Bob I still don't see this reference in the specs, but I checked out one of Dave's up-close videos on the Mark 2...and he does say the hoop is smaller in diameter, but doesn't say how much.
On a closer examination, I could see this 1/2" flat-stock was actually 4 pieces with 1"- 2" of overlap at each end for overlapping and bolting the hoop to the insulated bracket. So, I re-did my 30" inch hoop to a 27.56" inch diameter.
I did not consider the exposed material length in my first model above.
My model is very close to these dimensions, but I modeled at 27.205, and that might be a mistake. I also realize, due to your post below, that my wires are all 1/2" inch and very thin. I can't recall why I did this however, I'm usually picky about trying to stay close to the antenna specs for both length and diameter.
To start with, I made my model at 27.205 using an old model of my NV2K. I don't recall but apparently at some point I was using 1/2" inch for all my wires. So, some of my models for the Vector and this M2 model are abviously off, and might be showing a much lower frequency than planed. However, I have no idea how much this really matters, if at all.
I don't like the way this antenna acts in the wind.
Regardless Bob, unless I can get some better dimensions, I don't think I'll be trying to fix this model again. My Free Space model already has me at my 500 segment limit and I have to add a 36' mast when I set the model over Real Earth. If I make the wire diameters much larger the model might require even more segments in the process of getting a good match at resonance.
Bob, for now I'm convinced that I don't believe this antenna will do what is claimed.
