe) QSO's with my vertical, I would
now like to reach as far as I can, i.e. real DX's. I am doing CW and SSB
equally much.

DX rag-chewing is great fun and much better with a beam than with a
vertical!

My interest profile leads me to optimize my beam for a warc band, on a
higher frequency, e.g. 12m or 17meters. But how common is warc out there?
If I got a 12 or 17meter mono bander, would I sit in vain to find the QSO's
I want? Would it be more safe to just optimize for 20 meters?

For pleasant rag-chewing on 20 Mx, you not only need a superlative
antenna, but QRO is also recommended.

Given the solar cycle I guess it would be wise to optimize for something in
the "mid-range" wave lengths, like somewhere in the range of 17-20m, to be
able to DX in the solar cycle dip as well. Is it a waist of money to get a
beam for the higher frequencies, except during the high peaks in the solar
cycle?

Now, you are talking! As the next sun spot cycle begins, the sun spot
numbers will advance rapidly and conditions will change dramatically
(fingers crossed) for the better. 17 and 15 Mx will be great
rag-chewing DX bands. At the peak of the cycle, 12 and 10 mx will be
great as well.

I would appreciate if anyone could share experiences and ideas on this
matter. Also if some one could recommend a really good, high quality beam
for my interest profile.

Tnx de SM5WVN /Phil

Without a question, I would recommend a SteppIR antenna. Expensive,
but with optimal coverage from 20 mx to 6 mx. The 3 element beam is
relatively light, small and very efficient. The 4 element SteppIR
yagi is larger, heavier, more expensive and only marginally better
from a gain perspective. If you wish to cover 40 and 30 mx, there is
a version that allows dipole coverage. If you want to go all the way,
there is the MonstIR. Quite expensive, very large, very heavy and
with great coverage from 40 - 6 mx.

73,

Ken K4XL


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