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Lightening L2 Quad

Mudfoot said:
That's true. Did you ever try to swap the solid wire for stretched stranded?
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I talked to someone over at Lightning about that, and way he talked it would change the tuning characteristics of the antenna, making it sound like it might not tune properly...

At that time I was getting so frustrated with having to bring down the antenna every other month to fix broken wires, I just decided it was time to move on and try something different...I still have all the parts, so maybe someday I might try and stick it back together and use stranded wire and see what happens.
 
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jessejamesdallas said:
I talked to someone over at Lightning about that, and way he talked it would change the tuning characteristics of the antenna, making it sound like it might not tune properly...
Click to expand...


WOW! Really? They actually said that? Not a chance on 11m of that happening. I even made a four element quad for 2m using #10 solid wire and later switched to #12 stranded and saw no difference. Zero. Nodda.

At that time I was getting so frustrated with having to bring down the antenna every other month to fix broken wires, I just decided it was time to move on and try something different...I still have all the parts, so maybe someday I might try and stick it back together and use stranded wire and see what happens.
Click to expand...

Go for it. That's too good of an antenna to just lay around because of the stranded versus solid wire debate.
 
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Captain Kilowatt said:

WOW! Really? They actually said that? Not a chance on 11m of that happening. I even made a four element quad for 2m using #10 solid wire and later switched to #12 stranded and saw no difference. Zero. Nodda.



Go for it. That's too good of an antenna to just lay around because of the stranded versus solid wire debate.
Click to expand...
Yep, thats what the guy said... I couldn't figure out why it would make a difference either, but at the time I was tired of messing with it, and just wanted something in the air that was more reliable...
 
Mudfoot said:
How difficult would it be to cut this for 6 meters?
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Mudfoot, I could try and model the L2, if I had all the detailed dimensions.

Then, if I could get the model to respond with a good match upon adding the physical matching devices, I could scale the CB version to your choice of frequency for 6 meters. If that worked, I could then give you the detailed dimensions to try for your 6 meter frequency of choice. Lots of "ifs" though.

Big problem is getting ALL the specific dimensions necessary to try and duplicate the L2 antenna to specs. Then to see, if the model works in a similar fashion as noted in the limited performance specs available.

So, my answer to your question is NO...it will be difficult to impossible to successfully cut the L2 to 6 meters...while still maintaining the same design elements as the CB version of the L2 without a lot more savvy understanding of this design.

Try asking the guys at Lightening Antennas.
 
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Mudfoot said:
Thanks for your input Marconi.

I researched it a good bit. I read where some didn't like it. The front is determined by which ever end you put the longer spreaders on. they say it's essential that both element wires are positioned the same on each element, pointing to to back. I noticed the angled screws in the manual. I wasn't excited about that, so will likely slot the tube as u mentioned. They emailed some pictures of the matching system, which will be a great help. It will be some time before I start assembly on this quad, but will be up before snow flies. View attachment 30720 View attachment 30721 View attachment 30722 View attachment 30723
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Mudfoot said:
Got this Quad today. The manual leaves a lot to the imagination. Very poor print quality with dark grainy pictures.

This ought to be fun. I need an actual picture. The matching sections look really busy. Instructions as is, are little help.
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It is May 12, 2020 and my friend and I just ordered two L2 Quads to play with after speaking with George at Lighting antennas. He explained several improvements to the antenna that were made over time after customer input so I am more confident in trying these interesting quads. One thing they changed is the gauge of the wire from the original 14ga. to 13ga. But he also gave the option to have them make up 12ga wires. We took that option for a small fee so I hope that was a good decision.
This is my first posting here.
Thank you for all the great info you guys have posted here!
 
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Welcome to the forum Harlequin.

I never owned a Lightening Quad, but I've studied the ideas from the original Signal Engineering manual.

The antenna instructions look complicated at first glance, so I suggest you both study the instructions and get familiar with the parts and details as best you can...ahead of assembly. Pay special attention to all Notes and Warnings in the manual.

I've also modeled the L4, but I will have to check those and see if I ever finished one of those models including the physical matching system.

Let me know if you have any questions, and good luck with both your installations.
 
Harlequin said:
It is May 12, 2020 and my friend and I just ordered two L2 Quads to play with after speaking with George at Lighting antennas. He explained several improvements to the antenna that were made over time after customer input so I am more confident in trying these interesting quads. One thing they changed is the gauge of the wire from the original 14ga. to 13ga. But he also gave the option to have them make up 12ga wires. We took that option for a small fee so I hope that was a good decision.
This is my first posting here.
Thank you for all the great info you guys have posted here!
Click to expand...
Welcome!
 
Shadetree Mechanic said:
Welcome!
Click to expand...

Thank you for the welcome and thank you Marconi for responding. I read all of your previous postings about this antenna as well as other postings. I am glad that you are following along with the project.
The claimed front to back and front to side rejections seem very high for a small antenna. I have no way of measuring that in the field but if I see some sharp nulls of rejection I will be happy.
Thanks
 
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Still waiting for delivery. With the virus there was a delay in shipping.

George at the company is very helpful and answered all of my questions.
 

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