leaning toward the SPT 500

[G GOLLY WAlly]

I had an Antron 99 back in early 90s been thinking of ordering the SPT 500, I've seen some video and pictures they seem to hold up in windy conditions that's a plus even though I'm on the Eastern side of Oklahoma we still get our fair share of wind. And the reviews I've seen are favorable, and the price doesn't seem bad either. just wanted some thoughts about this antenna from anyone that has experience with them. As far as I can tell it seems it would be a good choice.

 

[The Howler]

After 1 month in the air, no complaints at all with mine just 25' to the base. Had to bring it down and adjust several times, and settled at 22' 71/2" from the base to the top of the top hat screw. I painted mine, Rust-Oleum Camouflage deep forest green, to blend in with the trees in the back yard had no change in signal strength, or SWR.
Happy with mine.

 

[Marconi]

Howler, how long is the base element from the bottom of the base to the top of that 1st long element? I estimate it to be 72" inches, but I'm not sure. Plus is the mounting bracket length 12" inches and the width 2" x 4"?

 

[The Howler]

Marconi,
Sorry, the antenna is up in the air at this time. Next time I have it down, I will document what you want, And let you know.
Greg

 

[Marconi]

Thanks bud.

 

[Slowmover]

I had an Antron 99 back in early 90s been thinking of ordering the SPT 500, I've seen some video and pictures they seem to hold up in windy conditions that's a plus even though I'm on the Eastern side of Oklahoma we still get our fair share of wind. And the reviews I've seen are favorable, and the price doesn't seem bad either. just wanted some thoughts about this antenna from anyone that has experience with them. As far as I can tell it seems it would be a good choice.

To my mind nothing else says CB RADIO BASE STATION as well as the classic Super Penetrator!!


.

 

[The Howler]

I had my antenna down briefly to add a rf choke, Adjust total length down another 1/2" to get a closer SWR match, and to add another 2' in total height to the antenna off the ground.
To answer a few of Marconi's questions:
Standing on the ground, resting on the coax connector to top of first element, 74 5/8"
Standing on the ground, resting on the coax connector to the bottom of the double clamped plate, 12 3/4"
Forgot about measuring width.
Hope this helps, Greg

 

[S&W357]

Does that thingamajig on the top actually have a functional purpose ?

 

[Marconi]

I had my antenna down briefly to add a rf choke, Adjust total length down another 1/2" to get a closer SWR match, and to add another 2' in total height to the antenna off the ground.
To answer a few of Marconi's questions:
Standing on the ground, resting on the coax connector to top of first element, 74 5/8"
Standing on the ground, resting on the coax connector to the bottom of the double clamped plate, 12 3/4"
Forgot about measuring width.
Hope this helps, Greg

Thanks Howler.

I fixed my radiator length. I had tapper in my model and the long bottom section of the radiator assembly was about 2" inches too short. My mounting bracket is still longer than the 12.75" you report, but that is a modification I will make later, after I'm sure about the other two dimensions in that piece.

My model gained a little and that might be good news.

According to my model at 36' feet the SP500 looks to possibly have some troublesome Common Mode Currents flowing on the mast.

Are you able to tell any difference adding your choke and 2" to the tip? Keep us posted on your results.

 

[Marconi]

Does that thingamajig on the top actually have a functional purpose ?

Hey bud. I think the thingamajig is about making the tip of vertical antennas much larger than the typical sharp tip. Supposedly the idea is to help make the antenna less prone to lightening and static.

 

[S&W357]

OK thanks for your reply.

 

[The Howler]

I actually made the antenna itself 1/2” shorter, and pumped it up in the air plus 2’ to 27’ to the coax connection.
So far, my receive appears to be a little quieter with the choke.
As far as SWR, if I shorten Additional 1/4” I should be at 1.1 channel 1& 40 perfect. Next time it’s down.
When the smoke finally clears, I’m going to tape A video camera to a adjustable pole, and see exactly what my antenna sees from the ridge I live on.

 

[Slowmover]

Does that thingamajig on the top actually have a functional purpose ?

Aura

(We find this sufficient as explanation)

 

[S&W357]

...what I was thinking. Fluff

 

[Marconi]

Here is a picture of the idea.