smallest and most effective antenna?

[Marconi]

I agree with Midnight Special.

IMO the AstroPlane is the smallest CB base antenna with an overall height of about 12' feet from bottom to tip, and the base is only 30" in diameter, so the foot print is really small too.

According to my real world comparisons, and my Eznec models, if you can get the A/P, Top One, New Top One, or the new LW 101 tip up within at least 9' feet of the tip for any of the longer 1/2, 5/8, or longer wave CB verticals...you might be surprised at how well this short antenna performs. It is also capable of working really quiet on receive too...under moderate to good conditions.

I don't see this antenna, once made by Sirio available anymore, but Alpha makes the LW-101, and it is sold at H&Y Electronics.

This antenna also has a very heavy duty, thick wall main mast for the radiator, so it is very compact. IMO, it should remain relatively long lasting and sturdy in moderate weather.

I like mine up nice and high, but if you can get it up about 18' feet at least, or a few feet (8' feet +) above the neighbor's roof-peak line...you should get really good local and DX performance. The bandwidth is nice and wide, and the SWR match is really good. If you follow the setup instructions you should be right on the money, so you should not need to go up and down having to reset the antenna gamma match.

 

[Bearcat]

I agree with Midnight Special.

IMO the AstroPlane is the smallest CB base antenna with an overall height of about 12' feet from bottom to tip, and the base is only 30" in diameter, so the foot print is really small too.

According to my real world comparisons, and my Eznec models, if you can get the A/P, Top One, New Top One, or the new LW 101 tip up within at least 9' feet of the tip for any of the longer 1/2, 5/8, or longer wave CB verticals...you might be surprised at how well this short antenna performs. It is also capable of working really quiet on receive too...under moderate to good conditions.

I don't see this antenna, once made by Sirio available anymore, but Alpha makes the LW-101, and it is sold at H&Y Electronics.

This antenna also has a very heavy duty, thick wall main mast for the radiator, so it is very compact. IMO, it should remain relatively long lasting and sturdy in moderate weather.

I like mine up nice and high, but if you can get it up about 18' feet at least, or a few feet (8' feet +) above the neighbor's roof-peak line...you should get really good local and DX performance. The bandwidth is nice and wide, and the SWR match is really good. If you follow the setup instructions you should be right on the money, so you should not need to go up and down having to reset the antenna gamma match.

Thanks Marconi....sounds like a nice antenna that works well in free space

 

[Bearcat]

Does the top one have any special needs when mounted? How much does this antenna weight? Looked on website didn't say grams or lbs?

 

[Marconi]

Does the top one have any special needs when mounted? How much does this antenna weight? Looked on website didn't say grams or lbs?

Bearcat these antennas probably need to be guyed depending on the height, they do catch a bit of the wind.

The original Avanti ads shows the A/P weighed 3.5lbs. The Old Top One probably weights about the same.

The New Top One made by Sirio weighs about 9 lbs, but I don't think it is available anymore. On the H&Y website there is an image of the Alpha Larry 101, but it also shows to be out of stock. Sirio does not include this item in their catalog anymore. Being so short, the antenna probably didn't sell well.

The A/P and the Old Top One are both fixed to tune, no tuning necessary. They are attach directly to the top of your mast. The mast is secured using 2 u-bolts in the middle of the antenna's hub type mounting bracket. This bracket is a large hub that also supports all the elements and the mast.