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Best groundplane ???
- Thread starter kbbgood
- Start date
I currently have a Sirio Tornado 5/8, it performs very well, good swr, mounted on a 30' pole withstood a hurricane 4 years ago and its still transmitting today, but I've been looking at an Imax2000 also.
I'll say this, the new Sirio Vector 4000 is not built that bad. It's a long antenna. If you guyed it off near the base of the antenna and then add some about half way down, it will hold up pretty well for its length. Yes it can be improved with some mods. Heat shrink at every joint about 12" long, or about that, helps a little as well as proper guyed rope or cable placement. And at 30ft your not too high. Mine was at about 27ft to the base and it went through quite a few good FL T-storms this past summer. I did take it down for hurricane Matthew, but it was up over a year or close to that and had seen some windy days. Just my experience with this antenna. It will be going back up soon here when I get time. Probably after the New Year. Talking mine to about 30ft as well.
I am sure the SPT500 is built more rugged than the vector 4000 for sure, but don't count out the vector 4000 if where you live doesn't get major storms and wind and such. Awesome antenna. And you can find them for about $150 if you look around. These are JMHO's and experience with the NV4K. Good luck with whatever you choose and set it up right!! That is the main thing. Also not sure how easy tuning is ok the SPT500, but the Sirio vector 4K will require some minor tweaking to get it perfect. They will tune flat at 1.0:1 with R=50, and X=0. But it takes time. Anyhow. Again, good luck with your choice and be safe installing it as well as taking your time.
Have a great day.
I am sure the SPT500 is built more rugged than the vector 4000 for sure, but don't count out the vector 4000 if where you live doesn't get major storms and wind and such. Awesome antenna. And you can find them for about $150 if you look around. These are JMHO's and experience with the NV4K. Good luck with whatever you choose and set it up right!! That is the main thing. Also not sure how easy tuning is ok the SPT500, but the Sirio vector 4K will require some minor tweaking to get it perfect. They will tune flat at 1.0:1 with R=50, and X=0. But it takes time. Anyhow. Again, good luck with your choice and be safe installing it as well as taking your time.
Have a great day.
Now there's some realistic straight-forward advice, I completely agree.
When I had the New Vector 4000 up for about 6 weeks it actually disappointed me a bit on RX - in that it seemed to receive about the same or a hair less than the Penetrator, which isn't a bad thing, but I was expecting it to keep up with it's slightly elevated transmit at extreme local (not "Skip") distances.
The difference between them on TX at long-distance local was noticeable but nothing inspiring.
In fact, due to the less-than-sturdy build quality, I took it down and sold it.
- Please don't msidunertasdn me here, it's a fine performer and I'd expect it would handle the typical heavy storm from this area, up to maybe 110-120kph winds, but I'd never put a stock NV4K atop a 100'+ tree without serious mods.
As far as strength of design, I'd almost pit the Penetrator against the I-10K / US Shockwave for build quality - almost.
The Penetrator does have longer & beefier, larger diameter radials than pretty much any Sirio or Maco, and being a full 22' 6" 5/8, it outperformed all shorter 19.X' - 21.X' antennas I've tried.
For the money, performance, overall build quality and aesthetics, I just can't imagine a better antenna for most low-medium power 11m station installations than the MFJ / Hy-gain Penetrator SPT-500.
Some of you probably know what my favorite CB vertical monopole antenna is by now and it is not included in this list. Sorry for the very busy images. Right off you should be able to tell there is not a really big difference among this group...and you should be heard on any one of this assuming the install is sound and unobstructed...as in the clear.
Below are many of the antennas that I've modeled over time. I tried to describe the antenna a little bit in the titles but I only have 30 characters available in the title field that names a model.
The PDF file listed below uses a solid green O cursor on the right marks the model selected on the left margin, with an asterisk next to the model.
These markings show the maximum gain and angle for that model selected. Since there are so many models listed I had to handwrite the gain and angle for the model selected.
There are three overlays with different antennas highlighted with the asterisk in the left hand margin. These models represent the three models with the highest gain at a low angle in the list.
These are just simulation models and your results may vary with installation and location.
