M-216 BIG DADDY Antenna

[devildog1775]

I modeled the Big Daddy 5 element dual polarity beam SilverEagle1 sent me some time back, but I could not get it to work as intended...not even close. See Eznec model below.

This is a strange antenna design in that its dimensions are very different than any CB yagi beam I have ever checked out, albeit was likely designed for CB 23 channel service.

Even so, I cannot get this beam to show good results and still stick with the specks noted in the manual. I'm surprised considering SE1 gave us a very good report back then.

So, I wanted to ask him some questions, but he hasn't been around for a long time. Has anyone else ever worked this antenna?

Anyone has the instructions manual for this antenna, I have an original Big Daddy but I am missing the assembly manual .. if someone has a copy please sent it to AQUAZZUL@YAHOO.COM Thanks

 

[hotrod]

goto cbtricks<antennas<antenna specialist.
they may have what u need

 

[TB01]

Reviving an old thread I know. I just recently bought out a shop that quit selling in the 80s. What a blast from the past! I ended up with 2 of these big daddy 5 element monsters. Brand new in box never been opened. Also another new in box antenna specialist (can't recall model number right now) 3 element vertical beam. Planning on putting up one of the 5 elements soon. Should be quite an upgrade from my 4 element Maco. It will sit about 72 ft in the air.

Anybody else have any experience with this antenna? I noticed someone stated is was built for 23 channel operation. And I know the op had some trouble getting set but seems to have it lined out? Any input, history, ect is appreciated. Not a lot of info on these antennas at all.

 

[Marconi]

The Eznec model I built didn't turn out so well as a model, so you need to recheck all the dimensions I noted on the paper work.

Below is the manual I have:

 

[TB01]

Will do thank you

 

[TB01]

Well had a few minutes of free time today and couldn't stand it. Had to bust open one of the 2 big daddy boxes. On the bottom right corner of the manual it says 1976 so I'm assuming this is what year it was manufactured. It's 15 years older than me! I was amazed at the packaging. Everything right down to the hardware bags have antenna specialist logos on them and everything has "made in USA" on it. Kinda bittersweet. Not often do you get to open a package in 2015 that every piece says made in USA on it. Hoping to get this bad boy up in the next couple months if weather cooperates and I get both of my tower projects up and going.

 

[WR3143]

Well had a few minutes of free time today and couldn't stand it. Had to bust open one of the 2 big daddy boxes. On the bottom right corner of the manual it says 1976 so I'm assuming this is what year it was manufactured. It's 15 years older than me! I was amazed at the packaging. Everything right down to the hardware bags have antenna specialist logos on them and everything has "made in USA" on it. Kinda bittersweet. Not often do you get to open a package in 2015 that every piece says made in USA on it. Hoping to get this bad boy up in the next couple months if weather cooperates and I get both of my tower projects up and going.

Lemme revive it a little more...
I just bought one of these Big Daddy beams... 100 bucks...

I downloaded the pdf manual but nit much info there and no assembly instruction...

Anybody still have the assymbly manual?...
Thanks

 

[Marconi]

Attached below is the manual I have.

The notes are the dimensions that I used to model this one, but as I recall the model did not work well.

If you find any differences in the dimensions I noted...then maybe you could let me know and I'll try and fix my model.

Good luck.

 

[WR3143]

Attached below is the manual I have.

The notes are the dimensions that I used to model this one, but as I recall the model did not work well.

If you find any differences in the dimensions I noted...then maybe you could let me know and I'll try and fix my model.

Good luck.

Thanks.
I have a question...
If this one was designed for 27 Mhz, why did you change the spacing from the specs? Or is the one IN the pic a different beam?
Would the spacings of say a moonraker 4 or 6 work?

 

[gamegetter]

I believe he is saying use the typewritten dimensions that are on the big daddy instruction sheet and not his hand written notes.

those hand written notes were an idea he was working on using a software to model the antenna which did not work out.

 

[Marconi]

229, I didn't change the spacing for my model. I used what was printed for spacing in inches in the manual, 56",65",66",72".

The numbers above the elements are notes to myself for the tip heights in inches for each element.

I might have figured the element lengths wrong however. I could not tell if the dimensions for the tapered element lengths for each section were overall lengths or exposed lengths. I took the numbers as exposed lengths and that is what I used.

If you find out there are different dimensions for the elements lengths...then let me know. The antenna model shows to be too long as shown in my notes.

Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[knight patrol 60]

Marconi ...do you have the original pdf for the big daddy ? ..got a guy looking for the build sizes as he has the N O S AS big daddy but no manual ..

 

[Marconi]

Click here: M-216 BIG DADDY Antenna

I've added notes for dimensions, but I have not verified they are correct.

My model did not work like I expected. You can go back in this thread and get some idea of what went on or tell you buddie to go back and check.

 

[Needle Bender]

Click here: M-216 BIG DADDY Antenna

I've added notes for dimensions, but I have not verified they are correct.

My model did not work like I expected. You can go back in this thread and get some idea of what went on or tell you buddie to go back and check.

Did you use around 18' element lengths or something considerably smaller?

I'd throw it into EZNEC with about 17' 10" driven element length then about 3% SMALLER/LARGER for the directors/reflector and see what you end up with for gain.

 

[Marconi]

Did you use around 18' element lengths or something considerably smaller?

I'd throw it into EZNEC with about 17' 10" driven element length then about 3% SMALLER/LARGER for the directors/reflector and see what you end up with for gain.

NB'r, my model did not produce good results. However, I could tell the elements were long, producing inductance...so it really needs the gamma in order to make a workable match.

Earlier in this thread I was looking for some confirmation for the dimensions I used, and at some point I probably asked for someone to give me their dimensions if they could...but I don't think that never happened.

You suggest a 17' 10" length for the driven element and I can use that to adjust my model. Why don't you give me the other dimensions for the reflector and directors...else I make a mistake in understanding how you apply the percentage deviations you suggest along the boom. Also supply the spacing you recommend too. I don't want to spend the time modifying my model just to find out I figured a percentage(s) wrong and got the spacing wrong.

Below is a blank model so you can note your dimensions for each wire and space. Then you can re-post this image so I can be more sure of the dimensions you are suggesting I use.

If you can help, just click on the PDF file near the EZNEC logo at the top right of the image and you can select PRINT.