I don't know the setup details and I don't care. You just made my point.
People come on these forums talking about how great some new fangled gizmo is with zero scientific proof. I simply decided to do the same.
Unless testing is done on an antenna range under controlled conditions the test is next to useless. My story is useless too as you pointed out.
If I were on here telling everyone how great the new technology widgit was it might take 10 pages before someone came along to set the story straight.
BTW I really do outgun the two neighbors with far less power. Who knows why.......
I think you're inflating a rare, worst-case scenario in an attempt to force a debate.
Most who mention a performance increase provide much more information than you have, and frankly I doubt your story is true. There just aren't that many SGMs out there yet to have two within your immediate area, (unless you're in MY vicinity) and even if there were/ are, I believe you'd be impressed with how close their performance comes to that of your beam.
And zero scientific proof? I'd like to see you debate that with the design engineers at Sirio.
Perhaps you haven't read their webpage describing in depth and detail why the Gain Master should outperform other conventional 5/8λ? Maybe you don't know about the balanced center-feed point or the way Sirio have added a common-mode current choke to stop pattern-destroying feedline radiation, and have removed the bottom 1/8λ inverse radiation found on conventional 5/8λ from the Gain Master for as near to a zero° elevation angle as possible, providing more usable gain on the horizon?
There's plenty of scientific evidence available for those who desire to put in the time to learn why Sirio's claims are not BS.
In fact, it's the first vertical omni I've pitted against my Hy-gain Penetrator in 35 years which has surpassed it's performance.
Now, every mechanic knows he needs the right tool for the job. Hence the Gain Master would be the wrong antenna to erect if you lived in a hole such as a valley surrounded by hills. In that application you would want a high angle radiator such as a ¼λ mounted on the ground.
I mostly disagree with your statement. Anecdotal / empirical testing information is somewhat scientific, and more so as more variables are taken into account.
At Sirio they do use a testing apparatus which I understand cost them over a $million.
Directional antennas, like your beam, concentrate your RF energy, providing gain, not to mention an incorrectly installed Gain Master will perform poorly in comparison to an Imax simply thrown up in the air. The Gain Master needs to be well above any other metallic or reflective objects, at least a good ½λ in my opinion, and well away from other antennas.
Being a balanced antenna with a near zero° TOA it will not perform well if it is placed in an area of low ground where a higher TOA antenna is needed.
And I've owned several types of 2 element beams over the years, Yagi, Quad, Delta Loop, and even the worst of them was considerably better than the Penetrator, so I doubt your 'whatever brand & number of elements' beam, (you seem to be acting very tight-lipped regarding your mystery antenna) is really only "slightly better" then was your vertical omni, or any omni, for that matter.
Depending upon which beam you have, I'd wager those two SGM users would give you a good run for your money if their SGMs were installed a good 36' above the roof, with good quality coax, similar power and at 75+ miles, but that just comes from 35+ years of "useless" anecdotal / empirical experience.
- Now, about that mysteriously absent Vector CST....