1. This overlay is The DB's model of his Imax where he added a capacitor to the model, and shows us 4.81 dbi @ 9* degrees for my model over Real Earth. I have not been able yet to compare our models...so his model may show different results. This model really surpised me, and I think The DB might agree.
2. This overlay is Marconi's model for the New Super Penetrator 500, showing us 4.38 dbi @ 9* degrees over Real Earth. I re-modeled this antenna recently and it too surprised me with its very good results. I might have more to say about this one...if anybody can share their experiences. I also anticapate I will possibly see more gain, if I'm able to successfully model the wire matching device on this antenna. I'm in search for more information on the specific wire dimensions now, if you guys don't keep this one a secret too.
3. This overlay is my New Vector 4K model showing us 4.18 dbi @ 8* degrees over Real Earth. This is my most complicated model and has take a long time to get all the little neuances right or close to right.
I'm hear again, saying that Sirio was not fooled by all the chatter about this antenna design they decided to modify in the last few years. IMO this one really looks good installed, and works excellent, but it is big.
capital "H" stands for "horizontal radials"
capital "S" stands for "slanted down radials"
little "m" stands for "mast"
little "r" stands for "radials"
little "m-nr" stands for "mast and no radials"
little "nr" stands for "no radials"
little "Im" stands for "isolated mast"
little "w" stands for the word "with" or "wavelength"
little "rdls" stands for the word "radials"
capital "CAP" stands for the word "capacitor"
capital "ISO' stands for "isolated mast and antenna" and is the same as "Im"
capital "I2K" stands for my model for the "Imax 2000"
capital "NV4K" stands for "New Vector 4000"
Capital "DBI2K" stands for The DB's "Imax 2000 models with a capacitor added"
Capital "I-10K" stands for Jay in the Mojave's "Interceptor 10K"
Below are many of the antennas that I've modeled over time. I tried to describe the antenna a little bit in the titles but I only have 30 characters available in the title field that names a model.
The PDF file listed below uses a solid green O cursor on the right marks the model selected on the left margin, with an asterisk next to the model.
These markings show the maximum gain and angle for that model selected. Since there are so many models listed I had to handwrite the gain and angle for the model selected.
There are three overlays with different antennas highlighted with the asterisk in the left hand margin. These models represent the three models with the highest gain at a low angle in the list.
These are just simulation models and your results may vary with installation and location.
1. This overlay is The DB's model of his Imax where he added a capacitor to the model, and shows us 4.81 dbi @ 9* degrees for my model over Real Earth. I have not been able yet to compare our models...so his model may show different results. This model really surpised me, and I think The DB might agree.
2. This overlay is Marconi's model for the New Super Penetrator 500, showing us 4.38 dbi @ 9* degrees over Real Earth. I re-modeled this antenna recently and it too surprised me with its very good results. I might have more to say about this one...if anybody can share their experiences. I also anticapate I will possibly see more gain, if I'm able to successfully model the wire matching device on this antenna. I'm in search for more information on the specific wire dimensions now, if you guys don't keep this one a secret too.
3. This overlay is my New Vector 4K model showing us 4.18 dbi @ 8* degrees over Real Earth. This is my most complicated model and has take a long time to get all the little neuances right or close to right.
I'm hear again, saying that Sirio was not fooled by all the chatter about this antenna design they decided to modify in the last few years. IMO this one really looks good installed, and works excellent, but it is big.
capital "H" stands for "horizontal radials"
capital "S" stands for "slanted down radials"
little "m" stands for "mast"
little "r" stands for "radials"
little "m-nr" stands for "mast and no radials"
little "nr" stands for "no radials"
little "Im" stands for "isolated mast"
little "w" stands for the word "with" or "wavelength"
little "rdls" stands for the word "radials"
capital "CAP" stands for the word "capacitor"
capital "ISO' stands for "isolated mast and antenna" and is the same as "Im"
capital "I2K" stands for my model for the "Imax 2000"
capital "NV4K" stands for "New Vector 4000"
Capital "DBI2K" stands for The DB's "Imax 2000 models with a capacitor added"
Capital "I-10K" stands for Jay in the Mojave's "Interceptor 10K"
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Hey, Needle Bender here is your Imax model with a capacitor at 41' feet.
