Who is using a Sommer multi band antenna out there? What's the real scope
on this antenna? Your comments

Using a TA33 now. Mosley rates their antennas in DBd while Sommer in DBi
so it looks like the claimed gain is about equal.

Appreciate any comments

Ron - W4LDE

Ron,

Mosley rates their antennas in DBi. Sommer rated their antennas against a
dipole so I assume DBd. The big Sommer is a fine antenna in the XP70x and
XP80x config. The smaller XP50x is much closer to the TA-33. Back in the
early 90's Lew McCoy reviewed the small sommer in CQ Magazine. N4VZ (now
W7UT) used his to work almost anyone he wanted until he moved to Utah. KM1E
wrote a two part article in DX Magazine in 1995 on selected and installing
the XP807 (big version). You might get reprints from N4AA who now
publishes DX Magazine. I was on 17 when KM1E was testing his Sommer against
a 4 el wide spaced beam at KA1PE. With FK8CP he was 56 compared to KA1PE 57
(FK8CP gives low reports HI). Later he was as strong on a European QSO. I
would drop KM1E a note to see if he is still happy.

The Sommer is not a true Yagi but a log periodic or really a skip log using
a combination of half wave, three quarters, and full wavelength elements
phased on each band. If you get the 30 or 40 meter elements its a short
loaded element with inefficient directors that seem to work as well or
better than a full size dipole at the same height.

The Sommer is a difficult antenna to put together and install compared to
the TA-33. It is extremely rugged and will last forever.

Good luck with any decision. Alternatives include the new 3 and 4 el
SteppIR , the TH11, and perhaps the Big Bencher. If you like Mosley Van
W4GIW in South Carolina may be selling his Pro 57 Mosley and going to big
Monobaders.

73 Dave K4JRB
Ronald Walters wrote in message
...
Who is using a Sommer multi band antenna out there? What's the real scope
on this antenna? Your comments

Using a TA33 now. Mosley rates their antennas in DBd while Sommer in DBi
so it looks like the claimed gain is about equal.

Appreciate any comments

Ron - W4LDE

David Thompson wrote:
"Back in the early 90`s Lew McCoy reveiwed the small Sommer in CQ
Magazine."

I found a Lew McCoy review of the Sommer XP506 in the April 1986 edition
of CQ starting on page 42. Lew cobcludes with: "If I sound enthusiastic
about the XP506, I am, and I will really be surprised if this system
doesn`t revolutionize multiband beam systems.

Here are the introductory prices for the various models: the XP406 is
$514, the XP506 is $642, and the XP706 is $778. I didn`t mention the
gain of the XP706, but it is rated at close to 9 dB on 20 meters (over a
dipole reference).

The manufacturer is Sommer GMBH, DJ2UT, Kandelstrasse 35, D-7809
Denzlingen, West Germany, and the beams are distributed in this country
by H.J. Theiler Corp., P.O. Box 5369, Spartenburg, SC 29304
(803-576-5566)."

The revolution may have been too dear.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI

"Richard Harrison" wrote in message
...
David Thompson wrote:
"Back in the early 90`s Lew McCoy reveiwed the small Sommer in CQ
Magazine."

I found a Lew McCoy review of the Sommer XP506 in the April 1986 edition
of CQ starting on page 42. Lew cobcludes with: "If I sound enthusiastic
about the XP506, I am, and I will really be surprised if this system
doesn`t revolutionize multiband beam systems.

Here are the introductory prices for the various models: the XP406 is
$514, the XP506 is $642, and the XP706 is $778. I didn`t mention the
gain of the XP706, but it is rated at close to 9 dB on 20 meters (over a
dipole reference).

The manufacturer is Sommer GMBH, DJ2UT, Kandelstrasse 35, D-7809
Denzlingen, West Germany, and the beams are distributed in this country
by H.J. Theiler Corp., P.O. Box 5369, Spartenburg, SC 29304
(803-576-5566)."

The revolution may have been too dear.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI


Richard,
Thanks for your input.

I think that the distributor has changed to:

Sommer Antennas
P.O. Box 710
Geneva, FL 32732
Phone 407) 349-9114 | Fax: (407) 349-2485
http://www.sommerantennas.com/

Was hoping for more reports on the beam but at least we had some comments.

Thanks for everyone's input, it is appreciated

Ronald Walters wrote:
"Was hoping for more comments on the beam but at least we had some
comments."

Go to e Ham. net for many more comments on the Sommer XP Series. I
only read the first few but those echoed Lew McCoy`s review. Ronald
should read the comments for himself and not accept hearsay from me.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI