New Cushcraft Squalo Antennas

[Moleculo]

The following is a press release from Cushcraft regarding new Squalo antennas:
New! Cushcraft 6-Meter & HF “SQUALO (TM)” Antennas!

ASQ-2,2-Meter, 10x10 inches, $119.95​

ASQ-6, 6-Meter, 30x30 inches, $139.95​

ASQ-10, 10-Meter, 50x50 inches, $159.95​

ASQ-15, 15-Meter, 65x65 inches, $189.95​

ASQ-20, 20-Meter, 100x100 inches, $229.95​

Cushcraft’s SQUALO (TM) is a full half-wave, horizontally polarized omni-directional antenna. Outstanding all-around performance is achieved through a 360 degree pattern with no deep nulls.​

The square shape allows full electrical length in compact dimensions. Direct 52 Ohm Reddi-Match(TM) feed provides ease of tuning and broad band coverage. Cushcraft Squalo(TM) is well suited for horizontally polarized mobile or fixed operation on SSB, CW, and legacy AM.

The omni-directional pattern is great for DX beacons and spotting, and elements may be stacked for added gain. The Cushcraft Squalo(TM) is completely universal for mounting anywhere. Each is packaged with rubber suction cups and magnets for vehicle top mounting, 2 and 6 Meters and a horizontal center support for mast or tower mounting.

The 10, 15, and 20 Meter models are designed for mast or tower mounting. Cushcraft Squalos (TM) are ideal for net-control, monitoring or as a general coverage antenna. Each is factory tuned for minimum SWR and handle 100 Watts PEP CW/SSB.

Cushcraft SQUALOS(TM)carry a one year limited warranty.

To order, receive a free catalog, or for your nearest dealer, call 1-800-973-6572; or write to: Cushcraft, 308 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, MS 39759; or go online: http://www.cushcraftamateur.com; or fax to: 1-662-323-6551.

 

[TonyV225]

Tim Ironically I was just looking at these the other night and cant figure out how exactly these things work. Crazy looking forsure!!

 

[Wire Weasel]

I am disappointed by the mere 100 watts power handling and the high cost of the bigger ones. The sturdy construction makes 2 meter model a reasonable choice for mobile use and the 6'er is a possibility too. I don't see the point of the 10,15 or 20M models. Not practical for mobile use and existing vertical antennas have always gotten the job done. For using the 10,15 or 20 at home I would use a Loop made from wire, get the same omni pattern and one made for 20M would also do the other bands. Plus your typical 14g a copperweld antenna wire will take 2kw. Make a Loop and take yourself out to Longhorn's for dinner several times with the savings ...... including drinks

 

[KC9Q]

What a difference from the original Squalo products that used a gamma match. I beleive the old units were also 100 Watts, but there is no power spec published for either the ASQ-6, 6 Meter; or the ASQ-2, 2 Meter models. Prices sure have changed: from a 1975 catalog the ASQ-6: $15.95, and the ASQ-2: $11.95.

 

[Se7en]

I was just thinking how much more room i have on my Extended TB for another antenna!!

I like it! and since i just purchased a VX-7R with 6m FM and 1w AM on 6 this would be a cheap expensive antenna for that magical band!

 

[IMD262]

I was just thinking how much more room i have on my Extended TB for another antenna!!

I like it! and since i just purchased a VX-7R with 6m FM and 1w AM on 6 this would be a cheap expensive antenna for that magical band!

Is there a lot of horizontal FM on 6M on the west coast???

 

[Se7en]

Is there a lot of horizontal FM on 6M on the west coast???

You just had to ruin my dream of making qso's with a ht and verttenna on the magic band

 

[ElectronTubesRule]

Why would you want to run polarized horz. versus vert. on a mobile st up? I can see being able to select either or for a fixed base but in those bands vert. seems the best way to go? Am I am missing something?

I am guessing the limiting factor for power is the Balun they are using the rest of it looks like aluminum tubing surely it is able to take more power then tin foil if the balun is beefed up you would think? Is this the case is the matching network the limiting factor? Also they mention you can stack them for gain. Can the suction cups and magnets real take stacked setup going 55mph or better or would you have to be parked to stack them? Just asking because I have never heard of this setup ever being used on a mobil let alone stacked and with magnets or suction cups????

I am waiting to see a Canadian car come into Michigan with a stacked set of 10 meter antenna's like this...... They will supported from the hood and rear bumper......LOL Everyone in Michigan drives too fast for those they would exceed their wind load limt is in seconds especially near Detroit where everyone drives 95+++MPH....LOL

Are those hose clamps on that antenna? I know I am being a bit harsh or sound like I do not mean to be. I just think it looks like something one of us would build in our back yards and have come to expect a bit more refinement from store bought items. The hose clamps are what really turn me off. I do not like those on car's let alone on an antenna that will be mounted on a car.

 

[AudioShockwav]

Loops have been around for a while.

KU4AB has some nice loops and the set-up for stacking them.
KU4AB.COM - 2 meter Horizontals

Also If you like to Home Brew, have a look at This Article from K0FF
http://www.eham.net/articles/4319/
All made of copper pipe.


73
Jeff

 

[desync0]

From what I can figure out, it's just a square dipole, nothing special, just saves space.

An 8' x 8' square is easier to handle then a 30'+ length or wire fed in the middle. (for 20m)

 

[Dave_W6DPS]

From what I can figure out, it's just a square dipole, nothing special, just saves space.

An 8' x 8' square is easier to handle then a 30'+ length or wire fed in the middle. (for 20m)

They save space, and also have an "omni-ish" pattern. A straight dipole has nulls off the ends of the wires that are problematic for mobile use, along with being too long to be practical for mobile use.

Of course, the gain is negative when compared to the main lobes on a dipole. Omni directional gain is about 1.6dBi, compared with the theoretical 2.15 dBi for a half-wave dipole.

Also, if you mount them on the roof of a vehicle they are so low as to only work as NVIS antennas.

The advantages of a loop are the very small size and being very broadband. If you are operating portable the HF loops would be easy to put up on a 20 foot mast, and would have low weight and wind loading.

Dave_W6DPS

 

[KC9Q]

Why would you want to run polarized horz. versus vert. on a mobile st up? I can see being able to select either or for a fixed base but in those bands vert. seems the best way to go? Am I am missing something?

I am guessing the limiting factor for power is the Balun they are using the rest of it looks like aluminum tubing surely it is able to take more power then tin foil if the balun is beefed up you would think? Is this the case is the matching network the limiting factor? Also they mention you can stack them for gain. Can the suction cups and magnets real take stacked setup going 55mph or better or would you have to be parked to stack them? Just asking because I have never heard of this setup ever being used on a mobil let alone stacked and with magnets or suction cups????

I am waiting to see a Canadian car come into Michigan with a stacked set of 10 meter antenna's like this...... They will supported from the hood and rear bumper......LOL Everyone in Michigan drives too fast for those they would exceed their wind load limt is in seconds especially near Detroit where everyone drives 95+++MPH....LOL

Are those hose clamps on that antenna? I know I am being a bit harsh or sound like I do not mean to be. I just think it looks like something one of us would build in our back yards and have come to expect a bit more refinement from store bought items. The hose clamps are what really turn me off. I do not like those on car's let alone on an antenna that will be mounted on a car.

1) Horizontal polarization is normally used for CW and SSB operation.

2) The balun is likely the limiting factor because of the size. Notice that there is a bead choke beneath the 'balun' housing.

3) The stacking is available for a fixed station. Although I have seen some operators place stacked 2M halos on their vehicles. (Watch out for those low bridges!)

4) Those are not hose clamps, but machined aluminum strap clamps. At least that what I have on my older 2M and 6M Squalo's from the early 70's. By the way the older Squalo's used a gamma match, but there was no comments on a power capability on those models either.

Must be looking for a lot of VHF operation in the Cycle 24 peak next year.

 

[radiodawg259]

Squalo Antenna

I have tried to find them at MFJ but no luck,help...

 

[Wire Weasel]

Why would you want to run polarized horz. versus vert. on a mobile st up?

It is a niche segment of operators. 2 & 6 meter DX'ers and grid chasers etc... are exclusively on SSB and always use horizontal polarization. So the mobile operators prefer to do the same.

And many of them are very snobbish about it.

 

[davegrantsr]

not gonna post the quotes, but a lot of people don't seem to get 6m ssb, or 2m ssb for that matter. 10m e skip vs 6m e skip? i'm on 6! i suppose you could consider some 'snobbish', but when the 6m e skip is in play, you don't waste time with small talk, you snag the next one. 2m e skip??? same as 6m, you just talk FASTER.

have used squalo on mobile on 2m 6m & 432. a couple inches off the roof....never was able to tune 'em that way, had to mast mount above roof, but over road....made more then a few 6m ssb e skip contacts.

FWIW, been running stacked ku4ab squalos on 6m & 2m for 10 years, even had 4 stacked 2m's for a while. cushcrafts squalos are WAY overpriced, you can build direct feed for WAY less. prefer mfj's pennyweight 3 element mfj1762 to any home made 6m moxon i've built, so wouldn't consider, or waste time,on mfj's.