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I agree with North Texas, Zero five makes a really good antenna.. I am flying the colossal 5kw on my base.. Super antenna, and excellent customer support as well..
Hey, North Texas. You to Troubleshooter and a belated welcome to the forum.
I have not modeled the Colossal and I would like to try that one. If your manual shows dimensions could you post it here or maybe email it to me?
edromans@comcast.net
I would like to model it and see how it is different.
If it is tunable on installation, could either of you or both tell me what frequency you tuned, and what length worked out best at that frequency. If you manual does not show dimensions...then maybe you could post them up here or in an email.
Marconi
I have not modeled the Colossal and I would like to try that one. If your manual shows dimensions could you post it here or maybe email it to me?
edromans@comcast.net
I would like to model it and see how it is different.
If it is tunable on installation, could either of you or both tell me what frequency you tuned, and what length worked out best at that frequency. If you manual does not show dimensions...then maybe you could post them up here or in an email.
Marconi
Now try an isolated cap-included Imax with 65° 1/4 wave radials at 41'
Hey, NB are you sure you want to isolate (ISO) this model or do you think it's NOT worth checking?
There is no manual for the antenna... It has 2 tuning locations, one looks like a big capacitor you slide up or down, and it has a tuning ring.. Mine is tuned for 11 meters.. If you zoom in on my image you can see the capacitor tuning locations and the ring on the opposite side..
I recall a member installing his Colossal and having trouble matching it, even though he was instructed not to try and adjust it, as it was pre-tuned at some agreed-to frequency by the factory.
I think he tried to adjust this support bracket and the radiator dropped down a bit and apparently he could not get it back into the factory set tune. Maybe he also messed with the tap point as well, not sure. So we never got any on-air reports from him.
I would be a big favor to me, if you know for sure how long it is for the actual radiator tubing part exposed above the black insulator noted in the mounting bracket, from top to bottom? If it has a top hat, how long are those little radials, and the length of the GP radials too if you know.
I want to model this antenna for my file without my just guessing...if possible.
Keep up posted with some good local signal reports out as far as you are able to work. A very impressive antenna, and I like the symmetry in the radial ground plane they have.
Very good picture too. Thanks
Good luck.
I think he tried to adjust this support bracket and the radiator dropped down a bit and apparently he could not get it back into the factory set tune. Maybe he also messed with the tap point as well, not sure. So we never got any on-air reports from him.
I would be a big favor to me, if you know for sure how long it is for the actual radiator tubing part exposed above the black insulator noted in the mounting bracket, from top to bottom? If it has a top hat, how long are those little radials, and the length of the GP radials too if you know.
I want to model this antenna for my file without my just guessing...if possible.
Keep up posted with some good local signal reports out as far as you are able to work. A very impressive antenna, and I like the symmetry in the radial ground plane they have.
Very good picture too. Thanks
Good luck.
Here is some info from the web site: I did not measure stuff when I was putting it up, but here is the info on the colossal.. And here is the webite also:
http://www.zerofive-antennas.com/pr...wave-colossal-5k-groundplane-vertical-antenna
The Colossal 5K ground plan is a high performance vertical antenna, made for the 10/11 meter bands. Due to the high demand of this antenna, there is a 6 day lead time till shipping. Please advise frequency when ordering.
Gain--5.14
This is a true 5/8 wave
Frequency range --- 26 TO 30 MHZ Tunable
Power 5KW PEP/SSB 2 TO 1 bandwidth --- 500KHZ
Weight --- 16LBS
Element height --- 20 Feet for 10M - 21.75 Feet for 11 M
Overall height---21.2 Feet for 10M - 22.8 Feet for 11 M
Wind rating --- 100mph
Mast size --- up to 1 5/8 inch od
Radials --- 4 at 100 inches.
Feed connector --- SO-239 5KW SSB
Mr. Coily .64 Excalibur ...pre-tuned. just put tubes together to the marks Dan put's on each, and your good to go!
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