Too many choices. Which base antenna

[nfsus]

So I’m looking around. An antenna is just an antenna but of course there’s differences. I have old clr2, penetrator, astroplane, 64 wave archer and a busted big stick. I currently use the 64. Current height is around 55ish feet to the top of the mast. I use it on 10/11 meters.

I’m more looking at 50mi local talk. Skip don’t impress me I can do that on any hf band. Hell you can do it from Walmart parking lot in your car.

Too many options

 

[sp5it]

50+ miles I do on Sirio 2016 7 or 8m over the ground.
No fancy antenna needed.
Mike

 

[fourstringburn]

The 64 antenna is good enough but if you really want a make a difference go with a Maco 4 element yagi and run it vertically. This will work better for local talking since many local talk is on verticals.

With a beam, you greatly improve your signal but it becomes directional but it's not like a narrow laser beam. Anyone within a 100 degrees beam path will hear you just fine and even the backside of the beam it's just the stations at 0 degrees +/- 15 degrees will get the strongest signal. This of course goes for your reception too.

For a vertical beam you want a 4 element because the boom will be spaced evenly between the center elements where a 3 element the boom is offset and will cause some reaction to the closest element.

A beam requires a bit more work to put up with a sturdier mast and maybe some guy wires plus a rotor is nice to have but it's the only real improvement that you'll get over any vertical.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

The Sirio Vector 4000 is a great performer, check mine out:

Thread 'Sirio New Vector 4000 Install' https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/sirio-new-vector-4000-install.226677/

 

[nfsus]

50+ miles I do on Sirio 2018 7 or 8m over the ground.
No fancy antenna needed.
Mike

2018?

 

[Johnny Mullet]

I bought a Sirio GPE 27 5/8 ground plane and can talk up to 100 miles local with my export radio. It's been up for 3 years now with no issues.

 

[BC Coyote]

Any type of directional antenna will outperform an omni.
But if we're talking omnis for base station use........In Order of preference...

1. Old school aluminum 5/8 groundplane mounted at least 36 feet AGL.

2. Sirio Vector 4000. Fantastic antenna. This same technology has been used in FM broadcast successfully as well.

3. A-99 or Imax 2000 (with a coax sleeve to deal with CMC's). Both cheap and capable antennas.

4. Everything else.

 

[sp5it]

2018?

Fat fingers. Corrected.

 

[nfsus]

A guy gave me a vector 4000 today. Needs cleaned up a bit.

 

[Miura]

For best Vertical 5/8 I’d choose the all aluminium Sirio 2008 or 2016.
For best Vertical 1/2 wave I’d go for the fiberglass President Himalaya WB or the Sirio Gainmaster.